>Chatham County Arrest Records Online

Chatham County, North Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chatham County, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Chatham 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 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."

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records document law enforcement activities within the county jurisdiction and are subject to public disclosure with certain statutory exceptions. Exceptions typically include:

Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
Juvenile records (protected under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000)
Records sealed by court order
Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest

Members of the public seeking access to arrest records must submit requests in accordance with established procedures, which may include completing request forms and paying applicable fees for document reproduction.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chatham County?

Chatham County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The North Carolina Court System has implemented digital court services that allow public access to certain court records, including those related to arrests. The eCourts platform provides a centralized system where members of the public may search for case information using various identifiers.

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate database that is updated regularly. This database includes information on individuals currently in custody, their charges, and booking dates. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety offers an offender search tool that provides information on individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.

Online access to these records is governed by N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which states that "agencies shall provide access to public records by electronic means when requested." However, certain limitations apply regarding the format and extent of electronic access, particularly concerning bulk data requests or records that require redaction.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete arrest records with all associated documentation may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.

How to Look Up Chatham County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Chatham County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available for accessing this information:

Visit the Chatham County Sheriff's Office in person:

Chatham County Sheriff's Office
295 West Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 542-2911
Official Website

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Access the Chatham County Courthouse records department:

Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court
40 East Chatham Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 545-3000

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Utilize the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online resources:
- The Administrative Office of the Courts provides public access terminals at courthouse locations
- Remote access is available through the eCourts portal for basic case information
- Requests for certified copies must be submitted to the Clerk of Court with applicable fees
Submit a written request:
- Prepare a formal written request specifying the information sought
- Include identifying information such as full name and date of birth of the subject
- Submit the request with appropriate identification and payment for any applicable fees

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), public agencies must respond to records requests "as promptly as possible." Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification when requesting records and to pay statutory fees for copies or certified documents.

Contents of a Chatham County Arrest Record

Chatham County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by North Carolina law and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known pseudonyms)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Gender and race identifiers
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing information
- Detention facility information
Criminal charge information:
- Specific statutory violations cited
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case numbers assigned by the court system
- Warrant or citation numbers
Procedural documentation:
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Bail or bond information
- Initial appearance date before judicial official
Photographic and biometric data:
- Mugshot photographs (typically front and profile views)
- Fingerprint records
- Other identifying biometric data collected during processing

These records are maintained in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, which establishes requirements for the collection and maintenance of identification information for persons charged with criminal offenses. The statute specifically authorizes law enforcement agencies to photograph and fingerprint individuals charged with felonies, certain misdemeanors, and impaired driving offenses.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Chatham County

Expungement (also referred to as expunction) is the legal process through which arrest records and related documentation are removed from public access in Chatham County. North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152 govern the expungement process, establishing eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may qualify for expungement under various circumstances:

Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
First-time nonviolent offenses after specified waiting periods
Certain drug offenses committed before age 22
Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood
Records resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File a petition for expungement with the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court
Pay the required filing fee (currently $175 for most petitions)
Obtain and submit a certificate of good standing from the North Carolina Department of Revenue
Provide affidavits confirming good character and absence of other convictions
Submit to a criminal background check conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court forwards the documentation to the State Bureau of Investigation, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the arresting agency for verification of eligibility. If approved, the court issues an order directing all agencies to expunge their records related to the arrest or conviction.

The Chatham/Lee Reentry Council provides assistance to individuals seeking expungement of records. Their services include guidance on eligibility requirements and assistance with completing necessary documentation.

Chatham/Lee Reentry Council
964 East Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (984) 351-0675

Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM