Pitt County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pitt County
Arrest records in Pitt County are considered public information under North Carolina law. Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act, specifically § 132-1, public records include "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."
Law enforcement agencies in Pitt County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process
Under North Carolina General Statute § 15A-266.3A, certain arrest information is explicitly designated as public record. However, some information may be redacted or restricted if it pertains to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or contains sensitive personal information protected by privacy laws.
The Pitt County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to arrest records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain limitations and procedures apply to their release.
What's in Pitt County Arrest Records
Pitt County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Physical identifiers (scars, marks, tattoos)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge description
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Fingerprint identification number
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Scheduled court date
- Court location
- Judge assigned (if known)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility location
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Incident reports related to the arrest
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-401, law enforcement agencies are required to document specific information when making arrests, which becomes part of the official arrest record.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pitt County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Pitt County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for obtaining arrest records:
- In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Pitt County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record copies
Pitt County Sheriff's Office
100 West 3rd Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 902-2800
Pitt County Sheriff's Office
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Written Requests
- Submit a written request via mail or email to the Records Division
- Include requestor's contact information
- Specify the information being requested with as much detail as possible
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
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Online Portal Access
- Visit the Pitt County Sheriff's Office Charges Inquiry Search portal
- Enter search criteria (name, date range, etc.)
- Review available records
- Note that online records may be limited to recent arrests
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Court Records Request
- For arrest records associated with court cases, contact the Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court
- Request criminal case files that contain arrest information
- Provide case numbers if available
Pitt County Courthouse
100 West 3rd Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 695-7100
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Pitt County
- Third-Party Background Check Services
- Commercial services may provide arrest record information
- Accuracy and completeness may vary
- Fees typically apply
- Official verification through county sources is recommended
When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide identification and pay any applicable fees. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
How To Find Pitt County Arrest Records Online
Pitt County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient access to public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices. The following online methods are available for searching arrest records:
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Pitt County Sheriff's Office Online Portals
- The Charges Inquiry Search allows users to search for individuals who have been charged with crimes in Pitt County
- The Detainee Search provides information on individuals currently held in the Pitt County Detention Center
- Search parameters include name, booking number, and date ranges
- Records typically include basic arrest information, charges, and custody status
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North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
- The Public Records Online portal provides information on offenders in the state prison system
- Search by name or offender ID number
- Results include conviction information, sentence details, and custody status
- Useful for tracking individuals who have moved from county detention to state custody
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North Carolina Court System
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch website provides access to court records
- Users can search for criminal cases that include arrest information
- The Criminal Court Information System (CCIS) allows searches by name or case number
- Court records provide information on case progression following arrest
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North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
- The SBI maintains a criminal history database
- Formal requests can be submitted online
- Fees apply for official criminal history checks
- Results include arrest and disposition information
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:
- Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
- Some records may be restricted or redacted in online versions
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
- Official verification may be required for legal or employment purposes
Online access to arrest records is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 132-6.1, which addresses electronic access to public records. The statute requires agencies to provide public records in any requested format if the agency can reasonably provide them in that format.
How To Search Pitt County Arrest Records for Free?
