Mecklenburg County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mecklenburg County
Arrest records in Mecklenburg County are considered public records pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which defines public records as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
Members of the public may access arrest records through several official channels:
- The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties
- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department provides access to arrest-related reports
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains court records related to arrests
Certain limitations apply to public access of arrest records, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
- Juvenile arrest records (under age 18) are generally not public
- Certain identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy
- Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office 700 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (980) 314-5000 Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
What's in Mecklenburg County Arrest Records
Mecklenburg County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-502, which governs the collection and maintenance of arrest information.
Standard information contained in Mecklenburg County arrest records includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint information
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Case/incident number
- Bond information and current custody status
Additional information that may be included:
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
- Court dates and preliminary hearing information
- Disposition of charges (if available)
- Warrant information if applicable
It should be noted that arrest records document only the fact that an individual was taken into custody and the charges filed at that time. Pursuant to constitutional principles, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrest records do not constitute proof of guilt or conviction.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Records Division 601 E. Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 336-2216 CMPD Records Division
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mecklenburg County in 2025
Individuals seeking arrest records in Mecklenburg County in 2025 have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The county has implemented several systems to facilitate public access to these records in accordance with North Carolina Public Records Law.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
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Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Records Division 700 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (980) 314-5000
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Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 E. 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (704) 686-0100
To conduct an arrest record search, requestors must provide:
- Full name of the individual (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Electronic methods for accessing arrest records include:
- The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office online portal provides searchable access to recent arrest information
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers electronic access to court records related to arrests
- Public records requests can be submitted through the Mecklenburg County Public Information Department
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, including arrest records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.
How To Find Mecklenburg County Arrest Records Online
Mecklenburg County provides several digital platforms through which members of the public may access arrest records electronically. These online resources have been established to enhance transparency and facilitate efficient access to public information.
The primary online resources for accessing Mecklenburg County arrest records include:
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Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry System This searchable database allows users to locate information about individuals currently in custody or recently arrested. The system is updated regularly and includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, and court dates.
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North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal The NC Courts system provides access to court records associated with arrests, including case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition information.
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Mecklenburg County Public Records Portal The county maintains a comprehensive system for submitting and tracking public records requests, including those for arrest information not readily available through other online platforms.
When utilizing these online systems, users should note:
- Information is typically searchable by name, date of birth, or case number
- Some records may have limited information available online due to privacy restrictions
- Older records may not be fully digitized and might require an in-person request
- Electronic access may be subject to system maintenance periods
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2(b), agencies are required to provide public records in any medium in which they are maintained or in any format requested if the agency can reasonably accommodate the request.
Can You Search Mecklenburg County Arrest Records for Free?
Mecklenburg County provides several no-cost options for members of the public to access basic arrest record information. These free services are provided in accordance with North Carolina's commitment to government transparency and public access to information.
Free arrest record search options include:
- The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup provides basic arrest information at no charge
- Public computer terminals at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse offer free on-site access to court records related to arrests
- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department provides certain crime reports at no charge
Limitations of free search options:
- Information may be limited to recent arrests only
- Detailed reports or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees
- Historical records may not be available through free online systems
- Some free systems may not include complete case disposition information
Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 E. 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (704) 686-0100 Mecklenburg County Courts
While basic arrest information is available at no cost, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:
- Copies of records (physical or electronic)
- Certified copies of documents
- Staff time required for extensive searches
- Special formatting or compilation of data
How To Delete Arrest Records in Mecklenburg County
Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Mecklenburg County must follow specific legal procedures established under North Carolina law. The process, known as expungement, is governed by various statutes including N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.
Eligibility for expungement generally includes:
- First-time nonviolent offenses
- Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- Certain offenses committed before age 22
- Certain drug offenses after specified waiting periods
- Cases where a pardon of innocence has been granted
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition in the court where the case was handled
- Payment of filing fees (currently $175 for most petitions)
- Obtaining and submitting a criminal record check
- Serving the petition on the District Attorney's office
- Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court
- Waiting for judicial review and order
If granted, an expungement order directs all government agencies to remove records of the arrest from public access. However, certain government agencies may retain sealed records for limited purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain forms and assistance from:
Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court 832 E. 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (704) 686-0100 Mecklenburg County Courts
Legal assistance for expungement may also be available through:
Legal Aid of North Carolina - Charlotte Office 1431 Elizabeth Avenue Charlotte, NC 28204 Phone: (704) 971-2621
What Happens After Arrest in Mecklenburg County?
Following an arrest in Mecklenburg County, individuals enter a structured legal process governed by North Carolina criminal procedure statutes and constitutional protections. This process typically follows a standardized sequence of events.
Initial post-arrest procedures include:
- Transportation to a detention facility for booking
- Fingerprinting and photographing pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502
- Collection of personal information and criminal history check
- Medical screening as required by detention facility protocols
- Property inventory and secure storage
Within 48 hours of arrest, the following typically occurs:
- Initial appearance before a magistrate who:
- Reviews charges and probable cause
- Sets conditions of pretrial release or bond
- Advises of right to counsel
- Schedules first court appearance
For misdemeanor charges, subsequent steps include:
- First appearance in District Court
- Pretrial conferences
- Potential plea negotiations
- Trial (bench or jury depending on charge)
- Sentencing if convicted
For felony charges, the process includes:
- Probable cause hearing
- Grand jury indictment
- Arraignment in Superior Court
- Pretrial motions and discovery
- Trial proceedings
- Sentencing if convicted
Throughout this process, arrested individuals maintain constitutional rights including:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to legal representation
- Right to reasonable bail in most cases
- Right to a fair and speedy trial
Mecklenburg County Detention Center 801 E. 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (980) 314-5400
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mecklenburg County?
Mecklenburg County maintains arrest records in accordance with North Carolina records retention schedules and applicable state statutes. These records are preserved for varying durations depending on the nature of the case and its disposition.
Standard retention periods for arrest records include:
- Felony arrest records: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor arrest records: Minimum of 20 years from date of arrest
- Arrests resulting in no charges: 5 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until age 18, then sealed pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
- Expunged records: Removed from public access upon court order
Factors affecting retention include:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Case disposition (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Court orders regarding record sealing or expungement
- Status of the individual (adult or juvenile)
- Statutory requirements for specific offense types
Digital arrest records are maintained in secure databases with appropriate access controls. Physical records are stored in accordance with county archival standards. Both formats are subject to the same retention schedules.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and the Administrative Office of the Courts coordinate record maintenance in compliance with:
- North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources retention schedules
- North Carolina General Statutes regarding public records
- Federal regulations concerning criminal justice information
- Court orders affecting specific records
Mecklenburg County Records Management 700 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (980) 314-5000
How to Find Mugshots in Mecklenburg County
Booking photographs, commonly referred to as "mugshots," are created during the arrest process in Mecklenburg County and are considered public records under North Carolina law. These photographs are maintained by law enforcement agencies and may be accessed through established channels.
Official sources for obtaining mugshots include:
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Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online database that includes booking photographs of recently arrested individuals. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic arrest information alongside the mugshot.
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Public Records Requests For mugshots not available online, individuals may submit formal public records requests to the arresting agency. These requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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In-Person Requests Mugshots may be requested in person at:
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Records Division 700 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (980) 314-5000
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Records Division 601 E. Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (704) 336-2216
Important considerations regarding mugshot access:
- Fees may apply for copies of mugshots (typically $2-5 per photograph)
- Mugshots that are part of active investigations may have limited availability
- Juvenile mugshots are not publicly available
- Expunged records will not include accessible mugshots
- Commercial use of mugshots may be subject to additional restrictions
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