Looking for public arrest records in Wake County, North Carolina? Stop guessing. I’ll walk you through every official free source with exact clickable links, micro-steps that actually work, and insider tips that save you hours of frustration in 2026.
From Raleigh to Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Wake Forest, and Knightdale — this focused guide covers arrest records, criminal cases, inmate searches, and related court information using only official sources.
Quick facts you need first
Wake County North Carolina Public Arrest Records at a Glance – 2026
Everything you can search right now with direct official links.
| Record Type | Best Official Portal | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest Records (2007–present) | Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services Arrest Portal | Free online search |
| Criminal Court Cases | NC Courts Public Index – Wake County | Free search |
| Current Inmates | Wake County Sheriff Inmate Search | Free |
| Certified Arrest Record | Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services | $15 per name |
Quick navigation
How to Search Wake County Arrest Records Online (Step-by-Step)
The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services provides a dedicated free Arrest Records Portal for arrests since April 27, 2007. Here’s the exact sequence that gets results fast in 2026.
Review and accept the terms to access the search.
Enter the full name. Additional filters like date range can narrow results.
View mugshots, charges, arrest dates, and related information (where available).
Submit the Arrest Record Request Form with $15 fee for a certified version.
How to Search Criminal Court Records in Wake County
Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal and select Wake County.
Use full legal name for criminal cases.
View charges, dispositions, and available documents.
Pro tip: The Public Index links arrest records to full court proceedings for a complete picture.
How to Search Current Inmates in Wake County
Use the Police to Citizen portal for current inmates.
View booking details, charges, and bond information.
Insider Tips & Time-Saving Tricks for Wake County Arrest Records
- Portal limitation — covers only Wake County arrests since 2007; use NC Courts Public Index for broader case history.
- Best time to search — early morning or late evening for fastest response.
- Certified copies — $15 per name; mail the request form with payment.
- If nothing shows up — try spelling variations, nicknames, or contact the Bureau of Forensic Services.
- Save everything — download or screenshot results immediately.
15 Wake County Public Arrest Records Questions People Actually Ask in 2026
1) How do I search Wake County arrest records for free?
Use the official Arrest Records Portal at dwslivescan.co.wake.nc.us/mug/Disclaimer.aspx. No login required for basic searches.
2) Does the portal show mugshots?
Yes, where available, along with charges and arrest details.
3) How far back do the online arrest records go?
Arrests since April 27, 2007. Older records require a request to the Bureau or Clerk of Court.
4) How do I get a certified arrest record?
Complete the Arrest Record Request Form and mail with $15 fee per name.
5) Where can I search full criminal court cases?
Use the NC Courts Public Index and select Wake County.
6) How do I find current inmates in Wake County?
Use the Wake County Sheriff Inmate Search portal.
7) Are arrest records the same as criminal convictions?
No. Arrest records show arrests; court records show charges, dispositions, and convictions.
8) Can I search by date of arrest?
Yes, the portal and NC Courts Index support date range filters.
9) Is there a fee for viewing arrest records online?
Basic viewing is free. Certified copies cost $15 per name.
10) How long does it take to get certified records?
Online viewing is instant where available. Mailed certified copies take days to weeks.
11) Can I search records from any year?
Online portal covers 2007–present. Older records may require in-person or special request.
12) What if my search returns no results?
Try spelling variations, nicknames, or contact the Bureau of Forensic Services.
13) How do I request other public records?
Use the official public records request process on wake.gov or the specific department site.
14) Are some arrest records sealed or expunged?
Yes. Sealed or expunged records will not appear in standard public searches.
15) Where is the main Wake County Justice Center?
300 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC – home to the Clerk of Superior Court.
Official Wake County Public Arrest Records Links
Final takeaway
You now have every official link, every micro-step, and every practical trick to get exactly what you need for Wake County public arrest records. Bookmark this page, save the Arrest Portal and NC Courts Index links, and you’ll never waste time searching again. Need help with a specific arrest or case? Drop the details and I’ll point you to the next exact step.