Mecklenburg County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Mecklenburg County are official documents created when a person is detained by a law enforcement agency and booked into custody. These records are important because they promote transparency and allow the public to monitor the justice system under the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 et seq.). Arrest records assist courts and law enforcement agencies in managing cases and custody, provide defense attorneys and victims with the ability to track case progress, and support accurate background checks and due diligence in safety-sensitive decisions. They also preserve historical documentation for verifying charges, bail determinations, and case outcomes, and serve as the foundation for remedies such as expungement or sealing when applicable.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in North Carolina?

Yes. In North Carolina, most arrest records are considered public information under the North Carolina Public Records Law. This law gives the public the right to inspect and obtain copies of government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-151 governs how "criminal offender record information" is released, outlining what law enforcement agencies may disclose to the public and what must remain restricted.

Although arrest records are generally accessible, specific categories of information are exempt from disclosure under North Carolina law to protect privacy and safety or to comply with court orders. Common exemptions include:

• Juvenile arrest records, which are sealed and confidential under G.S. § 7B-1906.
• Records related to active investigations that could compromise law enforcement methods or ongoing cases.
• Victim and witness information, including names, addresses, and identifying details.
• Certain medical or mental health information is protected by privacy laws.
• Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order.

Mecklenburg County Arrest Search

Persons looking for arrest records in Mecklenburg County have three options. The choice of resource to use will depend on the record custodian and the arresting agency. Arrests made by county and state law enforcement agencies are available through the Superior Court and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), respectively.

The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court is the primary custodian of arrest records and criminal case files. These records can be accessed by submitting a request directly to the Clerk's office. Applicants must provide identifying information, such as the defendant's full name, date of birth, arrest or conviction date, or case number. Records may be reviewed in person, and certified copies can be requested for legal or immigration purposes. Standard fees apply, and requests are typically processed within several business days.

For broader public records inquiries, including arrest information, individuals can contact the Mecklenburg County Public Information Office. Requests can be submitted online or in person. Staff will provide guidance on available records, any applicable fees, and the required identifying information.

For comprehensive statewide criminal history, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) offers fingerprint-based background checks. This is the only method to obtain a complete statewide record. Applicants must be fingerprinted at an authorized location and pay the processing fee set by the SBI. Non-residents may submit fingerprint cards by mail. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) Inmate Lookup tool allows users to search for individuals incarcerated in state prisons by name or DPS ID number.

Mecklenburg County Inmate Locator

At the county level, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office provides the most direct route for locating current arrest and custody information. The Sheriff's Inmate Locator allows the public to search online for individuals who are in custody or have been recently arrested. Searches can be performed by entering the person's full name or the inmate's PID/JID if known.

To request arrest or incident records by mail, applicants must submit a completed request form along with a valid photo ID. Include as much identifying information as possible, such as the person's full name, date of birth, arrest date, or case number. If requesting records on behalf of someone else, attach the completed Request for Information form along with a copy of an acceptable photo ID.

Attorneys, law enforcement agencies, or investigators must submit requests on official letterhead or by subpoena. If you want the record mailed back, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Fees may apply, as set by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners (typically a small per-page charge). Processing usually takes several business days, and all records are redacted to comply with North Carolina privacy laws.

The Warrants & Records Division of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office can be contacted for status updates at (704) 336-8100.

Active Warrant Search in Mecklenburg County

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take a specific individual into custody. In Mecklenburg County, the Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information internally but does not provide warrant details to the general public, either online or by phone. Full warrant details are generally not disclosed for privacy and safety reasons.

Because of these restrictions, members of the public cannot verify active warrants remotely. Individuals seeking confirmation may contact the Sheriff's Office in person at:

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Mecklenburg County

The most convenient options for free arrest records in Mecklenburg County are through the Sheriff's Office and the Superior Court. Record seekers may begin with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator to see current or recent bookings by name or PID/JID at no cost; results update frequently and cover people in custody.

If a case has progressed to court, the Mecklenburg County Online Case Search allows the public to view criminal case information and registers of actions for free (no registration required). The same data can also be accessed at courthouse public kiosks without charge.

Complete police reports, certified court documents, or records older than what is available online are not free, they require formal requests and may incur fees. Even free tools, such as redacted information or identity verification requirements, may have practical limits.

Mecklenburg County Arrest Report

A Mecklenburg County arrest report is a narrative prepared by the arresting officer, detailing why the individual was detained, the evidence or probable cause, witness statements, officer observations, and any recommended charges.

An arrest record, in contrast, is a summary entry showing that a person was arrested. It typically includes the person's name, date of birth, booking number, arrest date, charges, and custody status. Unlike an arrest report, it does not describe the circumstances of the arrest.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Mecklenburg County

Persons seeking to expunge an arrest record in Mecklenburg County may file a petition if the offense qualifies under G.S. 15A-146. Generally, the record of an arrest would be eligible for expungement if no charges were filed, the charges were dismissed, the subject completed a diversion program, or the court reached a not guilty verdict.

To apply for an expungement, file a Petition for Expunction of Dismissal (Form AOC-CR-287) with the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court. Once granted, the record is sealed and generally no longer available to the public, though certain government agencies may still access it.

Certain nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies in North Carolina may be eligible for expunction under G.S. 15A-145.5 or G.S. 7B-3200 for juvenile offenses. Generally, a person may begin the process after completing all sentencing obligations and waiting the required period (five years for misdemeanors, ten years for felonies).

Filing a petition for expunction with the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court may result in the conviction being set aside, which can positively impact employability, housing, and other aspects of civilian life. For more severe offenses, including certain felonies, concerned persons may get relief through a Governor's Pardon. More information on preparing petitions and understanding expunction procedures is available through the Mecklenburg County Public Defender's Office as well as the non-profit Legal Aid of North Carolina.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records From the Internet?

Once approved, the court notifies state and federal agencies to update their databases. Third-party websites do not always get this notification. Hence, to remove information already published on the Internet:

• Submit opt-out requests on sites that allow removal, sometimes requiring proof that the record was sealed or dismissed.
• Send legal notices (e.g., DMCA or other demands) if the content is outdated or misleading.
• Use paid reputation services that work to suppress or remove arrest entries.

Old copies may still appear in search results even if the original source is taken down. You can request the removal of these cached versions through Google's "Remove Outdated Content" tool.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

According to Section 132-1.4 of North Carolina's Public Records Law, public arrest records in Mecklenburg County may contain the following:

• Public arrest information in North Carolina
• Full name of the arrested individual
• Booking number assigned at the time of arrest
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency (e.g., police department, sheriff's office)
• Charges filed or alleged offenses
• Custody status (in jail, released, or transferred)
• Jail facility location
• Warrant number(s) if the arrest was based on a warrant
• Court case number if charges are filed and connected to the Superior Court