Salem City Court Records

The Salem City court system produces documents and filings that make up Virginia court records. These records include case complaints, indictments, petitions, judgments, witness lists, case events, dates, and other materials and entries filed with and generated by clerks of the local circuit, general district, and juvenile and domestic relations courts.

Accessing these documents and record entries allow individuals to track court cases, run background checks, research legally contested public policies, understand common law, and prepare for other legal causes.

People searching Salem City court records can approach the office of the relevant clerk or use online databases.

Are Court Records Public in Salem City?

Yes, Salem court records are considered public under the provisions set forth in Titles 16.1 and 17.1 of the Code of Virginia. Specifically, Va. Code § 16.1-69.54:1 and Va. Code § 17.1-208 allow members of the public to request case records from offices of the circuit and district court clerks.

However, some court records are exempt from public disclosure. These exemptions cover records whose releases may constitute an invasion of privacy, endanger the safety of certain individuals, and undermine criminal justice processes, such as active investigations.

Salem City Court Records Search

Two offices primarily handle court records in the city:

• The Circuit Court Clerk: Handles and dispenses records generated in the Circuit Court. Individuals can visit the clerk or contact the office by phone or fax using the details on its website.

However, one can also use the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System to access case details online. The web application allows users to select Salem Circuit Court and search by name, case number, or hearing date.

• The District Court Clerk: Maintains and responds to requests for records that originate from the general district and juvenile and domestic relations combined courts. The office can be contacted in person, by telephone, or via fax.

There is also a dedicated online search portal for General District Courts. One can visit the website, select Salem General District Court, choose a case type, and search by name, case number, and hearing date.

Salem City Courts

The following are the addresses and contact details of Salem City courts:

General and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Combined Courts
2 East Calhoun Street
Salem, VA 24153
Phone: (540) 375-3044
Fax: (540) 375-4024

Circuit Court
2 East Calhoun Street
Salem, VA 24153
Phone: (540) 375-3067
Fax: (540) 375-4039

Salem City Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal and civil records are created during different legal processes in the city's court system. While the methods for searching these records are similar, it is important to understand where specific cases are heard.

Criminal records

Salem criminal records emanate from legal processes where people are accused and tried for allegedly breaking state law. The Circuit Court handles felonies, which are more serious crimes that carry punishments of at least one year in prison. The city's General District and Juvenile Combined Courts have jurisdiction over crimes lower than felonies, such as misdemeanors and traffic offenses. The juvenile division adjudicates criminal matters involving people younger than 18.

As mentioned earlier, individuals can approach the circuit or district clerk to view and obtain physical copies of case documents. The online search system for the district and circuit courts display criminal details such as:

• Case numbers
• Filed dates
• Commencement action
• Charge details (code violated, charge type, and charge degree)
• Offense and arrest dates
• Hearing details
• Disposition
• Sentence details (where applicable)

Moreover, Salem city arrest records, which are also part of criminal records, can be obtained by approaching law enforcement agencies. These agencies include the Sheriff's Office, local police department, and the Virginia State Police.

Civil records

Civil records are generated when plaintiffs file complaints against defendants to obtain financial damages or other remedies. Examples of these cases include personal injury, contract disagreements, landlord-tenant disputes, copyright infringement, false arrest, and family law cases (like divorce and child custody).

The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over most cases where the contested amount is above $25,000. It also oversees family law matters like divorce and presides over appeals from the district court.

However, the circuit and district courts share jurisdiction in personal injury and wrongful death matters worth up to $50,000. Both courts also handle matters valued above $4,500 and up to $25,000. At the same time, jurisdiction for cases worth up to $4,500 exclusively rests with the District Court.

The public can use the same methods explained earlier to access civil records through the circuit and district clerks.

Salem City Marriage Records

Certified copies of Salem City marriage records, such as marriage licenses, can be obtained from issuing authorities or the vital records division of the Virginia Department of Health. Couples can use these documents when filing joint tax returns, taking out mortgages, or purchasing certain insurance policies. One can also use a Salem City marriage certificate as proof of marriage for procedures like name changes and spousal benefits claims.

The Roanoke County circuit clerk issues marriage licenses for marriages that take place in Salem City. Thus, couples and other eligible parties can contact the office to obtain certified copies at $2.50 per copy.

On the other hand, individuals can go through the Office of Vital Records, as mentioned earlier and pay a fee of $12 per copy. The office provides mail-in, drop box, in person, and online options. Marriage records older than 25 years are available to every member of the public. However, others can only be requested by the people named on the record, their adult family members, and legal representatives. Mail-in and drop-box requesters must fill out the marriage certificate application form and send it to or drop it off at the indicated address.

Further, the Office of Vital Records provides an online database, accessible from its website where individuals can view publicly available marriage information from 1936.

Salem City Divorce Records

Divorce documents serve as legal proof that former couples are no longer married. These documents are produced in the local circuit court and can be obtained through the office of the Circuit Clerk.

Salem City Birth Records

Salem City birth records are paperwork that officially recognize people's births in the city. Individuals may need to obtain these documents for sports participation, school enrollment, and proof of citizenship. A person can obtain a certified copy of their Salem City birth certificate from the office of Vital records, just like a marriage certificate. However, the following should be noted:

• Only birth records issued 100 years ago or earlier are open to the public
• Any record issued within the past 99 years can be obtained by a registrant or the registrant's parents, grandparents, spouse, adult siblings, adult children, and legal representatives. Legal guardians with custody papers and other entities with court orders can also obtain Salem City birth records.
• Each certified copy costs $12
• Requesters looking to use the mail-in or drop-box option must fill out the Application for Certification of a Birth Record form.

Salem City Death Records

Like other Salem City vital records, death documents can be obtained from the department of health's vital records office. These documents are usually required for probate proceedings, insurance claims, and retirement benefits payouts to heirs and next of kin. However, law enforcement agencies may also look up death records during certain investigations.

Salem City Probate Court Records

Probate records originate from Circuit Court proceedings initiated to administer the estates of deceased persons. Cases that handle trusts, wills, and guardianships are also called probate proceedings. Individuals can use the Circuit Clerk's records request methods to view and order probate case filings and entries.

Salem City Property Court Records

A property record is created whenever people file property taxes, buy or sell real estate, transfer ownership, or buy mortgages. Members of the public can approach the circuit clerk's office for most real estate documents, including liens, deeds, and conveyances. Assessment information about properties in the City are created and disbursed by the Real Estate department, while tax records are kept and distributed by the City Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue.

Salem City Court Records Online

Some Salem City public records can be accessed through third-party platforms like Virginiacourtrecords.us. These platforms are created by private businesses to offer more convenient search methods for a fee. Individuals can run name searches for Salem arrest records, court entries, property information, and other publicly available information from one search field. This process removes the need to visit websites or locations of different public agencies to confirm who maintains a specific record.