Warrant records are public documents in Alleghany County, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records shall be open to inspection by Virginia residents and representatives of media outlets, with certain statutory exceptions.
Judicial records, including warrants, fall under the purview of public records unless specifically sealed by court order in accordance with Virginia Code § 17.1-208. The public accessibility of these documents serves to maintain transparency in judicial proceedings and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system. Citizens may inspect these records during normal business hours at designated public access points.
The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the custodian of court records in Alleghany County and maintains warrant information in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Records may be redacted to protect certain confidential information as prescribed by § 2.2-3705 of the Code of Virginia.
Warrant records maintained by Alleghany County judicial authorities typically contain the following standard elements as required by Virginia law:
• Full legal name and identifying information of the subject • Date of birth and/or other personal identifiers when available • Nature and classification of the alleged offense(s) • Statutory citation of the violated law(s) • Date of issuance and the issuing judicial authority • Case number and court of jurisdiction • Bond amount, if applicable • Service status (served, unserved, or recalled) • Return information documenting execution of the warrant • Judicial officer's signature and official seal
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-54, search warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Arrest warrants must state the offense charged with reasonable certainty as required by § 19.2-72.
Members of the public may conduct free warrant searches in Alleghany County through several officially sanctioned channels:
The primary resource for warrant verification is the Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, located at:
Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk
266 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1730
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals may also contact the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office for information regarding active warrants:
Alleghany County Sheriff's Office
268 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1770
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Alleghany County Government
The Virginia Judicial System provides an online case information system that allows users to search for certain court records, though not all warrant information may be available through this platform.
The Alleghany County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants issued within the jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Alleghany County are classified according to their purpose and statutory authority:
• Arrest Warrants: Issued pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-71, authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses • Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date • Capias: A type of bench warrant issued for failure to comply with court orders • Search Warrants: Issued under § 19.2-52, permitting law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence • Civil Warrants: Used in non-criminal matters such as debt collection or property disputes
The Sheriff's Office maintains a warrant division specifically tasked with processing and serving these legal documents. Deputies are required to follow strict procedural guidelines when executing warrants to ensure compliance with constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment and Virginia law.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Alleghany County may utilize several official verification methods:
The Virginia Court Case Information System provides searchable access to court records, including certain warrant information. Users must provide proper identifying information to conduct an accurate search.
Direct inquiry may be made to the Clerk of the Circuit Court:
Alleghany County Circuit Court
266 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1730
For matters involving the General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court:
Alleghany County General District Court
266 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1720
Legal counsel may also conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through proper channels. Attorneys have access to additional court information systems that may provide more comprehensive results.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-390.1, certain criminal history information is available to the subject of the record upon proper request and identification verification.
Verification of outstanding warrants in Alleghany County requires following established protocols to ensure accurate information:
The most authoritative method is direct contact with the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office warrant division:
Alleghany County Sheriff's Office
268 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1770
Individuals may also check with the appropriate court based on the nature of the potential warrant:
Alleghany County Circuit Court (felony matters)
266 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1730
Alleghany County General District Court (misdemeanors and traffic)
266 West Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
(540) 965-1720
The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information on individuals currently in custody, which may indicate the execution of an arrest warrant.
When conducting warrant searches, requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification and may be required to submit a written request in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.
• Virginia Judicial System Case Information • Alleghany County Government Resources • Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Search • Virginia Courts Homepage