Kannapolis Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kannapolis, North Carolina?
Arrest records are public in Kannapolis, North Carolina, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which establishes that records created by public agencies are available to the general public. The North Carolina Public Records Law mandates that all government records, including arrest records, are accessible to citizens unless specifically exempted by statute. This accessibility serves to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and maintains public oversight of governmental activities. Members of the public may inspect these records during regular business hours at designated facilities or request copies through established procedures.
The Kannapolis Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy as permitted under § 132-1.4, the fundamental arrest information remains accessible to the public. This includes basic details about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies operating within Kannapolis city limits.
How to Look Up Kannapolis Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Kannapolis provides multiple avenues for accessing arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, public agencies must provide reasonable access to public records upon request. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:
Online Database Access: The Kannapolis Police Department maintains a digital records system accessible through the official police department portal. Users may search by name, date, or case number to locate arrest information.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Kannapolis Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with locating and providing the requested documentation.
Written Requests: Standard public records request forms may be submitted via mail or email using the official request form.
Cabarrus County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Cabarrus County Courthouse records division.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with § 132-6.2 and are posted at service locations. Standard processing times for requests range from 3-10 business days, depending on the complexity and volume of the request.
Kannapolis Police Department
401 Laureate Way
Kannapolis, NC 28081
Phone: (704) 920-4000
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cabarrus County Courthouse
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28025
Phone: (704) 262-5500
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Contents of a Kannapolis Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Kannapolis Police Department contain standardized information as required by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4E. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any known aliases or identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting officer's name and badge number, and the law enforcement agency involved in the apprehension.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the North Carolina General Statute citation for each offense and the classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification data, and photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention status.
Court Information: Scheduled court appearances, assigned courtroom, and presiding judicial officer.
Disposition Data: Final resolution of the case, including dismissals, convictions, sentences imposed, or other judicial determinations.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with § 132-1.4, including details that might compromise ongoing investigations, confidential informant identities, or juvenile records protected under § 7B-3000.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kannapolis
The State of North Carolina provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Kannapolis include:
Charges Resulting in Dismissal: Pursuant to § 15A-146, individuals whose charges were dismissed or resulted in findings of not guilty may petition for expungement.
First-Time Nonviolent Offenses: Under § 15A-145, certain first-time offenders may qualify for expungement after completing all terms of their sentence and waiting periods.
Juvenile Records: Special provisions exist under § 7B-3200 for the expungement of juvenile records once the individual reaches adulthood.
Identity Theft Victims: Persons arrested due to identity theft may seek immediate expungement under § 15A-147.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court, payment of filing fees (currently $175 as of 2025), and submission of supporting documentation. The District Attorney's office reviews all petitions and may contest the expungement request. A judge makes the final determination on whether to grant the petition.
Upon successful expungement, all public agencies, including the Kannapolis Police Department, must remove the records from public databases and may not disclose the existence of such records. Private background check companies are required under § 15A-152 to update their records when notified of an expungement order.
Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28081
Phone: (704) 262-5500
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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