logo
AlamanceRecords.us
Search Public Records
Alamance Public Records / Alamance County Arrest Records

Alamance County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Alamance County

Arrest records in Alamance County are considered public records under North Carolina law. Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132-1), public records include "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."

The Alamance County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. Under state law, these records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions and restrictions apply. It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

  • Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity
  • Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process

North Carolina law enforcement agencies, including those in Alamance County, must balance public access rights with privacy protections. According to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, certain criminal investigation records may be withheld from public disclosure when release would:

  • Interfere with an ongoing investigation
  • Deprive a person of a fair trial
  • Disclose confidential informants
  • Reveal investigative techniques

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves may be public, access procedures and restrictions vary by agency and record type.

What's in Alamance County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Alamance County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Home address
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Circumstances leading to arrest
  • Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance citations
  • Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Charge severity level
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing authority
  • Date issued
  • Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking agency
  • Booking officer
  • Booking number
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type
  • Bond conditions
  • Bond status (posted or not)
  • Release eligibility

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Court outcomes

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
  • Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior criminal history
  • Known associates
  • Vehicle information
  • Employment information
  • Emergency contact information

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and other factors. Records maintained by the Alamance County Sheriff's Office may differ slightly from those kept by municipal police departments within the county, such as the Burlington Police Department.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Alamance County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Alamance County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

  1. Submit a Public Records Request to the Arresting Agency

    • Identify which law enforcement agency made the arrest (Alamance County Sheriff's Office, Burlington Police Department, etc.)
    • Complete the agency's public records request form
    • Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
    • Submit the request in person, by mail, or electronically (if available)

  2. Visit the Alamance County Courthouse

    • Court records related to arrests are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court
    • Visit the courthouse during regular business hours
    • Request assistance from court staff to locate relevant records
    • Be prepared to provide identifying information about the case

Alamance County Courthouse
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
North Carolina Judicial Branch

  1. Contact the Alamance County Detention Center
    • For information about currently incarcerated individuals
    • Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
    • Staff can confirm if someone is in custody and provide basic arrest information

Alamance County Detention Center
109 S Maple Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6300
Alamance County Sheriff's Office

  1. Request Records from the Alamance County Sheriff's Office
    • Submit a formal public records request
    • Specify the information being sought
    • Allow time for processing (response times vary based on request volume)

Alamance County Sheriff's Office
109 S Maple Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6300
Alamance County Sheriff's Office

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge only the actual cost of reproduction and are not permitted to charge for inspection of records.

How To Find Alamance County Arrest Records Online

Alamance County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through various online resources. The following digital platforms currently provide access to arrest-related data:

  1. North Carolina Court System Online Records

    • The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an online portal for accessing court records
    • Navigate to the North Carolina Court System website
    • Select "Court Records" from the available options
    • Use the search function to locate cases by name, case number, or other identifiers
    • Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition

  2. Alamance County Sheriff's Office Website

    • Visit the Alamance County Sheriff's Office official website
    • Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
    • Enter the name of the individual being searched
    • Review available information about current detainees

  3. North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search

    • Access the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offender search tool
    • Enter the name or other identifying information of the individual
    • Review information about current inmates, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders
    • Note that this database primarily contains information about individuals serving state sentences

  4. Municipal Police Department Websites

    • Some municipal police departments within Alamance County maintain their own online resources
    • Visit the Burlington Police Department website for information about arrests within city limits
    • Check for daily arrest reports or booking logs that may be published online

When using online resources to access arrest records, users should be aware of several important considerations:

  • Online records may not be comprehensive or complete
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
  • Some information may be redacted or limited compared to official records
  • Verification of online information through official channels is recommended for critical matters

For the most accurate and complete arrest record information, direct contact with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court is advised.

