Search NC Arrest Records Arrests.org North Carolina

Discover the truth about individuals with our reliable arrest records search services. Whether you need North Carolina arrest records for a background check, legal proceedings, or personal knowledge, we provide step-by-step instructions to streamline your search.

Arrests.org North Carolina

Why Check Arrest Records?

There are various reasons to access arrest records in North Carolina. Employers can ensure the safety of their workforce by conducting thorough background checks. Landlords can make informed decisions about potential tenants. Individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones by verifying the backgrounds of new acquaintances.

In North Carolina, criminal and arrest records are generally accessible to the public, unless sealed, expunged, or involving juvenile records. The North Carolina General Assembly mandates the prompt provision of public records, including criminal and arrest records, with few exceptions such as sealed court records and crime scene photographs.

Public agencies should not charge excessive fees for uncertified copies of public records, ensuring that accessing North Carolina arrest records is typically free or available at a minimal cost.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Checking Arrest Records

Visit county sheriff’s offices or local police departments: Many county sheriff’s departments maintain online rosters for public viewing. If online information is not accessible, visit the sheriff’s office in person or contact them by phone.

Utilize online search features: Some county sheriff’s offices offer online search features, providing quick access to recent arrest information. Look for online rosters and mugshot databases.

Understand the information included: Arrest records typically include the names of the arrested individuals, booking numbers, court case numbers, charges, and arresting agency. Criminal records provide additional details such as full names, dates of birth, addresses, and court charges.

Privacy Concerns and Ongoing Investigations

While most arrest records are available to the public, it’s possible for information on current arrests to be withheld if it could jeopardize an ongoing investigation or infringe on an offender’s privacy. However, criminal discovery rules usually require this information to be made available to the public.

Ensure peace of mind with our comprehensive arrest records search services. Start your search today and uncover the truth about individuals in North Carolina.

Arrest Records in North Carolina: Find Recent Arrests and Inmate Information

Check North Carolina Municipal Jails & Police Department’s Inmate Rosters

In addition to finding recent arrests in county jails, members of the public can locate inmates who have been recently booked in city jails in local police departments. The Southern Pines Police Department maintains a database that shows recent arrests.

However, just like with counties, some cities may not maintain online rosters. In cases like this, interested individuals can either phone or physically visit the local law enforcement agencies to obtain this information. Therefore, citizens looking at how to find out someone’s charges in jail can look to the city jails as well when ascertaining this information.

When applicable, type “name of the city North Carolina arrest search” into a search engine to see if the local police department hosts an online inmate roster.

Many police departments in North Carolina, such as the Southern Pines (See “Police Data & Alerts), partner with Citizens Connect to publish online arrest reports.

The following North Carolina towns’ and cities’ arrest logs can be searched through Citizens Connect:

  • Aberdeen, North Carolina
  • Bessemer City, North Carolina
  • Forest City, North Carolina
  • Pinehurst, North Carolina
  • Southern Pines, North Carolina
  • Greensboro, North Carolina

How To Get Ahold of Someone in a North Carolina Jail & Post Their Bail

Members of the public can communicate with offenders through phone, mail, and in-person visitations—they can also help get offenders out of jail by posting bail on their behalf.

Contacting an Inmate

Prisoners who are located in county jails may communicate with family and friends but each facility has its own protocols and members of the public should contact the sheriff’s office to ascertain what are the procedures for establishing communication

Generally, contacting an inmate can be done in 3 ways:

  • In-person visitations or video visitations
  • Inmates may make outbound calls but typically do not receive calls.
  • They can also send and receive mail.

In-Person Visitation

For illustrative purposes, the Pender County Sheriff’s Office is used to give an impression of some visitation protocols that can be expected:

  • The dress code is strictly enforced and the visit time is limited to 15 minutes for every session.
  • Children can visit as long as they are accompanied by an adult. A maximum of 2 adults per inmate are allowed to visit.
  • Visitors must have a government-issued ID.
  • Visitors must be on a visitation list or cannot visit etc.

Calls

Inmates cannot receive calls but can make outbound collect calls.

Mail

Jones County Detention Center for example allows mail but no phone calls and their protocol for inmate correspondence can be found here:

  • Mail should have the full name and address of both sender and recipient.
  • All mail is subject to inspection for contraband.
  • No illicit photos, materials advocating violence, or perfume sprayed on envelopes and so on.
  • No profanity on envelopes etc.

