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Crime Victims Rights

As a victim of crime, you shall be treated with dignity and respect by the criminal justice system. The North Carolina Constitution guarantees the following rights:

  • The right upon request to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of court proceedings of the accused.
  • The right upon request to be present at court proceedings of the accused.
  • The right to be reasonably heard at court proceedings involving the plea, conviction, sentencing, or release of the accused.
  • The right to receive restitution in a reasonably timely manner, when ordered by the court.
  • The right to be given information about the crime, how the criminal justice system works, the rights of victims, and the availability of services for victims.
  • The right upon request to receive information about the conviction or final disposition and sentence of the accused.
  • The right upon request to receive notification of escape, release, proposed parole or pardon of the accused, or notice of a reprieve or commutation of the accused’s sentence.
  • The right to present the victim’s views and concerns in writing to the Governor or agency considering any action that could result in the release of the accused, prior to such action becoming effective.
  • The right to reasonably confer with the prosecution.
 

Pretrial Release

Upon arrest, a defendant has the right to pretrial release through a bond or special conditions set by a magistrate or judge. To obtain information regarding custody status changes and criminal case information, visit www.ncsavan.org or call (877) 627-2826.

Victim's Compensation

Victims Compensation Services reimburses residents who suffer medical expenses and lost wages as a result of being an innocent victim of a crime. A claim must be filed within two years to receive compensation. For more information, go to Crime Victim Compensation or call (800) 826-6200.

Law Enforcement Services

Should you need medical assistance resulting from this crime, law enforcement can provide the proper information.

  • If you receive a threat, immediately call the law enforcement agency and prosecutor assigned to your case.
  • Any stolen or other personal property that has been seized shall be expeditiously returned when it is no longer needed as evidence.
  • If an arrest is made in your case, law enforcement will notify you. If you are not notified within six months of the reported crime, you may contact the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office by calling (828)-250-4503.

Locate & Contact

Sheriff's Office

Contact

Sheriff's Office Administration
P: (828) 250-4503

Non-Emergency Calls
P: (828) 250-6670

Sheriff's Office
60 Court Plaza, 4th Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

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Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sheriff's Office Facility Locations

Sheriff's Office
60 Court Plaza, 4th Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Detention Facility
20 Davidson Drive
Asheville, NC 28801

Magistrate's Office
20 Davidson Drive
Asheville, NC 28801

Patrol Division
339 New Leicester Highway
Asheville, NC 28806