What are Catawba County Public Records?
Catawba County public records refer to documents created by public officials while working with a public business or a subdivision of the North Carolina government. North Carolina public records laws make these documents available to interested members of the public upon request free of charge or for a small fee unless otherwise required by law. Generally, Catawba County public records include birth, death, marriage, and arrest records. Records exempt from North Carolina FOIA include juvenile court records and documents sealed explicitly by law.
Catawba County Crime Statistics
Recent Catawba County crime statistics for 2020 show a 2,761.3 index crime rate. Contributing data includes the sum of violent crimes (306.7) and property crimes (2,454.6). In 2019, the rate of violent crimes was recorded at a rate of 198.1, while property crimes were at 2,166.7. The crimes made up a 2,364.8 index crime rate. It is important to note that data was not reported for the entire year for over 50 percent of the county's population in 2019.
Are Catawba Criminal Records Public?
The Records Division of the county's sheriff's office maintains public access to Catawba County criminal records. Persons who wish to obtain criminal records must submit a written request, attach a government-issued picture ID, and pay the necessary search fees. Interested requesters may contact the division on (828) 465-8300 within office hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Court System has provided the public with a certified criminal record search for oneself or others. This is done through the office of the local superior court clerk at the county. Interested parties are required to complete the Form AOC-CR-314 provided and submit it to the clerk's office by mail or in person. The submission should include a $25 fee via money order or certified check by mail or money order, certified check, cash, or credit card in person.
How to Obtain Catawba Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Catawba County police reports and arrest records are available at the Records Division of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. The public can obtain the records by visiting the Records Division between Monday to Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., or contact the division on (828) 465-8300. The Catawba County arrest records and police reports are also available online. Both records are available for 30 days and are archived at the Sheriff's department afterward. For records older than a month, contact the Sheriff's Office at:
100 Government Drive., Building E
P.O. Box 385
Newton, NC 28658
Phone: (828) 464-5241
Email: dbrown@catawbacountync.gov
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Catawba County
People interested in finding sex offender information in Catawba County can visit the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. The site offers four distinct search parameters that Parties can use to locate the sex offender of interest. They include the address, the sex offender's registration number, the longitude and latitude (this is for places that may not have a physical address), and personal information of the sex offender.
How to Find Catawba County Inmate Records
Interested parties can visit the Catawba County online inmate registry, which the Catawba County Sheriff's Office provides. The registry includes all inmates incarcerated at the detention facility. The registry contains the following information of each inmate registered: a mugshot, name, age, charge, date of arrest, writ, bond amount, address, court date, court docket, and agency.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Catawba County Jail?
Visitors must register with Homewav to schedule a visit at Catawba County jail. Scheduling can be done online, through the homewav app, or by contacting (844) 394-6639. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead of the day of the visit. Visitation hours are as scheduled:
- Monday to Thursday - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Attorneys are allowed to visit from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. on any day. Before the visit, the inmate must approve of the visit requested by the visitor. The inmates are allowed one 15 minute visit a week. Visitors must present a valid photo ID when they arrive for a visit. Visitors are advised to arrive at the scheduled time of the visit, or it will be forfeited. A fee will be required for people interested in having extra visits from home when the inmate is on recreation time. Parties can make further inquiries to the detention facility by calling (828) 465-8999.
Catawba County Court Records
Court records in Catawba County are generated from court proceedings that are conducted in Catawba County courtrooms. The superior and district court handles cases that range from criminal cases, civil cases, family disputes, estate cases, and juvenile cases. The contact information for the courts in Catawba County are:
Catawba County Justice Center
100 Government Drive
Department A
Newton, NC 28658
Email: coc@catawbacountync.gov
Phone: (828) 695-6100
Phone: (828) 695-6103 (Civil Department)
Phone: (828) 695-6102 (Criminal Department)
Phone: (828) 695-6104 (Estate and Juvenile Department)
Phone: (828) 695-6115 (Family Court)
Are Catawba County Court Records Public?
Members of the public are granted access to Catawba County's criminal court records and civil court records by using the Remote Public Access Program (RPA) provided by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC). Interested parties can also visit the clerk of court to obtain court records of interest. Typically, a statutory fee will be required in addition to a copy of a valid photo ID and a formal application for a public record request. Further inquiries should be made to the office of the court clerk or the division handling the case of interest.
How to Obtain Catawba County Civil Court Case Records
Interested parties should visit the Catawba County court clerk and inquire on the requirements needed to obtain a civil court case record. The civil division can also be contacted on (828) 695-6103 for assistance. Researchers can utilize the RPA provided by the NCAOC to access NCAOC's civil case processing system (VCAP) and, in turn, Catawba County civil court records. The public can use either the online access or the extracts offered by the RPA to gain access to these civil court case records.
How to Obtain Catawba County Criminal Court Records
The department that handles criminal cases in Catawba County can be contacted for requirements to obtain its criminal court records. Members of the public should call (828) 695-6102 for assistance. An alternative is the use of the RPA provided by the NCAOC. The NCAOC has facilitated electronic public access to its Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS), which contains criminal court records. The data in the system can be retrieved through the online or extract methods provided by the RPA.