How To Search Alamance County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Alamance County arrest records have several options available. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

  1. In-Person Inspection at Law Enforcement Agencies
    • Visit the Alamance County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
    • Request to inspect public arrest records
    • Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6, public agencies must allow inspection of public records at no charge
    • Note that while inspection is free, copying fees may apply if you request physical copies

Alamance County Sheriff's Office
109 S Maple Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6300
Alamance County Sheriff's Office

  1. Court Record Inspection at the Courthouse
    • Visit the Alamance County Courthouse
    • Request to view court records related to arrests
    • Use public access terminals to search for cases
    • Court staff can assist with locating relevant records

Alamance County Courthouse
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
North Carolina Judicial Branch

  1. Online Resources

  2. Public Library Access

    • Visit local public libraries in Alamance County
    • Use public computers to access online resources
    • Library staff may be able to assist with navigating public records databases

When searching for arrest records at no cost, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:

  • Staff availability may affect wait times for in-person inspection
  • Some records may require specific identification to access
  • Complex or extensive searches may be more efficiently conducted through formal requests
  • While inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply if copies are needed

Under North Carolina law, specifically N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge only the actual cost of reproduction for public records and cannot charge for the inspection of records.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Alamance County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Alamance County follows North Carolina state law regarding expungement and record sealing. It is important to understand the distinction between these two legal remedies:

  • Expungement (legal erasure): The complete removal of a criminal record from public view and official databases
  • Sealing (restricting public access): The record remains in existence but is not accessible to the general public

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-146, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances:

  1. Eligibility Criteria for Expungement

    • Charges that were dismissed
    • Findings of not guilty or not responsible
    • Certain first-time nonviolent offenses after waiting periods
    • Certain youthful offender convictions
    • Identity theft victims (when someone else committed crimes using your identity)
    • Certain drug offenses for individuals under 22 years of age

  2. Expungement Process

    • Obtain the appropriate petition form from the Alamance County Clerk of Court
    • Complete the petition with accurate information about the arrest and case
    • File the petition with the Clerk of Superior Court
    • Pay any required filing fees (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
    • Attend any scheduled court hearings regarding the petition
    • If granted, the court will issue an order for expungement

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
North Carolina Judicial Branch

  1. After Expungement is Granted
    • The court will send the expungement order to relevant agencies
    • Agencies must remove the records from public access
    • The individual may legally deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware of several important considerations:

  • Not all arrest records qualify for expungement
  • The process can take several months to complete
  • Legal assistance is recommended but not required
  • Certain government agencies may still have access to expunged records
  • Multiple offenses may have different eligibility requirements

For complex cases or situations where eligibility is unclear, consultation with a licensed attorney is advisable. Additionally, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides information and forms related to the expungement process.

What Happens After Arrest in Alamance County?

Following an arrest in Alamance County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by North Carolina state law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

  1. Arrest and Booking

    • The individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
    • Transportation to the Alamance County Detention Center or local police station
    • Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, personal information collection
    • Personal property inventory and temporary storage
    • Medical screening may be conducted

  2. Initial Appearance

    • Appearance before a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest
    • Formal notification of charges
    • Determination of probable cause
    • Initial bail/bond decision
    • Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants

  3. Pretrial Release Determination

    • Magistrate or judge sets conditions for release
    • Options include:
      • Release on personal recognizance
      • Secured bond (requiring payment)
      • Unsecured bond (promise to pay if terms violated)
      • House arrest or electronic monitoring
      • Detention without bond for certain serious offenses

  4. First Appearance Hearing

    • Held within 96 hours of arrest for felonies or within 48 hours for domestic violence cases
    • Formal reading of charges
    • Review of pretrial release conditions
    • Confirmation of legal representation
    • Setting of next court date

  5. Case Processing

    • For Misdemeanors:
      • Arraignment in District Court
      • Plea negotiations
      • Trial in District Court
      • Right to appeal to Superior Court for trial de novo (new trial)
    • For Felonies:
      • Probable cause hearing in District Court
      • Grand jury indictment
      • Arraignment in Superior Court
      • Pretrial motions and hearings
      • Plea negotiations
      • Trial in Superior Court

  6. Disposition Options

    • Dismissal of charges
    • Diversion programs (for eligible offenses)
    • Guilty plea
    • Trial verdict (guilty or not guilty)

