Buncombe County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Buncombe County
Arrest records in Buncombe County are considered public information under North Carolina law. Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132-1), public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
Law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement authorities on suspicion of criminal activity. It is important for members of the public to understand that an arrest record documents only that an arrest occurred, not that the individual was convicted of a crime. Under North Carolina law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or restricted pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, which governs criminal investigation records. Additionally, juvenile arrest records (for individuals under 18 years of age) are typically confidential under North Carolina juvenile justice statutes.
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4503
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
What's in Buncombe County Arrest Records
Buncombe County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. The content of these records is governed by North Carolina law enforcement protocols and typically includes the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Address of residence
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances of arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date of issuance
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearance date
- Court location
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains standards for arrest record documentation that apply to all law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Buncombe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Buncombe County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in accordance with state transparency laws.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2).
- Allow processing time as specified by the records division (typically 5-10 business days).
To request arrest records by mail:
- Download and complete the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Request Form.
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
- Mail the completed package to:
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4503
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
For electronic requests:
- Visit the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the Records Request section.
- Complete the online records request form.
- Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.
- Receive notification when records are available for electronic delivery or pickup.
The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court also maintains records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action:
Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-3400
Buncombe County Clerk of Court
How To Find Buncombe County Arrest Records Online
Buncombe County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online portals. These systems allow for remote searches while maintaining compliance with North Carolina public records laws.
The primary online resource for Buncombe County arrest records is the Police to Citizen portal maintained by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office. This system provides public access to recent arrest information, inmate status, and related data.
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen portal.
- Select the "Arrests" or "Inmate Inquiry" search option.
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional, improves search accuracy)
- Date range (optional)
- Date of birth (optional)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Name of arrestee
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Custody status
- Select specific records for additional details.
Additional online resources include:
- North Carolina Court System Records Search - For cases that have proceeded to court
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search - For individuals sentenced to state custody
- Buncombe County Detention Facility Inmate Search - For current inmate status
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive and may not include older records that have not been digitized. Additionally, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and investigative exemptions.
How To Search Buncombe County Arrest Records for Free?
Buncombe County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without payment through several authorized channels. North Carolina law provides for public inspection of non-confidential records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free search options include:
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In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) to inspect publicly available arrest records. While inspection is free, identification is required, and staff assistance may be limited based on availability.
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Online Public Portals: The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen portal provides free access to basic arrest information, including:
- Recent arrests
- Inmate status
- Charges
- Bond information
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Public Access Terminals: The Buncombe County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors may search court records related to arrests at no charge. These terminals are available during regular courthouse hours.
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Public Library Resources: The Buncombe County Public Library offers free internet access where patrons may utilize public records databases.
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North Carolina Judicial Branch Website: The North Carolina Court System maintains a free online portal for searching basic court records related to arrests.
When conducting free searches, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Records may not be comprehensive
- Older records may require staff assistance
- Detailed information may require formal requests
- Printed copies typically incur fees
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge "actual cost" for copies of public records, but inspection must be permitted at no charge during regular business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Buncombe County
North Carolina law provides specific legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. These processes—known as expungement, expunction, or sealing—are governed by state statutes rather than county ordinances.
Expungement is the legal process that removes arrests and, in some cases, convictions from an individual's criminal record. When a record is expunged, it is deleted from public databases and sealed from public view. Sealing restricts access to records without completely destroying them, making them available only to certain government agencies under limited circumstances.
Eligibility for expungement in Buncombe County is determined by North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 15A, Article 5 and typically includes:
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Charges resulting in dismissal or not guilty verdicts: Individuals may petition for expungement if charges were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts.
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First-time nonviolent offenses: Certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies may be eligible after waiting periods ranging from 5-10 years, depending on the offense.
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Juvenile records: Records created when the individual was under 18 years of age may have different eligibility requirements.
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Identity theft victims: Persons who were arrested due to another person using their identity may petition for immediate expungement.
The expungement process in Buncombe County typically involves:
- Obtaining a certified copy of the disposition of the case from the Clerk of Court.
- Completing the appropriate petition form based on the type of expungement sought.
- Obtaining fingerprints from an authorized law enforcement agency.
