Access Asheville Felony Records
Asheville felony records are filed at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is at 60 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Felony charges in this area move through the Buncombe County Superior Court system. You can search for felony records by name or case number. The clerk stores all case files, from initial charges to final judgments. Both online tools and in-person visits let you look up these records.
Buncombe County Court and Asheville Felony Records
The Buncombe County Courthouse is where all felony cases from Asheville are heard. It serves as the county seat for the judicial district. Superior Court judges handle felony trials, plea hearings, and sentencing. The clerk of court keeps every document tied to these cases. You can request copies or view files during office hours.
| Court | Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 60 Court Plaza Asheville, NC 28801 |
| Phone | (828) 259-3400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/buncombe-county |
The courthouse sits in the center of Asheville, close to Pack Square. Street parking and nearby garages serve the area. All visitors go through security at the front entrance. Bring a valid photo ID. If you plan to pull felony records, arrive before noon to avoid long wait times at the clerk window. The staff can help you find case files and make copies on the spot.
Search Asheville Felony Records Online
North Carolina runs a statewide court records portal. The NC eCourts system covers Buncombe County and all of Asheville. You can search by party name or case number. Basic case data is free. This includes the charge, court dates, and case status. Full documents are not shown online, but you can use the portal to find what you need before visiting the clerk.
The NC Courts help page walks you through the search process. It covers how to find felony records, what information you need, and what records are public. Most felony case records in Asheville are open to the public unless sealed by a judge. The site also explains how to request copies by mail if you cannot visit in person.
For a broader search, use the NC SBI background check service. This pulls felony records from all 100 counties. A conviction in Asheville will show up on a statewide check. The SBI charges a fee for this service, and results are sent by mail or made available online.
Note: The eCourts portal may not show older Asheville felony records that have not been digitized yet.
Asheville Police Department Records
The Asheville Police Department is at 100 Court Plaza. Their Records Unit can be reached at (828) 259-5870. The mailing address is PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802. Police reports tied to felony arrests are available through the department. These are separate from the court records kept by the Buncombe County clerk.
The Asheville Public Records Portal uses a JustFOIA system launched in July 2025. You can submit requests through the portal and track their status online. Records are available free or at minimal cost under NC General Statute 132. The Public Records Officer handles questions at opengov@ashevillenc.gov.
This portal lets you request police reports, incident data, and other documents that may relate to felony cases in Asheville. Responses come by email when possible.
The physical Records Unit is in the lobby of Police Department Headquarters. Events, arrests, and incidents from 2003 to the present are available. Reports come at no cost. You can visit the Records Unit to look up arrest data and incident reports linked to felony cases in Asheville.
Felony Records Checks in Asheville
Background checks that include Asheville felony records come from two main sources. The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court runs local checks for $25. These cover only cases filed in Buncombe County. If the felony happened in Asheville, a local check will catch it.
The NC Courts background check page explains both options. A statewide check through the SBI covers every county. A local check through the clerk covers just one. For Asheville, start with the local check at the Buncombe County Courthouse. Add the SBI check if you need records from outside the county.
Asheville Felony Record Removal
Expungement lets you remove certain felony records from public view. Not all records qualify. North Carolina law under Chapter 15A of the General Statutes sets the rules. Dismissed charges and some older convictions may be eligible. You file the petition at the Buncombe County Courthouse in Asheville.
The NC SBI Expungements page has forms and instructions. Once a judge grants the expungement, the SBI removes the record from their files. The Buncombe County clerk also seals the court file. After that, the Asheville felony record will not appear on most public searches or background checks.
Talk to the clerk or a lawyer if you want to know whether your Asheville felony record qualifies. The process takes time, but it can clear records that no longer need to be public.
Note: Sealed records may still be visible to certain law enforcement agencies even after expungement in North Carolina.
How Felony Cases Work in Asheville
A felony case in Asheville begins with an arrest or grand jury indictment. The police handle the arrest. Then the case goes to District Court for a first appearance. The judge sets bond and reads the charges. If the charge stays as a felony, it moves to Superior Court. That is where trials happen and sentences are handed down.
Every step in the process creates a record. Arrest reports stay with the police. Court filings go to the clerk. Judgments and sentences become part of the public case file at the Buncombe County Courthouse. You can search for any of these records once they are filed. The NC Courts forms page has blank copies of common court documents if you need to see what a particular filing looks like.
Victim Notification for Asheville Felony Cases
The VINE system lets crime victims track felony cases in Asheville. You can sign up for alerts when an offender has a status change. This includes release dates, court dates, and transfers. The service is free and runs around the clock across North Carolina.
The Buncombe County District Attorney keeps victims informed as well. You have the right to attend hearings and make statements at sentencing. These rights are built into state law. If you need help accessing felony records tied to your case in Asheville, the DA's office or the clerk can point you in the right direction.
Buncombe County Felony Records
Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County. All felony filings from the city go through the Buncombe County Superior Court. The county court serves every town in the county. For full details on the court, fees, and other record types, visit the county page.