New Castle Public Records / New Castle County Arrest Records

New Castle County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in New Castle County

Arrest records in New Castle County are generally considered public information under Delaware's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Title 29, Chapter 100 of the Delaware Code. However, public access to these records is subject to specific limitations and exemptions established by state law.

Pursuant to § 10002(l) of the Delaware Code, certain criminal records may be exempt from public disclosure, particularly those that could interfere with ongoing investigations or prosecutions. The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) maintains and regulates access to criminal justice information, including arrest records, throughout the state.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

The Delaware State Police regularly publishes arrest information for public awareness, but access to complete arrest records may require formal requests through appropriate channels. Under current Delaware law, certain arrest information may be withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an investigation, or endanger an individual.

What's in New Castle County Arrest Records

New Castle County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are maintained by various entities including the New Castle County Sheriff's Office and the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System. Standard arrest records include:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
Home address or last known residence
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during apprehension
Miranda rights acknowledgment

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed (including statute numbers)
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
Description of alleged criminal activity
Potential penalties associated with charges

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing authority
Date warrant was issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date, time, and location
Booking number or identification
Processing officer information
Property inventory taken during booking

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond conditions
Whether bond was posted

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Risk assessment scores
Medical or mental health alerts

How To Look Up Arrest Records in New Castle County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in New Castle County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a formal request to the arresting agency
- Complete the agency's public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable processing fees
Contact the New Castle County Sheriff's Office

New Castle County Sheriff's Office
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-8450
New Castle County Sheriff's Office

Request records through the Delaware State Police

Delaware State Police - Headquarters
1441 N. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-5901
Delaware State Police

Access the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)
- DELJIS maintains the wanted persons database for Delaware
- Some information requires authorized access credentials
- Public access is limited to specific information
Visit the New Castle County Courthouse

New Castle County Courthouse
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0800
Delaware Courts

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide:

Full name of the person in the record
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate date of arrest
Case number (if known)
Arresting agency (if known)

Pursuant to § 10003 of the Delaware Code, agencies must respond to public records requests within 15 business days. Fees may apply for record searches and copies as authorized under Delaware law.

How To Find New Castle County Arrest Records Online

New Castle County residents and interested parties can access certain arrest record information through several official online platforms. The Delaware government has established digital resources to facilitate public access to criminal justice information while maintaining appropriate privacy and security protocols.

The primary online resources for accessing New Castle County arrest records include:

Delaware Court Connect
- Delaware Court Connect provides access to court case information
- Search by name, case number, or attorney
- View case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition information
- No registration required for basic searches
- Advanced features may require account creation
Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)
- The DELJIS wanted persons database allows searches for active warrants
- Public access is limited to specific information
- Full system access requires authorized credentials
Department of Correction Inmate Locator
- The Delaware DOC Inmate Locator provides custody information
- Search by name or DOC number
- View current custody status and facility location
- Information updated regularly
New Castle County Crime Information Portal
- The county maintains a crime information portal with recent arrest data
- Access crime mapping tools
- View public safety announcements
- Find information about registered sex offenders

When conducting online searches, users should:

Enter complete and accurate information
Be aware that recent arrests may not appear immediately
Understand that some case details may be restricted
Verify information through multiple sources when possible

Online access to arrest records is governed by Delaware's Freedom of Information Act and the specific regulations of each maintaining agency. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted in accordance with § 10002(l) of the Delaware Code.

How To Search New Castle County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain New Castle County arrest record information without cost through several government-provided resources. These free options are available pursuant to Delaware's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy concerns.

The following free resources are currently available:

Delaware State Police Arrest Archives
- The Delaware State Police arrest archives provide information on recent arrests
- Updated regularly with press releases about significant arrests
- Searchable by date and keyword
- No registration or fee required
Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities
- Computer terminals at the New Castle County Courthouse provide free access to court records
- Available during normal business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
- Printing fees may apply for copies
Delaware Court Connect Public Portal
- Delaware Court Connect offers free basic searches
- Access case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
- No registration required for public access features
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
New Castle County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office website provides information on recent significant arrests
- Includes public notices about wanted individuals
- Updated regularly with current information
Public Library Resources
- Local libraries offer free internet access to online public records
- Library staff may provide assistance with navigating government websites
- Available during library operating hours

When using free resources, individuals should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may not be comprehensive
Recent arrests may not appear immediately
Some case details may be restricted
Record searches may require specific identifying information

For more detailed or historical arrest records, formal requests may be necessary, which could involve processing fees as permitted under § 10003(m) of the Delaware Code.

How To Delete Arrest Records in New Castle County

Under Delaware law, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement refers to the legal erasure of records, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the records for limited official use.

The process is governed by Title 11, Chapter 43 of the Delaware Code, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest records from public access.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to § 4372 of the Delaware Code, expungement may be available in cases where:

Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The arrest did not result in conviction
The conviction was pardoned by the Governor
The offense is eligible for mandatory expungement under Delaware law
The offense qualifies for discretionary expungement based on specific criteria

Expungement Process:

Determine eligibility
- Review arrest and case disposition
- Consult Delaware's expungement statutes
- Consider seeking legal advice regarding eligibility
Obtain certified court records
- Request disposition records from the court of jurisdiction
- Obtain criminal history from the State Bureau of Identification
Complete expungement petition
- Use forms provided by the Delaware courts
- Include all required documentation
- Pay applicable filing fees
File petition with appropriate court
- Submit completed petition to the court where the case was handled
- Provide copies to the Attorney General's Office
- Await notification of hearing date if required
Attend court hearing (if scheduled)
- Present case for expungement
- Respond to any objections from the state
- Receive judicial determination

The APEX Program (Adult Expungement Opportunity) through the Delaware Department of Labor provides assistance to eligible individuals seeking expungement of their criminal records. This program offers guidance through the expungement process and may provide referrals to legal resources.

