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Wake County Criminal Records

What Is Wake County Criminal Records

Wake County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Wake County, North Carolina. These records are created and maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §132-1, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal offense within Wake County jurisdiction.

The primary custodians of these records include:

These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system and beyond, including informing judicial decisions, supporting law enforcement investigations, and providing information for background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and other authorized entities.

Are Criminal Records Public In Wake County

Criminal records in Wake County are generally considered public records in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. §132-1 et seq.). This statute establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are the property of the people. Consequently, members of the public have the legal right to inspect, examine, and obtain copies of most criminal records maintained by Wake County agencies.

The following types of criminal records are typically accessible to the public:

  • Court records related to criminal proceedings
  • Arrest records and booking information
  • Conviction records
  • Incarceration records
  • Probation and parole information

However, certain exceptions and limitations apply to public access:

  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  • Juvenile records are generally confidential under N.C.G.S. §7B-3000
  • Records that have been expunged pursuant to N.C.G.S. §15A-145 through §15A-152
  • Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest in disclosure

The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains most court-related criminal records, while arrest records may be accessed through the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services. Individuals seeking access to these records must follow established procedures and may be required to pay reasonable fees for copies or certified documents.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Wake County in 2025

Wake County residents and other interested parties may access criminal records through several official channels. The methods available in 2025 reflect both traditional in-person services and enhanced digital access options implemented by county and state agencies.

For in-person searches, individuals may visit:

  • Wake County Courthouse Records Division
    316 Fayetteville Street, Room 1000
    Raleigh, NC 27601
    919-792-4100
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Wake County Court Records

Requestors should be prepared to provide:

  • Full name of the subject (including aliases)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Case number (if known)
  • Valid government-issued photo identification

For remote access, several online resources are available:

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §7A-308, fees apply for certain record searches and certified copies. As of 2025, the standard fee for a criminal record check is $25 per name searched, while certified copies of court documents cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.

How To Find Criminal Records in Wake County Online?

Wake County has established several digital platforms that enable members of the public to conduct criminal record searches online. These resources provide convenient access to various types of criminal records without requiring an in-person visit to government offices.

The primary online resources include:

  • North Carolina Court System Public Records Search
    This comprehensive database allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or attorney. The system provides access to case summaries, hearing dates, and disposition information. Users may access this service through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.

  • Wake County Arrest Records Database
    The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services maintains an online portal that provides access to arrest records and booking photos for arrests occurring in Wake County since April 27, 2007. This database is updated daily and includes demographic information, charges, and booking photos.

  • North Carolina Offender Public Information Search
    For information about individuals currently serving sentences or under supervision, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains a searchable database with records dating back to 1972.

Users should note that pursuant to N.C.G.S. §132-1.4, certain information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations. Additionally, the most comprehensive criminal history information, including records from multiple jurisdictions, requires a formal background check through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Can You Search Wake County Criminal Records for Free?

Limited free access to Wake County criminal records is available through several government resources. These no-cost options provide basic information but may not include comprehensive criminal history data.

Free resources include:

  • The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers a basic court record search function that allows users to view case information, including criminal cases filed in Wake County. This service provides case numbers, charges, and court dates but does not include detailed case documents.

  • The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services maintains a free public database of arrest records and booking photos for arrests occurring in Wake County since 2007.

  • The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction provides free access to information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision.

For more comprehensive searches, fees apply:

  • Certified criminal record checks through the Wake County Clerk of Court cost $25 per name searched, as established by N.C.G.S. §7A-308.

  • Statewide criminal history reports from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety cost $14 per search.

  • Expedited or enhanced search services may incur additional fees.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §132-6.2, government agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the actual cost of providing copies of public records, but inspection of records must generally be permitted without charge during regular business hours.

What's Included in a Wake County Criminal Record?

Wake County criminal records contain standardized information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes §15A-1340.14 and related provisions.

A typical Wake County criminal record includes:

  • Demographic information (name, date of birth, address, physical description)
  • Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency, charges)
  • Case processing details (court dates, continuances, attorney information)
  • Disposition information (guilty/not guilty findings, dismissals, deferrals)
  • Sentencing data (incarceration periods, probation terms, fines, community service)
  • Post-conviction information (probation violations, completion of terms)

For felony convictions, additional information may include:

  • Prior record level calculations pursuant to N.C.G.S. §15A-1340.14
  • Aggravating and mitigating factors considered in sentencing
  • Special conditions imposed by the court

Records maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch typically include court proceedings and outcomes, while the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services maintains arrest and booking information. For comprehensive criminal history information, including records from multiple jurisdictions, individuals should consult the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

What Are the Penalties for a Wake County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass charges in Wake County are prosecuted under North Carolina General Statutes §14-159.12 and §14-159.13, which establish different degrees of the offense based on the nature of the property and circumstances of the trespass.

First-degree trespass (N.C.G.S. §14-159.12) occurs when an individual enters or remains on premises clearly marked against trespass. This offense is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor and carries the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 60 days of incarceration
  • Fine up to $1,000
  • Possible probation with conditions
  • Restitution for any property damage

Second-degree trespass (N.C.G.S. §14-159.13) involves entering or remaining on premises after being notified not to enter or remain. This offense is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor with penalties including:

  • Up to 20 days of incarceration
  • Fine up to $200
  • Possible community service

Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:

  • Trespass on certain government facilities
  • Trespass with a deadly weapon
  • Repeat offenses
  • Trespass committed in conjunction with other criminal acts

Cases are typically heard at the:

Wake County Courthouse
316 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-792-4000
Wake County Courthouse

Individuals charged with criminal trespass in Wake County may be eligible for deferred prosecution programs or conditional discharge under N.C.G.S. §15A-1341, particularly for first-time offenders.

How Long Does Wake County Keep Criminal Records?

Wake County maintains criminal records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention Schedule and relevant state statutes. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the case.

For court records, the following retention periods generally apply:

  • Felony case records: Permanent retention
  • Misdemeanor case records: Minimum of 10 years after final disposition
  • Traffic violations: 3-5 years after final disposition
  • Expunged records: Removed from public access pursuant to court order under N.C.G.S. §15A-145 through §15A-152

Law enforcement records maintained by the Wake County Sheriff's Office typically follow these retention guidelines:

  • Arrest records: Minimum of 20 years
  • Investigation reports for unsolved felonies: Permanent retention
  • Investigation reports for solved cases: Retained until final disposition plus 5-20 years depending on severity

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains offender records dating back to 1972, while the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services provides online access to arrest records since April 2007.

Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may be eligible for expungement under various North Carolina statutes, including N.C.G.S. §15A-145 for first-time offenders and N.C.G.S. §15A-146 for charges resulting in dismissal or findings of not guilty.

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