Cabarrus County Criminal Records
What Is Cabarrus County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cabarrus County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
Criminal records are categorized by several important distinctions:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4, arrest records are considered criminal investigation records and may have limited public accessibility compared to conviction records.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: 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. The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains records of both categories in Cabarrus County.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under North Carolina law to protect minors' futures, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions that have been resolved.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Cabarrus County:
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
30 Corban Avenue SE
Concord, NC 28025
704-920-3000
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county. Their records division handles Cabarrus County Sheriff Records including arrest reports, incident reports, and warrant information.
Cabarrus County Courthouse
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28025
704-262-5500
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Cabarrus County
The courthouse houses the Clerk of Superior Court, which 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 serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including records from Cabarrus County.
Cabarrus County criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and bookings
- Formal charges filed
- Arraignments and initial appearances
- Plea agreements
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing information
- Probation and parole status
These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1340.16, which governs criminal procedure and record-keeping requirements in the state.
Are Criminal Records Public In Cabarrus County
Criminal records in Cabarrus County are generally considered public information under North Carolina's Public Records Law. The North Carolina Public Records Act, codified in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes, establishes the framework for public access to government records, including criminal records.
According to § 132-1(b), public records are defined 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."
This broad definition encompasses most criminal records created and maintained by Cabarrus County law enforcement and judicial agencies. However, important distinctions exist regarding what specific criminal record information is publicly accessible:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Arrest records (with some limitations)
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Criminal court calendars and dockets
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Active criminal investigations (protected under § 132-1.4)
- Juvenile records (confidential under § 7B-3000)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence and victim information
- Records related to ongoing prosecutions that might compromise fair trial rights
The North Carolina Department of Justice emphasizes that while the Public Records Law creates a presumption of openness, specific exemptions exist to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information. For example, § 132-1.4 specifically exempts "records of criminal investigations" and "records of criminal intelligence information" from public disclosure requirements.
In practice, this means that while conviction records and court proceedings in Cabarrus County are generally accessible to the public, certain details within those records may be redacted or restricted based on statutory exemptions. Additionally, the timing of record availability may be affected by the status of an investigation or prosecution.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains that court records, including criminal cases in Cabarrus County, are presumptively open for public inspection during regular business hours, though specific confidentiality rules may apply to certain case types or documents.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cabarrus County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cabarrus 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 Courthouse:
- Visit the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
Cabarrus County Courthouse
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28025
704-262-5500
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Cabarrus County
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought, including the individual's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies).
- For certified copies of court documents, additional fees apply (currently $3.00 per certification).
Mail Requests to the Clerk's Office:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Specific records requested
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
- Include a check or money order for applicable fees made payable to "Cabarrus County Clerk of Court"
- Mail the request to:
Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court
ATTN: Records Request
P.O. Box 70
Concord, NC 28026
Sheriff's Office Records Requests:
For arrest records, incident reports, and jail records:
- Visit the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
30 Corban Avenue SE
Concord, NC 28025
704-920-3000
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the Sheriff's Office records request form.
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
- For certain records, specialized forms may be required in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4.
State-Level Criminal History Records:
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation through their background check services.
- Complete form SBI-46, available on the SBI website.
- Include fingerprints taken by an authorized agency.
- Pay the required fee (currently $14.00 for a name-based check or $38.00 for a fingerprint-based check).
- Mail the completed request to:
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Processing times vary based on the method of request and the complexity of the search. In-person requests for publicly available court records may be fulfilled the same day, while comprehensive background checks through the SBI typically require 5-7 business days for processing.
How To Find Criminal Records in Cabarrus County Online?
Cabarrus County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county 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 statewide public case search system that includes Cabarrus County criminal cases:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
- Navigate to the "Court Records Search" section
- Select "Criminal Court Information"
- Search by name, case number, or attorney
- Filter results by county (select Cabarrus)
This system provides access to:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges and offense dates
- Case status and next court dates
- Disposition information
- Judgment details
The system does not require registration for basic searches, though certain detailed information may require additional verification.
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool:
- Visit the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current custody status and basic charge information
This database includes:
- Current inmates in Cabarrus County Detention Center
- Booking dates and times
- Charges
- Bond information
- Expected release dates (when available)
North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search:
For information on individuals currently serving sentences in state prisons or under community supervision:
- Access the NC DPS Offender Public Information Search
- Enter the individual's name or offender ID number
- Review detailed incarceration and supervision information
This database contains:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Conviction information
- Sentence details
- Projected release dates
- Supervision conditions
- Photograph (when available)
North Carolina Sex Offender Registry:
To search for registered sex offenders residing in Cabarrus County:
- Visit the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, location, or school
- Filter results by county (select Cabarrus)
This registry provides:
- Offender photographs
- Residential addresses
- Conviction information
- Registration status
- Risk assessment information
Important Limitations of Online Records:
While online resources provide significant access to criminal records, certain limitations exist:
- Records older than a specific date (typically pre-2000) may not be digitized and accessible online
- Certain case details may be redacted in the online system
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public searches
- Juvenile records are not available through public online portals
- Some detailed documents (such as full police reports) require in-person requests
- Online systems may experience periodic maintenance or downtime
For comprehensive criminal history information not available through these public portals, individuals may need to request official background checks through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information.