Pitt County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without cost through several free resources. These no-cost options provide basic information about arrests and criminal charges within the county:
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Pitt County Sheriff's Office Public Portals
- The Sheriff's Office maintains free online search tools that provide arrest information
- The Charges Inquiry Search allows users to search for individuals charged with crimes
- The Detainee Search provides information on current jail inmates
- These resources are available 24/7 without registration or fees
- Information is typically updated daily
-
Public Access Terminals at Government Offices
- Computer terminals at the Pitt County Courthouse provide free access to public records
- Visitors can search court cases related to arrests
- Staff assistance may be available for navigating the system
- No fees for viewing records (printing may incur charges)
Pitt County Courthouse
100 West 3rd Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 695-7100
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Pitt County
- Public Library Resources
- Pitt County public libraries offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
- Some libraries maintain reference materials on accessing government records
Sheppard Memorial Library
530 Evans Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 329-4580
Sheppard Memorial Library
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North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Website
- The Public Records Online portal provides free access to offender information
- Search capabilities include current inmates and those on probation or parole
- Information includes conviction history and custody status
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In-Person Record Inspection
- North Carolina General Statute § 132-6 guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
- Request to inspect (not copy) specific arrest records
- Staff will provide records for review at no cost
When using free resources to access arrest records, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free resources may not include complete historical records
- Some details may be redacted in publicly accessible versions
- Technical issues may occasionally affect online system availability
- For official purposes, certified copies (which may require fees) might be necessary
The right to inspect public records without charge is protected under North Carolina law, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies or extensive research assistance.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Pitt County
Under North Carolina law, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. The process for removing arrest records from public view in Pitt County follows state procedures outlined in North Carolina General Statutes.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement completely removes the record from public view and most government databases
- Sealing restricts public access while maintaining the record for law enforcement purposes
- In North Carolina, most successful petitions result in expungement rather than sealing
Eligibility for Expungement:
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-146, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- Charges were dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty
- The case was disposed of through a deferred prosecution or conditional discharge
- The individual has no prior felony convictions
- Specific waiting periods have been satisfied (varies by offense type)
The 2020 Second Chance Act expanded expungement eligibility in North Carolina, allowing for:
- Automatic expungement of charges dismissed after December 1, 2021
- Expungement of multiple nonviolent misdemeanors after 7 years
- Expungement of nonviolent felonies after 10 years
Expungement Process:
-
Petition Preparation
- Obtain the appropriate petition form from the Pitt County Clerk of Court
- Complete all required information accurately
- Gather supporting documentation (court dispositions, identification, etc.)
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Filing the Petition
- Submit the completed petition to the Clerk of Superior Court
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $175, though fee waivers may be available)
- Ensure all supporting documents are attached
Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court
100 West 3rd Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 695-7100
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Pitt County
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Review Process
- The petition is reviewed by the District Attorney's Office
- The SBI and AOC conduct criminal record checks
- A judge reviews the petition and supporting materials
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Judicial Determination
- If approved, the judge signs an Order of Expungement
- The order is sent to state and local agencies to remove the record
- The process typically takes 3-6 months to complete
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Verification
- After expungement, individuals should verify that records have been removed
- Private background check companies may need to be contacted separately
For individuals with limited financial resources, legal assistance may be available through:
Legal Aid of North Carolina - Greenville Office
301 South Evans Street, Suite 200
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 758-0113
Legal Aid of North Carolina
It is important to note that expungement is not automatic, and not all arrest records qualify for removal. The process requires careful adherence to statutory requirements and procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Pitt County?
Following an arrest in Pitt County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by North Carolina state law. This process includes several key stages from initial custody through case disposition:
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Booking and Processing
- Arrestees are transported to the Pitt County Detention Center
- Fingerprinting and photographing procedures are completed
- Personal information is recorded in law enforcement databases
- Medical screening is conducted to identify immediate health concerns
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Initial Appearance
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours)
- Magistrate informs the defendant of charges
- Preliminary determination of probable cause is made
- Pretrial release conditions are established (bail/bond amount)
- Right to counsel is explained, and public defender may be appointed if eligible
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Pretrial Release Options
- Release on personal recognizance (written promise to appear)
- Secured bond (requires payment or property as collateral)
- Unsecured bond (promise to pay if failure to appear)
- Electronic monitoring or other supervised release
- Detention until trial (for serious offenses or flight risks)
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First Appearance Hearing
- Held within 96 hours for felony charges
- Formal reading of charges and possible penalties
- Review of pretrial release conditions
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
- Setting of next court date
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Probable Cause Hearing (Felonies Only)
- Held within 15 days of first appearance
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- Case may be dismissed if insufficient evidence
- If probable cause is found, case proceeds to Superior Court
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Grand Jury Indictment (Felonies)
- Grand jury reviews evidence in closed session
- Issues indictment if probable cause exists
- Case officially moves to Superior Court upon indictment
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Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set if not guilty plea entered
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Pretrial Conferences and Motions
- Attorneys discuss possible plea agreements
- Motions regarding evidence and procedure are filed
- Discovery materials are exchanged
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Trial or Plea Resolution
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- Trials may be by judge (bench trial) or jury
- Burden of proof is on prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
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Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Occurs immediately after guilty plea or trial conviction
- Judge determines sentence based on NC Structured Sentencing guidelines
- May include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
- Victim impact statements may be considered
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Post-Conviction Options
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possible post-conviction relief through motions
- Potential expungement eligibility after waiting periods
Throughout this process, the Pitt County criminal justice system operates under the supervision of the North Carolina Judicial Branch, with proceedings taking place at the Pitt County Courthouse. Defendants have constitutional rights to due process, legal representation, and fair treatment at each stage of the process.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pitt County?
