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North Carolina Arrest Records Online >Cumberland County Arrest Records Online

Cumberland County, North Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cumberland County, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public in Cumberland County, North Carolina, 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 Cumberland County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. Members of the public may access these records for purposes including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information verification. The North Carolina Public Records Law ensures transparency in governmental operations by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving:

  • Ongoing investigations
  • Juvenile records (protected under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000)
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Information that would compromise public safety

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cumberland County?

Cumberland County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with North Carolina's commitment to public information accessibility. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes current inmate information and recent arrest data. This service is provided pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which states that "agencies shall provide access to public records by electronic means when requested."

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts also maintains the Criminal Court Information System, which provides electronic access to court records related to arrests. This system operates under the authority of the North Carolina Judicial Branch and complies with N.C.G.S. § 7A-109, which governs the maintenance and accessibility of court records.

Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Records may not be immediately available following an arrest
  • Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
  • Users may be required to create accounts or pay nominal fees for certain detailed records
  • Electronic records are provided "as is" without warranty of accuracy

How to Look Up Cumberland County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Cumberland County arrest records. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:

Online Access:

In-Person Requests:

  • Cumberland County Sheriff's Office 131 Dick Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 323-1500 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court 117 Dick Street, Suite 100 Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 475-3000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), these requests must be responded to "as promptly as possible." Requests should include:

  • Full name of the subject
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Date or approximate date of arrest
  • Requestor's contact information
  • Purpose of request (optional)

Contents of a Cumberland County Arrest Record

Cumberland County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, which governs the collection and maintenance of arrest data. These records typically include:

Biographical Information:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Gender and race (for identification purposes only)

Arrest Details:

  • Date, time, and location of arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Statutory violations and charges
  • Incident report number
  • Booking number and processing information

Case Processing Information:

  • Magistrate's findings regarding probable cause
  • Initial appearance date and presiding judicial official
  • Bond type and amount (if applicable)
  • Court dates and disposition information
  • Sentence information (if convicted)

Identification Records:

  • Fingerprint classification
  • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
  • Identification numbers (SID, FBI, local agency)

All information contained in these records is collected pursuant to law enforcement procedures established under Chapter 15A of the North Carolina General Statutes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cumberland County

Under North Carolina law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Cumberland County. The expungement process is governed by N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, which provide specific criteria for eligibility based on the nature of the offense, disposition of the case, and the petitioner's criminal history.

Expungement proceedings must be initiated through the Cumberland County Court System. The process requires:

  1. Filing a petition for expungement with the Clerk of Superior Court
  2. Payment of filing fees (currently $175 for most petitions)
  3. Submission of affidavits attesting to good character
  4. Fingerprinting at the Sheriff's Office for verification purposes
  5. Judicial review and determination

Eligibility criteria vary by offense type but generally include:

  • First-time nonviolent misdemeanors (waiting period: 2 years)
  • First-time nonviolent felonies (waiting period: 5-10 years)
  • Charges resulting in dismissal or not guilty verdicts
  • Charges resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
  • Juvenile records (subject to separate procedures under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3200)

Upon granting of an expungement, all public agencies possessing records of the arrest are directed to seal or destroy such records. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, it is unlawful for any person having accessed such records to disclose their existence after expungement.

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