Giles County Arrest Records

Giles County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Pearisburg, Virginia, and are accessible through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, or formal written requests under Virginia's public records law. This guide explains how to search for arrest records in Giles County, what courts handle criminal cases here, what the public can access, and how to pursue expungement if you qualify.

Giles County Sheriff's Office

The Giles County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. It handles all arrests in Giles County and maintains booking records at the county jail. This office is the starting point for anyone needing a local arrest record. Staff can confirm whether someone was arrested, what charges were filed, and when the arrest occurred.

Submit requests in person or by mail. Include the person's full name, the approximate arrest date, and any case number if you have one. Requests are handled during regular business hours. Some records may need a formal written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Copy fees may apply.

The Sheriff's Office can confirm whether someone is currently in custody at the local jail. For a complete statewide criminal history, go through the Virginia State Police CARE system. The office can help you find the right forms and process.

How to Search Giles County Arrest Records

The free option is the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. This statewide system covers Circuit Court and General District Court records. Search by name or case number to see charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. No account or fee is needed.

For certified criminal history records, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Fill out form SP-167 and mail it with a $15 fee to VSP in Richmond. Attach notarized consent if requesting someone else's record. Processing takes about 15 business days. Full details are at vsp.virginia.gov.

For someone in a state correctional facility, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone at the Giles County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.

In-person searches at the courthouse are also an option. Go to the Giles County Circuit Court or General District Court in Pearisburg and ask the clerk to pull records. Public access terminals are usually open during business hours. Bring photo ID and any details you know about the case.

Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records won't show up in online searches. Active investigations may be withheld. For the most complete criminal history check, the VSP CARE system is the right tool.

Giles County Court Records

Giles County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court in Pearisburg. Each handles different types of criminal matters and keeps its own records.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, trials, and sentencing. Appeals from the General District Court are also heard here. Felony arrest and trial records are filed at the Circuit Court. You can search these records online or go to the clerk's office for certified copies of orders and judgments.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Both courts are searchable through the Virginia Judiciary case search tool. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, criminal history records are maintained centrally through the Virginia State Police's Central Criminal Records Exchange.

For paper copies of specific files, go to the clerk's office in person. Staff can explain the per-page copy fee and accepted payment methods.

FOIA and Public Access in Giles County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives you the right to request government records including arrest records. All public records are presumed open unless an exemption applies. The Giles County Sheriff's Office and court clerks must respond within five working days of receiving a request.

Put your request in writing. You don't need to explain why you want the records. Describe them clearly enough for staff to locate them. Include the person's name, approximate dates, and type of record. Agencies charge actual fees for copies and staff time but cannot add extra charges beyond cost.

Under Virginia law, arrested persons' identities and charges against them are public. Active investigations are exempt. Juvenile records are confidential. For requests expected to cost more than $200, the office may require a deposit first. The FOIA Advisory Council can help at (804) 698-1810.

Expungement of Giles County Arrest Records

Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, you may petition to expunge certain arrest records if you were acquitted, if charges were dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but not charged and the record is inaccurate or misleading. An absolute pardon after wrongful conviction may also qualify.

Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. New laws taking effect July 2025 created an automatic sealing path for certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods. This is separate from standard expungement.

To file for expungement in Giles County, petition the Circuit Court in Pearisburg. Describe the arrest and state the legal basis. You must submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and may oppose. A hearing is held if there is opposition. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The full statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's code search tool.

Cities and Towns in Giles County

Giles County is in the New River Valley region of southwest Virginia. The county seat is Pearisburg. The town of Narrows and the community of Pembroke are also in the county. There are no independent cities within Giles County. All criminal cases in the area go through the Giles County court system in Pearisburg.

Nearby Counties

Giles County is in the New River Valley area of Virginia. Confirm which county applies to your case before submitting a request.