Durham County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Durham County

Arrest records in Durham County are considered public records under North Carolina law, specifically pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business by any government agency are the property of the people and subject to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Under North Carolina law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

Law enforcement agencies in Durham County, including the Durham County Sheriff's Office and the Durham Police Department, maintain arrest records in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 15A-502, which governs the procedures for fingerprinting and photographing individuals upon arrest. These records become part of the public record, though access may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or when records pertain to juvenile offenders.

It is important to note that while arrest records are public, they document only that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-146, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged under certain conditions.

What's in Durham County Arrest Records

Durham County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

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

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
• Circumstances leading to arrest
• Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
• Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
• Description of alleged criminal activity
• Incident report number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Date warrant was issued
• Issuing authority
• Reason for warrant

Booking Information:

• Booking number
• Date and time of booking
• Facility where individual was processed
• Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, unsecured)
• Whether bond was posted
• Bond conditions
• Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

• Court case number
• Scheduled court appearance dates
• Court location
• Assigned judge (if known)

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility where individual is being held
• Projected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation or parole status
• Risk assessment scores
• Medical or mental health alerts
• Special housing requirements
• Immigration status or holds

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Justice guidelines and relevant state statutes.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Durham County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Durham County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels through which arrest records can be obtained, depending on the specific information needed and the requesting party's purpose.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

Durham County Sheriff's Office Records Division
510 South Dillard Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-0897
Durham County Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

The following steps should be followed when requesting arrest records:

1. Complete a public records request form, available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from their website.
2. Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
   • Full name of the individual
   • Date of birth or approximate age
   • Date or approximate date of arrest
   • Any other identifying information that may assist in locating the record
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.

For written requests, individuals may submit a formal letter or the Online Public Records Request form to the Durham County Sheriff's Office. The request should include:

• Requestor's full name and contact information
• Specific description of records being sought
• Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files)
• Statement of purpose (optional, but may expedite certain requests)

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Currently, the standard fee for paper copies is $0.25 per page. Electronic copies may be provided at no cost or for the cost of the storage medium.

For arrest records related to cases that have proceeded to court, individuals may also contact:

Durham County Clerk of Superior Court
510 South Dillard Street, Suite 2700
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 808-3000
North Carolina Judicial Branch

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

Requests for arrest records may be subject to review to ensure compliance with state and federal privacy laws. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with applicable exemptions under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which governs criminal investigation records.

How To Find Durham County Arrest Records Online

Durham County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available to the public pursuant to North Carolina's commitment to government transparency.

The primary online resources for accessing Durham County arrest records include:

1. Durham County Sheriff's Office Inmate Population Search
   The Inmate Population Search portal allows users to search for individuals currently detained in the Durham County Detention Facility or those who have been processed through the facility within the past 24 hours. This database includes:

   • Inmate name and demographic information
   • Booking date
   • Charges
   • Bond information
   • Court dates
   • Expected release date (when applicable)

2. North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search
   The Offender Search database maintained by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction provides information on:

   • County jail inmates
   • State prisoners
   • Probationers
   • Parolees
   • Registered sex offenders Users can search by name, DOC number, or other identifiers to locate current custody status and basic case information.

3. North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records
   The North Carolina Court System maintains an online portal for accessing court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Through this system, users can:

   • Search for criminal cases by name or case number
   • View court calendars
   • Access case summaries
   • Determine case status and scheduled court dates

When using these online systems, users should note the following:

• Information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes
• Some sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
• The absence of a record does not guarantee that no arrest has occurred
• Records for juvenile offenders (under 18) are generally not available through public online portals
• Historical records may not be available through online systems

For comprehensive arrest record searches, particularly for records that predate digital systems, users may need to supplement online searches with formal requests through the methods outlined in the previous section. All online access to arrest records is governed by N.C.G.S. § 132-6.1, which addresses electronic access to public records.

How To Search Durham County Arrest Records for Free?

Durham County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options are provided in accordance with North Carolina's public records laws, which emphasize the public's right to access government information.

The following free resources are available for searching Durham County arrest records:

1. Durham County Detention Facility Current Inmate Search
   The Durham County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online database of current inmates and recent bookings. This Inmate Population Search tool provides basic information about individuals currently in custody or recently processed through the detention facility. The information is updated daily and includes:

   • Inmate name
   • Booking date
   • Charges
   • Bond amount
   • Next court date

2. Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities
   Free public access terminals are available at:

   Durham County Courthouse
   510 South Dillard Street
   Durham, NC 27701
   (919) 808-3000

   Durham County Main Library
   300 N. Roxboro Street
   Durham, NC 27701
   (919) 560-0100

   These terminals provide access to public court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. No fees are charged for on-site viewing of these records, though printing may incur nominal costs.

