Pender County Public Records / Pender County Arrest Records

Pender County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Pender County

Arrest records in Pender County are considered public information under North Carolina's Public Records Law, N.C. General Statutes § 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 North Carolina Public Records Law establishes that arrest records maintained by the Pender County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are accessible to members of the public. However, it is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Conviction Records: Document that an individual has been found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings.

Pursuant to N.C. General Statutes § 15A-266.3A, certain limitations exist regarding the disclosure of DNA samples and records. Additionally, records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under specific circumstances as outlined in state law.

The Pender County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available to the public through established procedures. Access to these records supports transparency in law enforcement operations while balancing privacy considerations as mandated by state and federal laws.

What's in Pender County Arrest Records

Pender County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Residential address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Pender County Sheriff's Office or other law enforcement agency)
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity
Victim information (with certain privacy protections)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Processing officer information
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Bond status (posted or not posted)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court case number
Scheduled court appearances
Court location
Assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location if incarcerated in the Pender County Jail
Release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Risk assessment information
Medical screening information (with privacy limitations)
Emergency contact information

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest, the policies of the arresting agency, and applicable state regulations. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy laws and investigative needs.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pender County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Pender County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office

Individuals may submit requests for arrest records by visiting the Pender County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.

Pender County Sheriff's Office
605 E. Fremont Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-1212
Pender County Sheriff's Office

Required documentation for in-person requests includes:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Completed records request form (available at the office)
- Name of the individual whose records are being requested
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Payment of applicable fees
Written Requests by Mail

Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include:
- Full name and contact information of the requestor
- Detailed information about the record being sought
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Requests Through the Clerk of Superior Court

Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Pender County Clerk of Superior Court.

Pender County Clerk of Superior Court
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 663-3900
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Pender County
Third-Party Background Check Services

Commercial background check services may provide access to arrest records, though the information may not be as comprehensive or current as official sources. Users of such services should verify the accuracy of information obtained through these channels.

Pursuant to N.C. General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying public records. The current fee schedule for copies of arrest records is available upon request from the Sheriff's Office.

Processing times for arrest record requests vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Standard processing typically takes 5-10 business days.

How To Find Pender County Arrest Records Online

Pender County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic methods offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online options are currently available:

Pender County Sheriff's Office Website

The Pender County Sheriff's Office maintains an online portal with information about recent arrests and inmate status. Users can search by:
- Name (last name, first name)
- Booking date range
- Case number
The website provides basic arrest information including charges, booking dates, and custody status. For comprehensive records, additional steps may be necessary.
North Carolina Court System Records Search

The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers an online records search system that includes Pender County cases. This system provides access to:
- Criminal case information
- Court dates
- Case status
- Disposition information
To conduct a search:
- Visit the North Carolina Court System website
- Select "Court Records Search"
- Choose Pender County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review search results for relevant information
North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search

For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, the NC Department of Public Safety maintains an offender search database that includes:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Projected release dates
- Offense information
Pender County Jail Inmate Search

The Pender County Jail provides an online inmate lookup tool that allows users to verify if an individual is currently in custody. This resource includes:
- Current inmates
- Booking information
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court dates

When using online resources, users should note that:

Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
Some records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
Certain case details may be restricted from online access
Official record copies typically require formal requests

Online access to arrest records is governed by N.C. General Statutes § 132-6.1, which addresses electronic access to public records.

How To Search Pender County Arrest Records for Free?

Pender County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without incurring fees through several available channels. The following methods provide cost-free access to arrest information:

Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities

Computer terminals are available for public use at the following locations:

Pender County Courthouse
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 663-3900
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Pender County

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

These terminals provide access to the North Carolina Court Information System (NCCIS) and allow users to search for criminal cases, including arrest information, without charge.
Pender County Sheriff's Office Website

The Pender County Sheriff's Office website offers a free inmate lookup service that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including:
- Name and identifying information
- Charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Next court date
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains a free online database that includes information about:
- Current inmates
- Probationers
- Parolees
- Post-release supervisees
- Absconders
This resource is particularly useful for tracking individuals who have moved through the criminal justice system following arrest.
Public Records Inspection

