Warrants are considered public records in Waxhaw, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, are generally accessible to the public. The law serves to maintain transparency and accountability in governmental operations throughout the state.
The North Carolina Public Records Law 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."
Warrant records maintained by the Waxhaw Police Department and Union County Sheriff's Office typically fall under this definition. These records may include:
While warrants are generally public records, certain exceptions may apply under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, particularly for warrants that are part of ongoing criminal investigations or those sealed by court order to protect sensitive information.
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Waxhaw have several online resources available. The following official channels provide access to warrant records:
Union County Sheriff's Office Wanted List: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of wanted individuals that includes persons with active warrants in Waxhaw and surrounding areas.
North Carolina Judicial Branch: The Union County Courts website provides access to court records, which may include information about warrants issued within the jurisdiction.
Union County Sheriff's Office Daily Bulletin: The Sheriff's Office publishes a daily bulletin that includes recent warrant activities and arrests.
Public Records Databases: Third-party aggregators compile public records from various sources, though the information may not be as current or accurate as official government sources.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(a), agencies must provide public records "at minimal cost." Online access to these records is typically provided free of charge, though fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Waxhaw may utilize several official channels. The following methods are available to the public:
Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office: Union County Sheriff's Office 3344 Presson Road Monroe, NC 28112 Phone: (704) 283-3789 Official Website Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Visit the Union County Courthouse: Union County Courthouse 400 N Main Street Monroe, NC 28112 Phone: (704) 698-3100 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Check Online Resources: The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of wanted persons that includes active warrants.
Waxhaw Police Department: Waxhaw Police Department 3620 Providence Road South Waxhaw, NC 28173 Phone: (704) 843-0353 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, warrant information is maintained by the clerk of court in the county where the warrant was issued. Individuals may request this information in person, though identification will be required.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Waxhaw requires accessing official records maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Inquiry at the Union County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request warrant information. Photo identification is required for all inquiries.
Online Warrant Search: The Union County Sheriff's Office Wanted List provides a searchable database of individuals with active warrants.
Inmate Inquiry System: The Union County Jail Inmate database can be searched to determine if someone has been arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Court Records Search: The Union County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records of all warrants issued within the jurisdiction. These records may be accessed at: Union County Clerk of Superior Court 400 N Main Street Monroe, NC 28112 Phone: (704) 698-3100 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-301(f), electronic records of all criminal process, including warrants, must be maintained by the clerk of court. These records are generally accessible to the public unless sealed by court order.
Warrant records in Waxhaw, North Carolina contain specific information as required by N.C.G.S. § 15A-304 for arrest warrants and N.C.G.S. § 15A-245 for search warrants. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Case Identification Information: Court case number, warrant number, and filing date.
Subject Information: Full legal name of the individual, physical description (including height, weight, race, gender, and distinguishing features), date of birth, and last known address.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including North Carolina General Statute references and offense classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Factual Basis: Brief statement of probable cause supporting the issuance of the warrant, including the essential facts of the alleged offense.
Issuing Authority: Name and signature of the judicial official who issued the warrant, typically a magistrate or judge from the Union County District Court.
Execution Details: Information regarding service attempts, successful execution, or return of the warrant unserved.
Bond Information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, and any special conditions imposed by the court.
Court Appearance Information: Date, time, and location of required court appearance.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301(a), all criminal process must be in writing and signed by the judicial official who issues it. The warrant must contain the name of the defendant or, if the name is unknown, any name or description that identifies the defendant with reasonable certainty.