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Winston-Salem, North Carolina Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?

Warrants are public records in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (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 public's right to access warrant records is established under N.C.G.S. § 132-6, which states that "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." This transparency serves several governmental functions:

Maintains accountability of law enforcement agencies
Ensures judicial proceedings remain open to public scrutiny
Provides citizens with information about potential legal actions
Supports the constitutional right to due process

Certain exceptions may apply to warrant records that are part of ongoing investigations or sealed by court order under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which governs criminal investigation records.

Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Winston-Salem?

Members of the public seeking warrant information in Winston-Salem may access several online resources maintained by local and state authorities:

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office: The official website provides a searchable database of active warrants issued within the county jurisdiction.
North Carolina Judicial Branch: The state court system maintains an online portal where users can search for court records, including warrant information, through the Criminal Court Information System.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court: This office maintains records of all warrants issued by judges within the county and provides online access to certain warrant information.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, warrant information available online typically includes the defendant's name, charges, warrant status, and issuing authority. For security reasons, certain details such as officer safety information or victim identifiers may be redacted from public online records.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
301 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-917-7001
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Winston-Salem in 2025

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Winston-Salem in 2025 may utilize several official channels. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301(f), which governs the issuance and execution of warrants, the following methods are available:

Direct Inquiry at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may contact the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office or visit in person to inquire about warrant status. Identification will be required, and individuals should be aware that appearing in person with an active warrant may result in immediate arrest.
Court Record Search: The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records of all warrants issued within the jurisdiction. Individuals may request a search of these records in person or through authorized representatives.
Online Court Information System: The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides access to court records through its online portal, which may include information about active warrants.
Legal Representation: Attorneys can conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through privileged access to court information systems.

Forsyth County Courthouse
200 N. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-779-6300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Winston-Salem

The process for checking outstanding warrants in Winston-Salem is governed by N.C.G.S. § 15A-301 and local court procedures. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to conduct a warrant search:

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division: This division maintains records of all active warrants issued within the county. Individuals may contact the warrant division directly or visit in person to inquire about warrant status.
North Carolina Judicial Branch Online Services: The state court system provides an electronic portal where users can search for court records, including warrant information.
Public Records Request: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6, individuals may submit a formal public records request to the appropriate law enforcement agency or court clerk for information regarding outstanding warrants.
Law Enforcement Detention Center: The detention center maintains records of individuals with active warrants who may be subject to detention.

When conducting a warrant search, requestors must provide sufficient identifying information, including full legal name and date of birth. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, certain information related to ongoing investigations may be withheld from public disclosure.

Law Enforcement Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-917-7030
Hours: 24 hours daily

Contents of a Winston-Salem Warrant Records

Warrant records in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are maintained in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, which establishes the required content and form of criminal process documents. A standard warrant record contains the following components:

Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual named in the warrant, along with identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address.
Offense Details: Specific statutory violation(s) alleged, including the North Carolina General Statute section, offense classification, and date of alleged offense.
Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judicial official, typically a magistrate or judge, along with the date of issuance.
Case Identifiers: Unique docket number, warrant number, and other administrative identifiers used by the court system.
Bond Information: If applicable, the type and amount of bond required for release upon apprehension.
Service Status: Information regarding whether the warrant has been served, attempted service dates, and current status.
Return of Service: Documentation of execution or attempted execution by law enforcement officers.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301(b), all warrants must be in writing and issued in the name of the State of North Carolina. The Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances may contain additional local requirements for warrant documentation and processing.