New Hanover County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in New Hanover County
Arrest records in New Hanover County are considered public information under North Carolina law. Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act, specifically § 132-1, public records include "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."
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under North Carolina law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
Law enforcement agencies in New Hanover County maintain arrest records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's records policies. However, it should be noted that pursuant to § 132-1.4, certain criminal investigative records may be withheld from public disclosure if their release would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or reveal confidential information.
What's in New Hanover County Arrest Records
New Hanover County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date of issuance
- Serving officer
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court location
- Assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment information
- Medical alerts or special needs
- Emergency contact information
These records are maintained by the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office and are accessible through various methods as prescribed by North Carolina public records law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in New Hanover County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in New Hanover County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
To obtain arrest records in person:
- Visit the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
3950 Juvenile Center Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
(910) 798-4200
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a public records request form, which is available at the front desk.
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate date of arrest
- Any other identifying information that may assist in locating the record
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction (fees are set in accordance with § 132-6.2 of the North Carolina General Statutes).
To request arrest records by mail:
- Prepare a written request that includes:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Date of request
- Signature
- Mail the request to:
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
3950 Juvenile Center Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return correspondence.
- Include payment for applicable fees (contact the Records Division in advance to determine the amount).
For expedited service, individuals may also submit requests via email to the Records Division. Response times vary based on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload, but the Sheriff's Office strives to fulfill all requests within a reasonable timeframe as required by state law.
How To Find New Hanover County Arrest Records Online
New Hanover County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available 24 hours a day.
The primary online resource for arrest records in New Hanover County is the Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry system. To use this system:
- Visit the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Detention Center" section.
- Select the "Inmate Inquiry" option.
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Last name
- First name
- Middle initial
- Date of birth
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Court dates
- Custody status
For broader searches that include historical arrest data, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety offers the Offender Public Information Search, which includes information on individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.
Additionally, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a searchable database of court records through their Criminal Background Check system, which includes information on arrests that have resulted in court proceedings.
When using these online systems, it is important to note that:
- Information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes
- Some records may be restricted from public view due to statutory limitations
- Complete criminal history information may require additional searches or formal requests
- Online records should be verified through official channels for legal or employment purposes
Users should carefully review the terms of use and privacy policies associated with each online resource before conducting searches.
How To Search New Hanover County Arrest Records for Free?
New Hanover County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without cost through several available resources. The county maintains public access terminals that provide free search capabilities for basic arrest information.
Free in-person search options include:
- Public access terminals at the New Hanover County Courthouse:
New Hanover County Courthouse
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Courts
These terminals allow visitors to search court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. No appointment is necessary, but users should be prepared to present identification and sign in with security personnel.
- New Hanover County Public Library computers:
New Hanover County Public Library - Main Branch
201 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 798-6300
New Hanover County Public Library
Library computers provide access to public records databases, though users may need to obtain a library card or guest pass.
Free online search options include:
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The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office website offers a free inmate lookup tool that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.
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The North Carolina Court System's public portal allows free searches of court records, which often contain information about arrests. This service can be accessed through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
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The North Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains a free offender search database that includes information on individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.
When conducting free searches, users should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official record requests
- Some records may require additional verification
- High-volume usage may be subject to time limitations
- Printing services may incur nominal fees
- Staff assistance for complex searches may be limited
These free resources provide valuable access to public information while maintaining compliance with North Carolina's public records laws.
How To Delete Arrest Records in New Hanover County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in New Hanover County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.
Expungement completely removes an arrest record from public view and, in most cases, allows the individual to legally deny that the arrest ever occurred. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to the record but maintains it for certain governmental or law enforcement purposes.
Under current North Carolina law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty
- The arrest was for a first-time nonviolent offense and specific waiting periods have elapsed
- The arrest occurred when the individual was under 18 or 21 years of age (depending on the offense)
- The arrest was for certain drug offenses and rehabilitation has been completed
- The arrest resulted from identity theft or mistaken identity
To initiate the expungement process in New Hanover County:
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Determine eligibility under the appropriate section of North Carolina's expungement statutes.
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Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court:
New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court
316 Princess Street, Suite 148
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Clerk of Court
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Gather supporting documentation, which may include:
- Certified disposition of the case
- Criminal record check from the Administrative Office of the Courts
- Affidavits attesting to good character
- Proof of completion of any required programs
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File the petition with the Clerk of Superior Court and pay the required filing fee (currently $175 for most expungements, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners).
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The petition will be reviewed by a judge, the district attorney's office, and the State Bureau of Investigation.
