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Iredell County Criminal Records

What Is Iredell County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Iredell 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 by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records document when a person has been found guilty of a crime through judicial proceedings.

  • Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies are 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 criminal records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000.

  • Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current pending arrests, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Multiple agencies maintain these records in Iredell County:

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

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court
200 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
704-832-6600
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Iredell County

The Clerk's office maintains court case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, 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.

Comprehensive criminal records typically document the entire criminal justice process, including charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Iredell County

Criminal records in Iredell County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under North Carolina's Public Records Law. The North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1 establishes that public records "shall be the property of the people" and that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost."

The statute specifically states: "The public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."

However, important exceptions and restrictions apply to criminal record access:

Public Records Include:

  • Adult arrest records
  • Court proceedings and case dispositions
  • Conviction records
  • Incarceration records
  • Sex offender registry information

Restricted Records Include:

  • Active criminal investigations (protected under § 132-1.4)
  • Juvenile records (confidential under § 7B-3000)
  • Sealed or expunged records
  • Records containing sensitive personal information
  • Records that would compromise ongoing law enforcement operations

The North Carolina Court System maintains that while most court records are public, certain records may be sealed by court order or made confidential by statute. Additionally, the courts balance the public's right to access with individual privacy concerns and the integrity of the justice system.

Law enforcement agencies in Iredell County, including the Sheriff's Office Records Division, maintain criminal records while adhering to these state laws regarding public access and confidentiality protections.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Iredell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Iredell County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides both in-person and online options for record retrieval.

In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:

  1. Visit the Iredell County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:

Iredell County Sheriff's Office Records Division
230 N. Tradd Street
Statesville, NC 28677
704-878-3180
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sheriff's Office Records

  1. Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought, including:

    • Full name of the subject
    • Date of birth or approximate age
    • Case number (if known)
    • Date range for the search

  2. Present valid government-issued photo identification.

  3. Pay applicable fees for record copies (currently $3.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page).

Court Record Requests:

  1. Visit the Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court:

Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court
200 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
704-832-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Iredell County Courts

  1. Request access to public terminals for searching court records or complete a request form for specific case documents.

  2. Provide case numbers or identifying information for the records sought.

  3. Pay applicable fees for certified copies or document reproduction.

Online Access Options:

  1. Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts portal for court case information.

  2. Use the Iredell County Sheriff's Office Public Information Access portal for incident reports and arrest information.

  3. Check the Iredell County Inmate Locator for current detention information.

  4. Review the Sheriff's Office Daily Bulletin for recent law enforcement activity.

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request via mail to the appropriate agency, including:

    • Specific records requested
    • Subject's full name and identifying information
    • Requestor's contact information
    • Check or money order for applicable fees

  2. Address requests to the Records Division of the appropriate agency.

Pursuant to North Carolina law, agencies must respond to records requests "as promptly as possible." Complex requests may require additional processing time.

How To Find Criminal Records in Iredell County Online?

Iredell County offers several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital resources provide convenient access to various types of criminal justice information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

Iredell County Sheriff's Office Public Information Portal:

The Sheriff's Office Public Information Access system provides:

  • Incident reports
  • Arrest records
  • Daily activity logs
  • Public safety information

To use this system:

  1. Navigate to the portal website
  2. Select the type of record you wish to search
  3. Enter search criteria (name, date range, location, etc.)
  4. Review available records
  5. Download or print results as needed

Iredell County Jail Inmate Search:

The Inmate Locator system allows users to:

  • Search current jail population
  • View booking information
  • Check charges and bond amounts
  • See scheduled release dates (when available)

Search instructions:

  1. Access the inmate search portal
  2. Enter last name, first name, or booking number
  3. Review matching records
  4. Note that results only include currently incarcerated individuals

Iredell County Daily Bulletin:

The Sheriff's Office Daily Bulletin provides:

  • Recent arrests
  • Citations issued
  • Incident reports
  • Ordinance violations

To access this information:

  1. Visit the daily bulletin page
  2. Select date range for search
  3. Filter by case type if desired
  4. Review chronological listing of law enforcement activity

North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts:

The North Carolina eCourts portal offers:

  • Criminal case information
  • Court calendars
  • Case status updates
  • Document filing capabilities

To search court records:

  1. Create an account (for full access)
  2. Select "Criminal Case Search"
  3. Enter name or case number
  4. Filter by county (Iredell)
  5. Review case listings
  6. Access available documents

North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search:

The NC Offender Search provides:

  • Information on current inmates
  • Probation/parole status
  • Conviction history
  • Custody classification

Important limitations of online record searches include:

  • Some records may only be available in person
  • Older records may not be digitized
  • Certain confidential information is redacted
  • Registration may be required for some systems
  • Complete criminal history reports typically require in-person requests

Users should note that while these online systems provide substantial information, they may not contain complete criminal history records. For comprehensive background checks, individuals should contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation or visit the Iredell County Clerk of Court office in person.

Can You Search Iredell County Criminal Records for Free?

