Wilson Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wilson, North Carolina?
Arrest records are public in Wilson, 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 statutory framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and allows citizens to access information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Wilson Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public may request access to arrest records for purposes including background checks, personal information verification, or general public interest. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as permitted under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4.
How to Look Up Wilson Arrest Records in 2025
The Wilson County judicial system offers multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Wilson County Courthouse to submit formal requests for arrest records. The Records Division processes these requests during regular business hours.
Wilson County Courthouse
115 E Nash Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 206-3100
Wilson County Courthouse Official Website
- Wilson Police Department: The Records Division maintains arrest documentation and processes public requests.
Wilson Police Department
120 N Goldsboro Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-2323
Wilson Police Department Official Website
Online Access: The Wilson County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database accessible through their official portal. Users must register for an account and may be subject to nominal processing fees for record retrieval.
Written Requests: Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, citizens may submit written requests via postal mail to the Wilson County Clerk of Court. Requests must include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Standard processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 3-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload. Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2 and are subject to periodic adjustment.
Contents of a Wilson Arrest Record
Wilson County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4C. These official documents typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency identification; badge numbers of arresting officers; and statutory authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed, including North Carolina General Statute references, charge classification (misdemeanor or felony), and charge severity.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, court docket number, and preliminary hearing date if applicable.
Custodial Status: Information regarding bail determination, bond amount, and detention facility location if the individual was remanded to custody.
Photographic Documentation: Standardized booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing, typically including front and profile views.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to collect fingerprints and photographs of individuals charged with felonies, certain misdemeanors, or offenses involving impaired driving. These biometric identifiers become permanent components of the arrest record maintained in both county and state databases.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Wilson
The expungement process in Wilson County provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access. This procedure is governed by North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, which establish eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under various circumstances, including:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Dismissals or findings of "not guilty"
- First-time nonviolent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
- Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood
- Certain drug offenses for individuals under 22 years of age at time of offense
The expungement petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the Wilson County Clerk of Superior Court. Petitioners must provide certified copies of disposition documents, verification of good moral character, and payment of statutory filing fees (currently $175 for most petitions as established by N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.5).
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the Clerk forwards documentation to the Administrative Office of the Courts, which conducts a comprehensive background check to verify eligibility. The District Attorney's office receives notification and may contest the petition within 30 days. If no objections are raised, the presiding judge may grant the expungement without formal hearing.
When expungement is granted, the court issues an order directing all state and local agencies to seal all records pertaining to the arrest, including electronic databases. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, agencies must comply within 30 days of receiving the expungement order. Following successful expungement, individuals may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies.
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