Charles City County

Charles City County, Virginia, is a historic rural county located in the Tidewater region along the James River, approximately 25 miles southeast of Richmond. Established in 1634, it is one of the original eight shires of colonial Virginia, making it one of the oldest counties in the United States. Charles City County seat is Charles City, though the government operates from a central complex at 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City County, VA 23030. Charles City County includes approximately 204 square miles and has a population of around 6,686 residents according to recent census estimates. Charles City County is renowned for its preserved colonial plantations along the scenic James River, including Berkeley Plantation (birthplace of President William Henry Harrison), Shirley Plantation (Virginia's oldest family-owned business dating to 1638), and Westover Plantation. Charles City County's economy has historically been agricultural, with significant timber, corn, and soybean production. Charles City County Recorder functions are handled by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the Courthouse Road address. The Commissioner of the Revenue office manages property assessments, while the County Treasurer handles tax collections. Charles City County maintains its rural character while being within commuting distance of the Richmond metropolitan area, offering residents a blend of historical significance and natural beauty along the James River corridor.

Charles City County Virginia Circuit Court is located at 10145 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030. It is a trial court of general jurisdiction with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. The court also has jurisdiction over juvenile and domestic relations matters. The court is presided over by a Circuit Court Judge.

Charles City County Virginia Circuit Court is located in Charles City, VA. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil cases such as divorce, child custody, and small claims. The court also has jurisdiction over probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written VFOIA request to the Sheriff's Office, though certain investigative records may be exempt.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though Charles City County does not currently maintain an online inmate search portal.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Virginia allows arrested individuals to secure temporary release while awaiting trial, with details available through Charles City County's legal system.

• For lower-level cases, Charles City County falls under Charles City County of the General District Court, which handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
• Citizens can search court cases through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System at eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, though some sensitive cases may be restricted.
• The Circuit Court Clerk's Office charges statutory fees for certified copies ($2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page).
• Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Citizens can request certified copies of deeds and land documents from the Clerk's Office for statutory fees: $2.00 for the certificate plus $0.50 per page.
• Charles City County maintains a GIS mapping system that provides parcel maps, zoning information, and aerial photography, accessible through Charles City County website or Planning Department.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates cost the same: $12.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies.
• Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• The marriage license fee is currently $30.00.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for state-issued certificates, with additional service fees.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This free online search provides information on registered corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and trade names registered at the state level.