Asheville County Jail is a secure detention facility located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It houses individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state prisons. The jail operates under the authority of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and serves Asheville and surrounding communities. This page provides up-to-date information on visitation rules, inmate lookup tools, contact details, commissary services, and legal resources. Whether you’re a family member, legal representative, or researcher, this resource offers clear, accurate guidance for interacting with the facility.
Location and Contact Information
The main detention center is at 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. This is the primary intake and housing location for most inmates. Public parking is available near the main entrance. For general inquiries, call (828) 250-4550 during business hours. The facility operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for non-emergency matters. Emergency calls should go directly to 911. All visitors must present valid photo ID and follow security procedures upon arrival.
Inmate Search and Booking Status
To find someone in custody, use the official online inmate roster. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. The system shows current inmates, charges, bond amounts, and release dates if known. If no results appear, click the “Lookup” button for a real-time search. You can also call (828) 250-4550 for assistance. The roster updates hourly with new bookings, releases, and transfers. This service is free and available 24/7 online.
For those needing bail assistance, two licensed agencies operate locally: 828 Bail Bonds at (828) 537-2245 and Ace Bail Bonds at (828) 776-8485. Both offer 24-hour service and payment plans. A downloadable PDF guide explains how to post bail, contact an inmate, and schedule visits. Always verify bond eligibility with the court before making payments.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
First-time visitors must go to the front desk at 20 Davidson Drive. Schedule your initial visit by calling (828) 250-4610 or (828) 250-4557 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. After that, use the online portal to book future visits. The system records your name, date, and time for faster check-in. Arrive 15 minutes early for ID verification and screening.
All visitors need a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. The photo must be clear and the document current. No sleeveless shirts, shorts, or hats are allowed in the visitation area. Electronics, bags, and food are prohibited. Only one visitor per inmate per session unless approved in advance. Violations may result in denied access.
Commissary and Inmate Accounts
Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies through commissary. Funds must be added to their account first. Friends or family can deposit money online or mail a money order to P.O. Box 247, Asheville, NC 28801. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number. Commissary orders are delivered twice a week. Basic meals are provided free of charge by the facility.
The Ashe County Detention Center follows similar rules. Inmates with active accounts can purchase optional items. All meals meet state dietary standards and are included at no cost. The latest catalog is posted on the Ashe Sheriff website. Commissary does not replace regular meals—it only adds extras.
Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid accounts or callback cards bought at kiosks inside the jail. All calls are recorded and monitored for safety. Incoming calls are not accepted. Family members can set up accounts through approved vendors listed on the Sheriff’s Office website. Call duration may be limited based on facility policy.
Mail is another way to stay in touch. Send letters to: Inmate’s Full Name & ID Number, Buncombe County Detention Facility, P.O. Box 247, Asheville, NC 28801. Use plain envelopes with clear handwriting. Do not include cash, stamps, or photos unless approved. All mail is inspected before delivery.
Arrest Records and Mugshots
The North Carolina Arrests website keeps a daily updated database of Buncombe County mugshots. Each entry has the person’s name, birth date, booking date, charges, bond amount, and photo. You can search by name, date range, or charge type. This site collects public records but is not an official court source. For legal status, contact the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court.
Comments on the site are user-generated and not verified. Do not rely on them for factual decisions. Always confirm details with official offices. The database includes arrests from Asheville, Woodfin, and nearby towns.
Police-to-Citizen Inmate Portal
This platform lets you search current inmates by name or booking number. It shows arrest dates, charges, and court schedules. Data comes directly from county systems and updates every hour. You can also request official records online. Requests are processed within three business days by the county clerk.
The service is free and secure. It helps families, lawyers, and researchers get timely information. No registration is required for basic searches.
Statewide Offender Search
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety runs a statewide database. It includes county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders. You can search by name or ID and get conviction details, sentence length, and supervising agency.
Sign up for alerts via phone, email, text, or TTY. Get notified when someone’s status changes, like a release or address update. This service supports people with hearing impairments through TTY access.
