Lenoir Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lenoir, North Carolina?
Arrest records in Lenoir, North Carolina are public documents pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which establishes that records created by public agencies shall be accessible to the general public. The North Carolina Public Records Law mandates that all government records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Lenoir County, are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access these records for various purposes, including background checks, personal information verification, or general public interest. The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office and the Lenoir Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state regulations governing public access to criminal justice information.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or when disclosure would compromise public safety as outlined in N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4. Additionally, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection.
How to Look Up Lenoir Arrest Records in 2025
The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Superior Court maintain arrest records that are accessible through multiple channels. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Superior Court during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Lenoir County official website provides a portal for accessing certain public records, including basic arrest information. The North Carolina Judicial Branch also maintains an online court records database where case information related to arrests can be searched.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the records custodian at the appropriate agency. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
Criminal Background Checks: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request an official background check through the State Bureau of Investigation, which includes arrest data from Lenoir County.
Lenoir County Sheriff's Office
130 South Queen Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (252) 559-6100
Lenoir County Sheriff's Office
Lenoir County Clerk of Superior Court
130 South Queen Street, Suite 204
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (252) 527-2553
Lenoir County Courts
Contents of a Lenoir Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Lenoir County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and any known aliases of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the North Carolina General Statute citation for each offense and the classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court, and case numbers associated with the arrest.
Disposition Information: Final outcome of the case, if available, including dismissals, convictions, sentences, or other judicial determinations.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals charged with felonies and certain misdemeanors. These records become part of the official arrest documentation maintained by Lenoir County agencies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lenoir
Under North Carolina law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records maintained in Lenoir County. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest and criminal records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. The authority for expungement is established under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lenoir County include:
Charges Resulting in Dismissal or Not Guilty Verdict: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-146, individuals may petition for expungement if charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict.
First-Time Nonviolent Offenses: Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145, individuals convicted of certain nonviolent misdemeanors or felonies committed before age 22 may qualify for expungement after waiting periods of 5-10 years, depending on the offense classification.
Drug Offenses: N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.2 provides specific provisions for expungement of certain drug offense convictions, particularly for first-time offenders.
Juvenile Records: Records of juvenile proceedings may be eligible for expungement under separate statutory provisions outlined in N.C.G.S. § 7B-3200.
The expungement process in Lenoir County requires filing a petition with the Clerk of Superior Court, payment of filing fees (currently $175 for most petitions), and submission of an affidavit certifying eligibility. The petition is reviewed by a district attorney and ultimately decided by a superior court judge. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to remove records of the arrest from public databases and physical files.
Lenoir County Courthouse
130 South Queen Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (252) 527-2553
North Carolina Judicial Branch
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records in Lenoir County are generally public, several statutory restrictions limit access to certain information. These restrictions are designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable populations. Key limitations include:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000, records pertaining to juvenile arrests and proceedings are confidential and not available for public inspection except by court order.
Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged under applicable North Carolina statutes are removed from public access and agencies are prohibited from disclosing their existence.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld from public disclosure under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4 until the investigation is complete.
Victim Information: Certain identifying information about victims, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence, may be redacted from public records pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4.
Intelligence Information: Records containing sensitive intelligence information that could compromise law enforcement operations if disclosed may be exempt from public records requirements.
Law enforcement agencies in Lenoir County are required to balance public access rights with these statutory protections when responding to requests for arrest records. Requestors may be required to provide identification or certify the purpose of their request when seeking certain types of arrest information.
Search Arrest Records in Lenoir
