Search Buncombe 24 Hour Booking
Buncombe County runs one of the larger detention facilities in western North Carolina, with a total housing capacity of 524 inmates across two buildings in Asheville. The Sheriff's Office processes and releases inmates around the clock. Booking records are public under state law, and you can search them through the county's online tools or by contacting the facility directly. This page covers the Buncombe County 24 hour booking process, how to search for inmates, and what records are available to the public.
Buncombe County 24 Hour Booking Detention Facility
The Buncombe County Detention Facility is made up of the main jail and a jail annex. Together, these buildings hold up to 524 inmates. The facility requires 160 staff members working in shifts to operate at full capacity. On a typical day, about 430 inmates are housed at the facility.
All people charged by local law enforcement in Buncombe County are brought to the detention facility on a pre-trial basis. They wait there for their court dates. Inmates are processed and released 24 hours a day as directed by the courts. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801. The phone number is (828) 250-4503.
This screenshot shows the Buncombe County Detention Facility page from the Sheriff's Office website.
The detention center operates continuously. Someone is always on duty to handle new bookings, releases, and public inquiries.
Buncombe County 24 Hour Booking Process
After an arrest in Buncombe County, the person goes through a standard booking process. This includes a photograph, fingerprinting under NC General Statutes section 15A-502, personal information collection, a health check, a property inventory, and a criminal history check. The initial appearance before a judge typically happens within 24 hours, and must occur within 48 hours.
The Buncombe County Sheriff FAQ page provides answers to common questions about the booking and detention process, as shown in this screenshot.
Bail is determined at the initial appearance. From there, the case may proceed to a probable cause hearing, grand jury indictment, arraignment, and final disposition. For warrant inquiries, contact the Buncombe County Magistrate's Office at 20 Davidson Dr, Asheville, NC 28801.
The Sheriff's Office has specific division hours. Administration runs Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The Civil Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Detention Center operates 24 hours a day, every day.
Searching Buncombe County 24 Hour Booking Records
Buncombe County arrest records are public under North Carolina law. The NC Public Records Act, codified in NC General Statutes section 132-1, states that public records are "the property of the people." An arrest record documents that an arrest occurred. It does not mean the person was convicted. Under state law, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Buncombe County arrest records resource below provides additional information about accessing booking and arrest data.
Criminal records generally available to the public in Buncombe County include adult arrest records, court case files, conviction records, incarceration records, sex offender registry data, and probation and parole records. Records tied to ongoing investigations are restricted under section 132-1.4. Juvenile records, expunged records, and confidential informant data are also not public.
The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court is at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801. Phone: (828) 259-3400.
Buncombe County Inmate Search and Services
The Buncombe County inmate search tool provides information about people currently held at the detention facility. Records include booking data, charges, bond amounts, and housing assignments.
The Buncombe County inmate search resource is shown in this screenshot.
Family and friends can deposit money into inmate accounts through several methods. Online deposits carry a 3-5% service fee. Kiosk deposits cost $2.00 to $3.00 per transaction and are available around the clock. Money orders sent by mail have no fee but take 5 to 7 business days to process. Deposit limits range from $5.00 minimum to $300.00 per single deposit, with a weekly cap of $500.00 per inmate and a maximum account balance of $1,000.00.
Visits at the Buncombe County Detention Facility are 20 minutes long and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. First-time visits can be set up at the front desk. Call (828) 250-4610 or (828) 250-4557. On-site visits are held Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Note: Phone calls made by inmates are not collect. Funds must be deposited through the paytel.com system for inmates to use the phones.
Buncombe County Public Records Law
Under NC GS section 132-1, public records are "the property of the people." This means residents can access booking records, court documents, and other government files. Viewing records in person is free. Copies cost only the actual amount needed for reproduction. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Agencies must respond as promptly as possible.
Certain records are restricted from public access. The Goble v. Bounds decision keeps internal jail records about inmate behavior and classification confidential. Medical records, juvenile files, and Social Security numbers are protected. Active criminal investigation data is restricted under section 132-1.4. Community supervision records are confidential under NC GS 15-207.
Buncombe County stores all booking records in accordance with the state retention schedule. Historical entries that no longer appear on the active roster can still be retrieved by the Sheriff's Office. Having the individual's full name and an approximate arrest date will help staff find archived records. Requests may be submitted in person at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, or by calling (828) 250-4503 during business hours.
Statewide Offender Search Resources
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office works with the Asheville Police Department for full law enforcement coverage. For offenders in state facilities, the NC Department of Adult Correction has search tools with records dating back to 1972. The NC.gov Offender Search covers state inmates, probationers, and parolees.
The VINELink system provides free custody alerts to victims. The NC State Bureau of Investigation maintains the statewide criminal records repository and sex offender registry.