Under North Carolina law, individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. To exercise this right:
- Visit the Pender County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Provide identification
- Specify the records you wish to review
- Records will be made available for inspection at no charge
Pender County Sheriff's Office Records Division
605 E. Fremont Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-1212
Pender County Sheriff's Office

Hours for records inspection: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Local Public Libraries

Pender County public libraries offer free internet access that can be used to search public online databases containing arrest information:

Pender County Public Library - Burgaw
103 S. Cowan Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-1234

While these methods provide free access to basic arrest information, users should note that:

Fees may still apply for obtaining copies of records
Comprehensive background checks typically involve costs
Some detailed information may require formal requests
Records that have been sealed or expunged will not be accessible through these methods

How To Delete Arrest Records in Pender County

Individuals with arrest records in Pender County may be eligible to have these records expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. The distinction between these two remedies is significant:

Expungement: Complete removal of arrest and related records from public view and official databases.

Sealing: Records remain in existence but are restricted from public access, typically remaining available to law enforcement and certain government agencies.

Eligibility for expungement in Pender County is governed by N.C. General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-146 and generally includes:

Charges Resulting in Dismissal or Not Guilty Verdict
- Individuals may petition for expungement if charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict
- Waiting periods may apply depending on the nature of the charges
First-Time Nonviolent Offenses
- Certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies may qualify
- Age restrictions and waiting periods apply (typically 5-10 years)
Juvenile Records
- Special provisions exist for expunging juvenile records
- Requirements include reaching age 18 and meeting behavior criteria
Identity Theft Victims
- Individuals whose identity was used by another person resulting in criminal charges

The process for seeking expungement in Pender County includes:

Petition Preparation
- Obtain appropriate petition forms from the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
- Complete forms with accurate case information
- Include required affidavits and supporting documentation
Filing the Petition
- Submit completed petition to the Clerk of Superior Court in Pender County
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Provide required copies for service on the District Attorney's Office
Review Process
- The District Attorney's Office reviews the petition
- The petition is forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation for record verification
- The Administrative Office of the Courts checks for previous expungements
Judicial Determination
- A judge reviews the petition and supporting materials
- If approved, an order of expungement is issued
- If denied, the petitioner may have appeal options

The expungement process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. Individuals seeking expungement are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney, as the process is complex and requirements vary based on the specific circumstances of each case.

Successful expungement results in the removal of records from public databases, including court records and law enforcement files. However, certain federal agencies may retain access to expunged records, and some specialized background checks may still reveal expunged information.

What Happens After Arrest in Pender County?

Following an arrest in Pender County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. Understanding this process helps contextualize how arrest records are generated and maintained.

Booking and Initial Processing

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Pender County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photograph (mugshot) and fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Assignment of booking number
Initial Appearance Before Magistrate

Within 48 hours of arrest (typically much sooner), the arrestee appears before a magistrate who:
- Formally advises of charges
- Determines probable cause
- Sets initial bail conditions
- Schedules first court appearance
This proceeding is conducted at the Pender County Magistrate's Office, located at:

Pender County Magistrate's Office
605 E. Fremont Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-1240
Pretrial Release or Detention

Based on the magistrate's determination, the individual may:
- Be released on personal recognizance
- Post bail and be released
- Remain in custody at the Pender County Jail
Factors affecting this decision include the nature of charges, criminal history, community ties, and flight risk assessment.
First Appearance Hearing

For individuals charged with felonies or who remain in custody, a first appearance hearing occurs within 96 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) at the Pender County Courthouse. During this hearing:
- Charges are formally read
- Right to counsel is addressed
- Bail conditions may be reviewed
- Future court dates are established
Probable Cause Hearing (Felonies Only)

For felony charges, a probable cause hearing may be held within 15-30 days to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed. Many defendants waive this hearing.
Grand Jury Indictment (Felonies Only)

Felony cases proceed to the grand jury, which meets in closed session to determine if probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Arraignment

At arraignment, the defendant:
- Is formally presented with charges
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- May have trial date set if pleading not guilty
Pretrial Conferences and Motions

Before trial, various hearings may address:
- Evidence admissibility
- Witness testimony
- Plea negotiations
- Other legal matters
Trial or Plea Resolution

Cases conclude through:
- Guilty plea (often through plea bargaining)
- Bench trial (judge decides)
- Jury trial
- Dismissal of charges
Sentencing

If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
Appeals Process

Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to higher courts based on legal errors in the proceedings.

