logo
MecklenburgRecords.org
Search Public Records
Mecklenburg Public Records / Mecklenburg County Arrest Records

Mecklenburg County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Mecklenburg County

Yes, arrest records in Mecklenburg County are public information under North Carolina public records laws. These records are maintained by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and are accessible to the general public. The transparency of these records serves several purposes, including public safety awareness and governmental accountability.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office provides online access to arrest records through their official website. This allows citizens, employers, and other interested parties to search for and view information about arrests made within the county.

However, while arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy, especially in cases involving minors or sensitive investigations. Additionally, expunged or sealed records are not available to the public.

What's in Mecklenburg County Arrest Records

Mecklenburg County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the county. These records generally include:

  • Full name of the arrested person
  • Date of birth and age
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Mugshot or booking photograph
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Charges filed
  • Case numbers
  • Bond information
  • Court dates
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking information

It's important to note that an arrest record is not proof of guilt. It merely documents that an individual was arrested and charged with a particular offense. The presumption of innocence remains until proven guilty in a court of law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mecklenburg County in 2025

To look up arrest records in Mecklenburg County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Online Search: The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database where you can search for arrest records. Visit the MCSO Arrest Inquiry page to access this service. Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office: 700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  2. In-Person Request: You can visit the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records. Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office: 700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  3. Mecklenburg County Courthouse: The clerk of court maintains records related to criminal cases. Mecklenburg County Courthouse: 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  4. Third-Party Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate public records, including arrest records, though these may charge fees and might not have the most up-to-date information.

When searching for arrest records, you'll typically need to provide the individual's name and may need additional information such as date of birth to narrow down results, especially for common names.

How To Find Mecklenburg County Arrest Records Online

Finding Mecklenburg County arrest records online is straightforward through these official channels:

  1. Sheriff's Office Website: The most direct and reliable source is the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website. Their Arrest Inquiry system allows you to search by name, booking number, or date range.

  2. Inmate Inquiry System: If the person was incarcerated, you can also check the Inmate Inquiry system.

  3. Mecklenburg County Court Records: The county court system maintains records of criminal proceedings.

  4. North Carolina Department of Public Safety: For state-level offenses and incarceration information. NC Department of Public Safety: 512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

When using these online resources, be prepared to enter identifying information such as the individual's full name. For common names, additional identifiers like date of birth may help narrow your search results.

Can You Search Mecklenburg County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Mecklenburg County arrest records for free through several official channels:

  1. Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office provides free access to their arrest inquiry database. This is the most direct and official source for recent arrest information in the county. Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office: 700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  2. Public Access Terminals: The Mecklenburg County Courthouse offers public access terminals where you can search court records related to arrests at no cost. Mecklenburg County Courthouse: 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  3. Public Libraries: Many public libraries in Mecklenburg County provide free internet access where you can search the Sheriff's Office website. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - Main Branch: 310 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

While basic searches are free, there may be fees for:

  • Certified copies of records
  • Extensive research requests
  • Records that require staff assistance to locate
  • Printed copies beyond a certain number of pages

Commercial background check services also provide access to Mecklenburg County arrest records, but these typically charge fees and may not have the most current information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Mecklenburg County

Deleting arrest records in Mecklenburg County is possible through the expungement process. Expungement legally erases arrests and, in some cases, convictions from public records. Here's how to pursue this option:

  1. Determine Eligibility: North Carolina law allows expungement for:

    • Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
    • First-time nonviolent offenses after waiting periods (typically 5-15 years)
    • Certain offenses committed before age 22
    • Some drug offenses

  2. File a Petition: Submit an expungement petition to the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court. Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court: 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  3. Complete Required Forms: You'll need to complete several forms including:

    • Petition for Expunction (form AOC-CR-280 or similar)
    • Affidavit of Good Character (for certain cases)
    • Criminal Record Check

  4. Pay Filing Fees: Expungement petitions typically require a filing fee (approximately $175, though this may vary).

  5. Attend Hearing: Some expungement requests require a court hearing.

  6. Wait for Processing: If approved, the expungement process can take several months to complete.

It's highly recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in expungements, as the process is complex and requirements vary based on the specific circumstances of your case.

What Happens After Arrest in Mecklenburg County?

After an arrest in Mecklenburg County, the following process typically unfolds:

  1. Booking Process: The arrested individual is taken to a detention facility where they are:

    • Photographed and fingerprinted
    • Searched
    • Asked for basic information
    • Checked for outstanding warrants
    • Have personal belongings inventoried and stored Mecklenburg County Detention Center: 801 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  2. Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate who:

    • Informs them of the charges
    • Advises them of their rights
    • Sets bail or bond conditions
    • Schedules the first court date Mecklenburg County Magistrate's Office: 801 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  3. Bond Determination: The magistrate sets bond based on:

    • Severity of the alleged crime
    • Prior criminal history
    • Flight risk
    • Community ties
    • Public safety considerations

  4. First Appearance: For felonies and serious misdemeanors, a first appearance before a judge occurs within a few days where:

    • Formal charges are read
    • Legal representation is addressed
    • Bond may be reconsidered Mecklenburg County Courthouse: 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  5. Subsequent Proceedings: Depending on the charges, the case proceeds to:

    • Probable cause hearing (for felonies)
    • Plea negotiations
    • Trial preparations
    • Trial

Throughout this process, individuals have the right to legal representation. Those who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for a public defender. Mecklenburg County Public Defender's Office: 720 East 4th Street, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28202

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mecklenburg County?

Arrest records in Mecklenburg County are typically kept indefinitely unless they are legally expunged. Here's what you should know about record retention:

  1. Standard Retention: Without expungement, arrest records become permanent parts of both county and state criminal history databases. These records remain accessible to:

    • Law enforcement agencies
    • Court officials
    • The general public (through official channels)

  2. Digital Records: Modern arrest records are stored in digital databases maintained by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: 3320 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

  3. Historical Records: Older arrest records may be archived but are generally still retrievable through formal requests.

  4. Expungement Exceptions: Even expunged records may remain accessible to:

    • Law enforcement agencies for internal purposes
    • Prosecutors in certain circumstances
    • Judicial officials

  5. Record Sealing: In some cases involving juveniles or certain first-time offenders, records may be sealed rather than expunged, limiting public access while maintaining the record for official purposes.

The permanent nature of these records underscores the importance of understanding the expungement process for those who qualify, as it provides the only means to remove arrest information from public view.

How to Find Mugshots in Mecklenburg County

Finding mugshots in Mecklenburg County can be accomplished through several official channels:

  1. Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office includes booking photos in their online inmate and arrest inquiry systems.

  2. In-Person Request: You can visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division to request copies of mugshots. Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

  3. Public Records Request: Submit a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office specifying the mugshot you're seeking.

Important considerations when searching for mugshots:

  • Identification Required: You'll need to provide the full name of the individual and possibly additional identifying information.
  • Recent Bookings: The most accessible mugshots are from recent arrests, typically within the past few years.
  • Privacy Limitations: Some mugshots may not be available due to privacy protections, especially for juveniles or in certain sensitive cases.
  • Expunged Records: Mugshots from expunged cases will not be available to the public.
  • Usage Restrictions: While mugshots are public records, using them for commercial purposes (such as "mugshot websites") may be subject to legal restrictions in North Carolina.

Remember that mugshots document an arrest, not a conviction, and individuals pictured should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Lookup Arrest Records in Mecklenburg County

For convenient access to Mecklenburg County arrest records, use these official resources:

Other Categories in North Carolina
Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records