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Iredell Public Records / Iredell County Arrest Records

Iredell County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Iredell County

Arrest records in Iredell County are considered public information under North Carolina law. Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, specifically § 132-1, public records include "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."

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.

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available to the public in accordance with state law. However, access may be restricted for records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases (governed by § 7B-3000), or other records specifically exempted by statute.

What's in Iredell County Arrest Records

Iredell County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (first, middle, last)
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Address (may be partial for privacy)
  • Identifying marks or tattoos (when documented)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency (e.g., Iredell County Sheriff's Office, Statesville Police)
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Reason for arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance numbers
  • Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Charge description
  • Multiple charges if applicable

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing authority
  • Date issued
  • Serving officer

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number/case number
  • Fingerprinting status
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
  • Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
  • Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Scheduled court date
  • Court case number

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Expected release date (if applicable)
  • Facility location

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation/parole status
  • Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
  • Property seized during arrest
  • Incident reports related to the arrest

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Iredell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Iredell County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining these public records:

  1. Visit the Iredell County Sheriff's Office in person:

Iredell County Sheriff's Office
230 N. Tradd Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 878-3180
Iredell County Sheriff's Office

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

  1. Submit a written request by mail to the address above. Include:

    • Full name of the person in the record
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of arrest (if known)
    • Your contact information
    • Purpose of request
    • Signature and date

  2. Use the online public access portal provided by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office. The Public Information Access portal allows searches for recent arrests and inmate information.

  3. Contact the Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court for court records related to arrests:

Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court
202 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 832-6600
Iredell County Clerk of Court

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

  1. Request records from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for statewide criminal history information:

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

Pursuant to § 15A-502 of the North Carolina General Statutes, requestors may be required to provide identification when requesting arrest records, and fees may apply for certain types of record searches and copies.

How To Find Iredell County Arrest Records Online

Iredell County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient access to public safety information:

  1. Iredell County Sheriff's Office Public Information Portal

  2. Iredell County Sheriff's Office P2C (Police to Citizen) Portal

  3. Iredell County Inmate Locator

    • Access the Inmate Locator tool on the county website
    • Enter the individual's name or identification number
    • Review custody status and basic case information

  4. North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search

    • For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, use the NC Offender Search tool
    • Enter name or offender ID number
    • Review current status and location information

  5. North Carolina Court System Records Search

When using online search tools, users should note that pursuant to § 132-1.4 of the North Carolina General Statutes, certain information may be redacted or restricted from public view, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or other protected categories.

How To Search Iredell County Arrest Records for Free?

Iredell County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without cost through several free resources:

  1. Iredell County Sheriff's Office Online Resources

  2. Public Access Terminals at Government Offices

    • Visit the Iredell County Sheriff's Office lobby during business hours to use public access terminals
    • The Iredell County Courthouse provides public access computers for searching court records related to arrests

  3. Iredell County Public Library Resources

    • Public libraries in Statesville, Mooresville, and Harmony offer free internet access for conducting online searches
    • Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites

  4. Daily Bulletin and Recent Arrest Reports

    • The Sheriff's Office publishes a daily bulletin of recent arrests on their website
    • These reports are typically available for free viewing for a limited time period

  5. North Carolina Department of Public Safety

    • The NC Offender Search is available at no cost for checking state-level offender information

When conducting free searches, users should be aware that while basic information is available without charge, fees may apply for certified copies, extensive searches, or records that require significant staff time to compile. Additionally, pursuant to § 132-6.2 of the North Carolina General Statutes, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Iredell County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Iredell County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by North Carolina state law:

Expungement vs. Sealing:

  • Expungement completely removes the record from public view and, in many cases, from government agency files
  • Sealing restricts public access while maintaining the record for limited official purposes
  • In North Carolina, most successful petitions result in expungement rather than sealing

Eligibility for Expungement: Under § 15A-145.5 of the North Carolina General Statutes, individuals may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

  1. Charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
  2. First-time nonviolent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically 5 years)
  3. First-time nonviolent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10 years)
  4. Multiple nonviolent misdemeanors after a waiting period (7 years)
  5. Certain drug offenses committed before age 22

Expungement Process in Iredell County:

  1. Determine eligibility by reviewing North Carolina expungement statutes or consulting with an attorney

  2. Obtain required forms from:

  3. Complete petition forms, which typically include:

    • Petition for Expunction (AOC-CR-281 or similar form)
    • Affidavit of Good Character (for certain cases)
    • Criminal Record Check from the Iredell County Sheriff's Office

  4. File the petition with:

Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court
202 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 832-6600
Iredell County Clerk of Court

  1. Pay the filing fee (currently $175 for most expungements, though fee waivers may be available)

  2. Attend any required hearings as scheduled by the court

  3. If granted, the expungement order will be sent to:

    • Iredell County Sheriff's Office
    • North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation
    • Other agencies maintaining the records

The expungement process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. Individuals with complex cases or questions about eligibility should consider consulting with an attorney specializing in expungements or contacting Legal Aid of North Carolina.

What Happens After Arrest in Iredell County?

