Botetourt County
Botetourt County was established in 1770 and is named after Norborne Berkeley, the fourth Baron de Botetourt, a colonial governor of Virginia. It is located in Roanoke Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rolling hills and rivers, making it a destination for outdoor recreation. The county covers approximately 541.3 square miles and has a population of about 33,734 residents. Its county seat is Fincastle, a historic town known for its significance in Virginia's colonial history.
Botetourt County operates within Virginia's Unified Court System, which comprises the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. The Circuit Court handles most criminal and civil cases, including felony, civil claims exceeding $25,000, divorce proceedings, adoptions, and probate matters. It also resolves property disputes, contract issues, and emergency protective orders. The Botetourt County General District Court manages misdemeanors, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil cases with claims ranging from $4,500 to $25,000. Conversely, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court specializes in cases related to juvenile delinquency, child custody and support, family violence, and adoptions.
Botetourt County public court records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. These records include filings, case dispositions, and other court-related documentation, accessible under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The following are common court records in Botetourt County:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Family Law Records
- Probate Records
- Land Records
However, certain sensitive records, such as records on juvenile cases and adoptions are exempt from public access.
Requests for public records can be made by mail, phone, or by visiting the Clerk of the Circuit Court Office in person at:
1 West Main Street
Fincastle, VA 24090
Phone: (540) 473-8274
The Clerk's Office charges a fee for copies, with standard charges of $0.50 per page and $2 for certified copies. Records may also be accessed through the Officer of the Court Remote Access (OCRA) a subscription-based portal for authorized users. Alternatively, record seekers can view records via the Virginia Online Case Information System portal which allows public searches by case number, party name, or hearing date.