> >Elizabeth Arrest Records

Elizabeth Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Elizabeth, North Carolina?

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, arrest records are public in Elizabeth, North Carolina. This accessibility is governed by the North Carolina Public Records Law which mandates the availability of such documents to uphold transparency and accountability within the judicial system. The 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 Elizabeth City Police Department maintains these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may access these records during normal business hours at the department headquarters or through designated online portals. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts further supports this accessibility through their statewide database systems.

How to Look Up Elizabeth Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain information on arrest records in Elizabeth, multiple resources are available for public use. While some options may be online, it is crucial to verify each source for its credibility and up-to-date information. Here are the methods to search for arrest records in Elizabeth:

Visit the Elizabeth City Police Department where the arrest was made, as they maintain records of all arrests conducted within their jurisdiction.

Elizabeth City Police Department
302 East Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 335-4321
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Check with the Pasquotank County Courthouse, as they archive case files and arrest details linked to legal proceedings.

Pasquotank County Courthouse
206 East Main Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 331-4600
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Utilize public access terminals available at the Pasquotank County Public Library or government buildings that offer direct access to local arrest databases.

Pasquotank County Public Library
100 East Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 335-2473
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit a formal public records request to the Elizabeth City Clerk's Office in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6, which requires public agencies to provide access to public records "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision."

Elizabeth City Clerk's Office
306 East Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 337-6800
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contents of an Elizabeth Arrest Record

An Elizabeth arrest record typically includes the following information as mandated by N.C.G.S. § 15A-502:

Full legal name and any aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Detailed description of the charges filed against the individual, including statute numbers
Arresting agency information and badge number of the arresting officer
Booking number and detention facility location
Mugshot photograph of the arrested individual
Fingerprints of the arrested individual
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Case disposition information if available
Bond amount and conditions of release
Court dates associated with the case

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, certain information may be withheld if it would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or reveal confidential informants. Additionally, juvenile records (under age 18) are generally not public under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000 unless specifically ordered by the court.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Elizabeth

In Elizabeth, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records from public access under certain conditions pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152. The eligibility for expungement generally depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the individual's subsequent legal history.

The following criteria typically apply for expungement consideration:

Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts may be eligible for immediate expungement
First-time nonviolent misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after waiting periods of 5-10 years, depending on the offense
First-time nonviolent felony convictions may be eligible after a 10-15 year waiting period
Certain drug offenses committed before age 22 have specific expungement provisions
Individuals must have no subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period

The process requires filing a petition (AOC-CR-280 form) with the Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court, payment of filing fees (currently $175 as of 2025), and may require a hearing before a judge. The petition must include:

Certified copies of the charge and disposition
Affidavits certifying good moral character
Statements from the district attorney's office
Verification of no outstanding warrants or pending charges

Upon approval, the court will issue an order directing all state and local agencies to expunge their records of the arrest. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, it is unlawful for any person having accessed an expunged record to disclose the existence of such record.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Elizabeth, North Carolina law imposes certain restrictions on their accessibility and use. N.C.G.S. § 15A-150 prohibits employers from inquiring about expunged arrests and convictions during the hiring process. Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) at the federal level restricts how consumer reporting agencies can report arrest records, generally limiting reporting to seven years.

The Elizabeth City Police Department and other agencies may redact certain information from arrest records before public release, including:

Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Information about confidential informants
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Medical information protected under HIPAA
Information about victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence
Information about juveniles involved in the case

Requestors seeking arrest records must comply with established procedures and may be required to pay reasonable fees for copying and administrative costs as permitted under N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Elizabeth may utilize arrest records as part of background screening processes, subject to certain legal restrictions. The North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act and federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines require that employers consider the nature and gravity of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and the nature of the job sought when making employment decisions based on arrest records.

Organizations conducting background checks using Elizabeth arrest records must:

Obtain written consent from the individual before conducting the check
Provide pre-adverse action notice if negative information may affect the decision
Allow the individual to dispute inaccurate information
Provide final adverse action notice if a negative decision is made
Comply with all provisions of the FCRA and state privacy laws

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in civil penalties and private causes of action against the organization conducting the background check.