Leland Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Leland, North Carolina government websites.

  About Leland City Government
Annual Budget $10.4 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Leland, North Carolina, is the Leland Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve staggered four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Brenda Bozeman and Council members Bob Corriston, Pat Batleman, and Michael Callahan, with the fifth seat currently held by Council member Lisa D. McCulloch.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, Leland's approximate annual operating budget is $10.4 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Leland Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are conducted at the Leland Town Hall, located at 102 Town Hall Drive, Leland, NC 28451. These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to engage with council members and discuss community issues and initiatives.

  About Leland, North Carolina

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Brunswick County, North Carolina, Leland is a vibrant town that has experienced significant growth in recent years. With a population of approximately 24,000, this community blends small-town charm with accessibility to larger urban centers, particularly Wilmington, which lies just across the Cape Fear River to the southeast. Establishing itself in the 1960s, Leland has transformed from a quiet rural area into a thriving suburb known for its lush greenery, welcoming neighborhoods, and an array of amenities. Notable neighborhoods include Waterford, a master-planned community offering a mix of residential options and recreational facilities, and Brunswick Forest, which boasts a comprehensive range of services, including golf courses and wellness centers. Leland's economy flourishes with a mix of local businesses, retail outlets, and larger employers like the local government and the healthcare sector, providing residents with considerable economic opportunities. What sets Leland apart is its commitment to maintaining green spaces and parks, ensuring residents enjoy both urban conveniences and a connection to nature.

The safety and security of Leland are entrusted to the Leland Police Department, which works diligently to uphold the law and serve the community. In addition to local law enforcement, the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the surrounding areas, operating from its facility in Bolivia. For residents seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, the process is straightforward. Firstly, individuals can contact the Leland Police Department’s Records Unit to request any local police records. For broader inquiries, including those related to the county’s law enforcement actions, contacting the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office is essential as they manage county-wide criminal records. Furthermore, residents can access state-level criminal records through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which maintains a comprehensive repository of criminal history. Online portals exist for some of these records, allowing residents to conduct searches via the official websites of these agencies, providing a user-friendly experience for those seeking information.

Court proceedings in Leland are primarily managed by the Brunswick County Superior Court and District Court, which handle a variety of civil and criminal cases. Residents wishing to obtain court records can do so through the online portal provided by the North Carolina Judicial Branch, which offers a convenient way to access documents and filings related to ongoing or past cases. Alternatively, individuals can visit the courthouse in person and request records directly from the clerk's office. Additionally, for vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents should approach either the county clerk-recorder's office in Brunswick County or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for state-level records. Property records are accessible through the county assessor's office and the recorder’s office, both of which maintain records regarding real estate transactions and property ownership. The process for general public records requests adheres to the North Carolina Public Records Law, typically allowing for a response within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability within local government operations.

  Leland, North Carolina Public Records & Government Resources

About Leland

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Brunswick County, North Carolina, Leland is a vibrant town that has experienced significant growth in recent years. With a population of approximately 24,473, the town offers a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors. Leland is served by the 28451 and 28479 ZIP codes and can be accessed through the Town of Leland's official website at https://www.townofleland.com/.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Leland Police Department, Shallotte Police Department, and Southport Police Department, each responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits. These departments work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office to address major crimes and ensure public safety across the county. They handle local ordinances, traffic enforcement, and community policing efforts, contributing to the overall law enforcement landscape in Brunswick County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Brunswick County Detention Center is the main facility for housing individuals arrested in the county. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office website, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules at the detention center require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding identification and conduct.

Court Records

The Leland community is served by the Brunswick County Courthouse, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases. Information about court proceedings and records can be found on the North Carolina Courts website at https://www.nccourts.gov/.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Brunswick County encompasses a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Carolina Public Records Law. To conduct a background check, residents can request information from the Sheriff's Office or use the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation's services, which provide statewide criminal records checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Brunswick County are maintained by the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office. These records include detailed information about the arrest, charges, and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.

Public Records Access

The Leland Town Clerk's office, accessible at https://www.townofleland.com/administration, maintains a variety of public records, including meeting minutes, ordinances, and other municipal documents. Residents and interested parties can also access criminal records through the North Carolina Courts system at https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/criminal-background-check.

Economy & Demographics

Leland's economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, service, and manufacturing industries. The town's Parks and Recreation Department, available at https://www.townofleland.com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources, also plays a role in the local economy by providing recreational and cultural amenities that attract visitors and support the community's quality of life.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Leland Police Department, accessible at https://www.townofleland.com/police, is responsible for public safety and law enforcement within the town. Residents and visitors can contact the department for information on crime reports, incident records, and other law enforcement-related matters.

