Kernersville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kernersville, North Carolina?
Arrest records are public documents in Kernersville, 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." This statutory framework ensures that records created by government agencies, including those documenting arrests, remain accessible to the public. The transparency serves the dual purpose of maintaining governmental accountability and providing citizens with information about law enforcement activities within their community.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kernersville should be aware that while these documents are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with state law. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and Kernersville Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties and must comply with public records requests in a timely manner as specified under North Carolina law.
How to Look Up Kernersville Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Kernersville, North Carolina. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods to obtain these public documents:
- Kernersville Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records directly from the Kernersville Police Department by submitting a formal records request. The department maintains records of all arrests made within municipal boundaries.
Kernersville Police Department
134 East Mountain Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Phone: (336) 996-3177
Kernersville Police Department Official Website
- Forsyth County Sheriff's Office: As the primary law enforcement agency for the county, the Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for the entire jurisdiction, including Kernersville.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
301 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 727-2112
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Official Website
- Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court: The Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
200 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 779-6300
Forsyth County Clerk of Court Official Website
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: The SBI maintains a statewide database of arrest records that can be accessed through proper channels.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: (919) 662-4500
NC SBI Official Website
- Online Court Information System: The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers an online portal where users can search for criminal cases and related arrest information.
Contents of a Kernersville Arrest Record
Arrest records in Kernersville contain standardized information as mandated by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4, which governs criminal history record information. These official documents typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any documented aliases or nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency; names and badge numbers of arresting officers; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including North Carolina General Statute references, charge classification (misdemeanor or felony), and charge severity.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released on bail, the bail amount, court dates, and any preliminary hearing outcomes.
Agency Information: Official identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest and the detention facility where the individual was processed.
Incident Report References: Case numbers and references to associated incident reports that provide additional context regarding the circumstances of the arrest.
The North Carolina Department of Justice maintains standards for the collection and storage of this information pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 114-10, which authorizes the State Bureau of Investigation to establish and maintain a criminal statistics bureau.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kernersville
The expungement process in Kernersville follows North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, which provide legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that vary based on the nature of the offense, case disposition, and time elapsed since the arrest or conviction.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has established a standardized procedure for expungement petitions. This process requires:
- Filing a petition for expungement with the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
- Payment of the required filing fee (currently $175 as of 2025, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308)
- Submission of an Affidavit of Good Character signed by two individuals not related to the petitioner
- Verification that all court costs, fines, and restitution have been paid in full
- Completion of any probation, parole, or supervised release requirements
- Certification that the petitioner has no other pending criminal charges
Upon receipt of a completed petition, the Clerk forwards the documentation to the State Bureau of Investigation for verification of eligibility. The SBI conducts a comprehensive criminal background check to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Following this review, the petition is returned to the court with a recommendation. If approved by a Superior Court judge, an Order of Expungement is issued directing all state agencies to remove records of the arrest from public databases and physical files.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-151, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the courts for limited purposes, including consideration in subsequent criminal proceedings and sentencing decisions.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court - Criminal Division
200 North Main Street, Room 223
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 779-6310
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Forsyth County Criminal Court Official Website
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