Caswell County Public Records / Caswell County Arrest Records

Caswell County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Caswell County in 2026

CaswellRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Caswell County, North Carolina. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case references, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case numbers. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Caswell County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Caswell County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and, at times, a current jail roster accessible to the public. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent arrests. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur, though online availability may be limited; direct contact with the office is the most reliable method for current information.

Caswell County Sheriff's Office 646 County Home Road Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: (336) 694-4141 Caswell County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Caswell County is primarily served by the Sheriff's Office, though the Town of Yanceyville maintains a local police presence. Arrest-related press releases and public safety notices may be issued through the county's official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal law enforcement should contact the relevant department directly.

Yanceyville Police Department 132 Main Street Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: (336) 694-4158

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts operates the eCourts case search portal, which allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by name. Searching an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case numbers, charge information, court dates, and case dispositions. This system links arrest events to formal court proceedings and is updated as cases progress through the judicial system.

Caswell County Clerk of Superior Court 139 Court Square Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: (336) 694-4171 North Carolina Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the SBI's Criminal Information and Identification Section. The standard public record check returns conviction history; arrest records without a resulting conviction may not appear on standard public requests. A fee of $14.00 currently applies to public criminal history record requests submitted to the SBI.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 646 County Home Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (336) 694-4141
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest
Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2, currently set at $0.05 per page for standard paper copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 139 Court Square, Yanceyville, NC 27379
Criminal records division handles court case files associated with arrests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (336) 694-4171
Case file inspection is available during regular business hours at the public access terminal
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for certified copies; $0.05 per page for standard copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Caswell County Sheriff's Office at 646 County Home Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the 10-business-day response period established under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, though agencies may respond sooner.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (336) 694-4141
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal public records requests or obtain records through discovery in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court for more detailed documentation, including police reports and investigative materials not available through standard public access.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Caswell County

Arrest records in Caswell County are public records under North Carolina law. The North Carolina Public Records Law, codified at N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 132, establishes that records made or received by government agencies in the course of public business are open to inspection and copying by any person. Arrest records fall within this framework because they are created by law enforcement agencies acting in their official capacity.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental and civic purposes:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Use in background screening processes
Reference in legal proceedings and civil litigation

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under state and federal law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to North Carolina juvenile justice statutes
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

North Carolina's commitment to open government is reflected in Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution, which affirms the right of the people to access the courts and public records. The public's right to access arrest records is balanced against individual privacy interests, with the legislature and courts defining the boundaries of disclosure. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made by consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. North Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may be subject to challenge under federal equal employment opportunity guidance.

What's in Caswell County Arrest Records

Caswell County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the initial stages of the criminal justice process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, State Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of arrest
Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment or first appearance date
Court location and judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Previous arrests within the county may appear in booking records, including prior booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by the court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and credit history

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Caswell County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Caswell County is governed by North Carolina's public records statutes and local agency fee schedules. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge for the actual cost of reproducing public records.

Current Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (per page)	$0.05
Certified copies (per page)	$0.25
Electronic copies (where available)	Actual cost of reproduction
SBI criminal history record check (public request)	$14.00
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge

Additional Fee Notes:

Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certification fees apply when a document must bear an official seal or signature for legal purposes
Search fees are not separately charged for standard public records requests in North Carolina; agencies may charge only for the cost of reproduction
Payment methods accepted at the Caswell County Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance may vary
Fee waivers are not formally established by statute for standard public records requests, though agencies retain discretion in certain circumstances

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of arrest records and court case files
Online case searches through the North Carolina Courts eCourts portal
Review of publicly posted jail rosters, where available

How To Delete Arrest Records in Caswell County

North Carolina law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expunction (also referred to as expungement) and sealing. Expunction results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of the record from law enforcement and court databases. Sealing restricts public access to a record without destroying it, leaving the record accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while a sealed record remains in existence but is not publicly accessible.