Bailing Out an Inmate

Bond is generally set by the courts in North Carolina when offenders have been charged for an offense and depending on what crime has been committed, the inmate will have to remain in jail until the bond is posted or the case is resolved. There are a number of bonds that can be set in North Carolina, these are:

  • Cash Bond—monetary bond
  • Unsecured Bond—a monetary bond set by the judge but that doesn’t have to be paid unless the offender forfeits court.
  • Written Promise To Appear—the defendant is free to leave custody with a promise to attend court.
  • Secured Bond—the most common bond satisfied by cash or hiring a bondsman.

When a defendant is required to post bond, it is not meant as a form of punishment but is instead meant to be a strong incentive for them to attend court. Therefore, as per the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the bond amount should not be excessive.

There are 3 ways in which family and friends can set bail for a defendant:

  • Paying The Entire Amount—Paying the entire bond amount to the court which most people typically cannot afford.
  • Collateral—The courts will accept collateral such as a home or land in lieu or excess of the bond amount.
  • Hiring a Bondsman—Since most people don’t have the resources to pay the full bond amounts, they will turn to bail bondsmen. The defendant will contract with a bonding company to eventually pay the full amount in exchange for a fee which is usually a percentage of the bond.

Professional Law Expert: Accessing Arrest Records in North Carolina

Gaining access to arrest records in North Carolina is essential for legal professionals, employers, and members of the public seeking important information. This comprehensive guide outlines the various methods individuals can utilize to obtain criminal records in the state.

Understanding Bail Bonds and Their Implications

When individuals are arrested in North Carolina, they may be required to pay a bail bond to secure their release. Bail bond fees typically range from 10% to 15% of the total bond amount, although they can vary. It’s important to note that these fees are non-refundable upon case completion.

Retaining the services of a lawyer is highly recommended to potentially reduce the bond amount. Additionally, individuals should consider enlisting a bonding company to avoid financial strain, ensuring they have the necessary resources to hire a defense lawyer.

How to Look Up North Carolina (NC) Criminal Records

North Carolina criminal records can be obtained from a variety of sources, including local, state, and federal agencies. The following sections detail the specific jurisdictions where these records can be accessed:

Searching the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the State Bureau of Investigation

The North Carolina DPS and the State Bureau of Investigation provide access to criminal records. Additionally, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) database offers appellate court records and federal offense records, although a nominal cost may be incurred for these records.

County courts also hold valuable information, including court records and ongoing court cases.

Search Criminal Records Through North Carolina’s eCourts System & County Clerk of Courts

Members of the public can access court records through North Carolina’s eCourts system and county clerk of courts. Some county courthouses offer self-service terminals where individuals can search for records using case numbers, defendant names, victims’ names, and/or witness names. Copies of these records can be made for a fee.

While North Carolina is transitioning to digital records through its eCourts system, currently, only Harnett, Johnston, Lee, and Wake counties have implemented this system.

Search Options for Court and Criminal Records

Interested individuals have several search criteria options to find court and criminal records:

  • Case Number: Search for records by specifying the case number.
  • Name: Look up records by entering the individual’s name.
  • Attorney: Find records associated with a specific attorney.

Use the Remote Public Access Program (RPA) Hosted by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) to Retrieve Criminal Records

Overview

The Remote Public Access Program (RPA) serves as a centralized repository for criminal records in North Carolina. While the eCourts system is still being implemented across all counties, the RPA provides access to criminal and record data from all 100 counties. This program offers the same information available at public terminals in North Carolina courthouses.

Statewide and Real-time Access

In addition to the RPA, individuals can perform statewide and real-time criminal background checks through the Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS) and the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP).

Third-Party Access

The North Carolina General Assembly has authorized the NCAOC to establish contracts with third-party entities, granting remote electronic access to court records. However, this service is not free and requires registration and licensing.

NCAOC Extract Fees

The NCAOC offers criminal extracts and civil extracts, with additional fees outlined in the extract fee schedule. A setup fee of $495 applies if a historical extract is not purchased. To execute an extract licensing agreement with the NCAOC, a $5000 bond amount is required.

