Bedford County

Located in Virginia's Piedmont region, Bedford County was formed in 1754 and named for John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford. The county's population is 79,761, while its land area is approximately 760 square miles. Its seat of government is Bedford.

The three trial courts in Bedford County include the Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. Bedford County's Circuit Court functions within Virginia's 24th Judicial Circuit. Legal matters exclusive to the apex court include felonies and civil lawsuits where the disputed amount exceeds $25,000. The county's general jurisdiction court also has appellate authority to review judgments from subordinate courts.

Bedford County has a General District Court responsible for legal proceedings such as traffic crimes, misdemeanors, and felony preliminary hearings. The District Court judges also handle landlord-tenant disagreements and civil claims for $25,000 or less. Meanwhile, the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court in Bedford County addresses all court issues involving juveniles and families. These include delinquencies, child dependency cases, divorces, child custody, domestic violence protective orders, and alimony.

The Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk maintains records of court proceedings in the county. Information on these court documents includes photos, dockets, evidence, pleadings, motions, transcripts, audio/video recordings, orders, and judgments. According to the Virginia Public Records Act, Bedford County court records should be publicly accessible to promote trust and transparency in the county's judicial processes. Examples of public court records, according to case types, include the following:

  • Civil court records
  • Criminal court records
  • Real estate records
  • Traffic records
  • Probate records
  • Family law records

These documents are useful for research, investigations, and legal precedents. However, some court records are restricted from the public for privacy reasons. These are mental health, adoption, juvenile, and sealed court records. Special court orders are required to access these confidential court documents. To obtain public court documents, requesters can visit or contact the Clerk's Office at:

Bedford Circuit Court Clerk

123 East Main Street, Suite 201

Bedford, VA 24523

Phone: (540) 586-7632

Record searchers are often charged $0.50 per page and $2 per certified document. An alternative way to access public court records is via the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System. Online users can search court records filed in the Circuit and General District Court without charges.

Courthouses in Bedford County

Bedford County Circuit Court - 24th Judicial Circuit

Court Name: Bedford County Circuit Court - 24th Judicial Circuit
Address: 123 E Main St, #201, Bedford VA 24523

Bedford County General District Court - 24th Judicial Circuit

Court Name: Bedford County General District Court - 24th Judicial Circuit
Address: 123 E Main St, #202, Bedford VA 24523

Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Court Name: Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Address: 123 E Main St, #101, Bedford VA 24523