Alamance County Arrest Records
Alamance County arrest records are public files held by local law enforcement and the courts. These records list the name of the person, the date and time of the arrest, and the charge. The county seat is Graham, where both the Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Superior Court keep records on file. North Carolina law gives the public broad rights to view these files. This page covers the main ways to find arrest records in Alamance County, from in-person visits to online tools.
Alamance County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Alamance County Sheriff's Office is the main source for arrest records in the county. It sits at 109 S Maple Street in Graham, NC 27253. The phone number is (336) 570-6300. When a deputy makes an arrest, the office creates a record that includes the charge, the date, and the name of the person taken into custody. These records are kept on file and can be viewed by the public under North Carolina's public records law.
You can go to the Sheriff's Office in person to ask for arrest records. Bring the full name of the person you want to look up. A date of birth or case number helps speed up the search. Staff at the front desk can pull records for you. Most requests are handled the same day. If the file is old or stored off-site, it may take a bit longer.
The image below shows the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the hub for local arrest records.
You can also call the office to ask about records. Phone requests may take more time, since staff will need to look up the file and then mail or fax copies to you. Some records may also be picked up in person after the search is done.
Warrant Search in Alamance County
Active warrants are a key part of arrest records. A warrant is a court order that tells law enforcement to arrest a specific person. In Alamance County, warrants are issued by a magistrate and carried out by the Sheriff's Office. Once the warrant is served and the arrest is made, the record becomes part of the public file.
The Alamance County warrant search tool lets you look for active warrants and recent arrest data from your home. Type in a name to get started. Not all records show up right away. New arrests can take a day or two to reach the online system. This tool is a fast way to check for warrants without a trip to the courthouse.
Below is a screenshot of the Alamance County warrant search page, which offers a public lookup tool for local warrants.
Keep in mind that warrants can be cleared once served. If a person has been picked up, the warrant may no longer show as active. For the most current status, contact the Sheriff's Office at (336) 570-6300.
Alamance County Court Records and Case Files
Court records are a strong source of arrest data in Alamance County. Once a person is charged, the case moves to the court system. The Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court holds these files at 212 W Elm Street in Graham. The phone number is (336) 570-5200. You can go in person to search for case files, or you can call ahead and ask how to submit a request by mail.
The image below shows the Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court, which manages court records tied to local arrests.
Court records hold more detail than a basic arrest log. They include the charges, court dates, plea, and outcome of the case. If the case went to trial, you can find the verdict and any sentence. These files are public under North Carolina General Statute Chapter 132, which sets out the state's public records rules. Some records may be sealed by a judge, but most remain open for review.
You can search for Alamance County court records online through the state court system. The NC Courts portal gives access to case data across all 100 counties. Search by name or case number. Results show the charge, case status, and court location.
State-Level Resources for Arrest Records
If you want to cast a wider net, state-level tools can help. The NC Department of Public Safety offender search lets you look up people who have been in the state prison system. This tool covers all 100 counties, including Alamance. You can search by name or offender ID.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation runs background checks for a fee. These checks pull data from state and federal databases and give a full picture of a person's criminal history. This is a more formal route, often used for legal or personal needs that go beyond a basic arrest record search.
North Carolina's public records law, found at G.S. 132-1.4, sets out rules for what records are open and what may be held back. Most arrest records are fully public. However, some parts of an active case file may be restricted until the case is resolved. Juvenile records are also handled under different rules and are not open to the public in the same way.
How to Request Alamance County Arrest Records
There are a few ways to get arrest records in Alamance County. Each method has its own steps and time frame. Here is a quick look at the main options:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office at 109 S Maple Street in Graham and ask at the front desk.
- Call (336) 570-6300 to request records by phone.
- Go to the Clerk of Superior Court at 212 W Elm Street for court case files.
- Use the online warrant search tool for a quick name check.
- Submit a written public records request by mail or in person.
Most requests are handled in a few business days. Older records or complex searches may take longer. There may be a small fee for copies, which the office can explain when you make the request. Be ready to give the full name and any other details you have about the person or case.
Written requests should state what records you want and how you want them sent. Include your name and contact details. The Sheriff's Office and the Clerk's Office both accept these requests. If you are not sure which office holds the file, start with the Sheriff's Office for arrest records and the Clerk for court records.
Arrest Records and Public Access in Alamance County
North Carolina treats arrest records as public files. This means any person can ask to see them. You do not need to give a reason. The law puts the burden on the agency to show why a record should be held back, not on the person asking to see it. This is a strong right, and it applies to all arrest records in Alamance County.
There are some limits. Records tied to open cases may have parts that are not yet public. Sealed records are off limits. Juvenile cases are handled under a separate set of rules. But for most adult arrests, the full record is open. This includes the name, charge, date, and booking details.
Note: Records may not always be up to date. New arrests can take one to two business days to appear in online systems. For the most current data, contact the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court directly.
If you run into trouble getting a record, you can cite the public records law and ask the agency to respond in writing. Most offices in Alamance County handle requests promptly and without issue. The key is to be clear about what you need and to provide enough detail for staff to find the right file.