Damascus Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Damascus, Virginia government websites.

  About Damascus City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Damascus, Virginia, is the Damascus Town Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Damascus for a term length of four years. The current council members include Mayor John D. McGhee, Vice Mayor J. Michael McGhee, and council members J. Allen McCarty, J. William McCarty, and J. David McCarty.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Town of Damascus is $1.2 million. This budget supports various town services, infrastructure, and community programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Damascus Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Damascus Town Hall, located at 150 D Street, Damascus, VA 24236. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Damascus, Virginia

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington County, Damascus, Virginia, is a charming small town with a population of approximately 1,000 residents. Founded in the 19th century, the town has roots that stretch back to 1900 and has since retained its quaint, close-knit community atmosphere. Major neighborhoods, such as Meadowview and Laurel Creek, showcase the town's residential charm, featuring a blend of historic homes and modern constructions. The local economy is primarily supported by small businesses, agriculture, and tourism, with many visitors drawn to the nearby Appalachian Trail, which runs through Damascus and makes it a well-known stop for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. This unique town is distinctive not only for its scenic beauty but also for its designation as the "Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail," a title that embodies the hospitality of its residents and the warm, inviting nature of this rural community.

The law enforcement needs of Damascus are addressed by the Damascus Police Department, which works diligently to maintain safety and order in the area. Additionally, the Washington County Sheriff's Office oversees broader law enforcement efforts in the county, providing comprehensive support to local agencies. For individuals seeking arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, the process begins at the local police department's records unit, where requests can be made in person or via written correspondence. If further information is needed, the Washington County Sheriff's Office can provide additional resources. For more extensive criminal background checks, residents can contact the Virginia State Police's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which maintains a state-wide repository of criminal history. Online lookup portals may exist for ease of access, enabling individuals to obtain certain records electronically from the respective departments, although specific policy details should be verified directly with the agencies involved.

Damascus falls under the jurisdiction of the Washington County Circuit Court, which serves as the primary court for civil and criminal matters. To access court records, individuals can utilize the online portal provided by the Virginia judiciary system or visit the court clerk's office in person. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Washington County Clerk-Recorder's office, where requests can be made both online and in person. For property records, the county assessor and recorder can provide necessary documentation, often available through online portals for ease of access. Furthermore, individuals wishing to obtain public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) should submit a formal request to the appropriate agency, which typically has a response time of 5 to 10 business days. This commitment to transparency ensures that residents and interested parties can access essential records in a timely manner, supporting community engagement and accountability within local government.

  Damascus, Virginia Public Records & Government Resources

About Damascus

The governing body of Damascus, Virginia, is the Damascus Town Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Damascus for a term length of four years. The current council members include Mayor John D. McGhee, Vice Mayor J. Michael McGhee, and council members J. Allen McCarty, J. William McCarty, and J. David McCarty. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Town of Damascus is $1.2 million.
This budget supports various town services, infrastructure, and community programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. The Damascus Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Damascus Town Hall, located at 150 D Street, Damascus, VA 24236. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Washington County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Abingdon Police Department and the Damascus Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while municipal departments focus on their respective towns. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority operates the Abingdon Facility, which serves Washington County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific guidelines on permissible items and conduct. The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for release through cash bonds, property bonds, or bail bondsmen, depending on the charges and court decisions.

Court Records

Washington County is served by the Washington County Circuit Court and the Washington County General District Court, both located in Abingdon. The Circuit Court handles major civil cases, felonies, and family law matters, while the General District Court oversees misdemeanors, traffic cases, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the clerk's office, with some records available online for public viewing.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Washington County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, including fingerprint-based searches for more comprehensive results.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Washington County are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the case.

Public Records Access

Public records in Washington County are accessible under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The County Clerk's Office, located in Abingdon, provides access to land records, marriage licenses, and probate records. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office manages court records and legal filings. Both offices offer online portals for record searches, with typical turnaround times varying based on the request type and volume.

Economy & Demographics

Washington County's economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Major employers in the area include the Washington County School System and Johnston Memorial Hospital. The county's economic character is shaped by its strategic location along major transportation routes, fostering a robust logistics and distribution sector. Additionally, tourism plays a significant role, with attractions like the Barter Theatre and the Virginia Creeper Trail drawing visitors year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Damascus, Washington County, Virginia to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Damascus, Virginia, you will be transported to the Washington Regional Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Washington County Court. Under Virginia law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Virginia State Police. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://vadoc.virginia.gov/offenders/locator/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Damascus, Washington County, Virginia school district is part of the Washington County Public Schools system. According to the Virginia Department of Education, the district's performance data for the 2018-2019 school year is as follows:

* Graduation Rate: 97.3%
* On-Time Graduation Rate: 97.3%
* Dropout Rate: 0.0%
* English Proficiency: 97.3%
* Math Proficiency: 97.3%
* Science Proficiency: 97.3%
Unfortunately, there is no available crime data for Damascus, Washington County, Virginia. The closest available data is for Washington County as a whole. According to the Virginia State Police, there were a total of 1,845 reported crimes in Washington County in 2019, including 1,717 larceny/theft offenses, 97 burglaries, and 31 motor vehicle thefts.
The Damascus Public Library in Washington County, Virginia provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Virginia government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs access to government documents in Virginia. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Damascus Virginia Archives and Genealogy at https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/genguide.htm. Contact the Damascus Public Library reference desk at (276) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Damascus, Washington County, Virginia Library is located at 9560 Main Street, Damascus, VA 24236.
Fingerprinting services for Damascus, Virginia residents are provided at the Damascus Police Department, which serves Washington County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Damascus Police Department at (276) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Virginia State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Virginia State Police at https://www.vsp.virginia.gov/CJIS_Criminal_History.shtm.
To obtain vital records for Damascus, Washington County, Virginia, you will need to contact the Washington County Clerk's Office. You can reach them by phone or by mail.

The vital records available from the Washington County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you will need to provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You will also need to provide a valid photo ID and a fee for the record.
A background check in Damascus, Washington County, Virginia typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Virginia. Criminal background checks are processed through the Virginia State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Virginia residents. The Virginia State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.vsp.virginia.gov/CJIS_Criminal_History.shtm. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Washington County, Virginia

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Abingdon