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Pender County Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Superior Court, District Attorney's Office, and North Carolina Department of Public Safety. These records collectively form the arrest and case record that may later be accessed through public records requests.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pender County?

Arrest records in Pender County are maintained according to retention schedules established by North Carolina state law, specifically N.C. General Statutes § 132-8, which governs public records retention and disposition. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources provides detailed retention schedules that law enforcement agencies must follow.

Standard Retention Periods for Arrest Records:

Arrest Reports and Supporting Documentation
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 20 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 3 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint Records
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after case disposition
- Arrests without prosecution: May be destroyed upon court order
Booking Photographs (Mugshots)
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after case disposition
- May be retained longer if part of a permanent case file
Incident Reports Related to Arrests
- Generally maintained for 5 years
- Extended retention for cases involving juveniles, homicides, and sexual assaults
Criminal History Information
- Maintained by the State Bureau of Investigation indefinitely
- Subject to modification based on case outcomes and expungement orders

Different agencies within Pender County maintain separate but overlapping record systems:

Pender County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigation files according to law enforcement retention schedules.
Clerk of Superior Court: Maintains court records related to criminal cases, with retention periods ranging from 5 years to permanent depending on case type and outcome.
North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: Maintains electronic court records in the statewide system with varying retention periods.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

Legal Documentation: Provides official record of law enforcement actions
Investigative Resources: Supports ongoing and future criminal investigations
Statistical Analysis: Enables crime trend analysis and resource allocation
Accountability: Documents law enforcement practices and procedures
Historical Documentation: Preserves records of significant cases

Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access and physically destroyed or sealed according to the specific provisions of the expungement order. However, certain non-public indices of expunged records may be maintained for law enforcement purposes under restricted access.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the methods of preservation and destruction differ. As technology evolves, records management practices continue to adapt while maintaining compliance with state retention requirements.

How to Find Mugshots in Pender County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Pender County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of two images:

A front-facing (portrait) photograph
A profile (side-view) photograph

These photographs document identifying features including facial structure, distinguishing marks, and physical condition at the time of booking. Mugshots are taken at the Pender County Jail as part of the standard booking procedure.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Pender County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Pender County Sheriff's Office
- Stored in the jail management system
- Linked to booking records and case files
- Retained according to state records retention schedules
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
- Maintains copies of mugshots for individuals charged with serious offenses
- Incorporates images into state criminal history records

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Pender County have several options:

In-Person Requests

Individuals may request mugshots by visiting:

Pender County Sheriff's Office Records Division
605 E. Fremont Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-1212
Pender County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Required information includes:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Written Requests

Submit a written public records request including:
- Specific information about the mugshot being requested
- Requestor's contact information
- Self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting physical copies
- Payment for any applicable fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Currently, Pender County does not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:

Third-Party Websites
- Commercial mugshot websites that aggregate booking photos
- News media websites reporting on arrests
- These sources may not be comprehensive or current
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
- Maintains photos of individuals currently in state custody
- Accessible through the offender search function

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To ensure accuracy and legitimacy, obtaining mugshots through official channels is recommended:

Submit a public records request to the Pender County Sheriff's Office
Provide specific identifying information about the case
Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $2-5 per image)
Allow processing time (usually 5-10 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be limited under certain circumstances:

Juvenile Records: Mugshots of juveniles (under 18) are generally not public records unless the juvenile is charged as an adult.
Expunged Records: If a case has been expunged, associated mugshots are removed from public access.
Ongoing Investigations: Mugshots related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld.
Privacy Protections: North Carolina law provides certain privacy protections that may limit access in specific situations.

When requesting mugshots, individuals should be aware that these images are obtained for legitimate purposes such as public information, legal proceedings, or personal records. The use of mugshots for commercial purposes, particularly websites that charge for removal, has been subject to increasing regulation in many jurisdictions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Pender County

Sheriff's Office | Pender County, NC

Pender County | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Jail Division | Pender County, NC

Court Records | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Inmate Information | Pender County, NC