How to Obtain a Copy of Criminal Records in North Carolina Through Various Agencies

Copies of North Carolina criminal records can be obtained through law enforcement agencies and the courts. The following agencies offer avenues for access:

NC Department of Public Safety Background Checks

The NC Department of Public Safety collaborates with the court system to provide background checks. The cost for these checks is $1

North Carolina Court System

Members of the public can also obtain criminal records through the North Carolina Court System, which offers a variety of information and services.

By following the outlined methods and utilizing the available resources, individuals can access the necessary information contained within North Carolina’s arrest records.

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The North Carolina Court System

The North Carolina Court System houses a complete database of convictions and charges made by the state, county, and city law enforcement agencies against offenders.

State Bureau of Investigation Background Checks

The State Bureau of Investigation serves as the primary central repository for criminal information in North Carolina and facilitates finger-based background checks. This process, commonly known as the “Right to Review,” allows individuals to access their North Carolina record. The cost for this service is $1

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Background Checks

For federal background checks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation offers Identity History Summary Checks, which provide finger-based criminal history background checks. The processing fee for this service is $1

Contact Local County Courts

In addition to our database, you can also contact your local county courts to obtain copies of these records. Please refer to the table above for the relevant contact information.

Below, we will delve into the intricacies of conducting these checks.

Accessing Probation or Parole Information in North Carolina (Finding Someone on Probation and Parole in NC)

Finding whether an offender is on probation or parole is a simple and straightforward process facilitated by the North Carolina Department of Corrections. They provide an easy-to-use parole database, which can also be used to locate offenders.

The North Carolina Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission is an independent agency responsible for overseeing the release of eligible offenders in accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes.

Parole and Probation in North Carolina

Parole in North Carolina refers to the conditional and supervised release of an offender before the completion of their prison sentence. On the other hand, probation is a court-ordered release without imprisonment, unless otherwise specified by law.

Comparison of Probation and Parole Across States

To provide insight into the prevalence of probation and parole in North Carolina compared to other states, the following image illustrates:

  • The total number of probationers and parolees in North Carolina
  • A comparison with other states across the United States
  • The ethnicities of individuals under community supervision (combined probationers and parolees) in North Carolina.

Structured Sentencing in North Carolina

In 1994, the N.C General Assembly eliminated parole and introduced Structured Sentencing. This mandates that offenders who committed crimes on or after October 1, 1994, must serve 100% of the minimum sentence and 85% of the maximum sentence. Once these requirements are met, they are released on post-release supervision.

Parole Eligibility

Those who committed crimes before October 1, 1994, are still eligible for parole.

Probation Search Procedure

To perform a probation search, simply use our parolee search tool. Select the “Active Probation/Parolee” radio button and input the required bio-data, such as names, offender number, birth date, and age range. The search results will display the active probation status and inactive inmate status.

Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records in North Carolina

Thanks to the new expungement law known as Senate Bill 445, sealing and expunging criminal records in North Carolina has become a faster and easier process. This law, signed in 2017, aims to reduce the wait time for expunging felony convictions and non-violent misdemeanors. The key components of this change are as follows:

  • Misdemeanor convictions can be expunged after 5 years instead of 15 years.
  • Felony convictions can be expunged after 10 years rather than 15 years.
  • There is no limit on the number of dismissals that can be expunged.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors will still have access to these records.

Expunction Process

The expunction process, commonly known as expungement, is a legal mechanism through which an individual’s criminal record can be sealed or erased from public visibility. It begins with an evaluation of eligibility, considering factors such as the type of offense, the time elapsed since the conviction or arrest, and the completion of any court-mandated conditions. Eligible individuals typically file a petition or application with the court in the jurisdiction where the conviction or arrest occurred, outlining their case for expungement. This may trigger a notification process involving relevant agencies, followed by a court hearing where a judge assesses various factors before making a decision. If granted, the individual’s criminal record is updated to reflect the expungement, providing them with a fresh start in many aspects of life. However, navigating the intricacies of the expunction process often requires the guidance of a qualified attorney well-versed in the specific laws and procedures of the jurisdiction in question.

Understanding Expunction: The Process of Clearing Criminal Records

Expunction, also known as expungement, is a legal process that involves the removal of a person’s criminal conviction or other charges that were dropped or dismissed. It is important to note that expunctions will not make offenders immune from all consequences of their records, especially in matters regarding federal immigration.