Eligibility for Expunction in North Carolina:

North Carolina's expunction statutes, found at N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145 et seq., establish the circumstances under which a person may petition for expunction of an arrest record. Eligible circumstances include:

Dismissal of all charges associated with the arrest
Acquittal at trial (finding of not guilty)
Charges that were never filed following arrest
Certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanor or felony convictions, subject to waiting periods
Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity

Steps to Petition for Expunction:

Obtain the petition form from the Clerk of Superior Court or the North Carolina Courts website
Complete the petition with the case number, arrest date, charges, and disposition
File the completed petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in Caswell County
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $175.00 for most expunction petitions; no fee applies for dismissals and not-guilty verdicts under certain statutes)
Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney's Office and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing, if the court requires one
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

Contact Information for Expunction Proceedings:

Caswell County Clerk of Superior Court 139 Court Square Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: (336) 694-4171 North Carolina Courts

Caswell County District Attorney's Office (Prosecutorial District 9A) Serves Caswell and Rockingham Counties Phone: (336) 634-3000

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation – Criminal Information and Identification Section 3320 Garner Road Raleigh, NC 27626 Phone: (919) 662-4500 North Carolina SBI

Following a court-ordered expunction, the SBI updates the state criminal history repository, and the arresting agency is directed to destroy or seal its records. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expunction order and may require separate dispute processes under the FCRA.

What Happens After Arrest in Caswell County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Caswell County, the arrested individual is transported to the Caswell County Detention Center, located at 646 County Home Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Caswell County Detention Center, the booking process begins. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal identification information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked at the local, state, and federal levels
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail-issued uniform
A medical screening is conducted
A brief mental health screening is administered
Housing classification is determined based on charges and history

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under North Carolina law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who are indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed and explained

First appearances may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules for Caswell County are available through the North Carolina Courts case information system.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. Bond amounts are set by the magistrate or judge based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.

Surety Bond: The individual may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 15% of the bond amount in North Carolina.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an order for arrest.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender: Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is based on income. The application is submitted at the first appearance or through the Clerk of Court.

Caswell County Public Defender (District 9A) Serves Caswell and Rockingham Counties Phone: (336) 634-3050

Private Attorney: The individual has the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The North Carolina State Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at the detention center are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Prosecutorial District 9A District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not-guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

During the pretrial phase, both parties engage in discovery, exchanging police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. A dismissal may support a petition for expunction.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no-contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing follows.

Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Caswell County Detention Center (Sheriff's Office/Jail) 646 County Home Road Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: (336) 694-4141 Caswell County Sheriff's Office

Caswell County Clerk of Superior Court 139 Court Square Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: (336) 694-4171 North Carolina Courts

District Attorney's Office – Prosecutorial District 9A Serves Caswell and Rockingham Counties Phone: (336) 634-3000

Public Defender's Office – District 9A Phone: (336) 634-3050

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney, including other inmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Caswell County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Caswell County is governed by North Carolina law and the policies of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which administers the Government Records Section and publishes retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. Under these schedules, different categories of arrest records are subject to different retention periods depending on the outcome of the case and the type of record involved.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the SBI's state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently at the state repository level; local law enforcement retention follows the applicable North Carolina records retention schedule for law enforcement agencies

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed charges: Records may remain in local law enforcement and court databases unless the subject obtains an expunction order; the SBI repository retains arrest records regardless of disposition unless directed by court order to remove them
Acquittals: Court records are often retained permanently; local law enforcement records may be retained for a period of years and may be eligible for expunction
Charges not filed: Booking records are subject to the applicable retention schedule; these cases present the strongest basis for expunction petitions
No-information (prosecutor declined to prosecute): Law enforcement records are retained subject to the applicable schedule and are often eligible for expunction

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the North Carolina local government records retention schedule
Digital records in records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs are often retained for longer periods, with many agencies maintaining digital records indefinitely
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain images indefinitely

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources retention schedule for law enforcement records. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case. Contact: (336) 694-4141

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of 10 years. Traffic case files are retained for varying periods based on the offense. Electronic court records are maintained permanently in the state's court information system.

State Repository (SBI): The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in the state. The SBI's retention policy provides for permanent retention of conviction records and retention of non-conviction arrest records unless an expunction order is received.

FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests submitted by state and local agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; SBI updates the state repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party commercial databases requires separate action
No charges filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks conducted by consumer reporting agencies report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions paying under a specified salary threshold, with no time limit for higher-paying positions. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. North Carolina does not currently impose a separate state-law time limit on reporting convictions. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain circumstances under federal equal employment opportunity guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Caswell County Sheriff's Records Division at (336) 694-4141 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.