Thank you for visiting the website of the District Attorneys’ Office in the 35th Prosecutorial District, which encompasses all of Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey Counties in North Carolina. It is the duty of this office to represent the State with integrity and professionalism, while protecting victims and their rights, in the pursuit of justice.

The goal of this site is to make the information and services provided by the District Attorneys’ Office and the criminal justice system available to the public. Please take the time to search each web-page and explore all of the information we have provided you. Should you have any questions, we have also included details on how you may contact our office.

Your District Attorney

Seth Banks grew up in Yancey County on a farm that has been in his family for five generations. Seth graduated from Mountain Heritage High School and attended N.C. State University. Seth graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Law and began working as an Assistant District Attorney. Seth has extensive experience in all aspects of prosecution, from serious assaults and murder to breaking and entering, trafficking of drugs, and crimes against children. His commitment to excellence in his work has earned him the reputation of being a tough but fair prosecutor who is highly regarded by those who have worked with him. In recognition of his skill, expertise, and experience in the area of North Carolina Criminal Law, Seth has been certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Specialist in State Criminal Law. Seth is married to his high school sweetheart, Gretchen. They have a 3 year old, David, and a 6 month old, Luke, and reside in Burnsville. Seth was appointed as District Attorney in the 24th Prosecutorial District by the governor in June, 2014. In November, 2014 Seth was elected to a full term as district attorney.