Criminal records of Roanoke County, Virginia, are available through several channels. RoanokeCourt.us allows you to search publicly accessible information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the Virginia state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Each of these sources covers different types of cases and documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Roanoke
To search for criminal records, you will need at least the full name of the individual. A case number or date of birth will significantly narrow the results.
Online Search
- Start with RoanokeCourt.us — enter the first and last name to find publicly accessible information about court cases.
- Use the Roanoke County Court Case Search page, which redirects to the Virginia court system portal.
- On the Case Status and Information portal of the Virginia court system, you can search for criminal and traffic cases statewide — by name or case number.
- To check inmates, use the Roanoke County Inmate Search or call the jail help line at 540-283-3162.
- If the individual is in a state correctional facility, check the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains criminal cases and provides access to public terminals in the courthouse. Clerk W. Michael Galliher is responsible for maintaining court records according to the law.
Written Request
You can request public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) through the county's public records request page. To obtain an official state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Virginia State Police with fingerprinting. The Roanoke County Sheriff's Office offers fingerprinting services in the jail lobby.
Arrest Warrants
The county police department publishes a list of active warrants. To inquire about a warrant, contact the Roanoke County Police Warrant Department.
Search Roanoke Criminal Cases by Case Number
A Virginia case number consists of several elements. A typical format looks like this:
- Court Prefix — a letter or number code indicating the specific court (Circuit Court, General District Court, or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court).
- Case Type — a letter indicating the category: "CR" for criminal cases in Circuit Court, "GC" for cases in General District Court.
- Year — the last two digits of the year the case was opened.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year and court.
If you have the full case number, enter it on the Virginia court system portal. A search by case number returns an exact result — without the need to filter out namesakes. This is the fastest way to check the status of a specific case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Roanoke
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Virginia Code (e.g., § 18.2-95 — Grand Larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting a hearing
- Active — proceedings are ongoing
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations fulfilled, case closed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges, the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the court determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to Circuit Court (felony only)
- Pre-trial — procedural matters before the main hearing
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty plea
- Review — checking compliance with probation terms
Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Deferred Disposition | Decision postponed — usually conditional on meeting certain requirements |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Roanoke
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. These are official documents with the court seal, accepted by other institutions.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with valid photo ID. Provide the defendant's full name and case number, if known.
- By Mail — send a written request to the clerk's office with a description of the needed documents, a copy of ID, and payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of Circuit Court).
- Through FOIA — submit a public records request through the Roanoke County FOIA form.
What You Need for a Request
- The full name of the person whose record is being requested
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person visit)
- Payment of applicable fees
To obtain a complete state-level criminal history record, contact the Virginia State Police. This requires fingerprinting, which can be done at the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Roanoke
Fees for court records in Virginia are regulated by § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276 of the Virginia Code.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of copy | $2.00 |
| Fingerprinting (Sheriff's Office) | $5.00 per card after the first |
| Criminal history check through Virginia State Police | Depends on the type of check |
Processing Times
- Document copies in person — usually the same day or within a few business days, depending on the request volume
- Mail requests — 5 to 10 business days after receipt
- FOIA requests — under Virginia law, a response must be provided within 5 business days; complex requests may be extended by another 7 business days with written notice
Payment is accepted by check or money order. Confirm acceptable forms of payment directly with the office, as policies may change.