Carroll County Court Records Search
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Carroll County, Virginia, is served by a three-tier court system operating under the 27th Judicial Circuit and 27th Judicial District. Courts in the county handle the full range of legal matters — from misdemeanor traffic cases to felony criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family matters, and estate administration. All three courts share a single courthouse location in Hillsville, the county seat.
Residents, attorneys, and researchers seeking court case information in Virginia have several paths available to them. VirginiaStateCourts.us provides a useful starting point for understanding the state court structure and locating publicly accessible case information. Beyond that, official court search systems, the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, and in-person courthouse access are the primary methods for retrieving records in Carroll County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Carroll County?
Carroll County court cases may be searched through official Virginia judiciary portals or by contacting the clerk’s office directly. The appropriate search method depends on whether the case was heard in Circuit Court, General District Court, or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Online Search Options
- Virginia Court Case Information System — Searches circuit court civil and criminal cases by name, case number, or hearing date. Note that searches must be conducted by individual court locality; statewide searches are not available through this system.
- General District Court Online Case Information — Provides access to General District Court case records statewide.
- Virginia Judiciary Case Status Portal — A consolidated entry point for checking case status across circuit and district courts.
- Secure Remote Access (SRA) — A subscription service for remote access to Circuit Court land records and other documents. Requires a completed SRA Agreement Form and a $35 monthly fee. A 4% convenience fee applies for credit or debit card payments by phone.
In-Person and Mail Requests
Requesters may visit or write to the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office during business hours. Bring or include the subject’s full name, approximate filing date, and case number if available.
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk
Address: 605 Pine St, P.O. Box 218, Hillsville, VA 24343
Phone: (276) 730-3070
Fax: (276) 730-3071
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Carroll County General District Court
Address: 605 Pine St, P.O. Box 698, Hillsville, VA 24343
Phone: (276) 730-3050
Fax: (276) 730-3054
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Carroll County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Address: 605 Pine St, P.O. Box 1808, Hillsville, VA 24343
Phone: (276) 730-3049
Fax: (276) 730-3104
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Carroll County?
Court records in Carroll County are governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) and by Titles 16.1 and 17.1 of the Code of Virginia, which specifically address case records held by clerks of both courts of record and courts not of record. All public records in Virginia carry a presumption of openness — records may only be withheld when a specific statutory exemption applies.
Public access to administrative records of the judiciary is separately governed by Part Eleven of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, though this does not restrict access to case records maintained by clerks.
Records That Are Generally Public
- Civil case filings, judgments, decrees, and motions
- Felony and misdemeanor criminal case records
- Divorce decrees and property settlement orders
- Probate filings and estate administration documents
- Deeds, liens, mortgages, and land records
Records That Are Restricted
- Juvenile delinquency and status offense records
- Adoption proceedings
- Active criminal investigation files
- Records protected under attorney-client privilege
- Medical and mental health records
- Personal information whose disclosure would constitute a privacy violation
- Marriage records issued within the past 25 years (limited to the couple and immediate family)
- Birth certificates less than 100 years old (restricted to the registrant and immediate family)
- Death records less than 25 years old (restricted to immediate family and legal representatives)
Copy fees under Virginia Code § 17.1-275 are set at $0.50 per page for paper or electronic copies. Certified copies carry an additional $2.00 fee, and instruments of 10 pages or fewer are subject to a base recording/copy fee of $18.00.
Carroll County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Carroll County are divided by severity between the General District Court and the Circuit Court.
Jurisdiction by Court
| Court | Case Type |
|---|---|
| General District Court | Misdemeanors (up to 1 year jail / $2,500 fine), ordinance violations, traffic offenses |
| Circuit Court | Felonies, misdemeanor appeals from District Court, grand jury indictments |
The Circuit Court convenes terms beginning on the 3rd Monday of March, June, and September, and the 2nd Monday of December. A grand jury is convened on the first day of each term to review felony indictments. All criminal cases are set on the docket call at the start of each term, and the court convenes at 9:00 a.m.
Searching Criminal Records
- Use the Virginia Court Case Information System to search Circuit Court criminal cases online.
- Use the General District Court online portal for misdemeanor and traffic cases.
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (276) 730-3070 to request copies of criminal case documents.
Arrest Records and Sheriff’s Office
Arrest information that resulted in criminal charges may appear as part of case records maintained by the clerk. For arrest-related inquiries that predate court filings, contact:
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 605 Pine Street, P.O. Box 575, Hillsville, VA 24343
Phone: (276) 730-3020 | Non-Emergency: (276) 728-4146
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency providing patrol operations and criminal investigations. Criminal history background checks beyond what is available through court case searches are handled separately by the Virginia State Police.
