Onslow County Criminal Records
What Is Onslow County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Onslow 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 § 132-1, which 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."
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of specific charges.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records are sealed and confidential under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal proceedings.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Onslow County:
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
717 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-3113
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Anne Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 478-3600
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Onslow County
The Clerk's Office maintains court case records, dispositions, and sentencing information.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 662-4500
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
The SBI maintains statewide criminal history information and fingerprint records.
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Onslow County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Onslow County
Criminal records in Onslow County are generally considered public information under North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1 through § 132-10. This statute establishes that "the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people."
The law specifically states that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law." This provision ensures that members of the public have the right to access and inspect criminal records maintained by government agencies in Onslow County.
However, important exceptions and restrictions apply to public access:
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Adult Convictions and Court Proceedings: Records of adult criminal convictions and court proceedings are generally accessible to the public.
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Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which states that "records of criminal investigations conducted by public law enforcement agencies" are not public records until the investigation is complete or has been otherwise terminated.
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Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not available to the public. This includes cases that have been expunged pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152.
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Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age are confidential and not available to the public under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000, which states that "all juvenile records shall be withheld from public inspection."
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Sensitive Personal Information: Certain personal identifying information may be redacted from public records to protect privacy, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide database of criminal history information that is accessible to the public with certain restrictions. Local agencies in Onslow County, including the Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Superior Court, maintain their own records systems that are accessible according to state law and local policies.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Onslow County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Onslow County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Onslow County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records being sought.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records (fees vary based on document type and number of pages).
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
717 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-3113
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
Court Records Requests:
- Visit the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a request form for criminal court records, providing the case number if available, or the individual's full name and date of birth.
- Pay applicable fees for copies of court documents.
Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Anne Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 478-3600
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Onslow County
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court).
- Include specific information about the records being sought, including names, dates, case numbers if available.
- Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
Written requests may be submitted via mail or through the Onslow County Records Request portal.
State-Level Criminal History Checks:
For comprehensive criminal history information that may include records from multiple counties in North Carolina:
- Submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
- Complete the required forms and provide fingerprints if necessary.
- Pay the required fee (currently $14 for a name-based check).
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 processing times vary depending on the agency and the complexity of the request. Some records may require additional verification or review before release, particularly if they contain sensitive information or are subject to specific disclosure restrictions.
How To Find Criminal Records in Onslow County Online?
Onslow County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by county and state agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
North Carolina Court System - Public Case Search:
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a comprehensive online database that includes Onslow County criminal cases.
- Visit the North Carolina Court System Public Case Search portal.
- Select "Onslow" from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or attorney.
- Review results, which include case types, filing dates, charges, and case status.
This database contains information on criminal, civil, and traffic cases but does not include complete case files or documents.
Onslow County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool for individuals currently in custody.
- Navigate to the Onslow County Sheriff's Office website.
- Select the "Inmate Search" option.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View current custody status, charges, and bond information.
This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals and does not provide historical arrest records.
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search:
For information on individuals currently under state supervision:
- Access the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search portal.
- Enter the individual's name or offender ID number.
- Review information on current inmates, probationers, and parolees.
This database includes individuals serving sentences in state prisons or under community supervision.
North Carolina Sex Offender Registry:
To search for registered sex offenders in Onslow County:
- Visit the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
- Select "Onslow" from the county dropdown or enter a specific address.
- Review detailed information about registered offenders, including photographs, addresses, and offense information.
Online Record Request Portal:
For records not available through the above databases:
- Access the Onslow County Records Request portal.
- Complete the online form specifying the records needed.
- Submit payment for any applicable fees.
- Receive records electronically when available.
Users should note that some online systems require registration or the creation of an account. Additionally, certain sensitive records may not be available online and may require in-person requests. The information available through these portals is generally limited to publicly accessible records and excludes sealed, expunged, or confidential records.
Can You Search Onslow County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6(a), "Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law." This statute establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.
Onslow County residents and other interested parties may access criminal records free of charge through several methods:
Free In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Anne Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 478-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Onslow County
Visitors may use public terminals to search court records and may view case information without charge. Printing or obtaining certified copies incurs fees.
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
717 Court Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-3113
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Onslow County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office allows inspection of certain public records at no cost, though staff assistance may be limited based on availability.
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
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North Carolina Court System Public Case Search: This free portal allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or attorney. The system provides basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and disposition information.
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Onslow County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: This free database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including charges and bond amounts.
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North Carolina Offender Public Information Search: The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains a free database of current inmates and individuals under community supervision.
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North Carolina Sex Offender Registry: This free statewide database allows searches for registered sex offenders by location, including those residing in Onslow County.
While inspection of records is generally free, fees apply for copies, certified documents, and comprehensive background checks. Current fees include:
- Standard copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies of court documents: $5.00 per document
- Criminal history checks through the Sheriff's Office: $15.00
- Statewide criminal history checks through SBI: $14.00
Agencies may waive fees in certain circumstances, such as for indigent individuals or when the request serves a public interest. Fee waivers must be requested in writing with appropriate documentation.
What's Included in a Onslow County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Onslow County agencies contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph when available
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arrest circumstances and incident reports
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
- Charging documents and statutes violated
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Hearing dates and continuances
- Pretrial motions and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution orders
- Special conditions (community service, treatment programs)
- Appeal information and outcomes
- Probation or parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation or parole status reports
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Expungement or record sealing information
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the maintaining agency. Court records maintained by the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court focus primarily on case proceedings and outcomes, while records from the Onslow County Sheriff's Office emphasize arrest and detention information.
Criminal records are subject to various retention schedules and may be updated as an individual's case progresses through the justice system. Some information, particularly regarding ongoing investigations or juvenile matters, may be restricted from public access pursuant to North Carolina law.
How Long Does Onslow County Keep Criminal Records?
Onslow County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and Records. These schedules are mandated by North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5 and § 132-8, which govern the preservation and disposition of public records.
The retention periods for various criminal records in Onslow County are as follows:
Sheriff's Office Records:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent
- Incident/Investigation Reports: 20 years
- Criminal Histories: Permanent
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent
- Jail Records and Inmate Information: 10 years after release
- Warrant and Arrest Orders: 2 years after execution or recall
- Sex Offender Registration Information: Permanent
- Domestic Violence Records: 5 years
Court Records:
- Felony Case Files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 5-10 years after disposition (varies by offense type)
- Traffic Cases: 3 years after disposition
- Probation Records: 5 years after completion
- Court Calendars and Dockets: 3 years
- Grand Jury Records: Permanent
- Judgment and Sentencing Orders: Permanent
Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152 are removed from public access and physically destroyed or sealed according to statutory requirements. Law enforcement agencies and courts maintain a confidential index of expunged records that is not available to the public.
Electronic Records: Digital criminal records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains electronic court records in perpetuity, though public access to older cases through online portals may be limited.
Records retention practices ensure that criminal history information remains available for legitimate law enforcement, judicial, and public safety purposes while balancing individual privacy concerns. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety coordinates with local agencies to maintain comprehensive criminal history information at the state level.
Individuals seeking information about specific records should consult with the maintaining agency, as retention periods may vary based on case type, severity of offense, and other factors. Some historical records may be transferred to the State Archives of North Carolina for permanent preservation.
Lookup Criminal Records in Onslow County
Onslow County Public Records Request