Jail Services and Resources
The Jail Exchange website lists services for Buncombe County inmates. These include phone calls, commissary ordering, and bail bond help. It also provides mailing addresses and contact numbers. The site is a helpful third-party resource but not an official government page.
For court information, use the “Case Search” link on the jail roster. It connects to the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal. There, you’ll find docket entries, hearing dates, and judge assignments.
Neighborhood Crime Reports
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office offers an interactive crime map. Enter any address or ZIP code to see reported incidents from the past six months. Results show offense type, date, time, and outcome. Color-coded pins show crime density by area.
This tool helps residents assess local safety trends. It also links to emergency preparedness guides and a “Meet the Sheriff” video series. Access it anytime on the official Sheriff’s Office website.
Jail Annex and Additional Facilities
The Buncombe County Jail Annex holds certain inmates and has its own roster. Call (828) 250-4550 to check status or visit the official inmate list online. The annex provides visitation times, charge details, and bond information. It also links to court case searches.
For municipal offenses, the Asheville Police Jail maintains a separate lookup tool. Search by name or booking number on their site. Contact the information desk at (828) 252-1110 during business hours for help.
Legal and Background Check Resources
Several related services support background checks and legal research. These include state prison records, birth certificate requests, and offender alerts. While not part of the jail system, they often connect to inmate data.
Always use official sources for legal decisions. Third-party sites may have outdated or incomplete information. When in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Office or Clerk of Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Asheville County Jail. Below are answers to the most common ones. Each response is based on current policies and official sources.
How do I visit someone in Asheville County Jail?
First-time visitors must go to the front desk at 20 Davidson Drive and call (828) 250-4610 or (828) 250-4557 to schedule. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Dress appropriately—no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or hats. Arrive 15 minutes early for screening. After your first visit, use the online portal to book future appointments. Only approved visitors on the inmate’s list can enter. Sessions are limited, and rules are strictly enforced for safety.
Can I send money to an inmate?
Yes, you can add funds to an inmate’s commissary account. Deposit money online through the Sheriff’s Office portal or mail a money order to P.O. Box 247, Asheville, NC 28801. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Funds appear within 24–48 hours. Inmates use this money to buy snacks, hygiene products, and other approved items. Basic meals are provided free by the facility.
How do I find out if someone is in jail?
Use the online inmate roster on the Buncombe County website. Type the person’s full name or booking number. The system shows current inmates, charges, bond amounts, and release dates. If nothing appears, click “Lookup” for a real-time search. You can also call (828) 250-4550 during business hours. The roster updates hourly with new bookings and releases. For court details, follow the “Case Search” link to the judicial portal.
What are the phone call rules for inmates?
Inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid accounts or callback cards purchased at jail kiosks. All calls are recorded and monitored. Incoming calls are not allowed. Family members can set up accounts through approved vendors listed on the Sheriff’s Office site. Call length may be limited. Phone access depends on behavior and facility schedule. Never share account details with inmates directly.
Where do I mail letters to an inmate?
Send mail to: Inmate’s Full Name & ID Number, Buncombe County Detention Facility, P.O. Box 247, Asheville, NC 28801. Use plain white envelopes with clear handwriting. Do not include cash, stamps, photos, or stickers unless approved. All mail is inspected before delivery. Avoid sending anything that could pose a security risk. Letters should be respectful and appropriate. Packages are not accepted through regular mail.
How do I post bail for someone in jail?
Contact a licensed bail bond agency like 828 Bail Bonds ((828) 537-2245) or Ace Bail Bonds ((828) 776-8485). They operate 24/7 and can explain payment options. You’ll need the inmate’s name, booking number, and charge details. The agency pays the full bond amount to the court, and you pay them a fee (usually 10–15%). Keep all receipts and confirm release with the jail. Never pay bail directly unless instructed by the court.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, all visitors must follow strict dress rules. No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts above the knee, or open-toed shoes. Hats, bandanas, and sunglasses are not allowed inside. Clothing with offensive language or images is prohibited. Dress modestly and professionally. Security may deny entry for violations. Plan your outfit ahead of time to avoid delays.
Official Website: https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/sheriff/detention-division/default.aspx
Phone: (828) 250-4550
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (by appointment)
Address: 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801