Warrant records are public documents in Richmond County, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material made or received in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are public records. Warrant records fall within this definition and are therefore accessible to members of the public.
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Superior Court maintain these records as part of their official duties. Public access to warrant information serves multiple governmental and civic purposes, including:
Certain exceptions may apply to warrant records that are under seal by judicial order or relate to ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or the integrity of the investigation, as provided under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4.
Warrant records maintained by Richmond County authorities contain specific information as required by North Carolina law. Standard warrant documents typically include:
The level of detail may vary depending on the type of warrant (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the circumstances of the case. All warrant information is recorded and maintained according to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts' record-keeping standards.
Richmond County residents and other interested parties may access warrant information without charge through several official channels. The following methods are available for conducting free warrant searches:
When requesting warrant information, individuals should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and address to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(b), agencies may require written requests for certain types of records but cannot require disclosure of the purpose of the request.
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within the county's jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are classified into several categories:
The Sheriff's Warrant Division, operating under the authority of N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, maintains a dedicated unit of deputies who specialize in locating and apprehending individuals with active warrants. This division works in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, including:
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is located at:
Richmond County Sheriff's Office
1 Court Street
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-8283
Richmond County Sheriff's Office
As of 2025, Richmond County has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status. These procedures comply with North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-301.1 regarding electronic repository for criminal process. Residents may determine if they have an active warrant through the following means:
Online Verification: The North Carolina Court System maintains an electronic database accessible through public terminals and authorized online portals. This system provides real-time information on active warrants.
Direct Contact: Individuals may contact the Richmond County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) at (910) 997-8283.
Clerk of Court Inquiry: The Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court can provide warrant information during regular office hours at:
Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court
Richmond County Judicial Center
105 W. Franklin Street
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-5738
Richmond County Clerk of Court
When making inquiries about warrant status, individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification. Third-party inquiries may be limited to protect privacy interests while balancing the public nature of these records.
Richmond County maintains a systematic process for checking outstanding warrants in compliance with North Carolina public records statutes. Members of the public seeking to verify outstanding warrant information may utilize the following resources:
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division maintains current records of all unserved warrants and orders for arrest. In-person inquiries can be made at 1 Court Street, Rockingham, NC 28379.
The Richmond County Clerk of Court's Office provides access to warrant information through public terminals located in the courthouse at 105 W. Franklin Street, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Telephone verification is available by contacting the Sheriff's Office at (910) 997-8283. Basic identifying information will be required to process the request.
Written requests may be submitted to either the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court with appropriate identifying information pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2.
Law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina, including Richmond County, participate in the statewide warrant repository system as mandated by N.C.G.S. § 15A-301.1. This system facilitates the tracking and service of outstanding warrants across jurisdictional boundaries within the state.