Criminal records in Hoke County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. HokeCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Hoke County. The North Carolina Judicial Branch portal for Hoke County provides court services and case search capabilities, while the NC Department of Adult Correction and the Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court offer additional access points for criminal history and offender data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Hoke
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Hoke County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need official or certified results.
Online Search Options
- HokeCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information by name or case number for Hoke County criminal cases.
- NC Courts Portal — The North Carolina Judicial Branch website lets you search court records statewide, including Hoke County, by party name or case number.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — Search for state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders. This tool also covers county jail inmates.
- NCDAC Public Records Online — Contains historical offender information dating back to 1972 for state-level records. Does not include county jail data.
In Person
Visit the Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Hoke County Courthouse in Raeford. Paper case files can be reviewed at the clerk's office during business hours. Public access terminals may also be available at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request to the Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court for a criminal record search. For statewide criminal history from the state repository, requests go through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The NC Judicial Branch background check page explains the certified background check process through the Clerk of Superior Court.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if known — provides the most direct results)
- County where the case was filed (Hoke County for local cases)
Search Hoke Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you have a case number, searching is straightforward. North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties:
- Year — Two digits representing the year the case was filed (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- County Code — A two-letter abbreviation identifying the county. Hoke County's code is HK.
- Case Type Code — Indicates the type of case. Common criminal codes include:
- CRS — Superior Court criminal case (felonies)
- CR — District Court criminal case (misdemeanors)
- IF — Infraction
- Sequential Number — A unique number assigned to each case within that year and type
For example, a case number like 24 CRS 000123 would indicate a 2024 Superior Court criminal case. Enter the full case number into the NC Courts search portal or provide it to the clerk's office for the fastest lookup.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Hoke
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) section the defendant is charged under |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are classified by letter (A through I); misdemeanors by class (1 through 3) |
| Original Charge | The charge as initially filed by law enforcement or the district attorney |
| Amended Charge | A charge that has been modified through plea negotiation or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway; hearings or trial dates may be scheduled
- Disposed — The case has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All court actions, including sentencing and post-judgment matters, are complete
Hearing Types
- First Appearance / Arraignment — Defendant is informed of charges and bond is addressed
- Preliminary Hearing — For felony cases; a judge determines whether probable cause exists (District Court)
- Pre-Trial Hearing — Motions, discovery issues, and plea discussions are addressed
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The court imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearings for probation compliance or other post-disposition matters
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant was convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Defendant was acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges were dropped by the prosecution or court
- Dismissed with Leave — Dismissed but may be refiled within a specified period
- Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) — A finding of guilt is entered but sentencing is deferred, common in North Carolina
- No Contest (Nolo Contendere) — Defendant does not admit guilt but accepts the punishment
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Hoke
Certified criminal records in Hoke County are handled by the Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court. A certified background check covers criminal cases filed in Hoke County only — it is a single-county search by name.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Hoke County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request to the clerk's office with the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), a completed request form (if required), and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of results.
- Online guidance — The NC Judicial Branch criminal background check page explains the process and any available forms.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- If requesting on behalf of another person, authorization or a signed release may be needed depending on the purpose
Contact Information
Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court
For state-level criminal history records (covering all North Carolina counties), requests go through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI requires fingerprint-based submissions for comprehensive background checks.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Hoke
Fees for criminal record services in Hoke County follow the statewide schedule established under North Carolina General Statutes.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified criminal record search (single county) | $25.00 | Per the Clerk of Superior Court; covers one name search in Hoke County (per N.C.G.S. § 7A-308) |
| Copies of court documents (uncertified) | $0.25 per page | Standard copy fee for court records |
| Certification of a document | $3.00 | Added to copy costs when a certified copy is needed |
| SBI state background check | Varies | Fingerprint-based; fees depend on the type of check and requesting entity |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often processed the same day or within a few business days at the clerk's office
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mail
- SBI background checks — Processing times vary; typically 1–3 weeks depending on volume
Payment methods accepted at the Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court typically include cash, money orders, and certified checks. Contact the clerk's office to confirm whether personal checks or credit cards are accepted. For general guidance on obtaining court records, the NC Judicial Branch website provides additional details on fees and procedures statewide.