Onslow County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Onslow County
Arrest records in Onslow County are considered public information under the North Carolina Public Records Law, specifically North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1. This statute defines public records as "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."
It is important for members of the public to understand 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. An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.
- Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings in a court of law.
The Onslow County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. While these records are generally accessible to the public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile information pursuant to § 7B-3000 of the North Carolina General Statutes, which restricts access to juvenile records.
What's in Onslow County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Onslow County Sheriff's Office and the Detention Division typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency in documentation across law enforcement agencies. Standard arrest records in Onslow County include:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged offenses
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Serving officer
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Court location
- Assigned judge (if known)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility housing the individual
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Known aliases
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with North Carolina law enforcement standards and protocols.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Onslow County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Onslow County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval to accommodate various needs and preferences.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
717 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-3113
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
When requesting arrest records in person, requestors should:
- Complete the official public records request form available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name of individual, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (currently $5.00 per record)
- Allow processing time as determined by the complexity of the request
For those unable to visit in person, written requests may be submitted via:
- Email: public_records@onslowcountync.gov
- Mail: Onslow County Sheriff's Office, Records Division, 717 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540
- Fax: (910) 455-8629
The county also offers an online public records portal where requestors can:
- Create a user account
- Submit detailed record requests
- Track the status of pending requests
- Receive electronic copies of approved records
- Pay any applicable fees securely online
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies must respond to public records requests "as promptly as possible." Complex requests may require additional processing time. Requestors should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records in accordance with applicable privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions.
How To Find Onslow County Arrest Records Online
Onslow County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with North Carolina public records laws.
The primary online resource for arrest records is the Onslow County Public Records Request Portal. This system allows users to:
- Submit specific requests for arrest records
- Provide necessary identifying information
- Receive digital copies of requested records
- Track request status through completion
For current inmate information, the Detention Division maintains an inmate lookup system accessible through the Sheriff's Office website. This database provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Scheduled court dates
- Bond amounts
- Charges
The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers additional online resources through its court record systems. The public can access:
- The North Carolina Court System's Criminal Background Check portal
- Case information through the Court Records search function
- Court calendars showing scheduled appearances
For individuals seeking information about current state prison inmates, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction provides an Offender Search database that includes:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Projected release dates
- Offense information
- Supervision status for those on probation or parole
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Some records may require additional verification
- Certain information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Complex searches may require assistance from records personnel
These digital resources represent the county's commitment to transparency while balancing privacy considerations in accordance with North Carolina law.
How To Search Onslow County Arrest Records for Free?
Onslow County provides several no-cost options for accessing arrest records in compliance with North Carolina public records statutes. These free resources ensure that financial constraints do not impede public access to information.
The most comprehensive free resource is the public access terminal located at:
Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court
625 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 478-3600
Onslow County Courts
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
At this terminal, members of the public may:
- Search criminal case records without charge
- View basic arrest information
- Access court calendars and case status
- Print limited pages (fees may apply for extensive printing)
The North Carolina Judicial Branch website offers free online access to:
- Criminal court records
- Case status information
- Court calendars
- Basic defendant information
For current inmate information, the public can utilize:
- The Detention Division inmate lookup system
- The state Offender Search database
Additionally, the Onslow County Sheriff's Office provides:
- Free public inspection of non-confidential arrest records during regular business hours
- Basic arrest information via telephone for specific inquiries
- Limited information about recent arrests on their website
When utilizing these free resources, requestors should:
- Be prepared to provide specific information about the records sought
- Present valid identification when accessing in-person terminals
- Understand that while inspection is free, copy fees may apply per § 132-6.2
- Recognize that some information may be redacted or limited
These free access points fulfill the county's obligation under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1 to provide reasonable public access to records while maintaining necessary security protocols.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Onslow County
In North Carolina, including Onslow County, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific statutory provisions. These legal processes restrict public access to records rather than physically destroying them.
Expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) are distinct processes:
- Expungement: The legal process that treats the arrest as if it never occurred. Records are removed from public view and individuals may legally deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances.
- Sealing: The process of restricting public access to records while maintaining them for limited official use.