Arrest records in Pitt County are maintained according to North Carolina's records retention schedules, which establish mandatory timeframes for preserving various types of government records. The retention of arrest records is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 132-8, which authorizes the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to establish records retention schedules for public agencies.
Standard Retention Periods:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
- Electronic records systems have enabled indefinite retention
- Paper records may be microfilmed or digitized after 3-5 years
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Criminal Investigation Records
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 20 years after case closure
- Unfounded/unsubstantiated cases: 5 years
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Fingerprint Records
- Maintained permanently in state and federal databases
- Local copies retained according to agency policy (typically permanent)
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Mugshot Photographs
- Digital images maintained permanently
- Physical photographs (if any) retained for 5 years minimum
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Incident Reports Related to Arrests
- Maintained for 5 years after case closure
- May be retained longer if related to serious crimes
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Warrant and Detention Orders
- Active warrants: Until served or recalled
- Served warrants: 3 years after service
- Associated with felony cases: Permanent retention
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources publishes detailed retention schedules that law enforcement agencies in Pitt County must follow. These schedules ensure that records are maintained for appropriate periods to serve legal, administrative, and historical purposes.
Factors Affecting Retention:
Several factors may influence how long specific arrest records are kept:
- Severity of the alleged offense (felonies vs. misdemeanors)
- Case disposition (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Statutory requirements for specific offense types
- Court orders for record destruction or expungement
- Agency storage capacity and records management systems
It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information about arrests may persist in various databases and indices. Additionally, records that have been lawfully obtained by third parties before destruction or expungement may continue to exist outside official government repositories.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes, including:
- Maintaining evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations
- Enabling background checks for public safety purposes
- Preserving historical documentation of law enforcement activities
- Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
How to Find Mugshots in Pitt County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals who have been arrested and processed into the criminal justice system. In Pitt County, mugshots are typically taken at the Pitt County Detention Center as part of the standard booking procedure following an arrest.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Pitt County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
- Pitt County Sheriff's Office
- Maintains booking photographs as part of arrest records
- Stores images in digital database systems
- Controls official release of these images
Pitt County Sheriff's Office
100 West 3rd Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 902-2800
Pitt County Sheriff's Office
- Pitt County Detention Center
- Takes and processes booking photographs
- Maintains records of current and former detainees
- Shares information with law enforcement databases
Pitt County Detention Center
124 New Hope Road
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 902-2980
Pitt County Detention Center
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Pitt County have several options:
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Submit a Public Records Request
- File a formal request with the Pitt County Sheriff's Office
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Provide requestor identification
- Pay any applicable fees for reproduction
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Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Request mugshots in person during business hours
- Complete required request forms
- Provide specific information about the subject
- Allow time for staff to locate and process the request
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Check Online Resources
- The Pitt County Sheriff's Office Detainee Search may include booking photos for current inmates
- The Charges Inquiry Search provides information about recent arrests
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some mugshots may be available through official county websites, Pitt County has implemented policies to balance public information access with privacy concerns. Currently:
- Mugshots of active inmates may be viewable through the detention center's online portal
- Historical mugshots typically require formal requests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may contain Pitt County booking photos, but these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, the recommended procedure is:
- Submit a written request to the Pitt County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest
- Provide a copy of requestor's identification
- Specify the intended use of the photograph
- Pay the established reproduction fee (typically $5-10 per image)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Pitt County is subject to certain limitations:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not public records
- Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are not available
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
- Privacy protections may apply to certain sensitive cases
- North Carolina law enforcement agencies have discretion regarding the release of certain booking photographs
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 132-1.4, certain criminal investigation records may be withheld from public disclosure at the discretion of law enforcement agencies. This discretion may extend to booking photographs in some circumstances.
Lookup Arrest Records in Pitt County
Pitt County Charges Inquiry Search
Pitt County Detention Center Detainee Search
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Public Records Online