Criteria for Petitioning for Expunction

Before being able to petition for an expunction, petitioners must fulfill certain criteria:

  • Meet the required waiting periods.
  • Pay all court-related costs and provide proof of payment.
  • Must not be on probation or parole anywhere.
  • Must have no criminal summons or arrest warrants.
  • Must have no open criminal cases or pending criminal charges.

Filing for a Petition for Expunction

To file a petition for expunction:

Self-Filing for Expunction: A Complex Process

While it is possible to self-file for an expunction, it is important to note that the process is lengthy and complicated. Even a minor error in filing can lead to significant delays in an already year-long process. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek the services of an attorney.

Locating Individuals in Federal and North Carolina State Prisons

Prisoners in North Carolina are housed in 57 state prisons located throughout the state, as well as 1 federal prison near Butner. To locate state prisoners, interested individuals can obtain information from the database maintained by the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NC DAC). For federal prison records, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provides a search tool.

Members of the public can locate federal inmates at the facility in Butner maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BPO) by using the Federal Prison Inmate Locator.

Federal Prisoner Search

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offers a search tool that allows for the convenient location of state prisoners in North Carolina. Users can search by the offender’s last name or their BOP Register Number. The best part is that this service is entirely fee-free and does not require registration.

Additionally, the North Carolina State Prisoner Locator Tool and the Automated System Query (ASQ) Tool are valuable resources provided by the agency. The ASQ Tool allows users to generate tailor-made special reports based on specific criteria.

Communicating with State Prisoners in North Carolina

Families can communicate with state prisoners in North Carolina. Inmates located in state prisons can send and receive mail, although they receive only copies of the mail, not the original copies. All mail is processed and handled according to the regulations set forth by the correctional facility.

Prisoners in North Carolina

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Mailing System for Inmates

All mail for inmates should be sent to our company’s facility in Maryland using the following format:

Name & Opus Number

Name of Prison (not abbreviated)

P.O. Box 247

Phoenix, MD 21131

This mailing system is designed to prevent the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities. Please note that all mail must be approved before being delivered to offenders.

Inmates in the general population, with the exception of those in central prison, can also make phone calls out of prison but cannot receive calls. In case a family member has an emergency that they need to communicate to an offender, they should contact the facility to explain the situation to staff members and provide relative contact information for emergency verification.

GTL (Global Tel*Link) has a contract with the NCDOC (North Carolina Department of Corrections), allowing family and friends to purchase telephone time for calls.

How to Determine If You or Someone Else Has an Arrest Warrant

The state of North Carolina defines an arrest warrant as consisting of the accused person’s alleged crime, a direction to arrest the accused person, and the authorization to hold the person to answer for the alleged crimes, based on probable cause supported by oath or affirmation.

Unlike some other states, North Carolina does not have a centralized database or search tool for retrieving warrant information for its citizens. However, interested individuals have several options to obtain this information, including:

  • Querying the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).
  • Some county sheriffs may provide a warrant list.
  • Contacting local county courts.
  • Using third-party websites.

Querying The NCSBI

Due to the Right to Review Process mentioned earlier, members of the public can run a criminal history check with the NCSBI, which will also include warrant information. To do so, send a written request to:

  • Civilian Services Unit: Right to Review PO Box 29500 Raleigh, North Carolina 27626

Requesters should fill out the Request Form-Right to Review and mail it to the above address along with a $14 certified check or money order payable to the NC State Bureau of Investigation.

word image 2403 1pngBackground Check Process in North Carolina

  • County Courts: The process should take 2 calendar weeks. As the responsibility of issuing warrants lies with the courts, citizens may contact the county courts using the Court Locator Tool to ascertain the status of warrants. The clerks of courts would be the point of contact for this.
  • County Sheriff’s Office: To see if someone has a warrant out for their arrest, most county sheriff’s offices in North Carolina provide arrest warrant details upon request or have a dedicated online page for warrants. For example, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office website mentions that citizens can contact their office and they’ll provide warrant details.
  • Third-Party Websites: Some third-party websites may offer a search service that may be used to obtain warrant information for a fee. They generally make the process much simpler, since requesters don’t need to scour around government websites trying to find this information.

