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Oxford Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Oxford, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public documents in Oxford, 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 North Carolina Public Records Law ensures that citizens have access to government records, including arrest records, to maintain transparency in the criminal justice system. Law enforcement agencies in Oxford are required to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection during regular business hours, unless specific statutory exemptions apply. These exemptions may include ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or certain personal identifying information protected by privacy laws.

Residents and non-residents alike may request access to these records without providing a reason for their request. The custodian of records must respond to requests promptly and may only deny access based on specific statutory exemptions.

How to Look Up Oxford Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking arrest records in Oxford, North Carolina. The following methods are available for obtaining these public documents:

  • Oxford Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the department's Records Division. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of available records.

    Oxford Police Department
    101 Main Street
    Oxford, NC 27565
    (919) 603-1100
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Oxford Police Department

  • Granville County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted by county deputies within Oxford city limits and surrounding areas.

    Granville County Sheriff's Office
    525 New Bethal Road
    Oxford, NC 27565
    (919) 693-3213
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Granville County Sheriff

  • Granville County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests, including case dispositions, may be accessed through the Clerk's office.

    Granville County Courthouse
    101 Main Street
    Oxford, NC 27565
    (919) 690-4800
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    NC Judicial Branch - Granville County

  • North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: For comprehensive criminal history information, citizens may submit requests to the SBI's Criminal Information and Identification Section.

    North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
    3320 Garner Road
    Raleigh, NC 27610
    (919) 662-4500
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    NC SBI

Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge the actual cost of reproduction. Identification may be required when requesting records in person, and specific request forms may need to be completed.

Contents of an Oxford Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Oxford law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4E. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos)

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; agency responsible for the arrest

  • Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including North Carolina General Statute references and charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)

  • Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, court case number, and initial appearance date

  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or detention status

  • Photographic Evidence: Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken at the time of processing

  • Property Inventory: List of personal items in the arrestee's possession at the time of arrest

  • Medical Screening Notes: General health status information collected during intake (with certain private medical details redacted in public copies)

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and certain medical information. Additionally, if the arrest is related to an ongoing investigation, portions of the record may be temporarily withheld under investigative exemptions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Oxford

The expungement process in Oxford follows North Carolina state law, specifically N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. Expungement (also called expunction) legally erases arrests and, in some cases, convictions from an individual's record.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Oxford include:

  • Charges Resulting in Dismissal or Not Guilty Verdict: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-146, individuals may petition for expungement if charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict.

  • First-Time Nonviolent Offenses: Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145, certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement after waiting periods ranging from 1-5 years, depending on the offense and the petitioner's age at the time of conviction.

  • Drug Offenses: N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.2 provides specific provisions for expungement of certain drug offense convictions, particularly for first-time offenders under age 22.

  • Juvenile Records: Special provisions exist for the expungement of juvenile records under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3200.

The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:

  1. File a petition for expungement with the Granville County Clerk of Superior Court
  2. Pay the required filing fee (currently $175 for most petitions)
  3. Obtain and submit a criminal background check from the State Bureau of Investigation
  4. Attend a hearing before a Superior Court judge if required

If granted, the expungement order directs all state and local agencies to destroy or seal records pertaining to the arrest or conviction. Following expungement, individuals may legally deny the existence of the expunged record in most circumstances, including on employment applications.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides standardized petition forms for various types of expungements. Legal assistance is recommended but not required for the expungement process.

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