Robeson County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Robeson County
Arrest records in Robeson County are considered public information under North Carolina law. Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 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 Robeson County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity. Under state law, these records are generally accessible to the public with certain exceptions and limitations.
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. An arrest is not proof of guilt.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.
While both types of records are generally public in North Carolina, the North Carolina Criminal Information System maintains specific policies regarding the dissemination of criminal history information. Certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety.
What's in Robeson County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with North Carolina law enforcement protocols and generally includes 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)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars (when documented)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest (brief narrative)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged offenses
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Serving officer
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Fingerprinting and photograph (mugshot) information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court date
- Court location
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if determined)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Medical screening information (limited)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information as permitted under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which governs criminal investigation records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Robeson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Robeson County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels through which arrest records can be obtained, depending on the specific needs of the requestor and the nature of the information sought.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2).
- Allow time for processing, which may vary depending on the age and availability of the requested records.
Robeson County Sheriff's Office
120 Legend Road
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 671-3100
Robeson County Sheriff's Office
To request arrest records by mail:
- Prepare a written request clearly stating the specific information being sought.
- Include the full name and date of birth of the subject of the record.
- Provide contact information for response.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
For electronic requests:
- Visit the Police2Citizen portal provided by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
- Navigate to the records request section.
- Complete the online form with all required information.
- Submit payment for any applicable fees using the secure online payment system.
- Receive notification when records are available for electronic delivery or pickup.
For requests related to court proceedings following an arrest:
- Contact the Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Provide case number if available, or name and date of birth.
- Specify the documents being requested (e.g., charging documents, court minutes).
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copying.
Robeson County Courthouse
500 N Elm St
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 671-3000
North Carolina Judicial Branch
Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act, agencies must respond to records requests "as promptly as possible." Complex requests or those requiring extensive redaction may take additional time to process.
How To Find Robeson County Arrest Records Online
Robeson County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online platforms. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are maintained in accordance with North Carolina public records laws.
The primary online resource for Robeson County arrest records is the Police2Citizen portal maintained by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office. This platform allows members of the public to:
- Search for recent arrest records by name
- View booking information and charges
- Access mugshot photographs when available
- Check current inmate status
- Review bond information
To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the Police2Citizen portal
- Select the "Arrests" or "Inmates" section
- Enter search criteria (name, date range)
- Review search results
- Select specific records for detailed information
For court records related to arrests, the North Carolina Judicial Branch provides the North Carolina Court System Records Search. This system allows users to:
- Search for criminal cases by name or case number
- View case status and scheduled court dates
- Access information about charges and dispositions
- Identify the assigned court and judge
For statewide offender information, including individuals who have been processed through the Robeson County criminal justice system, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains the Offender Public Information Search. This database includes:
- Current inmates in state prisons
- Probationers and parolees
- Escaped inmates and absconders
- Released offenders (with limitations)
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:
- Information is typically updated daily but may not reflect real-time status
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Records for juvenile offenders (under 18) are generally not available online
- Some older records may not be digitized and accessible through online systems
- Technical limitations may occasionally affect system availability
Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.1, which addresses electronic access to public records. While these systems facilitate public access to information, they are designed to balance transparency with privacy and security considerations.
How To Search Robeson County Arrest Records for Free?
Robeson County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without incurring fees through several authorized channels. These no-cost options are provided in accordance with North Carolina's commitment to government transparency and public information access.
The following methods are available for free arrest record searches in Robeson County:
Online Resources:
The Police2Citizen portal operated by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office provides free public access to basic arrest information. Users may:
- Search by name to locate recent arrest records
- View booking information and charges
- Access mugshot photographs
- Check current custody status
- Review bond information
This resource is updated regularly and represents the most current publicly available arrest data.
Public Access Terminals:
The Robeson County Courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors may search court records related to arrests at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Robeson County Courthouse
500 N Elm St
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 671-3000
North Carolina Judicial Branch
Public Records Inspection:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), public agencies must permit "any person" to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. While copying fees may apply, inspection of records is free. To utilize this option:
- Visit the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete a records inspection request form
- Provide identification
- Specify the records to be inspected
- Review materials on-site
Jail Population Reports:
The Robeson County Detention Center publishes a daily jail population report that includes information about current inmates, charges, and booking dates. This report is available for public review at the detention center and is sometimes published on the Sheriff's Office website.
Local Library Resources:
The Robeson County Public Library system provides free internet access where patrons may utilize the online resources mentioned above. Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites.
While these methods provide free access to basic arrest record information, users should note certain limitations:
- Comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees
- Certified copies of records generally incur copying fees
- Records requiring extensive redaction or research may involve costs
- Some historical records may not be available through free access methods
The availability of free access options reflects the principle established in N.C.G.S. § 132-1 that public records belong to the people and should be accessible with minimal barriers.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Robeson County
Under North Carolina law, arrest records in Robeson County cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. These legal remedies are governed by N.C.G.S. Chapter 15A, Article 5, which establishes the procedures and eligibility criteria for removing arrest records from public access.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement is the legal process that removes an arrest record from public view and, in most cases, allows the individual to legally deny the arrest occurred.
- Sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for limited official purposes, such as law enforcement and court functions.
In Robeson County, the following situations may qualify for expungement:
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Charges Dismissed or Not Guilty Verdict - Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-146, individuals may petition for expungement if charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict.
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First-Time Nonviolent Offenses - Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145, certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period (typically 5 years).
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Juvenile Records - Records of juvenile arrests and adjudications follow different procedures under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3200.
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Identity Theft Victims - Individuals whose identity was used by another person resulting in criminal charges may seek immediate expungement under N.C.G.S. § 15A-147.