How To Get a Background Check Done for Personal or Professional Purposes in North Carolina

Government agencies in North Carolina are mandated to ensure some professionals such as caregivers and those engaged in volunteer work complete background screenings to ensure they don’t have North Carolina arrest records. Many occupations that require state-issued licenses such as pharmacists and real estate appraisers will need background checks completed.

These background checks are mandated to ensure public safety and to maintain a high quality of professionalism by individuals to whom these licenses are issued. Background checks primarily fall on the shoulders of:

  • The North Carolina Court System: Allows the general public to check other’s criminal history
  • The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI): For professional uses
  • Third-party vendors: For professional uses

While it is possible for members of the public to perform a background check on someone else in North Carolina for personal reasons and without consent, background checks that are completed for professional purposes must conform to the guidelines set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Arrest Records Website: Background Check Process in North Carolina

In order to ensure compliance with employment laws and protect the rights of potential employees, it is crucial for employers and licensing entities to conduct thorough background checks. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) serves as the CJIS Systems Agency (CSA) for the State of North Carolina, facilitating the background check process.

The Role of NCSBI as CJIS Systems Agency

NCSBI acts as the central records repository for criminal justice information in North Carolina. It collaborates with the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), providing assistance to state law enforcement agencies, as well as public, governmental, and private entities. These entities share information for both criminal justice (CJ) and noncriminal justice (NCJ) purposes.

In order to access criminal history record information (CHRI) from NCSBI, licensing entities and employers must establish an access agreement. This agreement grants them the statutory authority to request background checks on applicants and/or employees.

Types of Background Checks

NCSBI offers several types of background checks:

  • Personal Background Checks: Individuals can request copies of CHRI for personal background checks. Both North Carolina State and Federal laws allow this process, though fingerprint checks for someone other than the requester require consent.
  • NC State Fingerprint-Based Check: This check, costing $14, is conducted by the SBI and provides a comprehensive review of an individual’s criminal record. The results are delivered through a response letter on SBI letterhead.
  • National Finger-print-Based Check: This check is conducted through the FBI and is available both online and by mail. The online process takes 3-5 days, while the mail option can take up to 2 months.

Online Process:

  1. Visit the Identity History Summary Checks page.
  2. Follow the steps outlined under the “Obtaining Your Identity History Summary” section.
  3. If choosing the online option, obtain fingerprints from participating U.S. post office locations electronically. Complete the application online and make the payment. Alternatively, for those not using a U.S. post office, mail the completed fingerprint card along with the confirmation email to a county sheriff’s office.
  4. The cost for this check is $1

By Mail:

  1. Complete the Applicant Information Form.
  2. Obtain fingerprints and place them on a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164) using ink or live scan. County sheriff’s offices can assist with this process.
  3. Payment of $18 per person can be made through credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form or by money order payable to the Treasury of the United States.
  4. Mail the required items (signed applicant information form, fingerprint card, and payment) to FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Rd, Clarksburg, WV 2630

It is important to note that the North Carolina Court System and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety also provide criminal background check services. Interested individuals can visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s Criminal Background Check page to access these services.

Arrest Records in North Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide

County Court Clerk’s Office

To access arrest records in North Carolina, individuals are required to submit a completed form along with a $25 fee. Accepted forms of payment include money orders, credit cards, or cash. The form should be submitted to the county court clerk’s office for processing.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS)

  • For individuals seeking information on the criminal records of those who have served prison sentences, the NC Department of Adult Corrections provides access to these records.
  • For information related to individuals who may have committed sex offenses, the NC Sex Offender Registry can be referred to. Further details about this registry will be discussed in the following section.

National Sex Offender Search

Additionally, there is a National Sex Offender Search available for locating sex offenders on a national level.

National Sex Offender Search

Third-party Vendors or Criminal Background Check Companies Endorsed by the North Carolina Judicial Branch

Unofficial records can also be obtained through third-party vendors that sell information to the public. The N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) maintains a list of third-party vendors that obtain information from them under a licensing agreement. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of information from these vendors is not guaranteed by the NCAOC.

How To View & Search the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry

The North Carolina General Assembly established the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry in 1996, as per North Carolina Code § 14-20 This registry requires individuals convicted of sex crimes to register with law enforcement agencies.