logo
WakePublicRecords.org
Search Public Records
Wake Public Records / Wake County Arrest Records

Wake County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wake County

Yes, arrest records in Wake County are public information under North Carolina public records laws. These records document when someone is taken into custody by law enforcement and are maintained by the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services.

The public can access these records through several methods:

  • Online through the Wake County Criminal Arrest Records Portal
  • In person at the Wake County Sheriff's Office
  • Through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court's Office

Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, 330 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

While arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy, and some records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances.

What's in Wake County Arrest Records

Wake County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's arrest, including:

  • Full legal name and aliases
  • Date of birth and physical description
  • Photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Charges filed
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking information
  • Case numbers
  • Court dates
  • Disposition of the case (if available)

These records are maintained by the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division and the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court.

Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division, 330 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Wake County Clerk of Superior Court, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wake County in 2025

To look up arrest records in Wake County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Online Portal: Use the Wake County Criminal Arrest Records Portal, which provides free access to arrest records.

  2. In Person: Visit the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours.

  3. Court Records: Check with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court for case information.

  4. Third-Party Websites: Various background check services offer arrest record searches, though these may charge fees and might not have the most current information.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to use official county resources.

How To Find Wake County Arrest Records Online

Finding Wake County arrest records online is straightforward through these official channels:

  1. Wake County Criminal Arrest Records Portal: This free resource allows you to search by name, date of birth, or booking number.

  2. North Carolina Court System: Search court records related to arrests.

    • Visit the NC Courts website
    • Use the public case search function
    • Enter the individual's name

  3. Wake County Sheriff's Office Website: May provide information on recent arrests and bookings.

North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

Can You Search Wake County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Wake County arrest records for free through several official channels:

  1. Wake County Criminal Arrest Records Portal: This official county website provides free access to arrest records and mugshots.

  2. Wake County Clerk of Superior Court: You can search basic case information for free, though there may be fees for obtaining copies of documents.

  3. Wake County Sheriff's Office: Basic information may be available for free on their website or in person.

While free options exist, they may have limitations:

  • Records may not be comprehensive
  • Older records might not be digitized
  • Some detailed information may require fees
  • Search capabilities might be limited

For more comprehensive searches, paid services are available, but the basic arrest record information is accessible at no cost through county resources.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Wake County

In Wake County, arrest records can't be "deleted" but may be eligible for expungement (also called expunction) under specific circumstances. Expungement removes the record from public view, though some agencies may still have access.

Steps to pursue expungement:

  1. Determine Eligibility: North Carolina law allows expungement for:

    • Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
    • First-time nonviolent offenses after waiting periods
    • Certain juvenile records
    • Some drug offenses

  2. File a Petition: Submit the appropriate petition form to the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court.

  3. Pay Filing Fee: Current fees are approximately $175, though fee waivers may be available.

  4. Attend Hearing: If required by the court.

  5. Wait for Processing: If granted, the expungement process takes several months to complete.

Legal assistance is highly recommended for navigating this complex process. The North Carolina Legal Aid offers resources for those who cannot afford an attorney.

North Carolina Legal Aid, 224 S. Dawson Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

What Happens After Arrest in Wake County?

After an arrest in Wake County, the process typically follows these steps:

  1. Booking: The arrested person is taken to the Wake County Detention Center where they are:

    • Photographed and fingerprinted
    • Personal information is recorded
    • Personal belongings are inventoried
    • Medical screening is conducted

  2. Initial Appearance: Within 24-48 hours, the arrestee appears before a magistrate who:

    • Informs them of charges
    • Sets bail or conditions of release
    • Appoints an attorney if needed

  3. First Appearance: For felonies, a first appearance in court occurs within 96 hours where:

    • Charges are formally read
    • Bail may be reviewed
    • Future court dates are set

  4. Pre-trial Proceedings: May include:

    • Discovery
    • Motion hearings
    • Plea negotiations

  5. Resolution: The case concludes through:

    • Dismissal of charges
    • Plea agreement
    • Trial and verdict

Throughout this process, the individual has constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation.

Wake County Detention Center, 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wake County?

Wake County arrest records are typically kept indefinitely unless they are expunged through court order. The retention policies follow North Carolina state guidelines:

  • Active Records: Maintained in easily accessible databases
  • Archived Records: Older records may be moved to archives but are still preserved
  • Juvenile Records: Have special protections and may be sealed automatically when the individual turns 18, depending on the offense

Even if a case results in dismissal or acquittal, the arrest record remains unless expunged. This is why expungement is important for those who qualify, as it removes the record from public access.

Digital records have made long-term retention easier, meaning that even decades-old arrest records may be accessible through various databases maintained by the Wake County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

How to Find Mugshots in Wake County

Mugshots in Wake County can be accessed through several official channels:

  1. Wake County Criminal Arrest Records Portal: The most direct way to find mugshots online.

    • Navigate to the portal
    • Accept the terms and conditions
    • Search by name or booking number
    • View and download available mugshots

  2. In Person: Visit the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division to request mugshot copies.

  3. Public Records Request: Submit a formal request to the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services.

It's important to note that while mugshots are public records, their use is regulated. Using mugshots for commercial purposes, especially "mugshot websites" that charge for removal, may be restricted under North Carolina law.

Some mugshots may not be available if:

  • The record has been expunged
  • The person was a juvenile at the time of arrest
  • The case involves certain sensitive matters

Lookup Arrest Records in Wake County

For comprehensive access to Wake County arrest records, use these official resources:

Other Categories in North Carolina
Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records