Jacksonville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Jacksonville, North Carolina?
Arrest records in Jacksonville, North Carolina are public documents 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 generated by law enforcement agencies, including those documenting arrests, are accessible to members of the public.
The North Carolina Public Records Law mandates that public agencies maintain transparency in their operations. This transparency requirement extends to the Jacksonville Police Department and other law enforcement entities operating within the jurisdiction. The underlying principle of this legislative mandate is to foster governmental accountability and enable citizens to monitor the activities of public officials and agencies.
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records in Jacksonville may obtain such information through designated channels established by relevant governmental entities, subject to certain statutory exemptions and privacy considerations.
How to Look Up Jacksonville Arrest Records in 2025
Jacksonville residents seeking arrest record information have multiple avenues available through both digital platforms and in-person services. The following methods represent the primary means by which members of the public may access arrest records in Jacksonville:
- Jacksonville Police Department Records Division: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records directly to the police department's records division. The Jacksonville Police Department maintains comprehensive documentation of arrests conducted within city limits.
Jacksonville Police Department
200 Marine Boulevard
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone: (910) 455-4000
Jacksonville Police Department Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court: The clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings within the county jurisdiction.
Onslow County Courthouse
625 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone: (910) 478-3600
Onslow County Courts Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Jacksonville City Clerk's Office: The City Clerk serves as custodian of municipal records and can facilitate access to certain public documents, including arrest records generated by city agencies.
Jacksonville City Hall
815 New Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone: (910) 938-5224
City Clerk Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: The SBI maintains a centralized criminal history database that includes arrest information from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Jacksonville.
Online Public Records Request Portal: The City of Jacksonville maintains an electronic system through which citizens may submit formal requests for public records, including arrest documentation.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, public agencies must provide access to records "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision." Requestors may be required to submit identification and pay applicable fees for document reproduction or certification.
Contents of a Jacksonville Arrest Record
Jacksonville arrest records typically contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These official documents generally include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying physical characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency conducting the arrest; and statutory authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of North Carolina General Statutes or Jacksonville Municipal Code for which the individual was arrested, including citation of relevant statutory provisions.
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting, photographing (mugshot), and assignment of booking identification numbers.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: Ultimate resolution of the case, which may include dismissal, conviction, acquittal, or other judicial determinations.
Warrant Information: If applicable, details regarding the issuance of arrest warrants, including the issuing judicial officer and date of issuance.
It should be noted that pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals arrested for felonies and certain misdemeanors. These records become part of the official arrest documentation maintained by the Jacksonville Police Department and other relevant agencies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Jacksonville
Under North Carolina law, certain individuals may petition for expungement (also referred to as expunction) of arrest records maintained by Jacksonville law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest and criminal records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152 establish the statutory framework governing expungement eligibility and procedures. The following categories of individuals may qualify for expungement of Jacksonville arrest records:
- Individuals arrested but not convicted (charges dismissed or finding of not guilty)
- First-time nonviolent offenders who have completed their sentences
- Individuals convicted of certain offenses committed before age 18 or 22, depending on the offense
- Individuals with convictions for offenses that have been decriminalized
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Onslow County Courthouse. Required forms include:
Onslow County Courthouse
625 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone: (910) 478-3600
Onslow County Courthouse Information
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Petitioners must submit:
- Petition for Expunction (AOC-CR-287)
- Affidavit of Good Character (for certain expungements)
- Certified copy of disposition in the case
- Filing fee (may be waived for indigent petitioners)
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the District Attorney's Office, which may contest the petition. If the court grants the expungement, orders will be issued to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, directing them to seal or destroy such records pursuant to statutory requirements.
Successful expungement removes arrest records from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as authorized by statute. Individuals granted expungements may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including employment applications.
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