Lee County, North Carolina Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County, North Carolina?
Arrest records are public in Lee County, North Carolina, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which establishes the state's Public Records Law. This statute 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 Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may access these records during normal business hours at:
Lee County Sheriff's Office
1401 Elm Street
Sanford, NC 27330
919-775-5531
Lee County Sheriff's Office
The North Carolina Public Records Law supports governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records created by public agencies, including those documenting arrests made within the county jurisdiction.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lee County?
Arrest records for Lee County can be accessed online through several official channels. The Lee County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current inmate information through their online portal. Additionally, the North Carolina Judicial Branch offers electronic access to court records related to arrests through their eCourts system, which has been implemented in Lee County.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2(a), public agencies are required to provide records in any medium requested if the agency can reasonably make such a copy. This provision has facilitated the transition to online record availability. The Lee County eCourts system allows for remote access to arrest-related court documents, which can be accessed at:
Lee County Courthouse
1400 S. Horner Boulevard
Sanford, NC 27330
919-718-6300
Lee County eCourts Information
Third-party aggregator websites also compile and provide access to Lee County arrest records, though the accuracy and currency of information on these platforms may vary. For the most current and accurate information, members of the public are advised to utilize official county and state resources.
How to Look Up Lee County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Lee County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, which states that "every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision."
The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:
In-person requests at the Lee County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office during public counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) to request arrest record information.
Lee County Detention Facility: Records related to current inmates can be obtained directly from the detention facility.
Lee County Detention Facility
1401 Elm Street
Sanford, NC 27330
919-718-4567
Lee County Detention FacilityLee County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Clerk's office.
Lee County Clerk of Superior Court
1400 S. Horner Boulevard
Sanford, NC 27330
919-718-6300
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Lee CountyOnline Court Records Portal: The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides electronic access to court records through their online portal.
Court Date Information: Information about scheduled court appearances related to arrests can be found through the official court date search tool.
When requesting records, requestors must provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and, if available, the case or booking number.
Contents of a Lee County Arrest Record
Lee County arrest records contain standardized information as required by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4C. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Name and jurisdiction of the arresting agency
- Booking photograph (mugshot) of the individual
- Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
- Demographic information including:
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Distinguishing physical characteristics such as scars, marks, or tattoos
- Residence address at time of arrest
- Booking number and processing information
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled
These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-502, which mandates the collection of identifying information for individuals charged with criminal offenses. The completeness of information may vary based on the nature of the arrest and the stage of the criminal justice process.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lee County
Under North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-146, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Lee County. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lee County include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or finding of not guilty
- First-time nonviolent offenses after specified waiting periods
- Charges resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
- Certain juvenile offenses
- Certain drug offenses for individuals under age 22 at time of offense
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition for expungement with the Lee County Clerk of Superior Court
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $175 as of 2025, unless waived by the court)
- Obtain and submit a certificate of good character signed by three individuals
- Submit to a criminal background check conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation
- Attend a hearing before a judge, if scheduled
Petitions must be filed at:
Lee County Courthouse
1400 S. Horner Boulevard
Sanford, NC 27330
919-718-6300
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-151, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the courts for limited purposes, including consideration in subsequent proceedings. However, these records are removed from public access and individuals may legally deny the existence of expunged arrests in most circumstances.
Search Arrest Records in Lee County