Carroll County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Carroll County are heard in both the General District Court and the Circuit Court, depending on the amount in dispute.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
| Court | Civil Claim Range |
|---|---|
| General District Court | Claims up to $50,000 (effective July 1, 2025, per SB1291) |
| Circuit Court (concurrent) | Claims between $4,500 and $25,000 |
| Circuit Court (exclusive) | Claims exceeding $25,000 |
The Circuit Court also has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce proceedings, adoptions, property disputes, wills and trusts, expungements, name changes, garnishments, and annulments. Typical civil case documents available through the clerk include decrees, depositions, motions, evidence statements, and judgments.
Civil Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in Circuit Court vary based on the amount claimed. The Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculation tool on the Virginia Courts website provides an estimate before filing.
How to Request Civil Records
- Search the case online using the Virginia Court Case Information System.
- Note the case number from your online search results.
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (276) 730-3070 to confirm the record is available for copying.
- Submit a request in person or by mail with the case name, number, filing date, and payment of $0.50 per page.
The Circuit Court does not typically provide standardized civil filing forms, as the Code of Virginia and the Rules of the Supreme Court govern pleading preparation. Retaining an attorney is strongly recommended for Circuit Court civil filings.
Property Records
Deeds, mortgages, liens, trusts, and plats for Carroll County real property are recorded and maintained by the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk. These may be requested in person or by mail at the clerk’s office address above, or accessed remotely through the Secure Remote Access subscription system ($35/month).
Carroll County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Carroll County are distributed between the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR Court) and the Circuit Court. Understanding which court holds the relevant records is essential before submitting a request.
Circuit Court — Family Matters
The Circuit Court handles all divorce proceedings, adoptions, annulments, and domestic case appeals from the J&DR Court. Divorce records and final custody orders originating at the Circuit Court level are maintained by the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk.
To request divorce or family court records from the Circuit Court:
- Provide the names of both parties (include maiden name for marriage/divorce records), the date of the event, the location, and the case number if available.
- Submit requests in person or by mail to the clerk at 605 Pine St, P.O. Box 218, Hillsville, VA 24343.
- Call (276) 730-3070 to confirm fees and processing times in advance.
J&DR Court — Family and Juvenile Matters
The Carroll County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles a broad range of family matters including:
- Child custody, visitation, and support disputes
- Spousal support orders
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile delinquency and status offenses
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
- Foster care and parental rights termination
- Minors seeking emancipation or work permits
- Court-ordered rehabilitation services
Records from J&DR proceedings involving juveniles are subject to confidentiality protections and are not available to the general public. Domestic relations records may be accessible to parties of the case; contact the J&DR Clerk at (276) 730-3049 for specific guidance.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Carroll County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk. Marriage records are restricted for the first 25 years after the event — access during this period is limited to the couple and their immediate family. Requesters must supply the full names of both parties (including maiden names), the date and location of the marriage, and valid identification. A $56.00 filing fee applies to petitions for marriage officiants. Contact the clerk at (276) 730-3070 for copy fees and processing details.
Vital Records — Birth and Death Certificates
Birth and death certificates for Carroll County events are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Certified copies cost $12.00 each. Requests may be submitted online through the VDH Online Application Portal, or in person/by mail:
Office of Vital Records (Walk-In)
2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, Virginia 23230
Office of Vital Records (Mail)
P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1000
Mailed requests must include the requester’s name and signature, a copy of valid ID, and payment by check or money order payable to the Virginia Department of Health. ID requirements are detailed on the VDH identification requirements page.
Carroll County Probate Court Records
In Virginia, probate authority rests with the Clerk of the Circuit Court rather than a separate probate division. The Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk, Gerald R. Goad, is authorized under the Code of Virginia to probate wills, appoint and qualify executors and administrators, appoint testamentary trustees, and qualify conservators and guardians for incapacitated adults.
Types of Estates Handled
- Small Estates — Personal property estates (excluding real estate) valued below $75,000
- Estates with Real Estate Only — Where no personal estate is involved
- Testate Estates — The decedent left a valid will
- Intestate Estates — The decedent died without a will
A person has no legal authority to act as an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or conservator until formally appointed and qualified by the judge or clerk. This step cannot be skipped, and families should contact the clerk’s office before taking any action on behalf of a decedent’s estate.
Accessing Probate Records
Probate records are maintained by and accessible through the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk. To request a probate record:
- Identify the decedent’s full name and approximate date of death or estate filing.
- Contact the clerk by phone at (276) 730-3070 to confirm availability and applicable fees.
- Submit a written request in person or by mail to: 605 Pine St, P.O. Box 218, Hillsville, VA 24343.
- Include the type of record requested, parties involved, filing dates, and any known case number.
Probate Forms and Resources
The Supreme Court of Virginia fiduciary forms page provides standard probate and estate administration forms at no charge. Carroll County also maintains wills and estate information on its official website. Those unfamiliar with estate law are strongly encouraged to consult an attorney, as probate procedures involve strict statutory requirements under the Code of Virginia. The Circuit Court Clerk can confirm which forms are required for a specific estate type, but cannot provide legal advice.
Historical Carroll County fiduciary records, including older probate files, bonds, and commissions, may also be available through the Library of Virginia’s microfilm collection for genealogical and historical research purposes.