Updated: Buncombe County Court Appearances During COVID-19

Updated information for Court guidance as of April 21, 2021. 

Many Court proceedings in Buncombe County are being postponed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Do I Need to Come to Court?

• If you are charged with a crime, contact your lawyer or the Public Defender’s Office at (828) 259.3423 for your next court date. You may also call the District Attorney’s Office: (828) 259.3410 or Clerk of Superior Court: (828) 259.3400.
   
• You are expected to come to court for first appearance following an arrest.
• After this First Appearance, you may not be required to appear on your next court date. Please contact the Public Defender’s office at (828) 259.3423, or your attorney if you have questions about your individual case. Be sure your attorney has good contact information for you at all times
• Jury trials have resumed as of Feb. 15, 2021.
• If you received a May or June Administrative Court date for traffic or misdemeanor charges, your case may have been rescheduled. Go to BuncombeDA.org to confirm your court date.
• The courthouse is still open for essential cases (like Domestic Violence Protective Orders).
• If you have a pending civil trial, contact the Trial Court Administrator at (828) 259-6479. 
• For all other Civil Court questions call the Clerk’s Office: (828) 259-3400.
• For Family Court questions call your case coordinator or (828) 259-3415.
• For Juvenile Court questions call your court counselor or (828) 225-7330.

What to Expect in the Courthouse

These measures are being taken to ensure your safety during your visit to the courthouse.

• Guidelines set by the CDC are being followed to ensure your safety in the courthouse, and social distancing will be enforced.
• Upon arrival in the courthouse, your temperature will be taken.
• Per Buncombe County Ordinance, masks are required in public spaces. If you do not have one, one will be provided to you upon arrival.
• Plan to arrive at the Buncombe County Courthouse, 60 Court Plaza in Asheville, 30 minutes before your essential court session.
• If you are experiencing symptoms, do not come to court. Contact your attorney or the Clerk's office at (828) 259-3400.

Resources & More Information

• View the Buncombe Court Phone Directory  
• Find your court date at nccourts.gov/court-dates
• If you would like to receive reminders about your court date, click here to be directed to nccourts.gov/notifications
• For more information about face coverings/masks, click here to be directed to cdc.gov/about-face-coverings