Warrant records are public in Durham County, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute 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 by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
The Durham County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law. Public access to warrant information promotes transparency in the judicial system and allows citizens to exercise their right to information regarding law enforcement activities. Certain exceptions may apply to warrants that are under seal by court order or related to ongoing investigations as provided in N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may contact:
Durham County Sheriff's Office
510 South Dillard Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-0897
Durham County Sheriff's Office
Warrant records maintained by Durham County authorities typically contain specific information as required by North Carolina law. These documents include:
The level of detail may vary depending on the type of warrant (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the nature of the alleged offense. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, all warrants must be signed by a judicial official authorized to issue warrants within the jurisdiction.
Durham County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by local authorities. The following options are available:
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to facilitate accurate record searches. Per N.C.G.S. § 15A-301.1, electronic records of warrants are maintained in the statewide warrant repository.
The Durham County Sheriff's Office Warrant Control Unit is responsible for processing and executing warrants issued within the jurisdiction. This unit operates under the authority granted by N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, which establishes the procedures for warrant issuance and execution.
Sheriff warrants in Durham County fall into several categories:
The Warrant Control Unit maintains records of all active warrants and coordinates with patrol deputies and specialized units to execute these legal documents. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-401, law enforcement officers may execute warrants at any time of day or night, though certain restrictions apply to entry into private dwellings.
Durham County Sheriff's Office Warrant Control Unit
510 South Dillard Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-0940
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
As of 2025, Durham County has implemented enhanced digital systems for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant may utilize the following methods:
In accordance with N.C.G.S. § 15A-301.1, all warrants issued in North Carolina are entered into the statewide warrant repository, which is accessible to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. This system ensures that warrant information is current and accurate across jurisdictions.
Durham County maintains comprehensive records of outstanding warrants through the Sheriff's Office Warrant Control Unit. Individuals may verify the existence of outstanding warrants through several official channels:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies must provide public records "as promptly as possible." Standard processing time for warrant verification is typically 1-3 business days, though urgent requests may be expedited under certain circumstances.