Warrant records are public documents in Asheville, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute 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."
The Buncombe County Criminal & Traffic Division maintains these records as part of their official duties. Public access to warrant information supports judicial transparency and governmental accountability while allowing citizens to exercise their right to information under state law.
Individuals seeking warrant information should note that certain records may be temporarily sealed by court order during ongoing investigations. Additionally, warrants related to juvenile cases are subject to confidentiality provisions under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000, which restricts public access to protect the privacy of minors involved in the judicial system.
Several official resources are available for locating warrant information online in Asheville:
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of active warrants that is updated regularly. This resource allows members of the public to search by name, case number, or warrant type.
North Carolina Judicial Branch: The state court system provides access to the North Carolina Court Information System (NCCIS), which contains warrant information for jurisdictions throughout the state, including Asheville and Buncombe County.
Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 259-3400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Clerk's office maintains official court records, including warrant information, and can provide certified copies upon request.
Users of these systems should be aware that pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, certain law enforcement records may be withheld if disclosure would jeopardize an investigation or reveal confidential informants.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Asheville may utilize the following official channels:
Direct Inquiry with Law Enforcement: Citizens may contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about warrant status.
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 250-4503
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
North Carolina Court System Records: The state's judicial branch maintains a searchable database that includes warrant information. Users may search by name and date of birth to locate records.
Legal Representation: Consulting with an attorney provides a confidential method to verify warrant status. Attorneys have access to court systems and can advise on appropriate responses to active warrants.
Buncombe County Magistrate's Office
60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 259-3410
Hours: 24 hours daily
The Magistrate's Office can verify warrant status and provide information on next steps.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-301, all warrants must be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database within 24 hours of issuance, ensuring that current information is available to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Asheville may be accomplished through several authorized methods:
Online Verification: The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants. This resource is updated daily and provides basic information about outstanding warrants.
In-Person Records Request: Citizens may visit the Records Division to request warrant information.
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
202 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 250-4518
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal: The state court system provides online access to warrant information through their public portal. Users must provide identifying information to conduct a search.
Criminal Background Check: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 114-19.1, individuals may request a criminal history check through the State Bureau of Investigation, which will reveal any outstanding warrants.
Law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County are required under N.C.G.S. § 15A-301.1 to maintain accurate records of all outstanding warrants and to make non-confidential information available to the public upon request.
Warrant records in Asheville contain specific information as required by North Carolina law. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-304, warrant documents typically include:
Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual, date of birth, physical description, and last known address.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or fugitive warrant).
Offense Details: Description of the alleged criminal violation, including the North Carolina General Statute citation and offense classification.
Case Identifiers: Unique docket number, originating court information, and filing date.
Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judicial official, typically a magistrate or judge from the North Carolina Court System.
Bond Information: Predetermined bail amount, if applicable, and any special conditions of release.
Service Status: Indication of whether the warrant has been served, is outstanding, or has been recalled.
The Buncombe County Criminal & Traffic Division maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Under N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, these records must be maintained in a format that "protects against unauthorized alteration, defacement, or destruction."
Warrant records are subject to retention schedules established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and Records, which typically requires permanent retention of felony warrant records and multi-year retention for misdemeanor warrants.