Mecklenburg County Criminal Records
What Is Mecklenburg County Criminal Records
Mecklenburg County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. These records are maintained by the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court and include information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
These records serve as the official documentation of a person's interactions with the criminal justice system in Mecklenburg County. They are used by law enforcement agencies, courts, employers, and other authorized entities to verify a person's criminal background.
The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records at the courthouse located at 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Are Criminal Records Public In Mecklenburg County
Yes, criminal records in Mecklenburg County are generally considered public information under North Carolina law. This means that most criminal records can be accessed by any member of the public, with some exceptions for sealed, expunged, or juvenile records.
The North Carolina Public Records Law provides that records created by government agencies, including court records, are available for public inspection. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or sensitive information.
You can access these public records through the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) or through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online resources.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Mecklenburg County in 2025
In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Mecklenburg County:
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Visit the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in person at 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. The Clerk of Superior Court's office can assist with record searches.
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Use the North Carolina Court System's online resources through their official website. The Administrative Office of the Courts (901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607) maintains these online systems.
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Submit a request to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (601 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) for arrest records and police reports.
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Contact the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office (700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) for information about current inmates and recent arrests.
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Use the Public Information Department's records request service (600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202).
How To Find Criminal Records in Mecklenburg County Online?
Finding Mecklenburg County criminal records online has become increasingly accessible. Here are the primary online methods:
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North Carolina Court System's Public Records Search: The NC Judicial Branch offers an online portal where you can search for criminal cases. Visit the official website maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts (901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607).
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Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: For current inmate information, the Sheriff's Office (700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) maintains an online database.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Records: CMPD (601 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) provides access to certain police reports and crime data online.
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Mecklenburg County Public Records Portal: The county's Public Information Department (600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) offers an online system for requesting various public records.
Can You Search Mecklenburg County Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, there are several ways to search Mecklenburg County criminal records for free:
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The North Carolina Court System's public access terminal at the courthouse (832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) is available for free searches.
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Basic online searches through the NC Judicial Branch website are free, though there may be fees for obtaining copies of documents.
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The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office inmate search (700 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) is available at no cost.
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Public libraries in Mecklenburg County often provide free access to public records databases.
While basic searches are free, comprehensive background checks or certified copies of documents typically involve fees. The Administrative Office of the Courts (901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607) can provide information about current fee structures.
What's Included in a Mecklenburg County Criminal Record?
A typical Mecklenburg County criminal record includes:
- Personal identification information (name, date of birth, address)
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
- Charges filed (including statute numbers and offense descriptions)
- Case numbers and court information
- Court proceedings and hearing dates
- Case disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Sentencing information (if convicted)
- Probation or parole details (if applicable)
- Fine and court cost information
These records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court (832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) and may also be accessible through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (601 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) for arrest-related information.
What Are the Penalties for a Mecklenburg County Criminal Trespass Charge?
In Mecklenburg County, criminal trespass charges are categorized based on severity:
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First-degree trespass (Class 2 misdemeanor):
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fine up to $1,000
- Possible probation
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Second-degree trespass (Class 3 misdemeanor):
- Up to 20 days in jail
- Fine up to $200
- Possible probation
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Domestic criminal trespass (Class 1 misdemeanor):
- Up to 120 days in jail
- Higher fines
- Possible protective orders
Penalties may be enhanced for repeat offenders or if the trespass involves aggravating factors. Cases are typically handled at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) with prosecution by the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office (700 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202).
How Long Does Mecklenburg County Keep Criminal Records?
Mecklenburg County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are expunged through a court order. North Carolina law does not provide for automatic expungement or sealing of records after a certain period.
Records remain accessible through the Clerk of Superior Court (832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202) and other official channels unless:
- The record has been expunged through a court-approved petition
- The record pertains to a juvenile case (with certain exceptions)
- The record has been sealed by court order
For information about expungement eligibility, contact the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court or the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607).
Lookup Criminal Records in Mecklenburg County
For comprehensive access to Mecklenburg County criminal records, consider these official resources:
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Mecklenburg County Court Services - Official information on court services, courthouse locations, and access to public records in Mecklenburg County.
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North Carolina Court Records - Details on obtaining court records, conducting background checks, and expunging criminal records in North Carolina.
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Mecklenburg County Public Records Requests - The official Mecklenburg County website for submitting public records requests, including criminal records.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Records - Information on obtaining crime and crash reports from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.