>Cabarrus County Arrest Records Online

Cabarrus County, North Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cabarrus County, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created or received by government agencies in the course of conducting public business are the property of the people. The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in law enforcement. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:

Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
Ensuring accountability of public officials
Facilitating informed civic participation
Supporting public safety through awareness

The North Carolina Public Records Law specifically defines public records to 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." Arrest records fall within this definition as official documentation of law enforcement activities.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would compromise public safety. These exceptions are narrowly construed to maintain the presumption of openness established by state law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cabarrus County?

Cabarrus County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county law enforcement agencies. The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office provides a public-facing database that contains information about recent arrests, incarcerations, and wanted persons. This digital repository is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information provided.

The online availability of arrest records is governed by N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which states that agencies must provide public records in any medium requested if the agency maintains the record in that medium. Digital access to these records serves to:

Reduce administrative burden on county offices
Provide 24-hour accessibility to public information
Streamline the process of record retrieval
Enhance governmental efficiency in responding to public inquiries

Users of online arrest record systems should note that the information provided is considered public record but should not be used for unlawful purposes. The Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations under North Carolina law.

How to Look Up Cabarrus County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cabarrus County have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The following official channels provide authorized access to arrest documentation:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records.

Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
30 Corban Avenue SE
Concord, NC 28025
Phone: (704) 920-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website

Online Access: The Sheriff's Office maintains a public portal for accessing arrest information through their Police to Citizen (P2C) system. This platform allows searches by name, date range, and case number.
Cabarrus County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Clerk of Superior Court's office.

Cabarrus County Courthouse
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28025
Phone: (704) 262-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Cabarrus County

Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions, though these may require subscription fees and may not contain the most current information.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), public agencies must provide access to records "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision." Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.

Contents of a Cabarrus County Arrest Record

Cabarrus County arrest records contain standardized information as required by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4J. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including statute numbers and offense descriptions
Case Processing Data: Booking number, court case number, and initial appearance information
Identification Records: Fingerprints collected pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken at the time of processing
Custody Status: Information regarding bail, bond amounts, or pretrial release conditions
Disposition Information: Final outcome of the case, if available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including accurate identification of individuals within the criminal justice system, facilitation of inter-agency communication, and maintenance of statistical data for law enforcement purposes. These records are maintained in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources' records retention schedules.

It should be noted that while arrest records document that an arrest occurred, they do not constitute proof of guilt. Under North Carolina law and the U.S. Constitution, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cabarrus County

Expungement procedures in Cabarrus County are governed by North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 15A, Article 5. Eligible individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory provisions. The expungement process requires formal application through the North Carolina court system.

Eligibility criteria for expungement vary based on several factors:

Disposition of Charges: Cases resulting in dismissal, not guilty verdicts, or findings of not responsible may qualify under N.C.G.S. § 15A-146
Offense Classification: Certain misdemeanors and low-level felonies may be eligible after specified waiting periods
Age at Time of Offense: Special provisions exist for offenses committed before age 18 or 22, depending on the statute
Criminal History: Prior expungements or convictions may affect eligibility
Waiting Period: Statutory timeframes must elapse before application (typically 1-15 years depending on offense type)

The procedural requirements for expungement include:

Filing a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated
Payment of filing fees (currently $175, with potential fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Obtaining affidavits certifying good character
Submission to a criminal background check
Judicial review and determination

Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies to expunge records related to the arrest. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, expunged records are removed from public access but may be maintained in a confidential file accessible only to law enforcement and judicial officials for limited purposes.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court's office can provide standardized forms but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility or procedure.

Search Arrest Records in Cabarrus County

Cities

Concord Kannapolis