Buncombe County DUI Record Search

Buncombe County DUI records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse in Asheville. This office stores all DWI case files, court dates, and final case results for the county. As one of the largest counties in western North Carolina, Buncombe County processes a high volume of DUI cases each year through its District and Superior Courts. You can search for DUI records in Buncombe County online or by visiting the clerk in person at 60 Court Plaza in Asheville. The courthouse is open to the public on weekdays for record requests.

Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court

Jean Marie Christy serves as the elected Clerk of Superior Court for Buncombe County. The clerk manages 63 staff members across 12 divisions on nine floors of the courthouse. This office handles all DUI record requests, court filings, and certified copies. The Criminal Division at the Buncombe County Courthouse is the main point of contact for DWI case files and traffic court records.

The Buncombe County Courthouse was built in 1928 and sits in the heart of Asheville. As many as 3,500 people visit the courthouse each day for court matters. Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint with bag scanning and a metal detector. Paid parking is at the Buncombe County parking deck at 164 College Street, right across from the courthouse. DUI cases in Buncombe County are heard in District Court for misdemeanors and Superior Court for felony charges under G.S. 20-138.5, the habitual DWI statute.

You can call the Criminal Division at (828) 259-3402 to check on a DUI court date in Buncombe County. The Public Defender can be reached at 828-259-3423, and the District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 40 is at 828-259-3410.

How to Search Buncombe County DUI Records

There are three main ways to search for DUI records in Buncombe County. You can go online, visit the courthouse, or send a written request by mail. Each method gives you access to DWI case data, but the level of detail varies. Online searches show basic case info. In-person visits let you review the full court file and get copies on the spot.

The North Carolina eCourts portal lets you search DUI cases in Buncombe County by name or case number. The portal is free for basic case details like charges, court dates, and case status. Buncombe County also offers a self-service terminal at the courthouse where you can search DUI records by defendant name, case number, or other details. The terminal is in the clerk's office on the first floor.

The eCourts portal covers all 100 North Carolina counties, so you can check for DUI records across multiple locations from one search tool.

To search by mail, download a Criminal Record Request Form from the NC Judicial Branch site. Send it to the Buncombe County Clerk at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. Allow 5 to 7 business days for processing of DUI record requests in Buncombe County.

Note: Continuances for DUI cases may only be granted by the District Attorney or a judge in Buncombe County.

Buncombe County DWI Background Checks

A DUI background check in Buncombe County costs $25 per name searched at the clerk's office. This gives you a certified search of the criminal record tied to that name. Bring a valid photo ID to the courthouse. The clerk can search DWI records and give you results the same day for simple requests. More detailed searches may take a few extra days.

For a statewide DUI background check, you can go through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI charges $14 per record check and uses fingerprints for more accurate results. Their office is at 3320 Garner Road in Raleigh. This is a good option if you need to check DWI history across all North Carolina counties, not just Buncombe County.

The NC Judicial Branch site explains the steps for getting a criminal background check in any county.

DUI Laws That Affect Buncombe County Cases

All DUI cases in Buncombe County fall under North Carolina state law. The main DWI statute is G.S. 20-138.1, which makes it a crime to drive while impaired. A driver can be charged with DWI if their blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher, or if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to a degree that impairs their driving. This law applies to all DUI arrests made in Buncombe County.

Sentencing for DWI in Buncombe County follows G.S. 20-179. This statute sets out six levels of punishment from Level 5 (least serious) to Aggravated Level 1 (most serious). The judge weighs factors like prior DUI convictions, the blood alcohol level, and whether there was an accident. Buncombe County operates a DWI Treatment Court as an option for some offenders who need help with substance abuse. The county also runs an Adult Treatment Court and a Veterans Treatment Court for cases that fit those programs.

Under G.S. 20-16.2, North Carolina has an implied consent law. This means any driver on Buncombe County roads has already agreed to a breath or blood test if asked by law enforcement. Refusing the test leads to a one-year license revocation under G.S. 20-16.5, the civil revocation statute. Drivers charged with DWI in Buncombe County may seek a limited driving privilege under G.S. 20-19, which costs $100 at the clerk's office.

Note: Buncombe County's DWI Treatment Court provides a path for eligible offenders to get treatment instead of jail time.

DUI Record Copies in Buncombe County

Getting copies of DUI records in Buncombe County follows a set fee schedule. Regular copies cost $2 for the first page and $0.25 for each page after that. Certified copies are $3 per document. If you need an exemplified copy, the fee is $10. These fees apply to all DUI and DWI court records in Buncombe County.

Other fees tied to DUI cases in Buncombe County include:

• Criminal District Court filing fee: $190
• Criminal Superior Court filing fee: $205
• Limited driving privilege: $100
• Failure to appear fee: $200
• Civil revocation fee: $100
• Failure to comply fee: $50

You can pick up DUI record copies at the clerk's window on the first floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse. Expunction petition forms (Form AOC-CR-314) are also at that window in Room 110. If you believe your DUI record may qualify for expunction, check the NC courts expunction page for details on who is eligible.

Buncombe County DUI Court Resources

Buncombe County is in Prosecutorial District 40, Superior Court District 28, and District Court District 28. The District Court handles misdemeanor DUI cases, while the Superior Court takes felony DWI charges and appeals. You can check your court date at nccourts.gov/court-dates or call (828) 259-3402. The clerk asks that you arrive 30 minutes before your court session starts.

The Criminal and Traffic Division page on the Buncombe County website has details on court procedures, record checks, and how to handle a DUI case. The Guide and File service lets you prepare some court documents online for free before you go to the courthouse. For those who need a lawyer but cannot afford one, call the Public Defender at 828-259-3423.

Search by name or case number to find your next DUI court appearance in Buncombe County.

Note: The Buncombe County Courthouse fax number for the Criminal Division is 828-259-3374 for sending DUI record requests.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Buncombe County. If you are not sure where your DUI case was filed, check the county where the arrest took place. You must search the right county for accurate DUI records.