What are Catawba County Vital Records?
Catawba County's vital records are records that document life events that have taken place in the county. The vital records are marriage records, birth records, and death records. The Catawba County Register of Deeds is the custodian of these vital records and is responsible for issuing certified and uncertified copies of each record to eligible members of the public. The cost for a certified copy is $10, $0.50 for an uncertified copy, and $1 for an uncertified copy request without a return envelope.
Interested parties who wish to obtain Catawba County vital records can obtain them via mail, in person, or online. An approved photo ID is required to obtain Catawba County vital records, including a driver's license with a picture, state-issued ID card, or passport. Parties can contact the Register of deeds via dspencer@catawbacountync.gov or (828) 465-1573.
Where and How to Obtain Catawba County Divorce Records
Interested parties can obtain Catawba County divorce records by visiting the office of the clerk court. Parties can also contact the family court and civil department on (828) 695-6115 and (828) 695-6103. Individuals should inquire about the necessary requirements to acquire these divorce records. Alternatively, record checkers can utilize the data provided by the North Carolina State Vital Records Department. The department has divorce records that date back to 1958. Individuals interested in obtaining a divorce record need to submit a complete North Carolina Divorce Record application to the department. The service costs $24, inclusive of a copy. Additional copies are $15, and the money can be paid via money order, certified check, cash (not by mail), debit, or credit card.
Where and How to Get Public Catawba County Marriage Records
Catawba County public marriage records are located at the office of the Register of Deeds. Catawba marriage records can be obtained online, via mail, or in person. The record costs $10 for a certified copy, 50 cents for an uncertified copy, and $1 for an uncertified copy request without a return envelope. For online requests, follow the instructions given and complete the online form. There is a $3.50 service charge, and the request will be delivered by mail. The office requires a copy of a government-issued photo ID.
Interested parties who wish to obtain the record by mail should send a written request and include the requirements. People who wish to obtain the record in person need to fill out the Application for Vital Records Form and bring it to the office or fill the form upon arrival. A valid photo ID will also be required. Payment is accepted in cash, money order, business checks, debit, or credit cards. The Register of Deeds' office is located at:
100 Government Drive
Department C
Newton, NC 28658
Catawba County marriage records are only available to family, self, or an authorized agent (attorney or legal representative) of the record subject.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Catawba County
There are no confidential marriage records recognized in Catawba County. Every record is publicly available to eligible individuals as directed by the law of the state. Interested and eligible parties who wish to obtain Catawba County marriage records should contact the Register of Deeds. The records can be obtained by mail, in person, or online. However, all necessary documents will be required before certified or uncertified copies can be issued.
Where and How to Find Catawba County Birth Records
Members of the public who wish to obtain Catawba County birth records can visit the office of the Register of Deeds. The office maintains all Catawba County birth records that date back to 1971. The birth records can be requested via mail, in person, or online. Certified copies cost $10, uncertified copies cost 50 cents, while an uncertified copy request costs $1. Parties can make these payments in cash, business checks, debit or credits, or money order. Online requests will be returned by mail upon completion of the request, and they incur a $3.50 service charge.
An Application for Vital Records Form can be used when making an in-person request. Parties must also present a valid photo ID. If multiple birth records are needed, a form is available. Requests by mail should be written and include a summary of all the requirements needed. Eligible candidates qualified to obtain the record include the record subject, the spouse, child or step-child, parents or step-parents, grandparents, and grandkids. A valid proof will be required of a person seeking information to confirm property or personal rights or an authorized agent of the registrant. For further inquiry, contact the Catawba County Register of Deeds using the following information:
100 Government Drive
Department C
Newton, NC 28658
Email: dspencer@catawbacountync.gov
Phone: (828) 465-1573
Where and How to Find Catawba County Death Records
The Catawba County Register of Deeds office is the repository for Catawba County death records. To obtain a death record, interested parties must pay a statutory fee. It costs $10 for a certified copy, 50 cents for an uncertified copy, and $1 for an uncertified copy mail request without a return envelope. Catawba County death records can be issued by mail, in-person or online.
A death record requested online will be sent to the requester by mail when the request has been fulfilled. The service costs $3.50. Those who wish to make the request in person may do so by completing the Application for Vital Records Form or completing the form upon arrival. It is important to note that requesters can use a form if multiple death certificates need to be obtained, which is recommended. The presentation of a valid government-issued ID is also required. The office can be visited using the following contact details:
Catawba County Register of Deeds
100 Government Drive
Department C
Newton, NC 28658
Email: dspencer@catawbacountync.gov
Phone: (828) 465-1573
Requests by mail should be a written request and must include a summary of requirements approved by the Register of Deeds. Eligible persons who are permitted to obtain a Catawba County death record include the following:
- The funeral service director or licensee
- Child or step-child
- Grandparents
- Grandkids
- Spouse
- Siblings
- Parent or Step-parent
- Persons seeking information to legally determine real property or personal rights
- Authorized agent