  7. Sentencing (if convicted)

    • Presentence investigation may be conducted
    • Sentencing hearing
    • Possible outcomes include:
      • Probation
      • Incarceration in county jail (sentences under 90 days)
      • Incarceration in state prison (longer sentences)
      • Fines and restitution
      • Community service

  8. Post-Conviction

    • Right to appeal within specified timeframes
    • Probation supervision if applicable
    • Incarceration if ordered
    • Payment of fines, fees, and restitution

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The North Carolina Judicial Branch oversees court proceedings, while the Alamance County Sheriff's Office manages detention facilities for those awaiting trial or serving sentences under 90 days.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Alamance County?

Arrest records in Alamance County are maintained according to North Carolina's records retention schedules as established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 121-5, which governs public records management, law enforcement agencies must follow specific retention periods for different types of records.

The Local Government Records Retention Schedule establishes the following retention periods for arrest-related records:

  1. Arrest Reports and Booking Records

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after disposition
    • Non-criminal arrests: 3 years after disposition

  2. Criminal Identification Files

    • Fingerprints, photographs, and other identification materials
    • Retained permanently for felony arrests
    • Retained for 5 years for misdemeanor arrests

  3. Incident/Investigation Reports

    • Felony cases: 20 years
    • Misdemeanor cases: 5 years
    • Unsolved cases: Retained until resolved or statute of limitations expires

  4. Warrant and Arrest Processing Records

    • Served warrants: 3 years after disposition
    • Unserved warrants: Until served or recalled

  5. Jail Records

    • Inmate case files: 5 years after release or discharge
    • Jail incident reports: 5 years
    • Visitor logs: 1 year

Different agencies within Alamance County may maintain records for varying periods based on their specific functions:

It is important to note that even after the mandatory retention period expires, agencies may choose to maintain records for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be retained indefinitely due to minimal storage costs.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
  • Maintains documentation for accountability and transparency
  • Provides historical information for law enforcement investigations
  • Supports statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access before the expiration of retention periods must pursue legal remedies such as expungement as outlined in North Carolina law.

How to Find Mugshots in Alamance County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Alamance County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are considered public records under certain circumstances.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. Typically, these photographs include:

  • Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
  • Side profile (lateral) view of the arrestee
  • Identifying information such as booking number or date
  • Height measurement markers in the background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Alamance County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Alamance County have several options:

  1. Submit a Public Records Request
    • File a formal request with the arresting agency
    • Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
    • Provide a reason for the request (though not legally required)
    • Be prepared to pay reproduction fees if applicable

Alamance County Sheriff's Office
109 S Maple Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6300
Alamance County Sheriff's Office

  1. Visit the Law Enforcement Agency in Person
    • Go to the records division during regular business hours
    • Request assistance with locating specific booking photographs
    • Provide identifying information about the arrest

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some jurisdictions publish booking photographs online, Alamance County law enforcement agencies have varying policies regarding online mugshot publication:

  • The Alamance County Sheriff's Office may include booking photos in their online inmate search function
  • Some municipal police departments may publish recent arrest information including photographs
  • Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may have obtained and published these images

It is important to note that information found on non-official websites may be inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For the most accurate and current booking photographs, direct requests to the arresting agency are recommended:

  1. Identify which agency made the arrest
  2. Contact their records division by phone or in person
  3. Provide specific information about the arrest (name, date, charges)
  4. Follow their procedures for requesting copies of photographs
  5. Pay any applicable fees for reproduction

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrestees (under 18 years) have protected records under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
  • Ongoing investigations may result in temporary withholding of photographs
  • Expunged records will no longer include accessible mugshots
  • Certain sensitive cases may have restricted access

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware of the potential impact of sharing or publishing these images, as they can affect reputation, employment opportunities, and privacy even when the arrested person was not convicted of a crime.

Lookup Arrest Records in Alamance County

Alamance County Sheriff's Office

Public Records Request Portal

Burlington Police Department

North Carolina Court Records Search

North Carolina Offender Search Database

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