Mecklenburg County Criminal Records
What Is Mecklenburg County Criminal Records
Mecklenburg County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction. These records document interactions with the criminal justice system in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and are created and maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1340.16.
Criminal records in Mecklenburg County typically include:
- Arrest reports generated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies
- Court documents from the Mecklenburg County Courthouse
- Incarceration records from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
- Probation and parole information maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety
These records serve multiple governmental and public purposes, including:
- Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
- Assisting law enforcement in investigations
- Enabling background checks for employment, housing, and other purposes
- Supporting statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
The primary custodians of criminal records in Mecklenburg County include:
Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court
832 E 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-686-0400
North Carolina Judicial Branch
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
700 East 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
980-314-5000
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
Are Criminal Records Public In Mecklenburg County
Criminal records in Mecklenburg County are generally considered public records in accordance with North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business by any government agency are the property of the people and, with certain exceptions, are accessible to the public.
Members of the public may access most criminal records through various means, including:
- In-person requests at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse
- Online portals maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch
- Public terminals at the Clerk of Court's office
- Written requests to the appropriate records custodian
However, certain criminal records may be restricted from public access due to:
- Records that have been expunged pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-146
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
- Records sealed by court order
- Ongoing investigations that fall under exemptions in the public records law
- Records containing sensitive personal information protected by state or federal law
The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains guidelines for public access to court records, including criminal records. Individuals seeking access to restricted records may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest or obtain a court order.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Mecklenburg County in 2025
As of 2025, Mecklenburg County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records, reflecting the county's ongoing commitment to modernizing public records access while maintaining appropriate security measures.
In-person requests remain available at:
Mecklenburg County Courthouse
832 E 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
704-686-0400
The procedure for in-person requests includes:
- Visiting the Clerk of Superior Court's office during business hours
- Completing a records request form with the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Presenting valid government-issued photo identification
- Paying applicable fees (typically $25 for certified records)
- Waiting for staff to retrieve the requested records
For electronic access, the North Carolina Judicial Branch has expanded its eCourts Portal to include comprehensive Mecklenburg County records. Users may:
- Create an account on the portal
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- View basic case information at no cost
- Pay for copies of specific documents ($3 per document as of 2025)
Additionally, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of recent arrests and inmate information.
For official background checks, individuals may request:
- A county-level check through the Clerk of Court
- A statewide check through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety
- A comprehensive check through the State Bureau of Investigation (requires fingerprinting)
How To Find Criminal Records in Mecklenburg County Online?
Mecklenburg County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several official online platforms. The North Carolina Judicial Branch has implemented digital systems that allow for remote access to court records, including criminal cases.
The primary online resources include:
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North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts Portal - This comprehensive system allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or attorney. The portal provides access to case summaries, hearing dates, and disposition information. Users may access the portal through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
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Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - This database provides information on current inmates in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, including charges, bond amounts, and next court dates. The inmate search tool is updated regularly.
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Mecklenburg County Public Records Request Portal - For records not available through other online systems, individuals may submit formal requests through the county's public records portal.
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Full legal names yield the most accurate results
- Date of birth information helps distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Some case details may require payment of access fees
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Records that have been expunged or sealed will not appear in search results
Online access is governed by N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which authorizes government agencies to provide electronic access to public records.
Can You Search Mecklenburg County Criminal Records for Free?
Mecklenburg County provides several options for free access to basic criminal record information, though comprehensive or certified records typically involve fees. Free access options are available pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which requires agencies to provide public records at minimal or no cost when possible.
Free access options include:
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Public Access Terminals - Located at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 E 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202), these terminals allow visitors to search basic case information at no charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
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Basic Online Searches - The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides free access to basic case information through its online portal, including defendant names, charges, and case status.
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Sheriff's Office Arrest Records - The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office maintains a free searchable database of recent arrests and current inmate information.
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Public Library Access - The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system offers free computer access where patrons may utilize the public court record search systems.
Services that typically require payment include:
- Certified copies of criminal records ($25 per record)
- Comprehensive background checks ($25-$38 depending on scope)
- Copies of specific court documents ($3 per document)
- Expedited record searches
- Records requiring extensive staff time to compile
Payment methods accepted by Mecklenburg County agencies include credit/debit cards, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks are not accepted for records requests.
What's Included in a Mecklenburg County Criminal Record?
Mecklenburg County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1340 and related provisions.
A standard Mecklenburg County criminal record typically includes:
- Personal Identifiers: Full legal name, date of birth, address at time of arrest, and physical description
- Arrest Information: Date of arrest, arresting agency, location, and circumstances of arrest
- Charging Details: Specific criminal statutes violated, severity level (misdemeanor or felony), and charge descriptions
- Case Processing: Court case numbers, assigned judges, attorney information, and hearing dates
- Disposition Information: Final outcome of each case, including:
- Convictions and sentences imposed
- Dismissals or acquittals
- Plea agreements
- Diversion program participation
- Sentencing Data: Incarceration periods, probation terms, fines, community service requirements, and other penalties
- Post-Conviction Status: Probation violations, completion of sentence, and parole information
Criminal records may also reference related documents such as:
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Indictments or criminal summonses
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Victim impact statements
- Court transcripts
- Appeal information
These records are maintained by multiple agencies, primarily the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
What Are the Penalties for a Mecklenburg County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Mecklenburg County is prosecuted under North Carolina General Statutes § 14-159.12 and § 14-159.13, with penalties varying based on the degree of the offense and aggravating factors. The court applies structured sentencing guidelines established by state law.
First-degree trespass (N.C.G.S. § 14-159.12) occurs when a person enters or remains on premises clearly marked against trespass by:
- Posted signs
- Fencing or other enclosure
- Verbal warning from the owner or authorized person
This offense is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fine up to $1,000
- Possible probation with conditions
- Restitution for any property damage
Second-degree trespass (N.C.G.S. § 14-159.13) involves entering or remaining on premises after being notified not to enter or remain. This is a Class 3 misdemeanor with penalties including:
- Up to 20 days in jail
- Fine at the court's discretion
- Community service
Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:
- Trespass on certain protected facilities (schools, government buildings)
- Possession of weapons during the trespass
- Property damage during the trespass
- Prior trespass convictions
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office prosecutes these cases at:
Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office
700 East Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-686-0700
First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements that allow for dismissal of charges upon completion of community service, educational programs, or other requirements as determined by the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
How Long Does Mecklenburg County Keep Criminal Records?
Mecklenburg County maintains criminal records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention Schedule and relevant state statutes. These retention periods ensure proper documentation while balancing administrative needs with individual privacy concerns.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Mecklenburg County are:
- Felony Case Records: Permanently maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic Violations: Typically retained for 3-5 years depending on severity
- Arrest Records: Maintained by law enforcement for a minimum of 20 years
- Incarceration Records: Retained permanently by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
- Probation Records: Maintained for 5 years after completion of probation
It is important to note that while records may be maintained indefinitely, access to these records may be restricted through:
- Expungement: Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-146, eligible individuals may petition for expungement, which removes records from public access
- Record Sealing: Certain juvenile records and records in specific cases may be sealed by court order
- Confidentiality Provisions: Records containing protected health information or other sensitive data may have restricted access
Individuals seeking information about record retention or expungement options may contact:
Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court
832 E 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-686-0400
North Carolina Judicial Branch
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