Arrest records are public documents in Albemarle, 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." This statute ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the right to access information about arrests made within the jurisdiction.
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office and the Albemarle Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests in accordance with established procedures. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the general arrest information remains accessible to the public.
Individuals seeking to access arrest records in Albemarle have several official channels available. The primary methods for obtaining these public documents include:
In-person requests at the Albemarle Police Department located at 155 W. South Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (704) 984-9500.
Visiting the Stanly County Sheriff's Office at 223 S 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (704) 986-3700.
Submitting requests to the Stanly County Clerk of Superior Court at 201 S 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (704) 986-7000.
Utilizing the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts public access portal, which provides limited information on criminal cases and proceedings.
Requesting certified copies of court records related to arrests, which may require payment of statutory fees as outlined in N.C.G.S. § 7A-308.
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the person of interest, approximate date of arrest, and if possible, the case or booking number. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying services, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Albemarle typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Detailed information regarding the arrest, including date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
The nature and classification of the alleged offense(s), including statutory citations and offense severity (misdemeanor or felony).
Identity of the arresting agency and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Booking information, including mugshot photographs, fingerprint records, and unique booking identification numbers.
Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts set, conditions of release if applicable, and detention facility location.
Preliminary court information, such as arraignment dates, assigned court, and initial plea entered.
These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including facilitating proper identification of individuals, documenting law enforcement actions, and providing essential information for court proceedings. Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals charged with certain offenses, and these materials become part of the official arrest record.
The expungement process in Albemarle allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152 govern the expungement procedures, eligibility requirements, and effects of expungement orders.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Albemarle vary based on several factors:
The formal expungement procedure involves:
Upon granting of an expungement order, all records pertaining to the arrest, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the State Bureau of Investigation, are sealed from public view. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, entities receiving expungement orders must comply within a specified timeframe, typically 30 days from receipt of the order.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides standardized petition forms for various types of expungements, which are available at the Stanly County Courthouse or online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.