Arrest records in Pasquotank County, North Carolina are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created or received by government agencies in the course of public business are the property of the people. The law specifically includes arrest records within the definition of public records, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations and maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose for seeking the information, as the law does not require individuals to state a reason for their request.
The Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation. The North Carolina General Statutes further stipulate that custodians of public records must provide access to these documents during regular business hours and at reasonable times. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under specific exemptions outlined in N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, such as information that might compromise an ongoing investigation or reveal the identity of an informant.
Pasquotank County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides electronic access to court records, including information related to arrests, through their online portal. This system allows users to search for records by name, case number, or other identifying information.
The Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests that is updated regularly. This resource includes basic information about individuals who have been arrested, including names, charges, and booking dates. For comprehensive searches, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offers an Offender Public Information Search tool that provides information on current inmates, probationers, and parolees.
Digital access to these records is governed by the same public records laws that apply to physical documents. However, certain limitations may exist regarding the completeness of online records, particularly for cases that predate digital record-keeping systems. In such instances, requestors may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Pasquotank County have multiple methods available to them. Each method offers different advantages depending on the specific information needed and the urgency of the request.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office
200 E. Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 338-2191
Official Website
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pasquotank County Courthouse
206 E Main Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 331-4600
Official Website
Courthouse hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
For online access, requestors may utilize:
When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records but cannot charge for inspection of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's office or website.
Pasquotank County arrest records contain standardized information as required by North Carolina law. These documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
The level of detail in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which allows law enforcement agencies to withhold information that could compromise investigative efforts.
For arrests resulting in formal charges, additional documentation may be available through the Pasquotank County Courthouse, including indictments, court proceedings, and final dispositions. These supplementary records provide context for understanding the complete criminal justice process following an arrest.
North Carolina law provides mechanisms for the expungement (also called expunction) of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. In Pasquotank County, this process is governed by various statutes within Chapter 15A of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-146, individuals may petition for expungement if:
Additional expungement opportunities exist under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-145.9 for certain first-time offenders, youthful offenders, and in cases involving specific types of offenses. The waiting period for eligibility varies based on the offense type and disposition.
To initiate an expungement in Pasquotank County, petitioners must:
If granted, an expungement order directs all state agencies to remove records of the arrest from public databases and prohibits private entities from disseminating information about the expunged record. However, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for limited purposes as specified by statute.