About Giles County
Giles County, Virginia is located in the southwestern portion of the Commonwealth, bordering West Virginia to the north and west. Established in 1806 from portions of Montgomery, Monroe (now in West Virginia), Tazewell, and Wythe counties, Giles County was named after William Branch Giles, a Virginia congressman and governor. Giles County seat is Pearisburg, a town of approximately 17,000 residents situated along the New River. Giles County includes approximately 360 square miles of mountainous Appalachian terrain and has a total population of roughly 16,610 residents according to recent census estimates. Giles County is distinguished by its dramatic natural features, including Mountain Lake, one of only two natural freshwater lakes in Virginia, which gained fame as a filming location for the movie Dirty Dancing. The New River, despite its name one of the oldest rivers in the world, flows through Giles County and provides exceptional recreational opportunities. The Appalachian Trail traverses Giles County for approximately 26 miles, passing through the rugged Peters Mountain and other scenic highlands. Giles County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, timber, and mining. Giles County Courthouse, located at 120 North Main Street in Pearisburg, houses the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which is the primary repository for land records, court documents, and vital records. The Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 315 North Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134, handles property assessments and business licensing. Giles County Treasurer's office manages tax collections and is also located in Pearisburg. Giles County's rural character, combined with its proximity to Virginia Tech in neighboring Montgomery County, creates a unique blend of agricultural heritage and educational influence.
- The New River, despite its name one of the oldest rivers in the world, flows through Giles County and provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, though certain information may be withheld if it would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or compromise public safety.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through public records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though processing times and potential fees may apply.
- For historical arrest records or case dispositions, requesters may need to contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- Virginia State Police also patrol state highways within Giles County and maintain records of arrests made by state troopers, which can be requested through VSP headquarters.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Giles County, VA are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Criminal Records Search - Giles County, VA (Arrests, Jails & Most Wanted Records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Giles County, VA are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Giles County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Jail Records Search - Giles County, VA (Jail Rosters & Records).
- Sheriff's Office: Giles County: W. Morgan Millirons - Virginia Sheriffs’ Association.
- The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
- Giles County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases involving $4,500 or less.
- The Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Research services may incur additional fees at $5.00 per hour when clerk staff must conduct extensive searches.
Property & Public Records
Property records for Giles County, Virginia are maintained by the Giles County Clerk of the Circuit Court. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Giles County.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $12.00 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 5-10 business days when requested in person or by mail.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk in Pearisburg, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and payment of the $30.00 license fee.
- Requesters seeking certified vital records must provide valid photo identification and complete an application specifying their relationship to the registrant and the intended use of the certificate.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The fictitious name filing fee is typically $10.00 and must be filed in Giles County where the business operates.
- This database includes active and inactive businesses, corporate officers, registered agents, and filing history.