Alamance County Criminal Records

What Is Alamance County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Alamance County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1340.16, which establishes the framework for criminal proceedings documentation in the state.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:

• Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes a person into custody, including booking information and mugshots
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas
• Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
• Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
• Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older (generally public)
• Juvenile Records: Criminal proceedings for minors under 18 (typically sealed and confidential)
• Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest or apprehension
• Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions

Multiple agencies maintain different components of Alamance County's criminal records system. The Alamance County Sheriff's Office manages arrest records, jail records, and active warrants. The Alamance County Courthouse maintains case files, court proceedings, and disposition records. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation oversees statewide criminal history information, while local police departments maintain their own arrest and incident reports.

A comprehensive criminal record typically includes documentation of:

• Charges filed
• Arraignment proceedings
• Plea information
• Trial records
• Sentencing details
• Probation and parole information

These records serve essential functions in the criminal justice system, providing historical documentation of proceedings while enabling public transparency and accountability.

Are Criminal Records Public In Alamance County

Criminal records in Alamance County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1. This statute establishes that "public records and public information are the property of the people" and should be accessible for inspection by any person, with limited exceptions.

The law specifically states: "The public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."

While many criminal records are publicly accessible, important exceptions exist:

• Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are typically restricted until the investigation concludes
• Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
• Juvenile Records: Criminal proceedings involving minors are generally confidential under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000
• Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
• Certain Victim Information: Details that could compromise victim safety may be redacted

Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and basic arrest information are typically available for public inspection. The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains court records that are accessible to the public, while the Alamance County Sheriff's Office provides access to certain law enforcement records.

Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, specific privacy protections and procedural requirements may apply to certain categories of information.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Alamance County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Alamance County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
336-570-5200
Alamance County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

To conduct an in-person search:

1. Complete a records request form available at the public counter
2. Provide the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
3. Pay applicable search fees (currently $25 for certified copies)
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification
5. Allow 3-5 business days for processing comprehensive record searches

For mail requests:

1. Submit a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate timeframe of the case
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
3. Enclose a money order for applicable fees
4. Mail to the Clerk of Court address listed above

The Alamance County Sheriff's Office maintains separate records related to arrests, incarcerations, and active warrants:

Alamance County Sheriff's Office
109 S Maple Street
Graham, NC 27253
336-570-6300
Alamance County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For comprehensive criminal history information, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides statewide record checks:

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

Requestors should note that certain records may require court orders or specific authorization for release, particularly those involving juvenile proceedings or expunged cases.

How To Find Criminal Records in Alamance County Online?

Alamance County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person searches, though the scope of available information varies by system.

The North Carolina Court System maintains the primary online portal for court records:

1. North Carolina Judicial Branch Public Records Search

   • Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
   • Select "Court Records Search" from the main navigation
   • Choose "Criminal Record Search" from the available options
   • Enter the individual's name (last name, first name format)
   • Narrow results by selecting Alamance County from the jurisdiction dropdown
   • Review the list of matching cases, which includes case numbers, filing dates, and charge information
   • Note that detailed case documents typically require in-person requests

2. Alamance County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

   • Navigate to the Alamance County Sheriff's Office website
   • Select "Inmate Search" from the services menu
   • Enter the individual's name in the search field
   • Results display current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information
   • This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals

3. North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search

   • Access the NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search
   • Enter the individual's name and other identifying information
   • Review results showing state prison records, probation status, and release information
   • This database includes only individuals who have been in state custody

4. North Carolina Sex Offender Registry

   • Visit the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry through the Sheriff's Office website
   • Search by name or location to identify registered sex offenders in Alamance County
   • Results include photographs, addresses, and offense information

Users should be aware that online systems may require registration or impose usage limitations. Additionally, the most comprehensive and current records often require direct contact with the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office. Some sensitive or sealed records are intentionally excluded from online databases in accordance with state privacy laws.

Can You Search Alamance County Criminal Records for Free?

Alamance County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge only the "actual cost" of reproduction for public records, and inspection of records must be permitted at no charge.

Free in-person inspection is available at:

Alamance County Courthouse
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
336-570-5200
Alamance County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitors may review public case files at computer terminals in the Clerk's office without charge. Staff assistance for locating specific records is provided at no cost, though printing or certified copies incur nominal fees.

Free online resources include:

1. North Carolina Judicial Branch Public Records Search

   • Basic case information is available without charge
   • No registration required for standard searches
   • Includes case numbers, filing dates, charges, and disposition information
   • Access via the North Carolina Judicial Branch website

2. Alamance County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup

   • Current jail population information available without fee
   • Includes booking date, charges, and bond information
   • Access through the Sheriff's Office website

3. North Carolina Offender Public Information Search

   • State prison and probation records accessible without charge
   • Includes conviction information and custody status
   • Available through the Department of Adult Correction

While basic record inspection is free, fees apply for:

• Certified copies of court documents ($25 per document)
• Background checks conducted by law enforcement ($15-25)
• Expedited search services
• Records requiring extensive staff research time

Requestors should note that while inspection is free, identification is still required to access certain records, and some sensitive information may be redacted from publicly viewable documents in accordance with privacy laws.

What's Included in a Alamance County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Alamance County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-502, which establishes requirements for criminal record documentation.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number
• Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior)
• Filing date
• Formal charges and corresponding statute numbers
• Classification of offenses (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Court appearance dates
• Pretrial motions and rulings

Disposition Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length
  • Probation terms
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI offenses
• Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case complexity and stage of proceedings. Records maintained by the Alamance County Sheriff's Office focus primarily on arrest and detention information, while the Alamance County Courthouse maintains comprehensive case proceedings and disposition records.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, victim identifying information in certain cases, and information sealed by court order.

How Long Does Alamance County Keep Criminal Records?

Alamance County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. These schedules are mandated under North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5, which governs public records preservation.

The retention periods for various criminal record components are as follows:

Court Records:

• Felony case files: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
• Traffic cases: 3 years after case closure
• Domestic violence cases: 25 years after case closure
• Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
• Search warrants: 2 years after execution
• Grand jury indictments: Permanent retention
• Court calendars and dockets: 3 years

Law Enforcement Records:

• Arrest reports: 20 years
• Incident reports: 5 years
• Investigation case files (felonies): 20 years
• Investigation case files (misdemeanors): 5 years
• Sex offender registration information: Permanent
• Jail booking records: 10 years
• Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
• 911 call recordings: 30 days (longer if part of investigation)

Probation and Parole Records:

• Probation case files: 10 years after completion
• Parole records: 10 years after completion
• Pre-sentence investigation reports: 10 years

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records—particularly those related to serious felonies—are maintained permanently by the Alamance County Clerk of Court and the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Digital conversion has extended the practical retention of many records beyond their scheduled destruction dates. Additionally, even after physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, basic case information often remains accessible in electronic databases maintained by the North Carolina Department of Justice.

Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access immediately upon receipt of the expungement order, regardless of standard retention schedules.

Lookup Criminal Records in Alamance County

Alamance County Sheriff's Office

Alamance County Court Records

North Carolina Criminal Offender Searches

Background Checks Through NCSBI

North Carolina Legal & Justice Resources