3. North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Public Website
   The state maintains a free Offender Search database that includes information about individuals in state custody or under state supervision. This resource can be accessed from any internet-connected device without charge.

4. Durham Police Department Daily Bulletin
   The Durham Police Department publishes information about recent arrests and significant incidents on their website. This information is provided at no cost as a public service and community information resource.

When utilizing these free resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:

• Information may not be comprehensive or may lack historical data
• Records may not include detailed arrest narratives or supporting documentation
• Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
• Technical issues may occasionally affect availability
• Free resources typically do not provide certified copies of records

For more detailed information or certified copies of arrest records, users may need to submit formal requests and pay applicable fees as outlined in N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for duplication of public records.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Durham County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Durham County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These remedies are governed by North Carolina state law and administered through the court system.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement, as defined in N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-146, is the legal process by which arrest and criminal records are completely erased from public and official view. When a record is expunged, the arrest is treated as if it never occurred. In contrast, sealing a record restricts public access while maintaining the record for certain official purposes, such as law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings.

Eligibility for Expungement in Durham County

Under North Carolina law, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

1. Charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty (N.C.G.S. § 15A-146)
2. Completion of a first-time offender program for certain nonviolent offenses (N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.2)
3. Certain nonviolent misdemeanor or felony convictions after specified waiting periods (N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.5)
4. Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood (N.C.G.S. § 7B-3200)
5. Identity theft victims who were wrongfully arrested due to identity theft (N.C.G.S. § 15A-147)
6. Certain drug offenses committed before age 22 (N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.2)

Steps to Request Expungement

1. Obtain the appropriate expungement petition form from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts website or from:

   Durham County Clerk of Superior Court
   510 South Dillard Street, Suite 2700
   Durham, NC 27701
   (919) 808-3000

2. Complete the petition with accurate information about the case, including:

   • Case number
   • Date of arrest
   • Charges
   • Disposition of the case
   • Personal identifying information

3. Obtain a certified copy of the court disposition from the Clerk of Court.

4. Obtain a criminal record check from the Durham County Sheriff's Office.

5. File the completed petition and supporting documents with the Clerk of Superior Court and pay the filing fee (currently $175 for most expungements, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners).

6. The petition will be reviewed by a judge, the District Attorney's Office, and the State Bureau of Investigation.

7. If approved, an expungement order will be issued and distributed to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest.

Sealing Juvenile Records

Juvenile records in Durham County are automatically sealed from public view under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000, but they remain accessible to law enforcement and court officials. To completely expunge juvenile records, individuals must petition the court after reaching age 18 and meeting specific eligibility requirements.

Legal Assistance Resources

Due to the complexity of expungement laws, individuals seeking to delete arrest records may benefit from legal assistance. Resources include:

Legal Aid of North Carolina - Durham Office
201 West Main Street, Suite 400
Durham, NC 27701
(866) 219-5262

North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center
(919) 706-4435

The expungement process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. Once an expungement is granted, all government agencies are required to delete references to the arrest from their public records.

What Happens After Arrest in Durham County?

The post-arrest process in Durham County follows a structured sequence of events within the criminal justice system, from initial custody through case disposition. This process is governed by North Carolina state law and local court procedures.

Initial Custody and Booking

Following an arrest, individuals are transported to the Durham County Detention Facility located at:

Durham County Detention Facility
219 South Mangum Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-0910

During the booking process, the following procedures occur:

• Photographing and fingerprinting
• Collection of personal information
• Medical screening
• Property inventory
• Criminal history check
• Entry into the jail management system

First Appearance and Bail Determination

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-511, arrestees must appear before a judicial official (usually a magistrate) within 48 hours of arrest. At this initial appearance:

• The charges are formally presented
• Constitutional rights are explained
• Bail conditions are established
• Eligibility for court-appointed counsel is determined

Bail amounts are set according to a structured schedule and may be modified based on:

• Severity of the alleged offense
• Prior criminal history
• Flight risk assessment
• Community ties
• Public safety considerations

Pretrial Release Options

Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be released pending trial through:

• Release on recognizance (written promise to appear)
• Unsecured bond (promise to pay if failure to appear)
• Secured bond (requiring payment or collateral)
• Pretrial supervision program
• Electronic monitoring

Formal Charging Process

For misdemeanor charges, the arresting officer's citation or magistrate's order serves as the formal charging document. For felonies, the District Attorney's Office must pursue either:

• A bill of indictment presented to a grand jury
• An information filing with the defendant's consent

Court Proceedings

The court process typically includes:

