Catawba County Criminal Records
What Is Catawba County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Catawba County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records document the complete history of a person's criminal activity as processed through local law enforcement agencies and the court system.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, regardless of whether charges are filed or convictions obtained
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or jail terms under one year
Juvenile records receive special treatment under North Carolina General Statute § 7B-3000, which generally seals these records from public view to protect minors. Active warrants differ from historical records in that they represent current court orders for arrest rather than documentation of past proceedings.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Catawba County:
Catawba County Sheriff's Office
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5241
Catawba County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records through its Records Division.
Catawba County Courthouse
25 North College Avenue
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-6100
Catawba County Courts
The courthouse maintains case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, and sentencing information.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 662-4500
North Carolina SBI
The SBI maintains statewide criminal history information and fingerprint records.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information as defined under North Carolina General Statute § 15A-1340.14.
Are Criminal Records Public In Catawba County
Criminal records in Catawba County are generally considered public information pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, General Statute § 132-1, which states that "public records and public information are the property of the people" and that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost."
The 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."
However, important exceptions to public access exist:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are typically restricted from public access until the investigation concludes
- Sealed Cases: Court records that have been sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: As governed by N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000, records involving minors under age 18 are generally confidential
- Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Certain Personal Information: Social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal data are typically redacted from public records
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions remain publicly accessible through the North Carolina Judicial Branch online portal and in-person at the Catawba County Courthouse. Law enforcement records, including arrest reports and incident reports, are generally available through the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, subject to redactions for confidential information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Catawba County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Catawba County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing these records:
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Catawba County Clerk of Superior Court's office located at the Catawba County Courthouse.
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $25 for a certified record search).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Allow 1-3 business days for processing, depending on the complexity of the search.
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete the Sheriff's Office records request form.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $5 for the first page, $2 for each additional page).
- Records staff will conduct the search while you wait for simple requests or contact you when more complex searches are complete.
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a money order or cashier's check for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to:
Catawba County Sheriff's Office Records Division
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5241
Catawba County Sheriff's Records Division
Online Requests:
- Visit the North Carolina Court System Records Search portal.
- Create a user account if required.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Pay applicable online access fees.
- View or download available records.
For certified copies of court records, requestors must still visit the courthouse in person or submit requests by mail. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, fees apply for most record searches and copies.
How To Find Criminal Records in Catawba County Online?
Catawba County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system contains different types of records and requires specific search parameters.
The primary online resources include:
North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records Search:
- Navigate to the North Carolina Court System Records Search portal.
- Select "Criminal" from the case type options.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date).
- Narrow results by selecting Catawba County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Review search results showing case numbers, charges, filing dates, and case status.
- Access case details including hearing dates, judgments, and disposition information.
This portal contains court case information including charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information for cases filed in Catawba County courts.
Catawba County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Catawba County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
This database only contains information on currently incarcerated individuals in the Catawba County Detention Center.
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search:
- Access the NC Public Safety Offender Search database.
- Enter the individual's name or offender ID number.
- Filter results by county if needed.
- View information on current inmates and individuals under community supervision.
This database contains information on individuals currently serving sentences in state prisons or under probation/parole supervision.
North Carolina Sex Offender Registry:
- Visit the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
- Search by name, location, or school.
- Filter results to Catawba County.
- View registered sex offenders' photos, addresses, and offense information.
Important limitations to note:
- Some older records may not be digitized and require in-person requests
- Certain confidential information is redacted from online records
- Juvenile records are not available online
- Expunged records do not appear in online searches
- Some detailed case documents require in-person requests at the courthouse
For comprehensive criminal history reports, individuals must still submit fingerprints and formal requests through the State Bureau of Investigation.
Can You Search Catawba County Criminal Records for Free?
The North Carolina Public Records Law, N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, establishes that "every person having custody of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."
In accordance with this statute, Catawba County offers several free options for accessing criminal records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Catawba County Clerk of Superior Court
25 North College Avenue
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 466-6100
Catawba County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Services: Free inspection of non-confidential court records
Catawba County Sheriff's Office Records Division
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5241
Catawba County Sheriff's Records Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services: Free inspection of non-confidential incident reports and arrest records
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to certain criminal record information:
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North Carolina Court System Records Search: Basic case information is available at no cost through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website. This includes case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information.
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Catawba County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The current jail roster is freely accessible through the Sheriff's Office website, showing current inmates, charges, and bond information.
-
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search: Basic information about individuals currently incarcerated in state prisons or under community supervision is available through the NC Department of Adult Correction website.
-
North Carolina Sex Offender Registry: Information about registered sex offenders residing in Catawba County is freely available through the state registry.
While inspection is free, fees apply for copies of records pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308. Current fees include:
- Court record copies: $2.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
- Criminal history checks: $25.00 per name
- Sheriff's Office record copies: $5.00 for first page, $2.00 for each additional page
Fee waivers are not typically available except in cases of demonstrated indigence for court-appointed counsel purposes.
What's Included in a Catawba County Criminal Record?
Catawba County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
- Filing date
- Formal charges and corresponding North Carolina General Statute citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Hearing dates and continuances
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole status reports
The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case complexity and age. More recent records typically contain more detailed information due to improved digital record-keeping systems implemented by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Records Division and the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
Certain information may be redacted from public records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of sexual assault victims
- Information about confidential informants
- Juvenile records (unless transferred to adult court)
- Mental health evaluations
- Medical information protected by HIPAA
How Long Does Catawba County Keep Criminal Records?
Catawba County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources under authority granted by N.C.G.S. § 121-5. These schedules dictate how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
The current retention periods for various criminal records in Catawba County are as follows:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 5-10 years after case closure, depending on offense type
- Traffic cases: 3 years after case closure
- Infractions: 3 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal
- Expunged records: Immediately destroyed upon court order
- Index and docket books: Permanent retention
Sheriff's Office Records:
- Felony arrest records: 20 years
- Misdemeanor arrest records: 5 years
- Incident reports: 5 years
- Investigation case files (solved felonies): 20 years
- Investigation case files (unsolved felonies): Permanent retention
- Investigation case files (misdemeanors): 5 years
- Jail records: 5 years after release
- Sex offender registration records: Permanent retention
- Domestic violence records: 5 years
Probation/Parole Records:
- Felony supervision records: 10 years after completion
- Misdemeanor supervision records: 5 years after completion
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are kept longer, particularly those with historical significance or those maintained in electronic formats where storage constraints are less restrictive. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains permanent electronic records of case dispositions even after physical records may have been destroyed.
It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, basic case information often remains in electronic databases indefinitely. Additionally, private background check companies may maintain copies of public records in their own databases beyond official government retention periods.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 are removed from public access and destroyed according to court order, regardless of standard retention schedules.
Lookup Criminal Records in Catawba County
Catawba County Sheriff's Office Court Division
North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records
Catawba County Sheriff's Office Records Division
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Public Records