Asheville Court Records Lookup
Asheville court records are kept by the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Asheville is the county seat and the largest city in western North Carolina. The state does not run municipal courts, so all cases from Asheville are processed through the Buncombe County court system. Criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases for Asheville residents are all filed at the county courthouse. You can search for Asheville court records using the state eCourts portal or by visiting the clerk office at Court Plaza in downtown Asheville.
Asheville Criminal Records
Criminal court records from Asheville are part of the Buncombe County court system. The Asheville Police Department investigates crimes and makes arrests. After an arrest, the case is filed at the county courthouse and a court record is created.
Misdemeanor cases from Asheville are heard in District Court. These include charges like simple assault, shoplifting, and public intoxication. Felony cases go to Superior Court. Serious offenses like burglary, drug trafficking, and violent crimes are all handled at the Superior Court level.
You can look up Asheville criminal records through the NC eCourts portal. Search by name or case number. The system shows the charges, court dates, and current status. For complete case files, you need to visit the Buncombe County clerk office or call (828) 259-3400.
The Asheville Police Department can be reached at (828) 252-1110. They handle police reports and arrest information. Court records are separate from police records. The clerk office has the court files, and the police have their own records.
Note: Some Asheville criminal records may be sealed or expunged under North Carolina law and will not appear in public searches.
Asheville Courthouse Information
The Buncombe County courthouse is in downtown Asheville. Since Asheville is the county seat, the courthouse is central and easy to reach. All court records for Asheville are stored here.
| Court | Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 60 Court Plaza Asheville, NC |
| Phone | (828) 259-3400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/buncombe-county |
The courthouse has security screening at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or electronic devices unless allowed. The clerk staff is on the main floor and can help you find Asheville court records.
Parking near the courthouse can be tight. There are metered spots on nearby streets and a few public lots within walking distance. Plan extra time if you are visiting during busy morning hours.
Asheville City Clerk Office
The Asheville City Clerk handles city government records. This office manages city council minutes, ordinances, and official city documents. It does not hold court records. Court records for Asheville are at the Buncombe County clerk office.
Many people confuse the city clerk with the county clerk. The city clerk handles municipal business. The county clerk handles court cases. If you need a court record from Asheville, contact the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court at (828) 259-3400.
Search Asheville Court Records Online
The NC eCourts portal is the best way to search Asheville court records online. The system is free and covers all case types. Visit nccourts.gov to begin your search.
When searching for Asheville court records, use these tips:
- Enter the full legal name of the person
- Select Buncombe County from the county list
- Use a case number for the fastest results
- Check spelling if no results come back
The online portal shows basic case data. You can see the case type, parties, filing date, and current status. Full document access requires a visit to the clerk office or a written request. Some records may also be available through the NC Superior Court website.
Note: Online records for Asheville may not include very old cases that have not been added to the digital system yet.
Asheville Civil Court Records
Civil cases from Asheville include lawsuits, evictions, and small claims. All civil filings go through the Buncombe County court system. The clerk keeps a complete file for each civil case.
Small claims from Asheville are handled in District Court. The claim limit is $10,000. These cases are heard quickly, often within a few weeks. You do not need a lawyer for small claims in Asheville, though you may choose to have one.
Larger civil cases from Asheville go to Superior Court. These include personal injury suits, contract disputes over $25,000, and real estate matters. Each case file contains all the documents filed by both sides. You can review these files at the clerk office in Asheville.
Family law matters are also civil cases. Divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence orders from Asheville are filed in Buncombe County. These records are part of the civil court system, though some may have restricted access to protect children or victims.
Asheville Traffic Court Records
Traffic tickets issued in Asheville create records in the Buncombe County court system. The Asheville Police Department writes the tickets. The clerk office handles the court processing.
Common traffic violations in Asheville include speeding, running red lights, and driving with a revoked license. Each ticket creates a case file at the clerk office. You can pay most tickets or choose to appear in court.
DWI cases from Asheville are treated as criminal cases, not simple traffic tickets. A DWI arrest creates both a criminal court record and a DMV record. The consequences are more serious than a standard traffic violation. If you have been charged with DWI in Asheville, the case goes through District Court in Buncombe County.
Copies of Asheville Records
You can get copies of Asheville court records from the Buncombe County clerk. Visit the office at 60 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Bring your ID and the case number or party name. The staff will pull the file and make copies.
Certified copies carry an official seal. Plain copies do not. Certified copies cost more but are needed for legal purposes. Call (828) 259-3400 to ask about current copy fees for Asheville court records.
You can also request copies by mail. Send your request to the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court with the case details and payment. Allow extra time for mailing. The clerk will send the copies back to you once the request is processed.
Note: Certified copies of Asheville court records are often needed for legal proceedings, name changes, and other official uses.
Buncombe County Court Records
Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County. All cases from Asheville go through the Buncombe County court system. The county also serves Weaverville, Black Mountain, and other towns in the area. For more on county court services and resources, visit the Buncombe County page.