Can You Search Cabarrus County Criminal Records for Free?
Cabarrus County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law. Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes establishes that public records must be available for inspection at no charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free In-Person Inspection:
The law mandates that public agencies must allow inspection of non-exempt records during regular business hours at no cost. In Cabarrus County, the following locations provide free in-person access to criminal records:
Cabarrus County Courthouse - Clerk of Superior Court
77 Union Street S
Concord, NC 28025
704-262-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Cabarrus County
Visitors may:
- Review public court files
- Access criminal case information
- View court calendars and dockets
- Examine judgment records
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
30 Corban Avenue SE
Concord, NC 28025
704-920-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
Visitors may inspect:
- Incident reports (non-confidential portions)
- Arrest logs
- Service call records
- Daily bulletin information
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
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North Carolina Court System Public Case Search
- Accessible through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
- Provides basic case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
- Includes Cabarrus County criminal cases
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Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Available on the Sheriff's Office website
- Provides current inmate information and basic charge details
- Free to access without registration
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North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search
- The NC DPS Offender Public Information Search provides information on current inmates and those under community supervision
- Includes conviction information and sentence details
- Free to access without registration
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North Carolina Sex Offender Registry
- Maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety
- Provides information on registered sex offenders in Cabarrus County
- Free to access without registration
Limitations of Free Access:
While inspection of records is free, the following limitations apply:
- Copy fees are typically charged ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies incur additional fees ($3.00 per certification)
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation require payment
- Staff assistance for extensive research may incur fees
- Commercial background check services that compile information from multiple sources charge for their services
According to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge only the "actual cost" of providing copies, which cannot include costs for staff time spent on routine duties. This ensures that while copies may incur reasonable fees, the right to inspect records remains free of charge.
What's Included in a Cabarrus County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Cabarrus County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a complete picture of criminal history and typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- 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 facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest with corresponding statute numbers
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
- Incident report details
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Charges filed by the prosecutor with statute citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecution attorney information
- Court appearance dates and outcomes
- Pretrial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Probation/parole officer contact information
- Post-release supervision details
The comprehensiveness of criminal records in Cabarrus County aligns with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety standards for criminal history documentation. These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including informing sentencing decisions, determining eligibility for certain programs, and providing information for background checks.
It is important to note that while these elements typically comprise a complete criminal record, access to certain components may be restricted based on confidentiality laws and the requestor's legal authority to access the information. For example, law enforcement agencies may have access to more detailed information than members of the general public under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4, which governs criminal investigation records.
How Long Does Cabarrus County Keep Criminal Records?
Cabarrus County adheres to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for criminal records maintenance. This schedule, established under North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5, provides the legal framework for how long various criminal records must be preserved.
The retention periods for criminal records in Cabarrus County vary based on the record type, severity of the offense, and final disposition:
Court Records Retention:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained for Class A-E felonies. Class F-I felony records are retained for 20 years after case closure.
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 5-10 years after case closure, depending on the offense classification.
- Traffic Cases: Generally maintained for 3 years after final disposition.
- Domestic Violence Cases: Retained for 5 years after case closure.
- Court Judgments and Sentencing Orders: Permanently maintained in the Judgment Docket.
- Court Minutes and Calendars: Permanently maintained as official court records.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest Reports: Maintained for 20 years from the date of arrest.
- Incident Reports: Retained for 5 years for resolved cases; 20 years for unsolved felonies.
- Investigation Case Files: Homicide investigations are permanently maintained; other felony investigations are kept for 20 years; misdemeanor investigations for 5 years.
- Sex Offender Registration Information: Maintained for 30 years after the offender's death or 100 years from registration date.
- Jail Records and Booking Information: Retained for 10 years after release from custody.
- Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Maintained permanently in digital format; physical copies may be destroyed after digitization and quality control.
Specialized Records Retention:
- Juvenile Records: Generally sealed and maintained separately until the juvenile reaches age 18, then either destroyed or transferred to adult records if applicable under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000.
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access and physically destroyed or sealed pursuant to court order under North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-146.
- DNA Records: Maintained permanently unless expungement is ordered by the court.
- Mental Health Evaluations: Maintained for 3 years after case disposition, with restricted access.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, many records are now maintained in digital format and may be preserved longer than the minimum required periods. Additionally, records of historical significance may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts oversees the implementation of these retention schedules for court records, while the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office follows the law enforcement schedule for their records. Both agencies conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with state mandates regarding records retention and destruction.
Lookup Criminal Records in Cabarrus County
Cabarrus County Sheriff Records
North Carolina Offender Search
North Carolina Background Checks
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
North Carolina Public Records Law