Warrants are public records in Henry County, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 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 transparency of warrant records serves to maintain accountability within the judicial system and enables citizens to remain informed about legal proceedings within their community.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office and the Henry Circuit Court maintain warrant records as part of their official duties. These records document the issuance of warrants, which are legal instruments authorizing law enforcement personnel to perform specific actions, such as apprehending individuals or conducting property searches. Public access to these records is regulated by state statutes that balance the public's right to information with privacy considerations and ongoing investigation requirements.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, court records, including warrant information, are presumed open for public inspection during regular business hours. However, certain warrants may be temporarily sealed by judicial order if their disclosure could compromise an active investigation or endanger individuals involved in the case.
Warrant records maintained by Henry County authorities typically include the following information:
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-54, search warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or items to be seized. Similarly, arrest warrants must specify the offense charged as required by Virginia Code § 19.2-72.
Members of the public may utilize several no-cost methods to search for warrant information in Henry County:
The Henry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office provides public access to court records, including warrant information, during regular business hours:
Henry County Circuit Court
3160 Kings Mountain Road
Martinsville, VA 24112
(276) 634-4880
Henry Circuit Court Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Henry County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants and can provide limited information:
Henry County Sheriff's Office
3250 Kings Mountain Road
Martinsville, VA 24112
(276) 638-8751
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Public access computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching court records. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293, electronic access to certain court records is provided, though some information may be redacted for privacy and security reasons.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants issued within the jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued by a magistrate or judge that authorize the Sheriff's Office to take specific actions against individuals or property.
These warrants are categorized as follows:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants that is updated regularly. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-1704, the Sheriff's Office has the authority to execute these warrants throughout Henry County and, under certain circumstances, beyond county boundaries.
Individuals with questions regarding sheriff warrants may contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at (276) 638-8751. The Virginia Inmate Locator provides additional information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are the subject of an active warrant in Henry County may utilize several official channels. The Henry County court system maintains current warrant information that is accessible through multiple methods.
Persons inquiring about possible warrants may:
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-390.1, certain criminal history information is available to the subject of the record. Individuals may request their own criminal history information through the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Exchange.
It should be noted that warrant status may change rapidly as new warrants are issued and existing warrants are served or recalled. The most current information is maintained by the court and law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public seeking information regarding outstanding warrants in Henry County may utilize several authorized methods to access this information. The verification of warrant status is an important civic responsibility that helps maintain the integrity of the judicial system.
Interested parties may:
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies must respond to records requests within five working days. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and other relevant details to facilitate accurate searches.
For third-party searches, only information classified as public record will be disclosed. Certain warrant information may be restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or if the records have been sealed by court order.