About Roanoke County
Roanoke County is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of southwestern Virginia, forming part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. Roanoke County seat is Salem, an independent city that is geographically surrounded by Roanoke County but operates as a separate jurisdiction. Roanoke County has an estimated population of approximately 94,000 residents across 251 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from mountain ridges to fertile valleys. Established in 1838 from parts of Botetourt County, Roanoke County takes its name from Roanoke County River, which derives from the Algonquian word 'rawrenock' meaning shell money. Major landmarks include Mill Mountain, Explore Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor, and Cave Spring. Roanoke County government operates from administrative offices at 5204 Bernard Drive in Roanoke. Roanoke County Commissioner of the Revenue handles property assessments and can be reached at the government center. The Circuit Court Clerk, located at 305 East Main Street in Salem, maintains land records, marriage licenses, and court documents. Roanoke County Treasurer's office at 5204 Bernard Drive manages property tax collection and related financial records. Roanoke County is known for its strong school system, proximity to outdoor recreation along the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, and growing technology sector. Roanoke County maintains a blend of suburban communities near the City of Roanoke and rural areas featuring agriculture and mountain tourism.
Court Records & Case Information
The Roanoke County Circuit Court serves Roanoke County and is located at 305 East Main Street in Salem. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Virginia online court portal.
The Roanoke County Circuit Court, located at 305 East Main Street in Salem, adjudicates a range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Inmates can be located through the Western Virginia Regional Jail website at www.wvrja.com, which provides a searchable inmate locator with booking information, charges, and bond status.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to Roanoke County Police Department's Records Division.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically included in arrest records and available through the jail's online booking system or by direct request.
- Processing times for records requests vary but must be responded to within five working days per Virginia statute.
- Fees for copying and processing records apply according to Roanoke County's published fee schedule.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond process follows Virginia state guidelines, allowing for cash or surety bonds to secure release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for certified copies of documents: $2 for the first two pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2 certification fee.
- Land records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk are also searchable online through a separate land records portal.
- In-person record requests can be made during business hours at the Clerk's office in Salem.
Property & Public Records
- The recording fee schedule includes $17 for the first page of most documents and $3 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of land records can be requested in person or by mail from the Circuit Court Clerk with proper identification and payment of fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time is typically 7-10 business days for in-person requests and 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital records with additional processing fees.
- The marriage license fee is $30, and there is no waiting period in Virginia.
- Certified copies of marriage records cost $2 for the first two pages plus $0.50 for each additional page.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The database is free and provides information on entity status, registered agent, principal office address, and filing history.