Spring Lake Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Spring Lake, North Carolina?
Yes, arrest records are public in Spring Lake, North Carolina. This accessibility is governed by 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." Arrest records maintained by the Spring Lake Police Department and Cumberland County Sheriff's Office fall under this definition and are therefore available to the public. These laws promote transparency and accountability in governance, allowing citizens to obtain information on arrests that have occurred within their community.
How to Look Up Spring Lake Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Spring Lake have several methods available to them. The following options are particularly beneficial for those conducting background checks or researching legal histories:
- Visit the Spring Lake Police Department: Individuals may visit the police department in person to request arrest records. The department maintains records of arrests made within town limits.
Spring Lake Police Department
300 Ruth Street
Spring Lake, NC 28390
(910) 436-0350
Spring Lake Police Department Records
- Cumberland County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement in the Spring Lake area, records may be obtained from the Sheriff's Office.
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
131 Dick Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 323-1500
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
- Cumberland County Courthouse: The Clerk of Court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in court proceedings.
Cumberland County Courthouse
117 Dick Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 475-3000
- Town Clerk's Office: The Spring Lake Town Clerk serves as the custodian of public records and can assist with record requests.
Spring Lake Town Clerk
300 Ruth Street
Spring Lake, NC 28390
(910) 436-0241
Town Clerk's Office
- Online Public Access Systems: Pursuant to North Carolina's commitment to public information accessibility, some arrest records may be available through the North Carolina Court System's public portal.
Contents of a Spring Lake Arrest Record
Arrest records in Spring Lake, North Carolina typically contain the following information as mandated by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed description of the alleged offense, including applicable North Carolina General Statute violations
- Arresting agency information, including officer identification
- Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
- Demographic information including:
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Last known address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Case disposition information, if available
- Bail or bond amount set
- Court dates scheduled
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which protects sensitive information in criminal investigations and proceedings.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Spring Lake
In Spring Lake, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-146. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrests and, in some cases, convictions from public records. This process is generally available to those who:
- Were arrested but not convicted of a crime
- Were convicted of certain first-time nonviolent offenses
- Were convicted of certain offenses while under the age of 18 or 21, depending on the offense
- Meet specific criteria set forth by North Carolina law regarding waiting periods and subsequent criminal history
To pursue expungement, the petitioner must file the appropriate forms with the Clerk of Superior Court in Cumberland County. The petition is then reviewed by a judge who determines whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all state and local agencies to expunge their records of the arrest or conviction. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-150, upon receiving an expungement order, agencies must remove all public-facing records related to the expunged arrest or conviction and ensure they do not appear in background checks.
The Administrative Office of the Courts provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, which must be completed accurately and include all required supporting documentation. Filing fees may apply, though fee waivers are available for indigent petitioners under certain circumstances.
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