Arrest records are public in Davidson County, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Members of the public may access arrest records for various legitimate purposes, including:
The North Carolina Public Records Law stipulates that these records must be made available for inspection during regular business hours. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6, public agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, limited to the actual cost of reproduction.
Davidson County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with North Carolina's commitment to government transparency. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate database that provides current information about individuals in custody. This digital accessibility aligns with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which encourages public agencies to provide records in the most cost-effective and accessible means available.
Online access to arrest records is provided through:
The Davidson County online services portal provides additional access to various public records. While some basic arrest information is available at no cost, comprehensive reports may require payment of statutory fees as authorized under N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(b).
Users should note that while arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personally identifying information as specified in N.C.G.S. § 132-1.10.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Davidson County arrest records. Interested parties may utilize the following methods:
Davidson County Sheriff's Office
2511 East US Highway 64
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: 336-242-2105
Non-Emergency: 336-249-0131
Official Website
The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Visitors may request records in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Proper identification is required, and fees may apply for copies.
Davidson County Courthouse
110 West Center Street
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: 336-242-6700
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Davidson County
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Records may be requested in person or through the North Carolina Court System's online portal.
Online Public Records Request
Davidson County provides an electronic Public Records Request form for obtaining official documents, including arrest records. Requests submitted through this system are processed in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6, which requires fulfillment "as promptly as possible."
For comprehensive criminal history information, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides background check services at:
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27626
Phone: 919-582-8660
Fax: 919-661-5977
Davidson County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by North Carolina law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following elements:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals charged with felonies or certain misdemeanors. These records become part of the official arrest documentation maintained by the Davidson County Sheriff's Office.
It should be noted that arrest records document only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under the American justice system, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
North Carolina law provides mechanisms for the expungement (also called expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. The primary statutes governing expungement in North Carolina include N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in Davidson County under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court. Petitioners must use the standardized forms provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts and pay applicable filing fees, which may be waived for indigent petitioners.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, all records pertaining to the arrest are sealed from public view. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, individuals who receive an expungement may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest or conviction in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain employment in law enforcement or the judiciary.