Mecklenburg County Warrant Search

A warrant search involves confirming or verifying the existence or validity of active warrants. It is performed by law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and members of the general public to find out if a warrant has been issued in a person’s name.

Warrant searches in Mecklenburg County generally involve looking up online criminal information databases, and contacting the agencies involved in the issuance and execution of the warrant. These agencies typically are the county sheriff’s office, the Mecklenburg County Superior Court Clerk, and the North Carolina Department of Justice.

Persons who perform a warrant search can expect to find information on the type of warrant issued, the name and/or description of the named defendant, the address of the accused or property to be seized/searched, the crime charged, the name of the issuing court, and the judge’s signature.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in Mecklenburg County?

Warrants are issued to help law enforcement legally enforce a search and seizure order or arrest. Especially when there is a reasonable suspicion that the suspect may abscond or property that is subject to a search warrant destroyed or tampered with. It may become necessary to conduct a warrant search in Mecklenburg County for any of the reasons below:

• Law enforcement officers may check for warrants in Mecklenburg County to confirm a person’s criminal record and possibly apprehend an offender on the run.
• A warrant search can help a person understand their legal situation and take immediate steps to prevent surprise arrests or surrender themselves or property to law enforcement.

How to Perform a Mecklenburg County Warrant Search Online

Members of the public and all concerned parties may perform a Mecklenburg County warrant search online through the Mecklenburg County warrant search site. To use the county warrant search database, the searcher must provide the first and last name of the subject (defendant).

Likewise, warrants issued by courts are filed and maintained as part of the court record by the issuing court. Hence, warrants may be found by looking up criminal case records online using the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts case management system.

Alternatively, the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s Statewide Search tool may help one find unserved/active arrest warrant information across multiple counties in the state. Warrant information available on this website includes arrest warrants, orders for arrest/bench warrants, and criminal summons. Interested persons may also consider a Criminal History Background Check. It allows members of the public to request their own criminal history or that of others through the clerk of the Mecklenburg Superior Court.

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Mecklenburg County by Phone or In Person

Residents of Mecklenburg County may visit or contact the Mecklenburg County Courthouse by mail or phone call to inspect or request copies of criminal court case records (to find information on outstanding warrants issued by the court).

The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Office is open to visitors between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM from Monday through Friday. Researchers must have sufficient information to identify the case record needed; this may include the type of record, party name, or case number.

While there are no fees to inspect criminal court records, the court clerk’s office may charge a fee to duplicate and mail copies of court records to requesters. Search fee may be charged per name search, number of duplicates required, certification of documents, et cetera.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office no longer provides warrant information on unexecuted warrants to third parties. Warrants that are yet to be served are not considered public information in the county. However, residents of Mecklenburg County may access information on served warrants through the county court clerk, the North Carolina Judicial Portal eCourts Portal.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in Mecklenburg County

Public records like court records and arrest records are useful in warrant searches. Warrants are issued by judges and courts. A copy of the warrant is usually filed and maintained by the court clerk. Once served, warrant information may be publicly available.

Likewise, when arrest records are created, the arresting officer or agency may search for and include information on the offender’s past arrests and outstanding warrants. The Mecklenburg Sheriff’s Office Arrest Inquiry portal offers information on arrests that occurred within the past three years. Interested persons can search for arrest records by their name or booking number.

Types of Warrants Issued in Mecklenburg County

There are three main categories of warrants issued by courts in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina: Search Warrants, Arrest Warrants, and Bench Warrants:

• Search Warrant (NC Gen Stat § 15A-241): A search warrant is a court order authorising a law enforcement officer to search premises, vehicles, or persons to seize designated items and account for all items obtained and removed to the court that issued the warrant. An item is liable to be seized pursuant to a search warrant if the issuing court has probable cause to believe that the item is either stolen or embezzled, contraband, in unlawful possession, used to commit or conceal a crime, or constitutes evidence of an offense or the identity of an offender.
  
• Arrest Warrant (NC Gen Stat §15A-304): In North Carolina, an arrest warrant includes the statement of a crime with which an offender is charged, and an order directing that the accused named in the warrant be arrested and brought before the issuing court to answer the charges made against him. An arrest warrant may be issued when the accused fails to appear when previously summoned, or from the facts it is apparent that the person, if summoned, will fail to appear, will evade arrest, may cause injury to other persons or property, or where the offence charged is severe.
  
• Bench Warrants (Orders for Arrest): A bench warrant is a legal order issued by a judge for the arrest of a defendant who failed to appear in court on the date scheduled. Whenever a witness or a defendant fails to appear in court as required, the sitting judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the defaulter. Unlike other forms of warrants, this does not necessitate a supporting affidavit or a formal complaint. This type of warrant arises specifically from the defendant's absence in a court proceeding (RCr 2.05 Bench warrants).

How Long Warrants Remain Active in Mecklenburg County

Arrest warrants do not expire. They remain active and outstanding until executed. However, law enforcement officials must do due diligence to enforce the warrant to prevent undue delay. These warrants, however, remain in effect, and the named defendant can be arrested months after their issuance.

On the contrary, a search warrant must be executed within 48 hours from the time it is issued. Any warrant that is not issued within that time is void. It should be marked as “not executed” and returned to the Mecklenburg Court Clerk.

What To Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in Mecklenburg County

If a person has an outstanding arrest warrant in Mecklenburg County, they can be arrested at any time. It may be helpful to consult a criminal defense attorney. An attorney will advise the defendant on the best course of action to proceed. If the person chooses to turn themselves into police custody, they must do so in a timely manner and make plans to secure bail and avoid or reduce lengthy jail times while awaiting trial.