Vital Records

The Leland community maintains vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, through the Brunswick County Register of Deeds. This office can be contacted at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/register-of-deeds/ for information on accessing these important documents.

Business & Licensing Records

Leland's business community is supported by the town's Economic Development Department, which can be reached through the Town of Leland's website at https://www.townofleland.com/. This department manages various programs and resources to encourage economic growth and support local businesses.

Elections & Voter Records

Leland residents' voting and election services are administered by the Brunswick County Board of Elections, located at 35 referendum Drive NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 (phone: 910-253-2850, website: www.brunswickcountync.gov/elections). This office handles all aspects of voter registration, early voting, Election Day operations, absentee voting, and election results certification for Leland and all Brunswick County precincts. North Carolina residents can register to vote online at www.ncdot.gov/dmv (through the DMV portal) or at www.ncsbe.gov/registering (the State Board of Elections site), with registration deadlines of 25 days before any election. Voters must provide a North Carolina driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number, and be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and residents of the county for at least 30 days before the election. North Carolina requires photo ID to vote in person; acceptable forms include a North Carolina driver's license, non-operator ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, or student ID from a North Carolina college. Leland holds municipal elections for Mayor and Town Council on a partisan basis in odd-numbered years, with the next municipal election scheduled for November 2025. The Town Council consists of five members elected at-large, along with the Mayor. Leland voters can find information about local candidates and town ballot measures on the Town of Leland website at www.townofleland.com and through the Brunswick County Board of Elections. To locate their specific polling place, Leland residents can use the precinct finder tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/PPLkup or contact the Board of Elections. Common Leland precincts include Leland Township 1, Leland Township 2, and portions of Town Creek precinct. North Carolina public records law makes voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results publicly accessible. Voter registration data (excluding Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers) can be requested from the Board of Elections, and campaign finance disclosures are searchable at www.ncsbe.gov/campaign-finance. In the November 2024 presidential election, Brunswick County reported approximately 94,000 registered voters with turnout exceeding 72%, reflecting strong civic engagement; county-level results showed competitive races consistent with North Carolina's status as a swing state. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature critical races including the U.S. Senate seat (North Carolina's Class II seat currently held by Thom Tillis, whose term expires January 2027), races for all North Carolina seats in the U.S. House of Representatives (Leland is in Congressional District 7), state-level offices potentially including Lieutenant Governor and several Council of State positions, all 120 seats in the North Carolina House of Representatives, 17 of 50 North Carolina Senate seats (depending on district rotation), and Brunswick County offices such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and Board of Education members. Leland municipal offices are not on the ballot in 2026 due to the odd-year election cycle. North Carolina offers absentee voting by mail; registered voters can request an absentee ballot through the State Board of Elections portal at votebymail.ncsbe.gov or by submitting a written request to the Brunswick County Board of Elections. Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be returned by 7:30 PM on Election Day. Early voting (one-stop absentee voting) is available at designated Brunswick County sites for approximately 17 days before Election Day, allowing voters to register, vote, and have their ballots counted in a single visit.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Brunswick County and North Carolina provide exceptionally strong public records access with comprehensive online databases for court records, property documents, business entities, voter information, and jail rosters, with only some local municipal records requiring in-person requests

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Leland, Brunswick County, North Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Leland, North Carolina, you will be transported to the Brunswick County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Brunswick County Court. Under North Carolina law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/adult-correction/prisons/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
The Leland area is served by the Brunswick County Schools district. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district's overall performance grade for the 2019-2020 school year was a B. The district's graduation rate was 92.3%, and the average SAT score was 1020.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the crime rate in Leland, Brunswick County, North Carolina for 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This is higher than the national average of 2,036.5 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes in Leland were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (541.2 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (265.2 per 100,000 people).
The Leland Public Library in Brunswick County, North Carolina provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and North Carolina government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the North Carolina Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in North Carolina. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Leland North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the Leland Public Library reference desk at (910) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Leland, Brunswick County, North Carolina Library is located at 482 Village Road NE, Leland, NC 28451.
Fingerprinting services for Leland, North Carolina residents are provided at the Leland Police Department, which serves Brunswick County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Leland Police Department at (910) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) at https://www.ncdoj.gov/public-safety-and-crime-prevention/criminal-records/.
To obtain vital records for Leland, Brunswick County, North Carolina, you will need to contact the Brunswick County Register of Deeds office.

The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. You will need to provide proof of identity and payment for the records.
A background check in Leland, Brunswick County, North Carolina typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in North Carolina. Criminal background checks are processed through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for North Carolina residents. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.ncdoj.gov/public-safety-and-crime-prevention/criminal-records/. Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Brunswick County, North Carolina

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Boiling Spring Lakes Southport Calabash Caswell Beach Holden Beach Oak Island