>Washington County Warrant Search Online

Washington County, North Carolina Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Washington County, North Carolina?

Warrants are public record in Washington 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 establishes that most documents created or received by public agencies are accessible to the public, including warrant records as they constitute part of the judicial and law enforcement processes. This statutory framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the right to access information pertaining to arrests and legal actions within Washington County.

The Washington County Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records during regular business hours at the Washington County Courthouse located at:

Washington County Courthouse
120 Adams Street
Plymouth, NC 27962
252-793-2323
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Washington County

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Washington County?

Warrant records maintained by Washington County authorities typically contain specific information as required by North Carolina law. These official documents include:

Full legal name of the subject individual
Date of warrant issuance
Classification of warrant (arrest, bench, search, etc.)
Detailed description of alleged offense(s) with corresponding statute citations
Identity of issuing judicial authority
Case or docket number for reference purposes
Physical description of the subject individual (when available)
Last known address of the subject
Bond amount (if applicable)
Return information documenting service or execution of the warrant

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, warrants must contain sufficient particularity regarding the offense charged and the person to be arrested or location to be searched. The information contained in these records serves both law enforcement purposes and public interest in maintaining transparency in judicial proceedings.

How to Check For Warrants in Washington County For Free

Washington County residents may conduct free searches for warrant records through several officially sanctioned channels. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking warrant information:

In-person visits to the Washington County Sheriff's Office located at 116 Adams Street, Plymouth, NC 27962 (252-793-2422) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Direct inquiries at the Washington County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse
Utilization of public access terminals available at the courthouse for searching the North Carolina Court Information System
Online searches through the North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal, which provides limited case information for participating counties

Individuals conducting searches should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name and date of birth to ensure accurate results. Per N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(b), agencies may require written requests for certain records but cannot charge fees for examination of public records.

Washington County Sheriff Warrants

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Washington County are official legal documents issued by judicial authorities that authorize law enforcement officers to take specific actions, including:

Arrest warrants: Authorizing the apprehension of individuals suspected of criminal activity
Bench warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
Search warrants: Permitting examination of specified locations for evidence
Civil warrants: Related to non-criminal matters requiring official intervention

These documents are issued in compliance with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 20 of the North Carolina Constitution, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. Each warrant contains detailed information including the name of the person to be apprehended or location to be searched, the nature of the alleged offense with reference to applicable statutes, and the legal authority under which the warrant is issued.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all warrants issued within its jurisdiction and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies for execution of these legal instruments. For inquiries regarding sheriff warrants, members of the public may contact:

Washington County Sheriff's Office
116 Adams Street
Plymouth, NC 27962
252-793-2422
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Washington County in 2025

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Washington County in 2025 have multiple verification methods available through official channels. The Washington County judicial system provides several options for warrant status verification:

Accessing the North Carolina Judicial Branch's electronic court system, which maintains updated records of court proceedings including warrant information
Visiting the Washington County Sheriff's Office in person at 116 Adams Street, Plymouth, NC 27962
Contacting the Clerk of Superior Court at the Washington County Courthouse (252-793-2323)
Consulting with a licensed attorney who can access court records on behalf of clients

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, all warrants must be entered into the state's electronic repository, ensuring that current information is maintained and accessible to authorized parties. This electronic system facilitates timely updates and accurate record-keeping for all judicial processes, including warrant status.

Individuals should note that while warrant information is generally public record, certain protective orders or sealed warrants may have restricted access in accordance with state law. For comprehensive verification, direct contact with county judicial authorities is recommended.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Washington County

Washington County maintains multiple access points for individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants. The following official methods are available for conducting warrant searches:

In-person inquiries at the Washington County Sheriff's Office (116 Adams Street, Plymouth, NC 27962)
Direct consultation with the Clerk of Superior Court at the Washington County Courthouse
Electronic searches through the North Carolina Criminal Offender Search system, which includes warrant information
Utilization of public access terminals at the courthouse for searching the judicial database

When conducting searches, requestors should provide accurate identifying information including full legal name and date of birth to ensure precise results. In accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6, public agencies must allow inspection of public records during regular business hours and provide copies upon request, though reasonable fees for reproduction may apply.

For individuals concerned about potential outstanding warrants, the North Carolina Judicial Branch provides resources explaining the process for addressing unresolved legal matters through proper channels.