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Certain Drug Offenses - First-time drug possession offenses may qualify under specific statutory provisions.
The process for seeking expungement in Robeson County involves:
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Obtaining and completing the appropriate petition form from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts
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Filing the petition with the Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court along with required affidavits and documentation
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Paying the filing fee (currently $175 for most petitions, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
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Serving copies of the petition on the District Attorney's Office
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Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court
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If granted, ensuring the expungement order is properly executed by all relevant agencies
It is important to note that expungement is not automatic and requires judicial approval. The process typically takes several months to complete. Additionally, recent changes to North Carolina law have expanded eligibility for expungement in certain cases, but the process remains complex and often requires legal assistance.
Individuals seeking expungement of Robeson County arrest records are advised to consult with an attorney familiar with North Carolina expungement law or contact Legal Aid of North Carolina for guidance.
What Happens After Arrest in Robeson County?
Following an arrest in Robeson County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by North Carolina state law and local procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
Initial Custody and Booking:
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Robeson County Detention Center for processing. The booking procedure includes:
- Documentation of personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
Magistrate Appearance:
Within 24-48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Formally advises of charges
- Sets initial bail conditions or orders detention
- Schedules the first court appearance
This initial appearance is conducted in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 15A-511, which establishes procedures following arrest.
Bail Determination:
The magistrate determines bail based on factors including:
- Nature and circumstances of the charges
- Weight of evidence
- Community ties and flight risk
- Criminal history
- Public safety considerations
Bail may be secured (requiring payment or collateral) or unsecured (requiring payment only if court appearances are missed).
First Appearance:
For felony charges, defendants must appear before a District Court judge within 96 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). At this hearing:
- Charges are formally read
- Right to counsel is addressed
- Bail conditions may be reviewed
- Future court dates are established
Pretrial Proceedings:
The case then proceeds through several potential pretrial stages:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
Probable Cause Hearing (Felonies):
In felony cases, a probable cause hearing may be held in District Court to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed. Many defendants waive this hearing.
Grand Jury Indictment (Felonies):
Felony cases proceed to Superior Court through grand jury indictment, where at least 12 of 18 grand jurors must find probable cause for the case to move forward.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. This formally establishes the issues for trial.
Trial or Plea Resolution:
Cases conclude through:
- Guilty plea (negotiated or "straight" plea)
- Trial by judge (bench trial)
- Trial by jury
- Dismissal of charges
Sentencing:
If convicted, sentencing follows based on:
- North Carolina Structured Sentencing guidelines
- Criminal history
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Victim impact statements
- Statutory requirements
Post-Conviction:
Following conviction, individuals may:
- Serve active prison or jail sentences
- Receive probation supervision
- Pay fines and restitution
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
Throughout this process, records are created and maintained by various agencies including the Robeson County Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Superior Court, District Attorney's Office, and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Robeson County?
Arrest records in Robeson County are maintained according to North Carolina's records retention schedules, which establish minimum periods for preserving various categories of public records. These retention periods are governed by N.C.G.S. § 121-5 and the policies established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for local law enforcement agencies establishes the following retention periods for arrest-related records:
Arrest Records and Reports:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after date of arrest
- Arrests of juveniles who become adults during retention period: Retain according to adult schedule
- Arrests of juveniles who remain juveniles during retention period: Until juvenile reaches age 21
Booking Records:
- Felony bookings: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor bookings: 5 years after date of booking
Fingerprint Records:
- Felony offenses: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor offenses: 5 years after date of arrest
- Juvenile offenders: Until juvenile reaches age 21
Mug Shots/Photographs:
- Felony offenses: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor offenses: 5 years after date of arrest
- Juvenile offenders: Until juvenile reaches age 21
Warrant Records:
- Served felony warrants: Permanent retention
- Served misdemeanor warrants: 5 years after service
- Unserved warrants: Until recalled by issuing agency
Case Investigation Records:
- Felony cases: 20 years after case is closed
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case is closed
- Unsolved cases: Permanent retention
Different agencies within Robeson County's criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with their own retention requirements:
- The Robeson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigation records
- The Clerk of Superior Court preserves court records related to criminal cases
- The District Attorney's Office retains prosecution files
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history information at the state level
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintaining documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Supporting law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Ensuring accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Providing statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures, unless they are subject to a legal hold due to pending litigation or ongoing investigation.
How to Find Mugshots in Robeson County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Robeson 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 front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken under standardized conditions. These images are created for identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record. In Robeson County, mugshots are taken at the Robeson County Detention Center during the booking process.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
Primary responsibility for maintaining mugshot records rests with the Robeson County Sheriff's Office. These photographs are:
- Stored in the jail management system
- Linked to arrest records and booking information
- Preserved according to the same retention schedule as other arrest documentation
- Subject to public records laws with certain exceptions
Finding Mugshots:
Members of the public seeking mugshot photographs in Robeson County have several options:
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Online Access: The Police2Citizen portal provided by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office includes booking photographs for recent arrests. This searchable database allows users to locate mugshots by name or booking date.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may request copies of mugshot photographs by visiting:
Robeson County Sheriff's Office Records Division
120 Legend Road
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 671-3100
Robeson County Sheriff's Office
- Written Requests: Mugshots may be requested by mail by sending a written request including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Request for booking photograph
- Payment for any applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
While mugshots are generally considered public records under North Carolina law, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are not publicly available
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images connected to certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may be redacted
- Mugshots of protected witnesses may be restricted
The North Carolina General Assembly has considered legislation regarding commercial use of mugshots, particularly by websites that charge fees for removal. However, at present, once a mugshot is released as a public record, there are limited restrictions on its republication.
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that these images document only an arrest, not a conviction, and that all arrested persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.