Buncombe County Criminal Records

What Is Buncombe County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Buncombe County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, these records are classified as public records and are maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout the county.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of specific charges. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses potentially punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration or fines.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal proceedings and their outcomes.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Buncombe County:

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4503
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-3400
Buncombe County Clerk of Court

The Clerk's office maintains court case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 662-4500
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

The SBI maintains statewide criminal history information and fingerprint records.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea information, trial records, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Buncombe County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Buncombe County

Criminal records in Buncombe County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1. This statute establishes that "public records and public information are the property of the people" and that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost."

The law specifically defines public records as:

"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."

Under this framework, the following criminal records are typically available to the public:

• Adult arrest records
• Court proceedings and case files
• Conviction records
• Incarceration records
• Sex offender registry information
• Probation and parole records

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

• Ongoing criminal investigations, as protected under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for serious offenses)
• Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
• Records containing confidential informant information
• Records that would compromise law enforcement techniques
• Records that would violate federal privacy laws

The Buncombe County Criminal & Traffic Division adheres to these statutes when processing public records requests. While the presumption under North Carolina law favors disclosure, specific exemptions exist to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records should be aware that while the records themselves may be public, certain personal identifying information within those records might be redacted to protect privacy. Additionally, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and processing record requests in accordance with state law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Buncombe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Buncombe County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels through which criminal records can be obtained, depending on the specific information needed and its intended use.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-3400
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Buncombe County Clerk of Court

The process for obtaining criminal records typically involves:

1. Determine the specific records needed: Court cases, arrest records, or background checks require different approaches.

2. Complete the appropriate request form: For certified criminal record searches, complete the "Request for Criminal Record Search" form available at the Clerk's office or downloadable from the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.

3. Provide required identification: Government-issued photo ID is required for most record requests.

4. Submit payment: Fees vary based on the type of search and certification requirements. Currently, certified criminal record searches cost $25 per name searched.

5. Specify search parameters: Provide the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and the time period to be searched.

6. Submit the request: Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through online portals depending on the record type.

7. Receive the records: Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Some records may be available immediately, while others may take several business days.

For criminal background checks, the Criminal Background Check service through the North Carolina Judicial Branch provides comprehensive instructions. These checks can be conducted for oneself or for others with proper authorization.

For law enforcement records, including incident reports and arrest information, contact:

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4503
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office

Pursuant to North Carolina public records law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time required to fulfill requests. These fees are established to recover the actual cost of providing the records rather than to generate revenue.

How To Find Criminal Records in Buncombe County Online?

Buncombe County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing members of the public to search for and retrieve certain criminal record information remotely.

The primary online resources include:

1. North Carolina Court System's Public Records Search
   The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide portal for searching court records. Users can search by name to locate criminal cases, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This system includes Buncombe County court records but may not contain complete case files or older records.

2. Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen Portal
   The Police to Citizen Portal provides public access to:

   • Current inmate information
   • Recent arrest records
   • Incident reports
   • Daily bulletin of law enforcement activity

   Users can search by name, date range, or incident type. The system typically displays records from the past 30 days, with archived information available through formal records requests.

3. North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search
   The Offender Search database maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety allows users to search for:

   • Current inmates in state prisons
   • Individuals on probation or parole
   • Released offenders

   This resource provides conviction information, sentence details, and custody status for individuals processed through the state correctional system.

4. North Carolina Sex Offender Registry
   The North Carolina Sex Offender Registry allows users to search for registered sex offenders residing in Buncombe County. The registry includes offender photographs, addresses, and conviction information.

When using these online resources, users should note the following:

• Some systems require free registration to access full functionality
• Certain detailed records may only be available through in-person requests
• Records may not include complete case files or exhibits
• Information is provided for informational purposes and may not constitute official certified records
• Some systems may have search limitations or display only records from specific time periods

For certified copies of criminal records or comprehensive background checks, users should contact the Buncombe County Criminal & Traffic Division directly, as these services typically require formal requests and payment of associated fees.

Can You Search Buncombe County Criminal Records for Free?

Buncombe County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without cost, in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law. Under N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), "Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."

Free inspection options include:

In-Person Inspection

Members of the public may visit the following locations to inspect criminal records at no cost:

Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-3400
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Public access terminals are available for searching court records. While inspection is free, printing or obtaining certified copies incurs standard fees.

Buncombe County Law Library
60 Court Plaza, 1st Floor
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4734
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The law library provides public access to legal resources and certain court records for research purposes.

Free Online Resources

Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:

1. North Carolina Court System's Public Records Search
   This free online portal allows users to search basic case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions for Buncombe County cases.

2. Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen Portal
   The Police to Citizen Portal provides free access to recent arrest records, inmate information, and incident reports.

3. North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search
   The Offender Search database offers free searches for current inmates, probationers, parolees, and released offenders.

4. North Carolina Sex Offender Registry
   The registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Buncombe County.

It is important to note that while inspection of records is generally free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:

• Copies of records (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
• Certified copies ($2-$5 per document)
• Staff research time for extensive requests
• Specialized searches or background checks ($25 for certified criminal record checks)

Additionally, commercial background check services that aggregate criminal record information typically charge fees for their services, as they are not government entities subject to public records laws.

What's Included in a Buncombe County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Buncombe County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
• Mugshot/booking photograph when available
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Booking number
• Charges filed at time of arrest
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Incident report number

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
• Charges filed by the prosecutor
• Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Judge assigned to the case
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length
  • Probation terms
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution ordered
  • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation/parole status and conditions
• Compliance with court-ordered programs

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI offenses
• Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history summary

The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the record, the maintaining agency, and the disposition of the case. Records maintained by the Buncombe County Criminal & Traffic Division focus primarily on court proceedings, while the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and detention records.

It should be noted that pursuant to North Carolina law, certain information may be redacted from public records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and other sensitive personal data. Additionally, records that have been expunged or sealed by court order will not appear in standard criminal record searches.

How Long Does Buncombe County Keep Criminal Records?

Buncombe County maintains criminal records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. This schedule, established under N.C.G.S. § 121-5, provides the legal framework for the preservation and eventual disposition of public records, including criminal records.

The retention periods for various criminal records in Buncombe County are as follows:

Court Records:

• Felony case files: Permanent retention for serious felonies (Class A-E); 20 years after case closure for Class F-I felonies
• Misdemeanor case files: 5-10 years after case closure, depending on offense classification
• Traffic cases: 3 years after case closure for most offenses; 20 years for DWI cases
• Court indices and dockets: Permanent retention
• Search warrants: 2 years after execution or expiration
• Grand jury records: Permanent retention

Law Enforcement Records:

• Arrest records: 20 years after arrest date
• Incident/investigation reports: 5 years after case closure for misdemeanors; 20 years for felonies
• Criminal histories: Permanent retention
• Sex offender registration records: Permanent retention
• Jail records: 5 years after release from custody
• Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 21, unless extended by court order

Probation and Parole Records:

• Probation case files: 5 years after completion of probation
• Parole case files: 5 years after completion of parole
• Probation/parole violation reports: 10 years after completion of sentence

It is important to note that while records may be scheduled for destruction after their retention period expires, many criminal records are maintained indefinitely in practice, particularly those related to serious offenses. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be retained longer than their paper counterparts.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a centralized database of criminal case information that may preserve record information beyond local retention schedules. Similarly, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history information at the state level according to its own retention policies.

Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 are removed from public access and sealed or destroyed according to statutory requirements, regardless of standard retention schedules.

Lookup Criminal Records in Buncombe County

Buncombe County Official Website

Criminal & Traffic Division

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen Portal

North Carolina Judicial Branch Criminal Background Check

North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search