- Filing the petition with the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Paying the required filing fee (currently $175, though fee waivers may be available).
- Serving the petition on the District Attorney's Office.
- Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court.
- Receiving the expungement order if granted by the judge.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Buncombe County Bar Association or Pisgah Legal Services may provide resources for low-income individuals seeking expungement.
What Happens After Arrest in Buncombe County?
Following an arrest in Buncombe County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process established by North Carolina law. This process includes several distinct phases designed to protect constitutional rights while advancing public safety interests.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
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Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Buncombe County Detention Facility, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
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Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours), the arrestee appears before a magistrate who:
- Informs the individual of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets initial bail or bond conditions
- Determines if probable cause exists for warrantless arrests
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Bail Determination: The magistrate establishes bail based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Weight of evidence
- Community ties and flight risk
- Danger to the community
- Prior criminal history
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First Appearance Hearing: For felony charges, defendants appear before a District Court Judge who:
- Reviews charges formally
- Confirms legal representation
- Reviews bail conditions
- Sets dates for subsequent proceedings
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Pretrial Release or Detention: Depending on bail determination, the individual may:
- Be released on personal recognizance
- Post bail through cash, property, or bondsman
- Remain in custody at the Buncombe County Detention Facility
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Probable Cause Hearing: For felonies, a hearing may be held within 15 days to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed.
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Grand Jury Indictment: Felony cases proceed to the Buncombe County Grand Jury, which determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment.
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Arraignment: The defendant formally responds to charges with a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
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Case Disposition: The case may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion program
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows based on North Carolina Structured Sentencing guidelines.
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both federal and state law, including the right to counsel. The Buncombe County Public Defender's Office provides representation for those who cannot afford private attorneys.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Buncombe County?
Arrest records in Buncombe County are maintained according to North Carolina's records retention schedules, which establish standardized timeframes for preserving various categories of government documents. These retention periods are mandated by state law and apply to all law enforcement agencies operating within the county.
The primary authority governing records retention is the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which establishes and publishes official retention schedules pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 121-5 and N.C.G.S. § 132-8.
For arrest records specifically, the retention periods typically include:
- Arrest Reports and Supporting Documentation: Permanent retention for felony arrests; 20 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Booking Records: 5 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention (also maintained by State Bureau of Investigation)
- Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention for felony arrests; 5 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Warrant and Arrest Logs: Permanent retention
Different agencies within Buncombe County maintain separate records with varying retention requirements:
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Buncombe County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigative files according to the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule.
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Buncombe County Detention Facility: Retains inmate records, including booking information, for periods ranging from 5 years to permanent retention depending on the record type.
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Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court: Maintains court records related to arrests according to the Judicial Records Retention Schedule, with most criminal case records kept permanently.
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North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: Maintains a central repository of arrest fingerprints and criminal history information permanently.
Records retention serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides historical documentation of law enforcement activities
- Supports statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
It is important to note that expungement orders, when granted by a court, supersede standard retention schedules and require the destruction or sealing of specified records regardless of the normal retention period.
How to Find Mugshots in Buncombe County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals processed through the Buncombe County criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the image. The primary purpose of mugshots is to create a visual record for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Buncombe County, booking photographs are officially maintained by:
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4503
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Buncombe County may utilize several methods:
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours to request specific booking photographs. A formal records request form must be completed, and fees may apply for copies.
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Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, including the full name of the individual, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest.
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Online Resources: The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen portal provides limited access to recent booking information, which may include mugshots for individuals currently in custody or recently arrested.
Can They Be Found Online
While some mugshots may be available through the official Buncombe County Sheriff's Office online portal, North Carolina has enacted legislation limiting the publication and use of mugshots by commercial websites. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal may be subject to penalties.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To obtain official copies of booking photographs:
- Complete a public records request specifically requesting booking photographs.
- Provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest).
- Submit the request to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of records.
- Allow processing time as specified by the records division.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records (under age 18) are generally confidential
- Expunged records are not available to the public
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
- Records related to certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have redactions
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office evaluates requests for mugshots in accordance with North Carolina public records law and applicable exemptions.
Lookup Arrest Records in Buncombe County
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen Portal