Office of Defense Services
900 N. King Street, Suite 200
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 577-5150
Office of Defense Services

Individuals should be aware that expungement does not automatically remove records from private databases or non-government sources that may have previously obtained the information.

What Happens After Arrest in New Castle County?

Following an arrest in New Castle County, individuals enter the Delaware criminal justice system, which follows a structured process from initial custody through case disposition. Understanding this process is important for those navigating the system or seeking information about arrested persons.

Initial Custody and Booking:

The arrestee is transported to a police station or detention facility
Law enforcement conducts the booking process, including:
- Recording personal information
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Conducting initial health screening
- Inventorying personal property
- Entering arrest information into the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System

Initial Appearance:

Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate
The magistrate:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Makes initial bail determination
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for legal assistance

Pretrial Detention or Release:

If bail is granted and posted, the individual is released pending court appearances
If unable to post bail, the individual remains in custody at a New Castle County detention facility
Pretrial supervision may be ordered with specific conditions

Formal Charging:

The prosecutor reviews the case and determines formal charges
Charges may be filed through:
- Information - a formal charging document filed by the prosecutor
- Indictment - charges brought by a grand jury
In some cases, charges may be reduced or dismissed at this stage

Arraignment:

Formal reading of charges in court
Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Trial schedule is established

Pretrial Proceedings:

Discovery - exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
Pretrial motions - legal issues addressed before trial
Plea negotiations may occur throughout this period

Trial or Plea Resolution:

Most cases resolve through plea agreements
If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial
Trials may be bench trials (judge only) or jury trials

Sentencing:

Following conviction (by plea or trial), the court imposes sentence
Sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in the Delaware Department of Correction
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Treatment programs
- Community service

Post-Conviction:

Right to appeal within specified timeframes
Possible post-conviction relief motions
Probation supervision or incarceration begins

Throughout this process, case information is maintained in court records and may be accessible through Delaware Court Connect depending on case status and confidentiality provisions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in New Castle County?

Arrest records in New Castle County are maintained according to Delaware's records retention requirements, which are established by state law and administrative regulations. The retention of these records serves important public safety, accountability, and historical documentation purposes.

Under Title 29, Chapter 5 of the Delaware Code, specifically § 524, the Delaware Public Archives establishes records retention schedules for all government agencies, including law enforcement entities. These schedules dictate how long different types of records must be maintained before they may be destroyed or transferred to archival storage.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Records: Generally maintained permanently in the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)
Booking Information: Typically retained for the lifetime of the individual, plus an additional period as specified in the retention schedule
Investigation Reports: Usually kept for extended periods (25+ years) depending on case type and disposition
Fingerprint Records: Maintained permanently in state and federal databases
Mugshot Photographs: Retained according to the same schedule as the associated arrest records
Misdemeanor Case Files: Generally kept for 7-10 years after case closure
Felony Case Files: Typically maintained for 25 years to permanently, depending on the severity of the offense

Different agencies within New Castle County may have varying retention requirements:

The New Castle County Sheriff's Office follows county-specific retention schedules
The Delaware State Police adheres to state-level retention policies
Court records are maintained according to judiciary retention schedules

It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, electronic information may be maintained in databases for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed (such as press releases about arrests) may exist indefinitely in various formats.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should contact the agency that created or maintains the records in question.

How to Find Mugshots in New Castle County

Mugshot photographs, which are images taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained by law enforcement agencies in New Castle County. Access to these photographs is governed by Delaware public records laws and agency policies.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. They typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Booking information board showing name and booking number
Date of arrest

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In New Castle County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency
The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)
The New Castle County Sheriff's Office for individuals processed through county facilities
The Delaware Department of Correction for individuals who enter the state correctional system

Finding Mugshots: To locate a mugshot in New Castle County, individuals may:

Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Provide the arrestee's full name and date of birth
- Include approximate date of arrest
- Specify that you are seeking the booking photograph
- Pay any applicable fees
Check law enforcement websites
- The Delaware State Police occasionally publish mugshots with press releases about significant arrests
- Local police department websites may include recent booking photos
Visit the records division of the arresting agency in person
- Bring identification and case information
- Complete required request forms
- Be prepared to explain the purpose of your request

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Some mugshots may be available online through:

Official law enforcement websites for recent or significant arrests
New Castle County crime information resources
Third-party websites that aggregate public records (note that these sources may not be current or accurate)

Delaware does not maintain a comprehensive public mugshot database accessible online, unlike some other states.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal public records request to the appropriate agency. Requests should include:

Specific information about the individual
Date and location of arrest
Case number (if known)
Requestor's contact information
Payment for any applicable fees

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances pursuant to § 10002(l) of the Delaware Code, including:

Cases involving juveniles
Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
Instances where privacy interests outweigh public disclosure interests
Expunged or sealed records

Individuals should be aware that publishing or distributing mugshots may have legal implications, particularly if the case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal.

Lookup Arrest Records in New Castle County

Crime Information Portal

Delaware Court Connect

Delaware Department of Correction Inmate Locator

Delaware State Police Arrest Archives

Delaware Criminal Justice Information System

New Castle County Sheriff's Office

Delaware Courts Legal Assistance

Office of Defense Services

Delaware Code - Public Records

APEX Program - Adult Expungement Opportunity

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