Newport Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Newport, North Carolina?
Arrest records in Newport, North Carolina are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which defines public records as "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 North Carolina Public Records Law establishes that these records must be made available for inspection by any person upon request, unless specifically exempted by statute. Exemptions may apply to records that are part of an ongoing investigation or those sealed by court order. Additionally, certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect individual privacy while still maintaining the public nature of the arrest documentation.
Law enforcement agencies in Newport maintain these records as part of their official duties and are required to provide reasonable access during regular business hours. The public nature of these records serves the dual purpose of ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and allowing citizens to remain informed about law enforcement activities within their community.
How to Look Up Newport Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Newport have multiple avenues available for accessing this information. The following official channels provide reliable access to arrest documentation:
Carteret County Sheriff's Office 304 Craven Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-8400 Carteret County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive records of arrests within its jurisdiction, including those occurring in Newport. Individuals may request records in person during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM). Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the arrest in question, including the name of the individual and approximate date of arrest.
Newport Police Department 255 Howard Boulevard Newport, NC 28570 (252) 223-5111 Newport Police Department
For arrests made by municipal officers, the Newport Police Department maintains separate records. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated online portals. A nominal fee may apply for document reproduction in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge actual costs for duplication.
Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court 300 Courthouse Square Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 504-4400 Carteret County Courts
Court records related to arrests, including charging documents and disposition information, are maintained by the Clerk of Court. These records may be accessed through public terminals at the courthouse during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
Online Access Options
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides a statewide database through which arrest records may be searched. Additionally, Carteret County maintains an online inmate search function that displays current detention status and basic arrest information. Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, and certain older records may require in-person requests.
Contents of a Newport Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Newport law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4E. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
- Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Detention status and bail information
- Court appearance dates
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals charged with felonies, certain misdemeanors, or impaired driving offenses. These biometric identifiers become part of the arrest record and may be shared with state and federal criminal justice information systems.
It should be noted that while arrest records document the fact of an arrest, they do not constitute proof of guilt. Under North Carolina law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and arrest records should be interpreted with this fundamental legal principle in mind.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Newport
The State of North Carolina provides statutory mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged (also referred to as "expunction") from public access. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Newport and throughout Carteret County include:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Dismissals or findings of not guilty
- First-time nonviolent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
- Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood
- Certain drug offenses committed before age 22
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in Carteret County. Standard forms are prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts and must be accompanied by:
- Certified copy of the arrest record
- Affidavit from the petitioner attesting to eligibility
- Verification of no pending criminal matters
- Payment of filing fees (currently $175 as of 2025, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's office receives notification and may contest the petition if grounds exist. If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all state agencies to remove records of the arrest from public access. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, it is unlawful for any person with knowledge of an expunged record to disclose its existence.
Individuals should be aware that certain expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and the court system for limited purposes, though they are removed from public view. Additionally, federal agencies may retain records even after state expungement has been granted.
Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court - Expungements 300 Courthouse Square Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 504-4400 Carteret County Courts
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