Union Parish Public Records / Union Parish Arrest Records

Union County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026

UnionParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Union County. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal court filings. Information presented reflects what has been made available through law enforcement and court agencies and may not reflect the most current status of any individual case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Union County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, the Clerk of Court, and online public access tools. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records by agency, access method, and record type.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and, in many jurisdictions, publishes a current jail roster accessible to the public. Members of the public may search available inmate and booking information through the Union County Sheriff's Office online portal. Information available includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Jail rosters are updated on a rolling basis, with active bookings reflecting near-real-time data.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Monroe Police Department and other municipal agencies within Union County publish arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information. These records are accessible through each department's official website and may include the arrestee's name, charges, and arresting officer. Members of the public seeking records from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact that department's records division directly.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Union County Superior and District Courts. The North Carolina Courts case search portal allows members of the public to search by defendant name and retrieve associated case numbers, charge information, and court dates. This resource connects arrest data to formal legal proceedings and provides disposition information where available.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions within North Carolina. Members of the public may submit a request for a criminal history record check. A fee of $14.00 per search currently applies to public requests. The repository includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction data reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Union County Sheriff's Office
500 N. Main St., Suite 130
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 283-3789
Union County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located within the main administrative office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Copy fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Monroe Police Department
100 W. Crowell St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 282-4700
Monroe Police Department

Records requests are processed through the Records Division
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Copy fees: $0.10 per page; fees for digital records may vary

Clerk of Court:

Union County Clerk of Superior Court
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0400
North Carolina Courts – Union County

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Case file inspection is available at public access terminals in the courthouse
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $3.00 per document

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 500 N. Main St., Suite 130, Monroe, NC 28112. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requester's full name and return address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Union County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks.

By Phone:

The Union County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (704) 283-3789 during regular business hours. Limited information, including general custody status, may be provided by phone. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record requests are referred to the records division for in-person or written processing.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through legal process rather than standard public records requests.

Information Needed for Search:

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County

Arrest records in Union County are public records under North Carolina law. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, public records are defined broadly to include all documents made or received in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government. Arrest records, booking logs, and associated documentation fall within this definition and are subject to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests, including government transparency, public safety, community awareness, support for journalism and research, background screening, and the administration of legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

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

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under North Carolina law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are not subject to disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The North Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 18 affirms the right of access to courts and public proceedings. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions and judicial oversight. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using background check companies must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. North Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Union County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints, which are collected but not typically included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time where applicable
Release conditions where made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records and include previous 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 from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
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 follow an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Union County varies by agency and record type. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge for the actual cost of reproducing public records, and fees must be reasonable and reflect actual duplication costs.

Record Type	Agency	Current Fee
Standard paper copies	Sheriff's Office	$0.10 per page
Standard paper copies	Clerk of Court	$0.25 per page
Certified copies	Clerk of Court	$3.00 per document
Criminal history check	NC SBI	$14.00 per search
Online case search	NC Courts Portal	No charge
Jail roster/booking log	Sheriff's Office	No charge (online)

Inspection of public records at a public access terminal is available at no charge at the Clerk of Court
The North Carolina Courts online case search portal is available to the public at no cost
The Sheriff's Office online jail roster is accessible without charge
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing to the relevant agency

How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County

North Carolina law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expunction (the legal erasure of a record) and sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record in law enforcement systems). Expunction results in the physical destruction or removal of the record from agency files and the state repository, while sealing limits public access without destroying the underlying record.

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145 and related provisions, expunction may be available in the following circumstances:

Charges that were dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty
First-time nonviolent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
First-time nonviolent felony convictions after a waiting period
Arrests where no charges were filed
Certain drug offenses under specific eligibility criteria
Juvenile records in limited circumstances

Steps to Petition for Expunction:

Obtain the petition form from the North Carolina Courts expunction resources page or from the Clerk of Court
Complete the petition with the case number, charge information, and personal identifying details
File the completed petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in Union County
Pay the applicable filing fee, currently $175.00 for most petitions; no fee applies for dismissals and not-guilty verdicts under certain statutes
Serve copies on the District Attorney's Office and the arresting agency as required
Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will notify the petitioner of the hearing date
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record

Union County Clerk of Superior Court
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0400
North Carolina Courts – Union County

Union County District Attorney's Office
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0500
26th Prosecutorial District

Following a granted expunction, the petitioner should confirm removal with the NC SBI and, where applicable, request that third-party background check companies update their records. Third-party databases are not legally required to remove expunged records in all circumstances, and follow-up with individual data brokers may be necessary.

What Happens After Arrest in Union County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Union County Jail, which is operated by the Union County Sheriff's Office.

Union County Jail
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 283-3789
Union County Sheriff's Office

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under North Carolina law, individuals arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 48 hours. At the first appearance, the court:

Formally notifies the defendant of the charges
Determines bond or bail
Advises the defendant of the right to counsel
Appoints a public defender if the defendant is indigent and requests representation

First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on charge severity and flight risk

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is 15% of the bond amount in North Carolina
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

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

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours following payment
Personal property is returned
The defendant receives a written notice of court dates
Written conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation scheduling are completed during initial detention

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Union County Public Defender's Office
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0450
North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services

Eligibility for public defender representation is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application at the first appearance or arraignment.

Private Attorney:

Defendants have 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. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Union County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. The prosecutor may file formal charges by criminal information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Grand Jury:

For felony charges in North Carolina, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present and result in a true bill of indictment if the grand jury finds sufficient cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and 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:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; dismissed cases may be eligible 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 negotiated charges with an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present evidence and arguments; the verdict is guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any custodial sentence. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by charge complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the North Carolina Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Union County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 283-3789
Union County Sheriff's Office

Union County Clerk of Superior Court
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0400
North Carolina Courts – Union County

Union County District Attorney's Office
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0500
26th Prosecutorial District

Union County Public Defender's Office
400 N. Main St.
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 686-0450
North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney, including other inmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release if bond is posted

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by North Carolina law and the policies of the relevant agency. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources publishes records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies, including law enforcement and courts. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, NC SBI, and the FBI
Records are maintained indefinitely in all relevant databases

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the NC SBI
Local law enforcement retains records in accordance with the applicable retention schedule, which is a minimum of five years for most misdemeanor arrest records

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged
State repository retains records unless an expunction order is received

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
Court records are often retained permanently
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expunction petition in many circumstances

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
Often eligible for expunction

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the record retention period
Physical evidence retention varies by case outcome and may be governed by separate schedules

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency policy
Court electronic records are retained permanently in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update when records are expunged
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum three years
Arrest reports: minimum three years
Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (704) 283-3789

Police Departments:

Arrest records: minimum three years
Incident reports: minimum three years
Retention periods may vary by department and record type

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: permanent
Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
Traffic cases: minimum three years
Electronic records: permanent

State Repository:

The NC State Bureau of Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history repository
Retention policy follows state law and includes arrests from all jurisdictions in North Carolina
Records are updated upon receipt of disposition information from courts and law enforcement

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is permanent for most entries
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; part of the permanent criminal history record
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; NC SBI updates the state repository; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period; immediate expunction may be available in some cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster and the NC Courts case search portal
Arrests from several years prior may require an in-person request at the records division
Very old arrests may not be digitized and may require retrieval from paper archives, with possible retrieval fees and longer processing times
Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (704) 283-3789 for information about specific historical records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expunction, or in accordance with the records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. North Carolina does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework, though individual employers and licensing agencies may apply their own standards. Arrests without conviction are legally distinct from convictions, and their use in employment and housing decisions is subject to applicable federal and state anti-discrimination requirements.