Court records in Botetourt County, Virginia can be searched through several channels. BotetourtCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the Virginia Court System's online case information tools, by visiting the clerk's offices in person, or by using public terminals at the courthouse. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to look up hearings, and how to request copies of court documents.
Botetourt Court System & Jurisdictions
Botetourt County is served by two trial-level courts, each handling distinct case types. Understanding which court holds the records you need is the first step in any search.
Botetourt County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $4,500
- Divorce, annulment, and equitable distribution matters
- Adoption and name-change petitions
- Probate of wills, estate administration, and fiduciary matters
- Land records, including deed recordation and lien filings
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all case files, land records, marriage licenses, and probate records. Botetourt County is currently replacing the 1975 circuit courthouse in Fincastle with a modern facility. During construction, the Clerk of Court offices are located in the ODC Building at 5 West Main Street in Fincastle, and court sessions are held at the Public Safety Building.
Botetourt County General District Court
The General District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $5,000, filed without an attorney)
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) actions
Standard court forms for civil matters are available from the Virginia Judicial System's General District Court civil forms page.
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
This court covers cases involving:
- Juvenile delinquency and status offenses
- Child custody, visitation, and support
- Protective orders and family abuse matters
- Offenses against juveniles
Most juvenile case records are confidential under Virginia law and are not available through public online searches.
Botetourt Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Botetourt County, use the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (OCIS). OCIS allows statewide searches of case information across circuit courts, general district courts, and juvenile & domestic relations district courts.
Steps to look up a court calendar or hearing date:
- Go to the OCIS portal and accept the terms of use.
- Select the court type (Circuit, General District, or J&DR District).
- Choose Botetourt County from the locality list.
- Search by party name or case number to view hearing dates and case status.
You can also contact the clerk's office directly to confirm a specific hearing date or to ask whether a case is on the docket for a particular day. For Circuit Court scheduling questions, call the Clerk of Court offices at the temporary Fincastle location. For General District Court or J&DR matters, contact the respective clerk's office.
The Virginia Court System's case status page provides additional search options, including Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case lookups.
How to Get a Copy of a Botetourt Court Document
The Botetourt County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the custodian of circuit court case files, land records, wills, and marriage records. District court records are maintained by the clerks of the respective district courts.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and government filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions. They are useful for personal reference but are generally not accepted for official purposes.
How to Request Copies
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Court offices. During the courthouse replacement project, the offices are located at:Botetourt County Clerk of Circuit Court
- By mail: Send a written request to the address above. Include the full case name or number, the specific document needed, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: Some circuit court records — particularly land records — may be searchable through Virginia's secure remote access system. Contact the clerk's office to confirm availability and access procedures.
For historical Botetourt County records, the Library of Virginia maintains microfilm collections that include court records, land records, marriage records, and fiduciary records dating back to the county's founding.
Requests for public records from Botetourt County government offices may also be submitted under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Botetourt Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Virginia are set by statute (Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and related sections). The following table lists common fee amounts. Confirm current fees with the clerk's office before submitting payment, as fees may be updated by the General Assembly.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document (first page) | $2.00 |
| Each additional page of a certified copy | $0.50 |
| Uncertified photocopy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certificate and seal (certification only) | $2.00 |
| Search of court records (per name/per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Recording a deed or other land record (first page) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Marriage license | Contact clerk for current fee |
| Exemplification of a record | $5.00 |
Accepted payment methods: Check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court for mail requests. In-person payments may also be accepted by cash or credit card — confirm with the clerk's office. Some Virginia courts charge a convenience fee for card payments.
Important notes:
- Fees listed above reflect standard statutory amounts under Virginia Code. Actual charges may include additional court costs or technology fees.
- District court copy fees follow the same statutory schedule.
- There is no charge to view most public case information through the OCIS online portal, but downloading or printing documents from remote access systems may involve separate fees.