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Wake County Sheriff’s Office Active Arrest Warrants Search

The Wake County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina is responsible for law enforcement services, court services, and jail administration in Wake County. This office is committed to ensuring public safety through a combination of law enforcement and community services.

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Departments and Services

  • Patrol Division: Handles routine patrols and emergency responses.
  • Criminal Investigations Division: Investigates crimes and gathers evidence.
  • Court Services: Ensures security for the courts and manages civil processes.
  • Detention Division: Manages county jail facilities and inmate welfare.

Active Warrant Search

Explanation of Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate which authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest and detain a person suspected of a crime. The warrant is issued based on probable cause and must specify:

  • The individual's name being sought, or if unknown, identifiable descriptions.
  • The alleged criminal offense.
  • The jurisdiction issuing the warrant.

Arrest warrants are a critical aspect of the criminal justice system, ensuring that arrests are made legally and with proper authority.

How to Find a Warrant in Wake County

To search for an active arrest warrant in Wake County, you can:

  1. Use the Online Warrant Database: Wake County provides an online warrant database where you can search for active warrants by entering the name of the person in question.

  2. Contact the Sheriff's Office: You can also contact the Wake County Sheriff's Office directly. They can provide information about specific warrants. Call them at 919-856-6900 or visit in person at 330 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601.

  3. Public Records Request: For detailed information, you may file a public records request with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. This process can provide comprehensive details beyond the basic information available online.

Remember, handling matters related to active warrants should be done cautiously, and it is advisable to seek legal counsel.

Wake County Arrest Warrants
Wake County Child Support Warrants


Mugshots

Process of Obtaining Mugshots

Mugshots in Wake County are taken by law enforcement when an individual is booked into jail. These photographs are part of the arrest record and can be used for identification purposes. To obtain a mugshot, you can:

  1. Online Inmate Search: Use the Wake County Inmate Inquiry tool. This database often includes mugshots along with other inmate information.

  2. Request from the Sheriff’s Office: You can contact or visit the Wake County Sheriff’s Office for mugshots. They can provide mugshots if they are part of the public record and not restricted due to legal reasons.

  3. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request: In some cases, you may need to file a FOIA request to obtain a mugshot, especially if it is not readily available through the online tools.

Availability of Mugshots

Mugshots are generally considered public records and are therefore accessible to the public. However, there are exceptions:

  • Juvenile records, including mugshots, are typically confidential.
  • Certain legal restrictions might apply, depending on the nature of the case or court orders.

Bond Information

Explanation of Bail Bonds

Bail bonds are financial guarantees used to ensure that an individual accused of a crime appears for their court dates. When a person is arrested, they may be allowed to post bail, which is set by a judge. The bail amount varies depending on the severity of the crime, the individual's criminal history, and flight risk.

Types of bail bonds include:

  • Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash.
  • Surety Bond: A bail bondsman posts bail for a fee, typically a percentage of the total bail amount.
  • Property Bond: Using property as collateral to secure release.
  • Personal Recognizance: Release without a financial payment, based on the individual's promise to appear in court.

How to Post a Bond in Wake County Sheriff’s Office

To post a bond at the Wake County Sheriff’s Office:

  1. Determine the Bail Amount: Obtain the bail amount from the Wake County jail or court.

  2. Choose the Type of Bond: Decide whether to pay the full amount (cash bond), use a bail bondsman (surety bond), or use property (property bond).

  3. Complete the Payment Process:

    • For a cash bond, go to the Wake County jail or court to pay the bail amount. Acceptable forms of payment usually include cash, cashier's checks, or money orders.
    • For a surety bond, contact a licensed bail bondsman who will post bail on behalf of the accused for a fee.
    • For a property bond, present the property documents to the court for approval.

  4. Follow the Release Procedure: After posting bail, the accused will be released with the condition of appearing for all scheduled court hearings.

Most Wanted

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office maintains a "Most Wanted" list to inform the public about individuals with outstanding warrants who are considered high-priority or potentially dangerous. This list includes individuals wanted for serious crimes and is part of the effort to encourage community assistance in locating these fugitives.

Accessing the Most Wanted List

  • Online Access: The most wanted list can typically be found on the Wake County Sheriff’s Office website or their social media channels.
  • Public Notices: The list may also be shared through local news outlets and public notices.

How to Help

If you have information about someone on the most wanted list:

  • Contact the Sheriff's Office: Provide any relevant information to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. It's important to not approach or try to apprehend these individuals yourself.
  • Anonymous Tips: Tips can often be submitted anonymously through crime stoppers or similar programs.

The public is encouraged to play a role in community safety but reminded to interact with law enforcement responsibly and legally when it comes to sharing information about wanted individuals.

Sex Offender Registry

The Sex Offender Registry is a public database maintained by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office that provides information about convicted sex offenders. This registry is part of a national effort to protect communities and assist in public safety by informing residents about sex offenders residing, working, or studying in their area.

Purpose of the Sex Offender Registry

  • Public Safety: To alert community members about the presence of individuals convicted of sex offenses.
  • Prevention: To help prevent new offenses by making information available to the public.
  • Compliance and Monitoring: To ensure that convicted sex offenders comply with registration laws.

Information Available in the Registry

The registry typically includes:

  • Identifying information of the offender (name, photograph, physical description).
  • The offense for which the offender was convicted.
  • The offender's address and sometimes employment or school information.

How to Access the Registry

  1. Online Access: The public can access the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry online, which includes offenders in Wake County. This online database allows for searches by name, address, and other criteria.

  2. Sheriff's Office Assistance: For specific inquiries or assistance, contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. They can provide guidance on how to use the registry and understand the information.

Legal Restrictions and Use of Information

  • Prohibited Uses: The information on the registry should not be used to harass or commit any crime against an offender.
  • Accuracy of Information: While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the registry, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office advises verifying any information if it is to be used for legal purposes.

Reporting Non-Compliance

If there is reason to believe that a registered sex offender is not in compliance with registration requirements:

  • Report to Law Enforcement: Contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. They have the authority to investigate and enforce compliance.

Wake County Sex Offender Registry


Contact Information

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