>Dare County Arrest Records Online

Dare County, North Carolina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dare County, North Carolina?

Yes, arrest records are public in Dare County, North Carolina. This accessibility is governed by the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1), which establishes that records created or received by public agencies in the course of conducting public business are the property of the people. Law enforcement agencies in Dare County, including the Dare County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, maintain arrest records that are accessible to the public. The statute specifically designates these records as public documents unless explicitly exempted by law, thereby ensuring governmental transparency and accountability to citizens.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dare County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Dare County through several official channels. The North Carolina Court System has implemented eCourts services that allow members of the public to access certain court records electronically. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction provides criminal offender searches that include information about county jail inmates. These digital resources are part of North Carolina's ongoing efforts to modernize record-keeping systems and improve public access to information pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which encourages agencies to provide records in the most cost-effective and accessible means available.

How to Look Up Dare County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Dare County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize the following official channels:

Visit the Dare County Sheriff's Office: Records may be requested in person at the main office.

Dare County Sheriff's Office
962 Marshall C. Collins Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 475-5980
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Dare County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed through the clerk's office.

Dare County Courthouse
962 Marshall C. Collins Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 475-9100
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Dare County Court Information
North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: The AOC maintains the Court Records database that includes Dare County arrest information.
Online Request Forms: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(a), agencies may provide electronic request forms for public records. Check the Dare County government website for current online request options.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(b), which allows agencies to charge actual costs for duplication of records.

Contents of a Dare County Arrest Record

Dare County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information as mandated by North Carolina law enforcement standards. These records generally include:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer and agency
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint records
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Residential address at time of arrest
Booking number and case identification
Initial appearance information and bail determination
Detention facility information if applicable

The content of these records is standardized in accordance with the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network protocols and the requirements set forth in N.C.G.S. § 15A-502 regarding arrest procedures. Law enforcement agencies in Dare County maintain these records in both physical and digital formats to ensure proper documentation of all arrest activities.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Dare County

In Dare County, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under North Carolina law. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. The eligibility criteria and procedures are governed by N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.

Eligibility factors typically include:

Nature of the offense (certain violent or sexual offenses may be ineligible)
Disposition of the case (dismissals, not guilty verdicts, or certain completed sentences)
Time elapsed since the arrest or completion of sentence
Absence of subsequent criminal convictions
Age of the individual at the time of offense

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court
Payment of filing fees (currently $175 as prescribed by statute)
Obtaining an SBI background check
Serving the petition on the District Attorney's office
Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court

If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all agencies, including the Dare County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to seal or destroy all records of the arrest. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, individuals whose records have been expunged may lawfully deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain employment in law enforcement or the judiciary.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process can be complex and may benefit from legal assistance. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides forms and information regarding the expungement process.

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