Active Warrant Search in Buncombe County, North Carolina

Buncombe County warrants are governed by North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) Chapter 15A (Criminal Procedure Act). The law permits the issuance of arrest and search warrants to enable law enforcement to conduct lawful arrests, searches, and seizures. Warrants are issued by the courts in the jurisdiction where the charged offense occurred. That is to say, in Buncombe County, the local Superior and District Courts, mostly magistrates in the District Court, are responsible for warrant approval.

Under G.S. § 132-1.4(k), a section of North Carolina's Public Records Law, warrants that have been executed and returned to the judiciary are public records unless sealed by a judge/magistrate. Any member of the public can see or request access to these written judicial orders ("writs").

State law generally restricts access to unexecuted search and arrest warrants, especially when disclosure would be contrary to the public interest. A prime example is where revealing the existence of a warrant would endanger individuals in the immediate vicinity of the wanted person. However, bench warrants, although falling under the "arrest warrant" category, are generally treated as public information to facilitate the prompt resolution of contempt-of-court actions, such as missing a court appearance or failing to pay child support.

Open warrants in Buncombe County can be verified through the Buncombe County Magistrate's Office:

Agency / Resource	Purpose	Search Methods	Notes
Buncombe County Magistrate's Office	Maintains records of issued, unexecuted (active) warrants	Phone, in person	The Magistrate's Office is situated at 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. The office can be contacted at (828) 250-4690