1. Arraignment: Formal reading of charges and entry of plea
2. Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
3. Pretrial Motions: Legal arguments regarding evidence and procedure
4. Plea Negotiations: Discussions between prosecution and defense regarding potential plea agreements
5. Trial: Determination of guilt or innocence by judge or jury
6. Sentencing: Imposition of penalties if convicted

Court proceedings take place at:

Durham County Courthouse
510 South Dillard Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 808-3000

Case Disposition Options

Cases may be resolved through:

• Dismissal of charges
• Diversion programs (such as drug treatment or community service)
• Guilty plea with negotiated sentence
• Trial verdict (guilty or not guilty)

Post-Conviction Procedures

Following conviction, individuals may:

• Appeal the verdict or sentence
• Serve incarceration time in county jail or state prison
• Complete probation requirements
• Pay fines and restitution
• Participate in mandated treatment programs

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights to due process, legal representation, and protection against self-incrimination. The North Carolina Court System maintains records of all formal proceedings, which become part of the public record unless sealed by court order.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Durham County?

Arrest records in Durham County are maintained according to retention schedules established by North Carolina state law, specifically the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. These schedules mandate how long different types of records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.

Statutory Retention Requirements

Under N.C.G.S. § 132-8, which governs public records management, law enforcement agencies must retain arrest records according to the following general guidelines:

• Felony Arrest Records: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Minimum 5-year retention, though many are kept longer
• Arrest Records Resulting in Conviction: Maintained for the life of the individual
• Arrest Records with No Conviction: May be eligible for expungement, but otherwise retained according to schedule
• Juvenile Arrest Records: Maintained separately with restricted access until eligible for expungement

Agency-Specific Retention Policies

Different agencies within Durham County maintain arrest records for varying periods:

1. Durham County Sheriff's Office:

   • Incident reports: 5 years
   • Arrest reports: 20 years
   • Booking photographs: 3 years after release from custody
   • Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention

2. Durham Police Department:

   • Arrest reports: 20 years
   • Investigation files for serious offenses: 20 years or permanent
   • Investigation files for minor offenses: 5 years

3. Durham County Clerk of Court:

   • Court case files for felonies: Permanent retention
   • Court case files for misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
   • Index of cases: Permanent retention

Electronic Records Retention

With the transition to digital record-keeping, many arrest records are now maintained in electronic format. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.1, electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Durham County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies maintain electronic databases that preserve arrest information according to the established schedules.

Records Retention Rationale

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:

• Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
• Documentation for background checks and security clearances
• Statistical analysis of crime patterns and law enforcement activities
• Historical documentation of law enforcement actions
• Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

It is important to note that while records may be maintained for extended periods, access to these records may be restricted under certain circumstances, particularly when records have been sealed by court order or when the subject of the records has received an expungement.

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:

Durham County Records Management
200 East Main Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-0480

How to Find Mugshots in Durham County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Durham County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Durham County Sheriff's Office Records Division
510 South Dillard Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-0897
Durham County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office is the custodian of booking photographs for individuals processed through the Durham County Detention Facility. Additionally, the Durham Police Department may maintain mugshots for individuals arrested by their officers before transfer to county custody.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots from official sources, individuals may:

1. Submit a public records request to the Durham County Sheriff's Office, specifying:

   • Full name of the arrested individual
   • Date of birth or approximate age
   • Date of arrest (if known)
   • Case or booking number (if available)

2. Complete the Online Public Records Request form available on the Durham County website.

3. Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a request.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

While some mugshots may be available through online resources, Durham County has implemented policies to limit the widespread distribution of booking photographs in accordance with privacy concerns and to prevent commercial exploitation. Currently:

• The Durham County Sheriff's Office does not publish a comprehensive online database of mugshots accessible to the general public.
• The Inmate Population Search tool provides information about current inmates but does not display mugshots.
• Some historical mugshots may appear in third-party websites or databases, but these are not officially sanctioned by Durham County agencies.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots, requestors must:

1. Submit a formal public records request citing N.C.G.S. § 132-1, which establishes the public's right to access government records.
2. Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $5-10 per photograph).
3. Provide proper identification when picking up requested photographs.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

• Photographs of juvenile arrestees (under 18) are generally not available to the public pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000.
• Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under investigative exemptions to public records laws.
• Photographs associated with expunged records are removed from public access.
• Certain sensitive cases (e.g., involving sexual assault victims or confidential informants) may have restricted access.

It is important to note that while mugshots are considered public records under North Carolina law, their use for commercial purposes, particularly on websites that charge fees for removal, has been subject to increasing scrutiny and regulation in recent years.

Lookup Arrest Records in Durham County

Online Public Records Request - Durham County

Inmate Population Search - Durham County Sheriff's Office

Offender Search - North Carolina Department of Adult Correction

Durham Police Department

Court Records - North Carolina Judicial Branch