Roanoke County, Virginia court records are available through several channels. RoanokeCourt.us allows you to find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the state's official online judicial system tools, the clerk's office of the county court, and public terminals located directly in the courthouse building.
Roanoke Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Roanoke County, each handling specific categories of cases. The county is part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia.
Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil claims over $25,000, divorce cases, real estate disputes, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains all records for this court, including real estate deeds, marriage licenses, and wills.
General District Court handles:
- Criminal misdemeanors and preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Traffic cases
- Small claims up to $5,000
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court deals with cases involving minors and family matters — custody, child support, protective orders. Divorce cases start in Circuit Court. Note: The Commonwealth of Virginia does not have a legal concept of "legal separation."
Magistrates issue arrest and search warrants, set bail, and handle emergency protective orders. They operate 24/7. General information about county courts can be found on the official website.
Roanoke Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use the Virginia state court information online system.
- Go to the Case Status and Information page on the Virginia Court System website.
- Select the desired court — Circuit Court or General District Court of Roanoke County.
- Search by last name or case number to see scheduled hearing dates.
You can also search cases online directly through the Roanoke County website, where sections for criminal and civil cases are available. If you need information about a specific hearing date that cannot be found online, call the clerk's office of the respective court.
How to Get a Copy of a Roanoke Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the clerk's office of the court where the case was heard. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified — regular copies for personal reference.
- Certified — have an official seal and the clerk's signature; accepted by other courts, government agencies, and banks.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. You will need the party's name or case number.
- By mail — send a written request with case details and a check or money order to the clerk's office address.
- Online — some documents, including real estate records, are available through the online land records database.
For requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), use the public records request form on the county's website.
Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Roanoke Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court documents in Virginia are set according to § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276 of the Code of Virginia. Below are typical fees applicable at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (per name) | Free for self-search online |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified document copy | $2.00 (first page) + $0.50 for each additional page |
| Certification of a previously issued copy | $2.00 |
| Recording a real estate document (first 5 pages) | $18.00 |
| Each additional page of the record | $5.00 |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, money order, and in some cases, credit or debit card. Confirm acceptable payment methods when contacting the clerk's office. Fees may change, so it is advisable to check current information on the court's website or call 540-772-2016 before visiting.