Wake County Criminal Records

What Is Wake County Criminal Records

Wake County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Wake County, North Carolina. These records include arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentences. They are maintained by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court and the Wake County Sheriff's Office.

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

Wake County Sheriff's Office: 330 S. Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601

These records serve as an official history of a person's interactions with the criminal justice system in Wake County and are used by law enforcement, courts, employers, and the general public for various purposes.

Are Criminal Records Public In Wake County

Yes, criminal records in Wake County are considered public records under North Carolina law. This means that most criminal records are accessible to anyone who requests them, with some exceptions for sealed or expunged records.

The North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132) establishes that records created by government agencies, including court records, are generally available for public inspection. This transparency allows citizens to monitor the functioning of the criminal justice system.

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

However, certain records may be restricted, such as those involving juveniles, certain domestic violence cases, or records that have been expunged or sealed by court order.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Wake County in 2025

In 2025, Wake County offers several methods to access criminal records:

1. Online Access: The North Carolina Court System's eCourts platform allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or citation number.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court office to request criminal records in person.

3. Mail Requests: Submit a written request to the Clerk's office with the required information and fees.

4. Wake County Sheriff's Office: For arrest records specifically, contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division.

Wake County Courthouse: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

To conduct a search, you'll need the individual's full name and, ideally, their date of birth or other identifying information to ensure accurate results. Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies of records.

How To Find Criminal Records in Wake County Online?

Finding Wake County criminal records online has become increasingly accessible through several digital platforms:

1. North Carolina Judicial Branch Website: The official court system website offers the eCourts platform where you can search for criminal cases.

North Carolina Judicial Branch: 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

2. Wake County Sheriff's Office Website: Provides access to current inmate information and some arrest records.

3. North Carolina Department of Public Safety: Offers the Offender Public Information Search for convicted offenders.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety: 512 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27604

4. Third-Party Background Check Services: Various commercial websites offer criminal record searches, though these may require fees and may not be as up-to-date as official sources.

When searching online, it's best to have the person's full name and, if possible, their date of birth to narrow down results and avoid confusion with individuals who have similar names.

Can You Search Wake County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, there are free options for searching Wake County criminal records, though they may have limitations:

1. North Carolina Court System's Public Access Terminal: Available at the courthouse for free searches.

2. NC Courts eCourts Portal: Basic case information can be accessed for free, though detailed documents may require fees.

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

3. Wake County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: Free access to current inmate information.

4. North Carolina Offender Public Information Search: Free access to information about convicted offenders.

North Carolina Department of Correction: 831 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603

While basic searches are often free, there are typically fees for obtaining copies of actual court documents or certified records. Additionally, the free resources may not provide as comprehensive information as paid services or official record requests.

What's Included in a Wake County Criminal Record?

A typical Wake County criminal record contains comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, including:

1. Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, and sometimes physical description.

2. Arrest Information: Dates of arrests, arresting agencies, and charges.

3. Court Case Details: Case numbers, filing dates, court locations, and presiding judges.

4. Charge Information: Specific criminal charges, statutes violated, and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony).

5. Case Disposition: Outcomes of cases, including dismissals, plea agreements, or trial verdicts.

6. Sentencing Information: Penalties imposed, including incarceration, probation, fines, or community service.

7. Compliance Status: Information about completion of sentences or ongoing obligations.

Records are maintained by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court and may be accessed through their office or various online platforms.

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

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

In Wake County, criminal trespass charges are categorized based on severity, with varying penalties:

1. First-Degree Trespass (Class 2 misdemeanor):

   • Up to 60 days in jail
   • Fines up to $1,000
   • Possible probation

2. Second-Degree Trespass (Class 3 misdemeanor):

   • Up to 20 days in jail
   • Fines up to $200
   • Possible probation

3. Domestic Criminal Trespass (Class 1 misdemeanor):

   • Up to 120 days in jail
   • Higher fines
   • Potential protective orders

Wake County District Attorney's Office: 300 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Penalties can be enhanced for repeat offenders or if the trespass involves aggravating factors such as property damage, presence of weapons, or trespassing in certain protected locations. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or deferred prosecution in some cases.

How Long Does Wake County Keep Criminal Records?

Wake County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are expunged through a court order. North Carolina state law does not provide for automatic expungement or sealing of records after a certain period.

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

However, certain individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement under specific circumstances:

1. First-time nonviolent offenses: May be eligible after waiting periods ranging from 1-15 years, depending on the offense.

2. Dismissed charges or not guilty verdicts: Can often be expunged more quickly.

3. Juvenile records: May be sealed or expunged under different rules than adult records.

The North Carolina Second Chance Act, effective December 2020, expanded expungement eligibility for certain offenses, but the process still requires filing a petition with the court and meeting specific criteria.

Wake County Courthouse: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Without expungement, criminal records remain accessible to the public indefinitely through various county and state databases.

Lookup Criminal Records in Wake County

For comprehensive access to Wake County criminal records, the following official resources provide reliable information:

• Wake County Court Information - Official portal for Wake County court services, locations, and eCourts access.

• Wake County Arrest Records - Official source for arrest records maintained by Wake County Government.

• North Carolina Court Records - Information on obtaining court records, background checks, and expungement procedures.

• Wake County eCourts Information - Details on electronic court services and resources in Wake County.

• NC Criminal Offender Searches - Tools for searching criminal offenders in North Carolina's system.

These resources provide official information directly from government agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Wake County.