Under North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-146, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- First-time nonviolent offenses after waiting periods (typically 5-15 years depending on offense type)
- Certain misdemeanors committed before age 18 or 21 (depending on offense)
- Certain drug offenses for first-time offenders
- Identity theft victims whose names were used by another person arrested or convicted of a crime
The expungement process in Onslow County requires:
- Filing a petition with the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court
- Paying applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
- Obtaining an SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) background check
- Attending a hearing before a judge (in some cases)
- Waiting for judicial review and determination
If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to seal records related to the arrest, including:
- Court records
- Law enforcement records
- Detention facility records
- State Bureau of Investigation records
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that:
- The process typically takes 3-6 months to complete
- Some records may remain in private databases despite expungement
- Certain government agencies may still access expunged records for specific purposes
- Expungement eligibility rules change periodically through legislative action
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides forms and information about expungement eligibility and procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Onslow County?
Following an arrest in Onslow County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by North Carolina state law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
-
Initial Custody and Transport: After arrest, individuals are transported to the Onslow County Detention Center located at 717 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC.
-
Booking Process: The arrestee undergoes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
-
Magistrate Appearance: Within 24-48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Sets initial bail conditions
- Informs the individual of charges
- Determines pretrial release eligibility
-
Pretrial Release Determination: Based on factors including:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
-
First Appearance Hearing: For felony charges, occurs within 96 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) at the Onslow County Courthouse. At this hearing:
- Formal charges are read
- Right to counsel is addressed
- Bail may be reviewed
- Future court dates are scheduled
-
Probable Cause Hearing: For felonies, typically held within 15-30 days to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed.
-
Grand Jury Indictment: For felonies, the case is presented to the Onslow County Grand Jury, which meets in closed session to determine if probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
-
Arraignment: The formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
-
Discovery Process: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense.
-
Pretrial Motions and Hearings: Legal issues addressed before trial.
-
Plea Negotiations: Discussions between prosecution and defense that may result in:
- Guilty plea to original charges
- Guilty plea to reduced charges
- Dismissal of some charges
- Sentencing recommendations
-
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (for most felonies and some misdemeanors)
-
Sentencing: Following conviction, sentencing is determined based on:
- North Carolina Structured Sentencing Guidelines
- Criminal history
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Victim impact statements
-
Post-Conviction: May include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Appeal process
- Payment of fines, restitution, and court costs
Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record accessible through the North Carolina Judicial Branch systems, subject to any applicable confidentiality provisions.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Onslow County?
Arrest records in Onslow County are maintained according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, as mandated by North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5 and § 132-8. These statutes establish the legal framework for records management across all government agencies in the state.
The retention periods for arrest records vary based on record type and disposition:
-
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 20 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest
-
Criminal Identification Records (fingerprints, photographs, etc.):
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 20 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 21, then destroyed unless transferred to adult system
-
Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Felony cases: 20 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Unfounded/unsubstantiated: 3 years
-
Investigation Case Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 20 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
-
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Different agencies within Onslow County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- The Onslow County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigation files
- The Detention Division maintains custody and booking records
- The Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to criminal cases
These retention periods ensure that records are available for:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Prosecution of related cases
- Background checks for employment and licensing
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Historical documentation and research
Records that have met their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures, unless they are subject to a legal hold due to pending litigation or ongoing investigation. Expunged records follow separate protocols as outlined in North Carolina expungement statutes.
How to Find Mugshots in Onslow County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Onslow County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the detention system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) view
- A profile (side) view
- A booking information placard or number
- Date of booking
- Agency identification
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Onslow County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Onslow County Sheriff's Office - Detention Division
717 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-3113
Detention Division
Operating hours: Records requests accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request specifically for booking photographs through the Onslow County Records Request system
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable reproduction fees
Can They Be Found Online
The Onslow County Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of booking photographs. Unlike some jurisdictions, Onslow County does not publish current mugshots on its official website as a matter of policy.
Limited booking photograph information may be available through:
- Third-party websites that aggregate public records (not officially affiliated with Onslow County)
- News media websites that may publish mugshots related to significant cases
- The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for individuals currently serving state sentences
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining authentic booking photographs is through the official records request process:
- Complete the public records request form available through the Onslow County Public Records Portal
- Specify that you are seeking booking photographs
- Provide all required identifying information
- Submit payment for reproduction costs
- Allow processing time as determined by the complexity of the request
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records (under age 18) are generally not public records
- Ongoing investigations may limit release of certain booking photographs
- Expunged records will not include accessible booking photographs
- Certain sensitive cases may have restricted access
- Records may be redacted to protect confidential information
Requestors should note that while mugshots are generally considered public records under North Carolina law, their use and publication may be subject to other legal considerations, including privacy laws and commercial use restrictions.
Lookup Arrest Records in Onslow County
Sheriff's Office Records Division
Detention Center Inmate Information
North Carolina Offender Search Database