Iredell County provides several options for free access to criminal records, in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law. Under 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."

Free In-Person Inspection Locations:

Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court
200 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
704-832-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Clerk's office provides public access terminals where individuals may search court records at no cost. While inspection is free, printed copies typically incur fees.

Iredell County Sheriff's Office
230 N. Tradd Street
Statesville, NC 28677
704-878-3180
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Sheriff's Records Division allows in-person inspection of public records during regular business hours without charge.

Free Online Resources:

Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:

  1. Iredell County Sheriff's Office Public Information Access - Provides free access to incident reports, arrest logs, and public safety information.

  2. Iredell County Jail Inmate Search - Offers free searches of current jail population and booking information.

  3. Sheriff's Office Daily Bulletin - Provides free access to recent law enforcement activity reports.

  4. North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts - Offers free basic searches of court cases, though some features may require registration.

  5. North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search - Provides free access to information on current inmates and offenders under supervision.

What's Free vs. Fee-Based:

Free services typically include:

  • Basic record searches and inspection
  • Current inmate information
  • Recent arrest logs and incident reports
  • Basic court case information
  • Sex offender registry searches

Services that generally require fees:

  • Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 per certification)
  • Printed copies of records ($3.00 for first page, $0.25 for additional pages)
  • Comprehensive background checks
  • Expedited record searches
  • Notarized documents

The North Carolina Judicial Branch notes that while inspection of records is free, "reasonable fees may be charged for the actual cost of reproducing the public record."

What's Included in a Iredell County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Iredell County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye/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
  • Booking number
  • Charges filed at arrest
  • Bail/bond amount and status
  • Detention facility information
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number

Court Case Information:

  • Case number and filing date
  • Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
  • Judge assigned
  • Charges filed with corresponding North Carolina General Statutes citations
  • Classification of charges (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
  • Plea entered
  • Defense attorney information
  • Prosecutor information
  • Court appearance dates
  • Pre-trial motions and rulings

Case Disposition:

  • Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
  • Conviction date (if applicable)
  • Sentencing details:
    • Incarceration length
    • Probation terms
    • Fines and court costs
    • Restitution ordered
    • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
  • Appeal information (if applicable)
  • Probation/parole status and conditions
  • Compliance with court orders

Additional Information:

  • Active warrants
  • Protective/restraining orders
  • Sex offender registration requirements
  • DUI/DWI offenses
  • Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
  • Pending charges in other jurisdictions
  • Probation/parole violations
  • Post-conviction relief petitions

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains arrest records and incident reports, while the Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records and case dispositions. These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina's record retention schedules and public records laws.

Criminal records may also include notations regarding expungements or sealed records, though the details of such records would not be publicly accessible pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, which govern the expungement process.

How Long Does Iredell County Keep Criminal Records?

Iredell 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 under North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5 and § 132-8, which govern the preservation and disposition of public records.

Court Records Retention:

  • Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained for serious felonies (Class A-E); 20 years after case closure for Class F-I felonies
  • Misdemeanor Case Files: 5-10 years after case closure, depending on offense type
  • Traffic Cases: 3 years after disposition
  • Domestic Violence Cases: 5 years after case closure
  • Court Judgments and Decrees: Permanently maintained
  • Court Minutes and Dockets: Permanently maintained
  • Expunged Records: Destroyed pursuant to court order under § 15A-145 through § 15A-152

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

  • Arrest Reports: 20 years
  • Incident Reports: 5 years
  • Investigation Case Files: 20 years for felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
  • Sex Offender Registration Information: Maintained for duration required by law, potentially lifetime
  • Fingerprint Cards: 3 years after death of individual or 75 years, whichever comes first
  • Booking Photographs: 3 years after death of individual or 75 years, whichever comes first
  • 911 Recordings: 30 days minimum; longer if part of an investigation
  • In-Car and Body Camera Footage: Minimum 30 days; longer if part of an investigation

Detention Facility Records:

  • Inmate Commitment Records: 3 years after release
  • Inmate Medical Records: 10 years after release
  • Visitor Logs: 1 year
  • Inmate Classification Records: 3 years after release

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources provides comprehensive retention schedules that county agencies must follow. These schedules ensure records are maintained for appropriate periods to serve administrative, legal, fiscal, and historical purposes.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The county's electronic records management systems must comply with state standards for maintaining the authenticity, reliability, and accessibility of these records throughout their required retention periods.

Records that have met their retention requirements may be destroyed in accordance with proper disposition procedures, which typically require approval from the county records manager and documentation of the destruction process.

Lookup Criminal Records in Iredell County

Iredell County Sheriff's Office Public Information Access

Iredell County Jail Inmate Search

Sheriff's Office Records Division

Iredell County Sheriff's Office Daily Bulletin

North Carolina Court Records Search

Iredell County Courts Information

North Carolina eCourts Portal

Criminal Background Check Information

North Carolina Offender Search

North Carolina Public Records Online

North Carolina Legal & Justice Resources

North Carolina SBI Background Checks

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