Clarke County, Virginia Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Clarke County, Virginia?
Warrant records are public documents in Clarke 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 are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Clarke County Circuit Court maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing judicial transparency.
Members of the public may access warrant information through designated channels established by the Clarke County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk. This access serves multiple public interests, including governmental accountability, informed citizenry, and verification of law enforcement activities. The public nature of these records supports constitutional principles of due process and transparency in judicial proceedings.
Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or redacted under Virginia Code § 19.2-54 when disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger witnesses, or prejudice judicial proceedings. Such restrictions are subject to judicial review and typically expire upon the execution of the warrant or conclusion of the related investigation.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Clarke County?
Warrant records maintained by Clarke County authorities typically contain the following information pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-72:
• Full legal name and known aliases of the subject • Date of birth and/or age of the subject when available • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying characteristics • Last known address or location information • Case number and docket information • Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable) • Nature and classification of the alleged offense(s) • Code section(s) of the alleged violation • Name and title of the issuing judicial officer • Name of the requesting law enforcement agency • Bond amount (if applicable) • Special conditions related to execution of the warrant
The specificity of information varies according to warrant type (arrest, bench, search) and the circumstances of issuance. All warrant records are maintained in compliance with the Virginia Records Retention Schedule as established by the Library of Virginia.
How to Check For Warrants in Clarke County For Free
Clarke County residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established under Virginia public records statutes:
• In-person inquiry at the Clarke County Sheriff's Office located at 100 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (540) 955-1234.
• Direct inquiry at the Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk's Office located at 102 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (540) 955-5116.
• Utilization of public access terminals available at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours. These terminals provide access to the court's case management system, which includes warrant information for cases that have been docketed.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information including full name and date of birth to facilitate accurate record searches. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, nominal fees may apply for printed copies of warrant records, though viewing electronic records typically incurs no charge.
Clarke County Sheriff Warrants
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction as authorized under Virginia Code § 19.2-76. Sheriff warrants in Clarke County fall into several categories:
• Arrest Warrants: Judicial orders authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses.
• Bench Warrants: Court-issued directives for the immediate arrest of individuals who have failed to appear for scheduled court proceedings or violated court orders.
• Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants but specifically issued when a defendant fails to appear after formal charges have been filed.
• Search Warrants: Judicial authorization for law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence of criminal activity.
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division that coordinates with regional and state agencies through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). All warrant executions are conducted in accordance with constitutional requirements and departmental policies governing use of force and entry procedures.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Clarke County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Clarke County may utilize the following official channels:
• Direct contact with the Clarke County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 100 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Telephone: (540) 955-1234. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Inquiry through the Clarke County General District Court Clerk's Office at 104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Telephone: (540) 955-5128. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Consultation with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 102 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Telephone: (540) 955-5116. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-390.1, the Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which includes warrant information from jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth. Individuals may request a criminal history record check through the Virginia State Police by submitting form SP-167 and the required fee.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Clarke County
Outstanding warrants in Clarke County may be verified through established procedures in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-390:
• In-person verification at the Clarke County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division, 100 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Telephone: (540) 955-1234. Service hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Submission of a written request to the Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 102 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611. Telephone: (540) 955-5116. Include full name, date of birth, and contact information.
• Utilization of the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System for cases that have been docketed in the court system. This resource provides limited information on active cases but may not include recently issued warrants.
• Consultation with legal counsel who can access court records on behalf of clients and provide guidance on addressing outstanding warrants.
Third parties conducting warrant searches must provide the full legal name and, if possible, the date of birth of the subject to ensure accurate results. The Sheriff's Office does not provide warrant information via telephone due to identity verification limitations and privacy considerations.
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