St. Okes County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Okes County in 2026
StOkesRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in St. Okes County, North Carolina. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available may include felony and misdemeanor arrests, bond information, and arresting agency details. The completeness and currency of records may vary depending on the source agency and the nature of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Stokes County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office official channels. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status, charges, and bond information.
Stokes County Sheriff's Office
1002 N. Main Street
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-8787
Stokes County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
Municipalities within Stokes County maintain their own arrest logs and may publish press releases containing arrest information. The King Police Department serves the largest municipality in the county and processes arrests independently of the Sheriff's Office.
King Police Department
101 S. Main Street
King, NC 27021
Phone: (336) 983-3300
King Police Department
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 case records by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests in Stokes County are filed in Stokes County Superior and District Court.
Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court
1001 N. Main Street, Suite 1
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-2811
NC Courts – Stokes County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation serves as the central repository for criminal history information in North Carolina. Members of the public may submit a name-based criminal history search request. A fee of $14.00 applies to public record name searches. The database includes arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 1002 N. Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Phone: (336) 593-8787
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
- Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2
Police Departments:
- King Police Department, 101 S. Main Street, King, NC 27021, (336) 983-3300
- Records requests are submitted in writing or in person at the records window
- Fees apply for copies per applicable state statute
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 1001 N. Main Street, Suite 1, Danbury, NC 27016
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Phone: (336) 593-2811
- Case files may be inspected at the public access terminal in the clerk's office
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional fee
By Mail:
- Mailing address: Stokes County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 67, Danbury, NC 27016
- Written requests must include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information
- Payment for copies must be included with the request
- Processing time varies; allow 10–15 business days for a response
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (336) 593-8787
- Callers may obtain limited information such as current custody status and scheduled court dates
- Detailed record information requires an in-person visit or written request
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
- Discovery in active criminal proceedings is governed by the North Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure
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, King Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Okes County
Arrest records in Stokes County are public records under North Carolina law. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, public records are defined as all documents, papers, and other materials made or received by any agency of North Carolina government in connection with the transaction of public business. Arrest records fall within this definition and are subject to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated by the North Carolina Department of Justice, "The public has a right to know about the activities of government, including law enforcement actions." This principle underlies the presumption of openness that governs access to arrest records in the state.
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:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not available to the general public
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is not disclosed
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Participants in witness protection programs are excluded
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The North Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 18, guarantees access to the courts and public proceedings. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have consistently recognized that transparency in law enforcement serves the public interest while acknowledging that due process requires distinguishing between an arrest and a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
- Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable state employment laws
- North Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law for private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local policies
- Housing providers must consider fair housing obligations when using arrest records
- An arrest without a conviction does not constitute proof of criminal conduct and must not be treated as such
What's in St. Okes County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- 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
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by 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 booking facility
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
- Personal property inventory
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 bond, or no bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- 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 (District or Superior Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through the county
- Historical booking numbers
- Prior charges, where included in the booking record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records review
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by the court
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in St. Okes County?
Under current North Carolina law, public agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of reproducing public records. The following fee structure applies to arrest record requests in Stokes County.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $3.00 per document |
| NCSBI name-based criminal history search | $14.00 per request |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| In-person inspection | No charge |
Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge a fee for the actual cost of duplication but may not charge for the time spent locating or reviewing records. Inspection of records at the agency's office is available at no charge.
Accepted payment methods vary by agency. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Stokes County Sheriff's Office. The Clerk of Court accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks. The NCSBI accepts payment by check or money order made payable to the NC State Bureau of Investigation.
Fee waivers are not broadly available for routine public records requests. Members of the media or researchers may inquire with the specific agency regarding any applicable waiver provisions. Indigent individuals seeking their own records for legal proceedings may request a fee waiver through the Clerk of Court.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Online access through the eCourts portal is available at no charge for basic case information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Okes 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 agency files and the state repository. Sealing restricts public access to the record without destroying it, leaving the record accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145 and related provisions, individuals may petition for expunction in the following circumstances:
- Charges that were dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty
- First-time nonviolent misdemeanor or felony convictions, subject to waiting periods and eligibility criteria
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Certain drug offenses following completion of a diversion program
- Juvenile adjudications under specific conditions
The process for obtaining an expunction in Stokes County requires the following steps:
- Obtain the petition for expunction form from the Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court or the NC Courts expunction resources page
- Complete the petition with accurate case information, including the case number, charge, and disposition
- File the completed petition with the Clerk of Superior Court and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $175.00 for most petitions; no fee for dismissals or not-guilty verdicts)
- The Clerk's office serves the petition on the District Attorney's Office, which has the opportunity to object
- A hearing may be scheduled before a Superior Court judge
- If granted, the court order is transmitted to the NCSBI and relevant law enforcement agencies for record removal
As stated by the North Carolina Courts system, "An expunction is a court-ordered process in which the legal record of an arrest or a criminal conviction is 'sealed,' or erased in the eyes of the law."
Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court
1001 N. Main Street, Suite 1
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-2811
NC Courts – Stokes County
NC State Bureau of Investigation – Criminal Information and Identification Section
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: (919) 582-8600
NCSBI Background Checks
Third-party websites and commercial background check databases are not subject to expunction orders and may retain records independently. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact such services separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in St. Okes County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Stokes County, the arrested individual is transported to the Stokes County Detention Center, located at 1002 N. Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016. 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 the investigation requires additional processing.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history check, checking for outstanding warrants, inventorying and storing personal property, exchanging clothing for a jail uniform, and completing medical and mental health screenings. Housing classification is assigned based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under North Carolina law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 48 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this proceeding, the individual is formally notified of the charges, advised of the right to counsel, and a bond determination is made. Indigent individuals may apply for appointment of a public defender at this stage. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: Cash bond requires the full bond amount to be paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees. The bond amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.
Surety Bond: A surety bond is posted through a licensed bail bondsman. The defendant or a family member pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 15% of the bond amount under North Carolina law. The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): A personal recognizance bond releases the individual 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: Certain individuals are held without bond. Grounds for no-bond status include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a high flight risk, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an outstanding out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in certain cases
- Pretrial supervision as ordered by the court
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. Personal property is returned, a written court date is provided, and conditions of release are explained in writing. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If Bond Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Stokes County Detention Center. Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained during the intake process.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Eligibility for a court-appointed public defender is based on financial need. The application is completed at the initial appearance. The Office of Indigent Defense Services oversees public defender appointments in North Carolina.
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services
123 W. Main Street, Suite 400
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 354-7200
NC Indigent Defense Services
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The North Carolina State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist individuals in locating a licensed attorney. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Stokes County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.
Stokes County District Attorney's Office
1001 N. Main Street
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-2507
NC District Attorneys
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not-guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court programs, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no-contest plea to agreed-upon charges with a recommended sentence
- Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 48 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution | Months (varies widely) |
| Misdemeanor cases | Typically 3–6 months |
| Felony cases | Typically 6–18 months |
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution.
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Stokes County Detention Center (Sheriff's Office)
1002 N. Main Street
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-8787
Stokes County Sheriff's Office
Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court
1001 N. Main Street, Suite 1
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-2811
NC Courts – Stokes County
Stokes County District Attorney's Office
1001 N. Main Street
Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-2507
NC District Attorneys
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services
123 W. Main Street, Suite 400
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 354-7200
NC Indigent Defense Services
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Okes County?
Records Retention Overview:
Records retention in Stokes County is governed by North Carolina state law and the policies of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which administers the Government Records Section and publishes official retention schedules for local government agencies. Under current law, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, NCSBI, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in court records and the state criminal history repository
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years following case closure, with many agencies retaining records permanently in digital systems
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Court records are often retained permanently unless expunged
- Records may remain in the state repository unless an expunction order is obtained
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Individuals may petition for expunction following an acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expunction in certain circumstances
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Individuals are eligible to petition for expunction
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the applicable retention schedule, with a minimum of three years for non-conviction records
- Photographs are retained for the same period as the associated booking record
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Records management system entries are often retained permanently
- Court electronic records are retained permanently in the eCourts system
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to state retention schedules
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expunction
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three years for non-conviction records; permanent for conviction records
- Arrest reports: Minimum three years
- Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and offense classification
- Contact: (336) 593-8787
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
- Traffic cases: Minimum three years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository (NCSBI):
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the central criminal history repository for the state
- Arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in North Carolina are included
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be removed following a valid expunction order
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
- Federal retention is permanent for most records
- Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction:
- Permanent retention in all major databases
- Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law
Dismissal:
- May remain in databases unless expunged
- Non-conviction records are not required to be reported on standard employment background checks under the FCRA
Expungement:
- Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level
- The NCSBI updates the state repository following receipt of the court order
- The FBI database may retain a notation with restricted access
- Removal from all systems typically takes 60–90 days following the court order
No Charges Filed:
- Shortest retention period applies
- Records may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period
- Individuals may request immediate removal through the expunction process
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last 1–5 Years):
- Available online through the eCourts portal and the Sheriff's Office
- Updated on a regular basis
Older Arrests (5–20 Years Ago):
- May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Processing time may be longer than for current records
Very Old Arrests (20+ Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
- Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Stokes County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (336) 593-8787 for assistance
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expunction, or in accordance with the official records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. North Carolina does not currently impose a statewide time limit on reporting convictions. Arrests without convictions are not required to be reported and, in many cases, are excluded from standard employment background check reports.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Stokes County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (336) 593-8787
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number if known
- Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request