North Carolina Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in North Carolina

Warrants are public records in North Carolina pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that documents generated by government agencies, including court-issued warrants, shall be accessible to the public. The transparency of warrant information serves multiple public interests, including the maintenance of public safety, community awareness, and ensuring equitable administration of justice.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains that public access to warrant records supports governmental transparency and accountability. Members of the public may access these records through various channels established by state and local authorities. This accessibility reinforces the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve by providing visibility into judicial processes.

It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by judicial order in cases where premature disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation, as provided under N.C.G.S. § 15A-623(f). However, such restrictions are the exception rather than the standard practice in North Carolina's judicial system.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in North Carolina?

Warrant records maintained by North Carolina courts and law enforcement agencies typically contain the following standardized information as required by N.C.G.S. § 15A-304:

Subject identification: Full legal name of the individual named in the warrant, date of birth, and other identifying information
Issuance details: Date and time of warrant issuance, name of the issuing judicial official, and court of jurisdiction
Case information: Associated case number, court file number, and relevant docket information
Offense specifications: Detailed description of alleged criminal violations, including statutory references and offense classification
Procedural elements: Bail conditions if applicable, special instructions for executing officers, and any limitations on service times
Judicial authorization: Signature of the issuing magistrate or judge certifying the warrant's validity

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts standardizes warrant documentation across all 100 counties to ensure consistency in record-keeping and public accessibility.

How to Check For Warrants in North Carolina For Free

Members of the public may verify warrant status in North Carolina without financial cost through several official channels:

The primary method involves visiting the Clerk of Superior Court office in the county where the warrant may have been issued. These offices maintain public access terminals for searching court records, including active warrants.

North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts
901 Corporate Center Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-890-1000
North Carolina Judicial Branch

Public terminals are available during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Additionally, individuals may inquire at their local sheriff's office or police department. Many law enforcement agencies maintain public information desks where warrant status can be verified upon presentation of proper identification.

The eCourts online services platform provides limited access to court records, though not all warrant information may be available through this system. The platform is accessible 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally restrict access.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(a), agencies may not charge fees for the inspection of public records, including warrant information, though nominal fees may apply for obtaining physical copies of documents.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in North Carolina in 2025

To determine warrant status in North Carolina in 2025, individuals may utilize the following official procedures:

Contact the Clerk of Superior Court in the county of residence or in counties where legal issues may have occurred. Court clerks maintain comprehensive databases of all active warrants within their jurisdiction.

North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts
901 Corporate Center Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-890-1000
Obtaining Court Records

Visit the sheriff's office in relevant counties. Sheriff's departments maintain warrant divisions specifically tasked with processing and tracking warrant information.

North Carolina Sheriffs' Association
Post Office Box 20049
Raleigh, NC 27619
919-743-7433

Utilize the expanded North Carolina Judicial Branch's electronic court information system, which by 2025 is projected to provide enhanced public access to court records across all 100 counties.
Consult with a licensed North Carolina attorney who can conduct a thorough search of court records through professional access channels.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, all warrants must be entered into the state's warrant repository system, ensuring standardized record-keeping across jurisdictions.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in North Carolina

Individuals seeking to verify outstanding warrant status in North Carolina may utilize several official channels:

The most comprehensive method involves contacting the Clerk of Superior Court in the relevant county. Court clerks maintain access to the Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS) which contains records of all outstanding warrants.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina SBI

County sheriff's offices provide warrant verification services during normal business hours. Many departments maintain dedicated warrant divisions that can confirm active warrants upon presentation of proper identification.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
301 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-727-2112
Forsyth County Sheriff

For individuals concerned about potential federal warrants, the U.S. District Court for the relevant district of North Carolina should be contacted:

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
310 New Bern Avenue, Room 670
Raleigh, NC 27601
866-855-8894

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301.1, all warrants issued in North Carolina must be entered into the Warrant Repository, a centralized database accessible to law enforcement and court officials throughout the state.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants in North Carolina fall under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. District Courts. To conduct a federal warrant search, the following official procedures apply:

The primary method involves contacting the U.S. District Court for the appropriate district of North Carolina. North Carolina is divided into three federal judicial districts: Eastern, Middle, and Western.

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
324 West Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-332-6000

U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
401 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-350-7400

Federal court records, including warrant information, may be accessed through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Registration is required, and nominal fees may apply for document retrieval.

Federal law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in North Carolina may provide limited information regarding federal warrants:

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Charlotte Field Office
7915 Microsoft Way
Charlotte, NC 28273
704-672-6100

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of North Carolina
310 New Bern Avenue, Room 774
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-856-4153

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142, federal warrants must be executed in accordance with federal rules of criminal procedure, which differ from state procedures in several significant aspects.