Transylvania County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Transylvania County in 2026
TransylvaniaRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and offender search results. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and should be verified through official sources.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects individuals currently held at the Transylvania County Detention Center. Historical booking records may require a formal public records request submitted directly to the Sheriff's Office.
2. Local Police Departments
The Brevard Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Transylvania County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking arrest records from the Brevard Police Department may submit a public records request to the department's records division.
Brevard Police Department
59 W. Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 883-2212
Brevard Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The North Carolina Courts system provides an online case search tool through the North Carolina Court System's eCourts portal, which allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests in Transylvania County are filed in the Transylvania County Superior and District Courts. Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case numbers, charge information, and scheduled court dates.
Transylvania County Clerk of Superior Court
12 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3163
NC Judicial Branch – Transylvania County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The NC Department of Adult Correction's offender search provides access to information on county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, and parolees. Members of the public may search by name to locate individuals currently under state supervision or incarcerated in a North Carolina facility. The database includes charge information, supervision status, and facility location. No fee is required to conduct a basic offender search through this portal.
For a comprehensive criminal history record, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's central criminal history repository. A name-based criminal history check is available to the public for a fee of $14.00 per request, submitted through the SBI's online portal or by mail.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
70 East Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3168
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Transylvania County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed at the standard rate established under North Carolina law.
Clerk of Court:
12 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3163
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
NC Judicial Branch – Transylvania County
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Court's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state fee schedules.
By Mail:
Written public records requests may be submitted to the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office at 70 East Morgan Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on the volume of requests received and the nature of the records sought.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (828) 884-3168
- Clerk of Court: (828) 884-3163
Telephone inquiries may yield limited information. Staff may direct callers to the online jail roster or advise an in-person visit for detailed records. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request records on behalf of clients through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative files not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and North Carolina Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Brevard Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Transylvania County
Arrest records in Transylvania County are public records under North Carolina law. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, all public records are the property of the people of North Carolina, and members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of such records. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government actions taken by law enforcement agencies acting in the public interest.
The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism and investigative reporting
- Academic and policy research
- Background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
- Use in legal proceedings by attorneys and parties to litigation
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under North Carolina law:
- Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-3000
- Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The North Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 18, guarantees access to the courts and supports the principle of open government. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution further supports press and public access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions that protect sensitive information while preserving the public's right to know about law enforcement activity.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating in compliance with the FCRA
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. North Carolina does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction: an arrest does not establish guilt, and the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.
What's in Transylvania County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Transylvania County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, Brevard Police Department, or a state or federal agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at time of arrest
- Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints, which are collected but not typically included in public records
- Inventory of personal property
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public disclosures
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Transylvania County?
Under North Carolina law, the cost of obtaining public records is governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge for the actual cost of reproducing records. Current standard fees applicable to arrest records in Transylvania County are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $3.00 per document |
| Criminal history check (NC SBI) | $14.00 per request |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of reproduction |
| In-person inspection | No fee for inspection |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copy fees: Fees for paper copies are assessed at the actual cost of reproduction, which at present does not exceed $0.25 per page at most county offices.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of court records are available from the Clerk of Court at $3.00 per document.
- Electronic format fees: Fees for records provided in electronic format are based on the actual cost of duplication.
- Search fees: North Carolina law does not authorize agencies to charge a separate search fee for routine public records requests.
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
Online access to the jail roster through the Sheriff's Office website and the NC Courts case search portal is available at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Transylvania County
North Carolina law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expunction (also referred to as expungement) and sealing. Expunction results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of records from law enforcement and court databases. Sealing restricts public access to records while allowing law enforcement and certain agencies to retain access. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to authorized agencies.
Eligibility for Expunction:
North Carolina's expunction statutes, codified at N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145 and related provisions, establish the circumstances under which an arrest record may be expunged:
- Dismissal of charges or a finding of not guilty
- Completion of a deferred prosecution or conditional discharge program
- Certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to waiting periods
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Juvenile records in certain circumstances
- Victims of human trafficking who were arrested for offenses related to their victimization
Steps to Petition for Expunction:
- Obtain the petition form from the Transylvania County Clerk of Superior Court or the NC Judicial Branch expunctions page.
