Warrant records in Forsyth County, North Carolina are classified as public records 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 by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
The North Carolina Public Records Law establishes that citizens have the legal right to inspect, examine, and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including those held by law enforcement entities. This statutory framework promotes governmental transparency and accountability within the judicial system of Forsyth County.
Warrant records remain accessible to the public unless specifically sealed by judicial order or exempted under state law. Certain warrants may be temporarily sealed during active investigations to preserve the integrity of law enforcement operations, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which governs criminal investigation records. Once a warrant has been executed or is no longer active in an ongoing investigation, the document typically becomes available for public inspection.
Warrant records maintained by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office contain specific information as required by North Carolina law. These official documents typically include:
The level of detail contained in warrant records varies according to the type of warrant issued. Search warrants typically contain more extensive information regarding the specific location to be searched and items to be seized, while arrest warrants focus on the individual and the alleged criminal violation.
Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Forsyth County through several no-cost methods established by local authorities. These official channels include:
In-person inquiry at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office 301 N Church Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 727-2112 Public Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Visiting the Clerk of Superior Court's Office 200 N Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 779-6300 Public Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Utilizing the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts portal for basic case information
Contacting the Forsyth County Magistrate's Office 201 N Church Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 779-6400 Hours: 24 hours daily
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, warrant information becomes public record upon execution unless sealed by judicial order. Individuals seeking information about their own possible warrants may need to provide proper identification when making inquiries through official channels.
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes various types of warrants as authorized under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 15A. These legal instruments are issued by judicial officials and empower law enforcement personnel to perform specific actions in accordance with constitutional requirements and statutory provisions.
Categories of warrants processed by the Sheriff's Office include:
The Law Enforcement Detention Center processes individuals taken into custody pursuant to valid warrants. This facility, located at 201 N Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, serves as the central processing point for warrant service within the county jurisdiction.
Sheriff's deputies are authorized to execute warrants throughout Forsyth County and, under certain circumstances, may coordinate with other jurisdictions for warrant service outside county boundaries in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 15A-301.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Forsyth County may utilize several official verification methods established by county authorities. The following resources are available to the public:
The North Carolina Judicial Branch's online case information system provides searchable access to court records, including warrant status
Direct inquiry with the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court 200 N Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 779-6300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Consultation with the Magistrate's Office 201 N Church Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 779-6400 Hours: 24 hours daily
Criminal record searches through the Administrative Office of the Courts
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, warrant information is maintained in the statewide warrant repository system. Individuals with legal representation may request that their attorney conduct a warrant search on their behalf, which may provide additional confidentiality protections under attorney-client privilege.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Forsyth County is facilitated through multiple official channels established by local judicial authorities. Members of the public may access this information through:
The Criminal Offender Search portal maintained by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
In-person inquiry at the Records Division of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office 301 N Church Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 727-2112 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Written request submitted to the Clerk of Superior Court 200 N Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: (336) 779-6300
Utilization of public access terminals at the courthouse for court record searches
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, though examination of records must be permitted at no charge. Identification may be required when requesting warrant information, particularly for individuals seeking information about themselves.
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Annual Report indicates that warrant service remains a priority for the department's operations, with dedicated personnel assigned to locate and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants.