Patrick County Background Check Records
Patrick County background check records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk in Stuart, Virginia. This county in the Blue Ridge foothills of Southside Virginia is part of the 21st Judicial Circuit. To find criminal history, arrest records, or court case files tied to Patrick County, this page explains the offices to contact, what you can search online for free, and how Virginia FOIA applies to county records. Patrick County connects to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange for statewide criminal history searches.
Patrick County Overview
Patrick County Sheriff Background Check Requests
The Patrick County Sheriff's Office in Stuart is led by Sheriff Daniel M. Smith. The office handles arrest records, incident reports, criminal warrants, and local criminal history checks. To reach the office for records inquiries, call (276) 694-3161. For same-day inquiries, a call is often the fastest route. The office can direct you to the right person for your specific request.
To request public records formally, submit a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office. Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. requires the office to respond within five working days. Complex requests may extend to twelve working days total. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Active criminal investigations, juvenile records, and personnel files are exempt from public disclosure. For past arrests and resolved cases, basic incident information is generally available with a written request and payment of copy fees at actual cost.
For inmate status, use VINELink to search for anyone currently held in Patrick County by name or offender ID. You can also register for custody change notifications at no cost. The Virginia Department of Corrections offender search is a free resource online for people transferred to state custody. For a complete statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CCRE program. The CCRE covers all Virginia jurisdictions and is the most complete criminal history source available to the public.
| Office | Patrick County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Sheriff | Daniel M. Smith |
| Address | P.O. Box 128, Stuart, VA 24171 |
| Phone | (276) 694-3161 |
Patrick County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The Patrick County Circuit Court Clerk is Morgan E. Boothe, at 101 W. Blue Ridge Street, P.O. Box 148, Stuart, VA 24171, reachable at (276) 694-7213. This office maintains all official court records for criminal and civil cases filed in Patrick County, including felony cases, land records, marriage licenses, probate records, court case files, and judgments. Marriage records for Patrick County are available from 1791 to 1850 and from 1854 to 1874 through the Clerk's office. Probate records are also available going back to the county's founding.
Case information for the Patrick 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 for both Circuit Court and General District Court cases. No account or registration is needed. The 21st Judicial Circuit, which includes Patrick County, also covers Henry County and the City of Martinsville.
For certified copies of any court document, contact the Clerk's office directly. Standard copies are $0.50 per page, with a certification fee on top of that. Written requests with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope are accepted by mail. For FOIA requests directed at the county government, contact the Patrick County Administrator. The Administrator serves as the county FOIA officer and can route your request to the correct department.
| Office | Patrick County Clerk of Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Morgan E. Boothe |
| Address | 101 W. Blue Ridge Street, Stuart, VA 24171 |
| Phone | (276) 694-7213 |
| Case Search | vacourts.gov |
Patrick County Court Records Portal
The Virginia Judiciary Case Information system provides free online access to Patrick County Circuit Court and General District Court case filings, docket entries, and case status information.
Use the state courts portal to search Patrick County criminal and civil cases by name or case number and find current case status and hearing information at no cost.
Online Resources for Patrick 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. This covers all Virginia counties and cities.
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. Results include photos, current addresses, and conviction details.
Virginia FOIA and Background Check Laws
Virginia FOIA at Title 2.2, Chapter 37 governs public records access in Patrick County. Five-day response required. 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
Patrick County is in the Blue Ridge foothills of Southside Virginia near the North Carolina border.