- Complete the petition with the case number, charge information, and personal identifying information.
- File the completed petition with the Clerk of Court and pay the applicable filing fee. At present, the filing fee for most expunction petitions in North Carolina is $175.00, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
- The Clerk will serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney's Office and any other required parties.
- The court will schedule a hearing if the District Attorney objects; otherwise, the petition may be granted without a hearing.
- Upon entry of the expunction order, the Clerk notifies the NC State Bureau of Investigation, the arresting agency, and other relevant repositories to destroy or seal the records.
Contact Information for Expunction Filings:
Transylvania County Clerk of Superior Court
12 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3163
NC Judicial Branch – Transylvania County
28th Prosecutorial District Attorney's Office
(Serving Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford Counties)
200 N. Grove Street, Suite 126
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 694-4050
NC Conference of District Attorneys
Members of the public who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Pisgah Legal Services, which provides free civil legal aid to eligible residents of Western North Carolina.
Pisgah Legal Services
62 Cumberland Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 210-1580
Pisgah Legal Services
What Happens After Arrest in Transylvania County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Transylvania County, the arrested individual is transported to the Transylvania County Detention Center, located at 70 East Morgan Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Check for outstanding warrants
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under North Carolina law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest for most offenses. The first appearance serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of charges
- Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
- Determination of bond or bail
- Advisement of rights
First appearances may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 15% of the bond amount in North Carolina. The NC Department of Insurance maintains a list of licensed bail bondsmen.
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The defendant is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an order for arrest.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, telephone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent Defense Services – 29A Judicial District
12 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3163 (through Clerk of Court)
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services
Charging Decision:
The District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed by indictment.
Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or pretrial intervention, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. North Carolina offers several diversion programs for eligible defendants, including Drug Treatment Court and the Deferred Prosecution program.
Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, is imposed by the judge and may include active prison or jail time, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks depending on charge level
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Transylvania County Detention Center (Sheriff's Office)
70 East Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3168
Transylvania County Sheriff's Office
Transylvania County Clerk of Superior Court
12 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3163
NC Judicial Branch – Transylvania County
28th Prosecutorial District Attorney's Office
200 N. Grove Street, Suite 126
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 694-4050
NC Conference of District Attorneys
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services
123 West Main Street, Suite 400
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 354-7200
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Transylvania County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Transylvania County is governed by North Carolina law and the records retention schedules established by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Under the applicable schedules, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the NC State Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are part of the subject's permanent criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the NC SBI. Local law enforcement agencies retain arrest records associated with misdemeanor convictions for a minimum period established by the applicable retention schedule.
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the subject obtains an expunction order. These records may appear on background checks until expunged.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in a not guilty verdict are retained by the Clerk of Court and may remain in law enforcement databases unless expunged. North Carolina law permits expunction of records following acquittal.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods and may be eligible for expunction. The NC SBI retains arrest records in the state repository regardless of disposition unless an expunction order is received.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule
- Digital records in records management systems are at present retained for extended periods, often permanently
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case disposition
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely. These entities are not subject to expunction orders issued by North Carolina courts and are not required to update records when a case is dismissed or expunged. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of this requirement with respect to non-conviction records varies.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources law enforcement records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained for varying periods based on the nature of the offense.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Traffic case files are retained for varying periods. Electronic court records are at present retained permanently in the NC Courts electronic filing system.
NC State Bureau of Investigation: The SBI maintains the state's central criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in North Carolina. Records are updated upon receipt of expunction orders from the courts.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; at present not reported on most standard employment background checks
- Expungement: Local records destroyed or sealed; SBI updates state repository; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action
- No charges filed: Subject to shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. North Carolina does not at present impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a specified number of years. Employers in certain industries, including those subject to federal licensing requirements, may access records beyond the standard seven-year period.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (828) 884-3168 or submit a written public records request to 70 East Morgan Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.