Hoke County

Hoke County is located in the south-central region of North Carolina, part of the Sandhills region characterized by rolling hills and sandy soil. Established in 1911 from portions of Cumberland and Robeson counties, Hoke County was named after Confederate Major General Robert F. Hoke. Hoke County seat is Raeford, which is the primary governmental and commercial center. Hoke County includes approximately 391 square miles and has a population of approximately 55,000 residents as of recent estimates, making it a moderately sized county within the state. Hoke County is home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the world, which significantly influences the local economy and demographics. Major landmarks include Hoke County courthouse located at 227 North Main Street in Raeford and various recreational areas. Hoke County Register of Deeds office maintains land records and is located at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376. Hoke County Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, operates from the same government complex. The Clerk of Superior Court office handles court records and estate matters from 227 North Main Street. What makes Hoke County unique is its diverse population, including a significant Lumbee Native American community, and its close relationship with the military presence at Fort Liberty, which shapes employment patterns, housing development, and community character throughout Hoke County.

• Hoke County Register of Deeds office maintains land records and is located at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Hoke County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Hoke County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Hoke County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Hoke County is provided by Hoke County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Raeford. The Raeford Police Department is responsible for maintaining public safety within the city limits, handling local crime investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Hoke County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Hoke County and operates Hoke County Detention Center. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and detention operations.

• The Raeford Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Raeford and can be contacted for The department operates from 120 West Elwood Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.
• Citizens may request arrest records from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office, though certain information may be redacted for ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically included in booking records and are available through direct requests to the detention center or the Sheriff's Office records division.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Hoke County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history reports. These reports include information on arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hoke County are maintained by Hoke County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Hoke County, including the date, charges, and personal information of the arrested individuals. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the arresting officer's name, the location of the arrest, and any charges filed.

Jail & Inmate Records

Hoke County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested and awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about individuals currently held in the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the detention center, with scheduled visiting hours and regulations that must be adhered to by visitors.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Hoke County are taken and retained by Hoke County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed by the public through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. In North Carolina, there are no specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, although individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots online varies, and some third-party websites may also host these images.

Hoke County is served by North Carolina's 12th Judicial District, which includes Hoke and Cumberland counties. Hoke County Courthouse is located at 227 North Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376. The courthouse houses both the Superior Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, and appeals from District Court, and the District Court, which handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, domestic matters, juvenile cases, estates, and small claims.

• The Clerk of Superior Court office maintains court records, processes estate matters, and handles special proceedings.
• Certified copies of court documents require a fee, typically $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
• Hoke County also has magistrates who handle initial appearances, issue warrants, set bail, and conduct small claims trials under $10,000.
• The magistrate's office operates 24 hours a day to handle urgent matters such as domestic violence protective orders and criminal process.

Hoke County Register of Deeds office, located at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376, is the official repository for land records and maintains documents including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, military discharges (DD-214s), and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The office can be reached through the office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Some document images may be available for viewing at no charge, though certified copies require fees of $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
• The GIS system provides detailed parcel information including acreage, zoning, building characteristics, and sales history.
• Citizens requesting certified copies of deeds or other recorded documents can do so in person at the Register of Deeds office or by mail with proper identification and payment.

Vital records for Hoke County, North Carolina, are managed both at Hoke County level and through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Section. Birth and death certificates occurring in Hoke County can be requested through Hoke County Register of Deeds office at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376 Birth certificates cost $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for additional copies.

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are on file; mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
• The North Carolina Vital Records office in Raleigh provides statewide access to birth records from October 1913 forward and death records from January 1930 forward.
• Their website at vitalrecords.nc.gov offers online ordering through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, with expedited service available for additional fees.
• Marriage licenses in Hoke County are issued by the Register of Deeds office with a $60.00 fee; both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
• Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk's office with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.

Business and licensing records in Hoke County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of registration. Hoke County Register of Deeds office at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376, handles assumed business name (DBA) filings and trade name registrations required under North Carolina General Statute § 66-68. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is $26.00, and these records are publicly searchable at the Register of Deeds office or online through Hoke County's records portal.

• Hoke County Chamber of Commerce, located in Raeford, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development information, though it does not maintain official business license records.

Hoke County's economy is substantially influenced by Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), which is the largest employer in Hoke County and generates significant economic activity through military personnel, civilian employees, contracting opportunities, and related services. The military installation creates demand for housing, retail, healthcare, education, and professional services throughout Hoke County. Beyond the military presence, Hoke County's economy includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and logistics.

• The median household income in Hoke County is approximately $52,000 based on recent census estimates, somewhat below the state average.

Elections in Hoke County are administered by Hoke County Board of Elections, located at 227 North Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376. The Board of Elections office can be reached through the office maintains information about voter registration, polling locations, early voting sites, absentee voting, and election results. The office website provides access to sample ballots, precinct maps, and election calendars. Voter registration in North Carolina requires that applicants be U.S.

• Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter who requests a ballot; applications are available through Hoke County Board of Elections or online through the state portal.