Washington County DUI Records

Washington County DUI records are maintained at the courthouse in Plymouth, North Carolina. The county is part of the Second Judicial District, which also includes Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, and Tyrrell counties. Brian K. Phelps serves as the Clerk of Court for Washington County. Whether you need to look up a DWI case, get a copy of a court record, or check on a pending impaired driving charge, you can do so through the clerk office or online. This page explains how to access DUI records in Washington County.

Washington County Courthouse DWI Records

The Washington County Courthouse at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth is the center of all court operations in the county. Court offices are on the first floor. Courtrooms are on the second floor. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. You can call (252) 791-4000 or fax documents to (252) 791-4001.

The Washington County Clerk of Court is a judicial official elected to a four-year term. The clerk staff includes Assistant Clerks Jean Warren, Brenda Sawyer, and Aimee Daniel, as well as Deputies Wendy White and Mirna Jimenez. The office maintains all DUI case records, files lawsuits and criminal proceedings, and keeps records for future reference. Washington County joined the eCourts system on February 5, 2024, which means attorneys must now e-file documents for DUI cases.

The Washington County judicial page on the NC Judicial Branch site has court dates, forms, and access to online services.

How to Search DUI Records in Washington County

You can search DUI records in Washington County online or in person. The NC eCourts portal lets you look up DWI cases by name or case number. Basic case details are free. For the full case file or certified copies of DUI documents, go to the clerk office in Plymouth.

At the courthouse, staff can search for DUI cases by name, date of birth, or case number. Public access terminals are also available for self-service searches during business hours. The Washington County clerk keeps records that must be exact and factual. All DWI filings, from the initial charge through final disposition, become part of the official court record.

The clerk also maintains criminal history records for use by law enforcement and for research purposes. DUI records in Washington County are public and available to anyone who requests them, subject to certain privacy rules for cases involving minors.

Note: Washington County participates in the Holistic Hope Mental Health Diversion Program, which may affect how some DUI-related cases are processed in the Second Judicial District.

DUI Laws Affecting Washington County

All DUI offenses in Washington County are governed by North Carolina state law. G.S. 20-138.1 makes it a crime to drive while impaired on any public road. The per se limit is 0.08 blood alcohol. Commercial drivers face a lower limit of 0.04.

Sentencing follows G.S. 20-179 with six levels of punishment. Level Five carries fines up to $200 and community service for a first-time DWI with no aggravating factors. Aggravated Level One, the most severe, can mean years of active jail time. The court considers prior convictions, blood alcohol levels, and whether the DUI caused injury. Habitual DWI under G.S. 20-138.5 is a felony when a driver has three or more prior DWI convictions in ten years. Washington County DUI cases involving injury or death may be heard in Superior Court rather than District Court.

DUI Background Checks in Washington County

For a DUI background check in Washington County, contact the Clerk of Superior Court at (252) 791-4000. The clerk keeps records of all criminal cases including DWI charges and outcomes. You need the full name and date of birth of the person you are checking. The clerk can search records and provide copies.

For a broader check, the North Carolina SBI offers statewide background checks. The Washington County clerk office also handles requests by mail at PO Box 901, Plymouth, NC 27962. Send the person's name, case number if known, and your return address. The Washington County contact directory has all phone numbers for the courts.

Copies of Washington County DUI Court Files

Certified and uncertified copies of DUI records are available from the Washington County clerk. Certified copies carry the court seal and are needed for legal matters. You can request copies in person at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth or by mail. Records can be sent via mail, email, or fax, though official certified copies may only go by mail.

The Washington County Register of Deeds handles vital records separately from court records. Birth records go back to 1913, marriage records to 1851, and land records to 1799. For DUI court records, use the Clerk of Superior Court, not the Register of Deeds.

Note: Under G.S. 20-16.2, DUI implied consent refusal records are separate from the criminal case file and may need to be obtained from the DMV rather than the court.

DWI Penalties in Washington County

A DUI conviction in Washington County leads to license revocation under G.S. 20-19. First offense means one year. Second within three years means four years. Third and later carry permanent revocation.

Limited driving privileges under G.S. 20-16.5 may be available for Washington County DWI offenders who need to drive for essential purposes. You must get court approval, carry proof of insurance, and may need an ignition interlock device. Refusing a breath test triggers an automatic civil license revocation under G.S. 20-16.2. The Washington County District Court handles most DWI cases and privilege requests, with magistrates available for initial hearings and warrants.

Washington County DUI Legal Resources

Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Washington County residents who qualify for free legal help. Call (866) 219-5262. The State Bar referral service at 1-800-662-7660 can match you with a DWI attorney. The NC Judicial Branch court records page has guides on searching and obtaining court documents.

For expungement information, visit the NC Judicial Branch expungement page. The Washington County clerk office can provide forms and instructions for DUI-related filings during regular hours. The Administrative Office of the Courts in Raleigh provides forms and supplies to the Washington County courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Washington County in eastern North Carolina. DUI charges are filed where the arrest took place. Check the right county for the DWI record you need.