>New Castle County Arrest Records Online

New Castle County, Delaware Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in New Castle County, Delaware?

Arrest records are public in New Castle County, Delaware, pursuant to the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Title 29, Chapter 100 of the Delaware Code. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The Delaware FOIA operates under the presumption of openness, ensuring transparency in governmental operations and law enforcement activities.

Members of the public may access these records through various authorized channels, subject to certain limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 10002(l) of the Delaware Code. The New Castle County Division of Police maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing public access to criminal justice information.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in New Castle County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through several official platforms in New Castle County. The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) maintains electronic records that are available to authorized users and, in some cases, to the general public through designated portals. The Delaware Court Connect system provides electronic access to court case information, including records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.

The New Castle County Crime Information portal offers resources for tracking criminal activity and accessing public safety information. Additionally, the Delaware State Police arrest archives contain information about significant arrests throughout the state, including those in New Castle County.

It should be noted that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies. Online records are subject to update schedules and may not reflect the most current information in all cases.

How to Look Up New Castle County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain New Castle County arrest records, individuals may utilize several official channels established for public access to criminal justice information. The following methods are available:

Online Database Searches: The Delaware Court Connect system allows searches of court cases, including those stemming from arrests. The Delaware Inmate Locator provides information on individuals currently in custody.
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit the New Castle County Police Headquarters to request arrest records.

New Castle County Division of Police
3601 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-8171
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Court Records Requests: The Court of Common Pleas maintains records of criminal proceedings resulting from arrests.

New Castle County Court of Common Pleas
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0900
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Criminal History Record Checks: For comprehensive background information, individuals may request official criminal history records through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification.

Delaware State Bureau of Identification
655 Bay Road
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-5871
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85, § 8513, fees may apply for record searches and copies. Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification and, in some cases, notarized authorization forms when seeking records of individuals other than themselves.

Contents of a New Castle County Arrest Record

New Castle County arrest records typically contain standardized information as mandated by Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 85. These official documents include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification numbers (such as driver's license or state ID)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer; and circumstances leading to the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Delaware Code cited at the time of arrest, including statute numbers and offense descriptions
Processing Information: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, property inventory, and detention location
Case Disposition: Bail or bond amount set, court appearance dates, preliminary hearing outcomes, and case status
Court Information: Assigned court, docket number, and scheduled proceedings

It should be noted that pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, § 4322, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations.

Legal Framework for Arrest Record Access in Delaware

The accessibility of arrest records in New Castle County is governed by a comprehensive legal framework established under Delaware state law. The Delaware Freedom of Information Act (29 Del. C. § 10001-10007) serves as the primary legislation ensuring public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

Under 11 Del. C. § 8513, the State Bureau of Identification is authorized to disseminate criminal history record information to the public, subject to specific regulations. The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) operates under the authority of 11 Del. C. Chapter 86 to maintain and provide access to criminal justice information.

Several statutory provisions establish important limitations on record access:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to 10 Del. C. § 1001, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are generally confidential and not available to the public unless specifically ordered by the court.
Expunged Records: Under 11 Del. C. § 4371-4375, records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Sealed Records: In accordance with 11 Del. C. § 4376, certain records may be sealed by court order, restricting their availability to the public.

The Delaware Criminal Background Check Process outlines the procedures for obtaining official criminal history information through proper channels, ensuring compliance with privacy protections while maintaining the public's right to information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in New Castle County

Expungement provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access in New Castle County. Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 43, Subchapter VII, eligible individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances.

The eligibility criteria for expungement in Delaware include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal
Arrests without prosecution (after specified waiting periods)
First-offense misdemeanors meeting statutory requirements
Certain felony convictions after waiting periods and satisfaction of all requirements
Pardoned offenses

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the appropriate court (typically the Court of Common Pleas for misdemeanors or Superior Court for felonies)
Payment of filing fees (currently $75 for mandatory expungements and $100 for discretionary expungements)
Submission of SBI verification form and criminal history
Notification to the Attorney General's Office
Judicial review and determination

Upon successful expungement, all records of the arrest are sealed from public view, and the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in § 4374.

The Court of Common Pleas provides forms and guidance for individuals seeking expungement of eligible records. Applicants with complex cases may benefit from legal consultation to navigate the expungement process effectively.

Obtaining Certified Criminal History Records in Delaware

Citizens seeking official verification of arrest records may obtain certified criminal history reports through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification. This process, established under Delaware Code Title 11, § 8513, provides a comprehensive record of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system in the state.

To obtain a certified criminal history record:

Applicants must submit to fingerprinting at an authorized location
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Complete the Criminal History Request Form (available through the Background Check Center)
Pay the required fee ($52 for a state-only check or $69 for a federal and state check)

Fingerprinting services are available at:

Delaware State Police Troop 2
100 Lagrange Avenue
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 739-2528
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

USPS Wilmington Box
147 Quigley Boulevard
New Castle, DE 19720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Results are typically available within 4-6 weeks and will be mailed directly to the individual or to the requesting agency with proper authorization. Certified records are required for certain employment positions, professional licensing, and legal proceedings as specified in Delaware Code.

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