Buncombe County Felony Records

Buncombe County felony records are kept at the courthouse in Asheville, North Carolina. The Clerk of Superior Court in Buncombe County stores all felony case files, court dates, and case results. You can search these records in person at the clerk's office or through the state eCourts portal. Buncombe County sits in Judicial District 42 and serves as a key court hub for the western part of North Carolina. This page walks you through how to find and check felony records in Buncombe County.

Buncombe County Courthouse in Asheville

The Buncombe County Courthouse stands at 60 Court Plaza in Asheville. This is the main court for all felony cases filed in Buncombe County. The building holds both Superior Court and District Court. Superior Court deals with all felony charges in North Carolina. The clerk's office on site keeps every felony record for the county.

Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County and the largest city in western North Carolina. The courthouse serves not just Asheville but also the towns of Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Woodfin. All felony cases from these areas go through the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. The clerk can help you look up cases by name or case number. Staff are on hand each weekday to help with record requests.

The Buncombe County Courthouse page on the NC Courts site shows full details about the court and its staff. Below is a view of that resource.

The NC Courts site lists hours, phone numbers, and directions for the Buncombe County Courthouse.

Note: Buncombe County transitioned to the eCourts system as a Track 2 county on June 24, 2024.

Searching Felony Records in Buncombe County

There are a few ways to search for felony records in Buncombe County. The first is to visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in Asheville. Public access terminals are set up in the clerk's office. These let you search the ACIS database for free. ACIS stands for Automated Criminal/Infractions System. It holds felony charge data, case status, and court dates for Buncombe County and all of North Carolina.

You can search by a person's name or by case number. The system shows the charge, the date it was filed, and the outcome if the case is done. This is a free, non-certified search. It works well for a quick look at felony records in Buncombe County. You do not need to fill out forms or pay a fee for this type of search.

For a certified felony record check in Buncombe County, you need to fill out Form AOC-CR-314. The fee is $25. You can mail it or bring it to the clerk's office. A certified check gives you an official stamp from the court. It covers one county at a time. If you need records from more than just Buncombe County, you must file in each county or use the SBI statewide check.

Buncombe County Felony Records Online

The NC eCourts portal lets you search Buncombe County felony records from any device with internet access. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or citation number. The portal is free for basic case data. It shows charge details, hearing dates, and case status for felony filings in Buncombe County.

Buncombe County was one of the first to join the eCourts system. All 100 North Carolina counties now use it. The portal does not give you certified copies. For those, contact the Buncombe County clerk's office in Asheville.

The Buncombe County contact directory gives you phone numbers for each court office. Here is a look at that resource.

This directory lists direct lines for the clerk, judges, district attorney, and public defender in Buncombe County.

Note: The eCourts portal may not show sealed or expunged felony records from Buncombe County.

Certified and Free Felony Checks

Buncombe County offers both certified and non-certified felony record checks. The free option uses the ACIS terminals at the courthouse. Walk in and search at no cost. The results are not official. They work fine for personal use but may not hold up for legal matters.

A certified felony record check from Buncombe County costs $25. You fill out Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it to the clerk. Payment in person can be made by credit card, cash, or money order. If you mail the form, use a money order or certified check only. The clerk will return a stamped, signed record of felony charges found in Buncombe County.

The North Carolina SBI also runs statewide checks. The fee is $14. You must submit fingerprints. This search covers all counties, not just Buncombe County. It can take a few weeks to get results back from the SBI.

Felony Expungement in Buncombe County

North Carolina law allows some felony records to be expunged. Expungement means the record is erased from public view. Not all felony charges qualify. The rules depend on the type of charge, the outcome of the case, and how much time has passed. You can find more on the SBI expungements page.

To start an expungement in Buncombe County, you file a petition with the clerk's office at 60 Court Plaza in Asheville. The court reviews your case. A judge must approve the request. If granted, the felony record is removed from Buncombe County court files and the statewide database. This process can take several months.

Certain nonviolent felonies may qualify for expungement after a set waiting period under North Carolina General Statutes. Dismissed charges and not-guilty verdicts are also eligible in many cases. Talk to a lawyer or contact the Buncombe County clerk for guidance on your specific case.

Buncombe County Criminal Record Resources

Beyond felony records, Buncombe County has other tools for public record searches. The NC Department of Adult Correction runs an offender search that goes back to 1972. This covers state prison and probation data. It does not include county jail records for Buncombe County.

The NC Sex Offender Registry is a free tool run by the SBI. You can look up offenders by name, zip code, or county. The VINE notification system lets crime victims track offender status in Buncombe County and across the state.

• Clerk of Superior Court: (828) 259-3400
• District Attorney: (828) 259-3415
• Public Defender: (828) 259-3420
• Superior Court Judges: (828) 259-3405

Note: The Buncombe County Register of Deeds at 35 Woodfin Street handles property and vital records, not felony records.