Warrants are public records in New Hanover County, North Carolina, 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 mandates that records created by public agencies be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations, including the judicial system. Warrant information becomes part of the public record once it has been executed or returned to the court, though certain exceptions may apply to warrants that remain under seal by court order.
Citizens seeking warrant information may access these records through designated channels established by New Hanover County authorities. The public nature of these records serves the essential function of maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system while balancing privacy considerations as prescribed by law.
Warrant records maintained by New Hanover County typically contain comprehensive information related to the legal document. Standard elements included in these records are:
The specific content may vary depending on the type of warrant issued (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the circumstances surrounding the case. All warrant information is maintained in accordance with North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts record retention schedules.
Members of the public may verify warrant status in New Hanover County through several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following resources are available for conducting free warrant searches:
New Hanover County residents may visit the New Hanover County Courthouse in person to access public terminals. The courthouse is located at:
New Hanover County Courthouse
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-772-6600
Operating hours for public access are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Additionally, the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office maintains public records that may be accessed during regular business hours at:
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
3950 Juvenile Center Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
910-798-4200
The North Carolina Court System's eCourts Portal provides online access to certain court records, including some warrant information. This service allows users to search by name to determine if warrants have been issued.
Individuals seeking information about their own possible warrants may contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office directly. Personal identification will be required when making inquiries about one's own records.
The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued under the authority of North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-301, which authorizes judicial officials to issue warrants for arrest upon finding probable cause.
Sheriff warrants in New Hanover County are categorized as follows:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division that processes and serves these legal documents throughout the county. Deputies assigned to this division work in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend individuals with active warrants.
For information regarding active sheriff warrants, interested parties may contact:
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division
3950 Juvenile Center Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
910-798-4190
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in New Hanover County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by county authorities. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has implemented enhanced digital services that facilitate warrant status verification.
To ascertain warrant status, residents may:
Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch's eCourts system, which provides comprehensive case information including warrant status. This platform requires basic identifying information such as full name and date of birth.
Contact the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court directly at:
New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court
316 Princess Street, Suite 148
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-772-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Utilize the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction's offender search tool to verify if warrants are associated with probation violations or other correctional matters.
Consult with a licensed North Carolina attorney who can conduct a confidential search of court records on behalf of the individual.
Visit the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person with proper identification to inquire about possible warrants.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-301.1, electronic warrant records are maintained in the statewide warrant repository, which is regularly updated to reflect current status. Individuals should be aware that warrant information may change as cases progress through the judicial system.
New Hanover County maintains systematic procedures for verifying outstanding warrant status in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-301. Members of the public seeking to check for outstanding warrants may utilize the following established methods:
The North Carolina Court System's public records portal provides access to warrant information that has been entered into the statewide database. Users may search by name to determine if outstanding warrants exist.
For in-person inquiries, individuals may visit:
New Hanover County Magistrate's Office
3950 Juvenile Center Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
910-798-4230
Hours: 24 hours daily
The magistrate's office maintains current records of all warrants issued within the county jurisdiction and can provide verification of warrant status upon request with proper identification.
Third-party verification is available through licensed attorneys who can conduct confidential searches of court records. This option provides legal guidance regarding any identified warrants.
For warrants related to child support enforcement, inquiries should be directed to:
New Hanover County Child Support Enforcement Office
1650 Greenfield Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-798-3500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals should note that outstanding warrants remain active until served or recalled by judicial order. Warrant status may change without notice as law enforcement activities proceed.