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If approved, an order of expungement will be issued and distributed to all agencies holding records of the arrest.
The entire process typically takes 3-9 months to complete. Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from consulting with an attorney, as the legal requirements are complex and vary based on the specific circumstances of the arrest.
It should be noted that under § 15A-151.5, certain expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the courts for limited purposes, such as determining eligibility for future expungements or enhanced sentencing in subsequent criminal cases.
What Happens After Arrest in New Hanover County?
Following an arrest in New Hanover County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. Understanding this process is essential for those navigating the system or seeking information about an arrestee.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the New Hanover County Detention Facility, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
-
Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours), the arrestee appears before a magistrate who:
- Informs the individual of the charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets initial bail or bond conditions
- Determines if probable cause exists for warrantless arrests
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Bail Determination: The magistrate sets bail based on:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
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First Appearance: For felony charges, defendants must appear before a district court judge who:
- Reviews the charges
- Confirms the defendant understands their rights
- Evaluates representation status (appoints counsel if necessary)
- Reviews bail conditions
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Probable Cause Hearing: For felonies, a hearing may be held within 15 days to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with prosecution.
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Grand Jury Indictment: Felony cases proceed to the grand jury, which determines if probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
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Arraignment: The defendant formally responds to charges by entering a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
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Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
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Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, which may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (for most felonies and some misdemeanors)
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Sentencing: Following conviction, the court imposes penalties, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
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Appeals: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to higher courts based on legal errors in the proceedings.
Throughout this process, information is documented in the court record system maintained by the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court and the detention record system maintained by the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in New Hanover County?
Arrest records in New Hanover County are maintained according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention Schedule, as mandated by North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5 and § 132-8. These statutes establish the legal framework for the preservation and disposition of public records throughout the state.
The retention periods for arrest records vary based on the type of record and the agency maintaining it:
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Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Booking records: 3 years after release or discharge of the individual
- Fingerprint cards: 3 years after receipt (if not part of a case file)
- Incident reports: 5 years
- Investigation case files: 20 years for felonies; 3 years for misdemeanors
- Warrant and arrest indexes: Permanent retention
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Detention Facility Records:
- Commitment records: Permanent retention
- Inmate case files: 10 years after release or discharge
- Visitor logs: 3 years
-
Court Records:
- Criminal case files (felonies): Permanent retention
- Criminal case files (misdemeanors): 10 years after disposition
- Judgment records: Permanent retention
- Calendars and dockets: 3 years
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- They ensure the preservation of evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- They maintain accountability within the criminal justice system
- They provide historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
- They support the rights of individuals to access information about their interactions with law enforcement
It is important to note that different agencies within New Hanover County may maintain separate copies of arrest-related records, each subject to their specific retention requirements. For example, the Sheriff's Office, Detention Center, Clerk of Court, and District Attorney's Office may all maintain records related to the same arrest, but with different retention schedules.
Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the methods of storage and preservation differ. As technology evolves, agencies must ensure that electronic records remain accessible throughout their required retention periods.
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures, unless they are subject to a legal hold due to pending litigation or ongoing investigation.
How to Find Mugshots in New Hanover County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in New Hanover County under North Carolina law. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs are created for identification purposes within the law enforcement and court systems.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In New Hanover County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
3950 Juvenile Center Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
(910) 798-4200
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
As the agency responsible for operating the county detention facility, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains booking photographs as part of the arrest record.
Finding Mugshots
To locate a mugshot in New Hanover County, individuals may:
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Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) and submit a public records request.
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Submit a written request by mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, including:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
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Contact the Records Division by phone at (910) 798-4190 to inquire about the process for obtaining specific mugshots.
Can They Be Found Online
The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate inquiry system that may include booking photographs of currently incarcerated individuals. This system can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website.
Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety provides access to photographs of individuals currently in state custody through their offender search database.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Complete the Sheriff's Office public records request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay any applicable reproduction fees
- Specify the preferred format (digital or printed)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Photographs of juveniles (under 18) are typically confidential under North Carolina juvenile justice laws
- Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Mugshots associated with expunged arrests are removed from public access
- Certain domestic violence or sexual assault cases may have restricted access
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that commercial websites may publish booking photographs obtained from public sources. These third-party sites are not affiliated with New Hanover County government agencies and may charge fees for removal of images, a practice that has been subject to increasing regulation in many states.
Lookup Arrest Records in New Hanover County
New Hanover County Court Services
North Carolina Offender Search Database
Public Records Requests through NC Department of Public Safety