Following an arrest in Iredell County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

  1. Booking and Processing

    • The arrestee is transported to the Iredell County Detention Center
    • Personal information is recorded and entered into law enforcement databases
    • Fingerprinting and photographing (mugshot) are completed
    • Personal property is inventoried and secured

  2. Initial Appearance

    • Within 48 hours of arrest, the defendant appears before a magistrate
    • The magistrate informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
    • Bail or bond is set, if applicable
    • For certain minor offenses, the case may be resolved at this stage

  3. Pretrial Release Decision

    • The court determines whether the defendant will be:
      • Released on personal recognizance
      • Released after posting bail/bond
      • Held in custody until trial
    • Conditions of release may be imposed (e.g., no contact orders, travel restrictions)

  4. First Appearance Hearing

    • For felony charges, occurs within 96 hours of arrest
    • The judge reviews charges and confirms the defendant understands their rights
    • Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
    • Next court date is scheduled

  5. Probable Cause Hearing (for felonies)

    • Typically held within 15-30 days of arrest
    • Prosecutor must demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed
    • Case may be dismissed if probable cause is not established

  6. Grand Jury Indictment (for felonies)

    • Grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor
    • If indicted, the case proceeds to Superior Court
    • If not indicted, charges may be dismissed

  7. Arraignment

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Trial date may be set

  8. Plea Negotiations

    • Discussions between defense and prosecution
    • May result in reduced charges or sentencing recommendations
    • Approximately 90% of cases resolve through plea agreements

  9. Trial

    • Misdemeanors are typically tried in District Court
    • Felonies are tried in Superior Court
    • Defendants have the right to trial by jury or bench trial (judge only)

  10. Sentencing (if convicted)

    • Occurs either immediately after guilty plea/verdict or at a later hearing
    • Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
    • North Carolina's structured sentencing guidelines determine penalty ranges

  11. Appeal (if applicable)

    • Defendants have the right to appeal convictions
    • District Court convictions may be appealed to Superior Court for a new trial
    • Superior Court convictions may be appealed to the NC Court of Appeals

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record maintained by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina court system, subject to the exceptions noted in previous sections.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Iredell County?

Arrest records in Iredell County are maintained according to North Carolina's records retention requirements. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources establishes these retention schedules under authority granted by § 121-5 of the North Carolina General Statutes.

Retention Periods for Different Record Types:

  1. Arrest Reports and Supporting Documentation

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 20-year retention
    • Arrests not resulting in charges: 3-year minimum retention

  2. Booking Records

    • Digital booking information: Permanent retention
    • Physical booking cards: Minimum 5-year retention after digitization

  3. Fingerprint Records

    • Adult fingerprints: Permanent retention
    • Juvenile fingerprints: Until age 18, then expunged unless transferred to adult court

  4. Mugshot Photographs

    • Digital images: Permanent retention
    • Physical photographs: Minimum 5-year retention after digitization

  5. Incident Reports Related to Arrests

    • Felony incidents: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor incidents: Minimum 5-year retention
    • Non-criminal incidents: 3-year minimum retention

  6. Court Records of Arrests

    • Felony case files: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor case files: 5-10 year retention depending on disposition

Different agencies within Iredell County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

  • The Iredell County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigative files
  • The Iredell County Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests
  • The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains state-level criminal history information

Records retention serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
  • Maintains documentation for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
  • Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
  • Provides historical data for crime analysis and policy development

It is important to note that expunged records are removed from public access and, in many cases, physically destroyed according to court orders, regardless of standard retention schedules.

How to Find Mugshots in Iredell County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically show the front and side view of an arrestee's face and upper shoulders. In Iredell County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Iredell County Detention Center.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Iredell County are primarily maintained by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office as part of their arrest records. These photographs are stored in both digital databases and, historically, in physical files. As official government records, mugshots fall under the North Carolina Public Records Law, though access may be subject to certain restrictions.

Finding Mugshots

  1. Sheriff's Office Records Division

    • Submit a request in person at:

    Iredell County Sheriff's Office
    230 N. Tradd Street
    Statesville, NC 28677
    (704) 878-3180
    Iredell County Sheriff's Office

    • Provide the name and date of birth of the individual
    • Specify the approximate date of arrest if known
    • Pay any applicable fees for copies

  2. Online Inmate Search Systems

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some mugshots may be available through the county's online inmate information systems, Iredell County has implemented policies to balance public information access with privacy concerns. Current practices include:

  • Limiting the time period mugshots remain visible on public-facing websites
  • Removing mugshots from online systems after cases are resolved
  • Requiring more specific identification for accessing historical mugshot records

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may:

  1. Submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office
  2. Provide specific identifying information about the subject
  3. Explain the purpose of the request
  4. Pay any applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrests (under age 18) have confidential mugshots per § 7B-3000
  • Expunged arrest records will not include accessible mugshots
  • Ongoing investigations may result in temporarily restricted access
  • Certain domestic violence or sexual assault cases may have protected images

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that commercial use of these images, particularly for "mugshot websites" that charge removal fees, may be restricted under North Carolina law.

Lookup Arrest Records in Iredell County

Iredell County Sheriff's Office Public Information Access

Iredell County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

Iredell County Inmate Locator

Iredell County Sheriff's Office

North Carolina Offender Search

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