Middlesex County Background Check Records
Middlesex County background check records are held by the Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk in Saluda, Virginia. This Middle Peninsula county is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit. To find criminal history, arrest records, or court case files tied to Middlesex County, this page explains the offices that hold those records, the free online tools available, and how the county's FOIA process works. Middlesex County connects to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange for statewide criminal history.
Middlesex County Overview
Middlesex County Sheriff Background Check Requests
The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office at 75 Oakes Landing Road, P.O. Box 207, Saluda, VA 23149 handles arrest records, incident reports, and criminal records maintenance. The office can be reached at (804) 758-1335, fax (804) 758-0023. The Records Unit within the Sheriff's Office enters and updates all warrants, processes arrest records, handles eviction notices, and maintains criminal records for the county. These records are the starting point for a local criminal history check in Middlesex County.
To request public records, submit a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office. Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. requires a response within five working days. An additional seven days can be added for complex requests, for a total of twelve working days. Criminal investigative files may take up to 65 working days if an additional 60-day extension is needed. You do not need to state a reason for your request. Personnel records, attorney-client communications, juvenile records, and active investigation files are exempt from disclosure.
The county FOIA officer is Susan Traner, County Administrator, at 877 General Puller Highway, P.O. Box 428, Saluda, VA 23149, phone (804) 758-0500. The county's FOIA page is at co.middlesex.va.us. For inmate status, VINELink provides free online searches. For statewide criminal history, the Virginia State Police CCRE is the right channel.
| Office | Middlesex County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 75 Oakes Landing Road, Saluda, VA 23149 |
| Phone | (804) 758-1335 |
| Fax | (804) 758-0023 |
| FOIA | co.middlesex.va.us |
Middlesex County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The Middlesex County Circuit Court Clerk is Rachel Hartenbach, at 73 Bowden Street, P.O. Box 169, Saluda, VA 23149, reachable at (804) 758-5317. The Circuit Court holds all official court records for criminal and civil cases in the county, including felony cases, land records, marriage licenses, probate records, and judgments. The Circuit Court Clerk handles copies, certifications, and research requests in person and by written request. No fax copies are available; requests must be submitted in person or by mail.
Copy fees at the Middlesex Circuit Court are set at the county level. Standard 8.5x11 and 8.5x14 copies cost $0.25 per page, with the first three copies provided at no charge. Larger 11x17 copies cost $0.50 per page, with the first three also free. Electronic records on a thumb drive cost $10.00 each, plus applicable staff time. Staff time charges are based on the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the work.
Case information for Middlesex County Circuit Court is available online at no cost through the statewide Virginia Judiciary Case Information system. Search by name or case number to see case status, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries. The 9th Judicial Circuit, which includes Middlesex, also serves Gloucester and Mathews counties.
| Office | Middlesex County Clerk of Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Rachel Hartenbach |
| Address | 73 Bowden Street, Saluda, VA 23149 |
| Phone | (804) 758-5317 |
| Fax | (804) 758-8637 |
Middlesex County Court and FOIA Resources
The Virginia Judiciary Case Information system provides free access to Middlesex County Circuit Court case filings, docket entries, and hearing schedules for criminal and civil matters.
Use the state courts portal to search Middlesex County cases by name or case number and find current case status, charges, and hearing dates at no cost.
The Middlesex County FOIA page explains the public records request process, copy fees, and contact information for the county administrator who serves as FOIA officer.
Through the FOIA page you can find response timelines, fee schedules including the free first-three-copies policy, and how to submit a records request to Middlesex County offices.
Online Resources for Middlesex County Background Checks
The free starting point is the Virginia Judiciary Case Information system. Search Circuit and General District Court cases by name or case number at no cost. No registration needed.
For full statewide criminal history, use Form SP-167 from the VSP forms page for a $15 name-based CCRE check. Mail to CARE at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.
The Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry is free and searchable by name, zip code, or address. Community notification alerts are available at no charge.
Virginia FOIA and Background Check Laws
Virginia FOIA at Title 2.2, Chapter 37 governs public records access in Middlesex County. Five-day response required; up to 65 days for criminal investigative files. Criminal history statutes at Title 19.2, Chapter 23 govern the CCRE. Virginia's record sealing law at § 19.2-392.12 takes effect July 1, 2026. Contact the FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810 with questions.
Nearby Counties
Middlesex County is on the Middle Peninsula between the Rappahannock and Piankatank rivers.