Wise County Court Records

Wise County court records are official documents maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and other court clerks, reflecting the progression and outcomes of civil, traffic, and criminal proceedings within the county (Va. Code § 17.1-292). These records may encompass a variety of materials, including written pleadings and motions, transcripts, exhibits, orders, judgments, multimedia files, and electronic data generated during legal actions.

Information found in Wise County court records often includes docket entries, sworn affidavits, trial exhibits, witness lists, settlement agreements, and final judgments. Together, these documents form part of the broader Virginia judiciary records, illustrating the comprehensive tapestry of legal proceedings across the Commonwealth.

Are Court Records Public in Wise County?

Generally, Wise County court records are accessible to the public as provided under Virginia law. Pursuant to Va. Code § 17.1-208, nonconfidential court records maintained by the Clerk's office are open for inspection and copying. Certain documents, by law or court order, are confidential and may be sealed from public access (Va. Code § 17.1-292). Examples include records involving juveniles, sensitive family matters (such as adoption), mental health proceedings, and other cases where privacy interests or statutory restrictions apply. Additionally, personal identifying information—such as Social Security numbers, financial details, and health records—may be redacted to safeguard individual privacy.

Wise County Court Records Search

Members of the public interested in reviewing Wise County court records have several options:

• Circuit Court Clerk's Office: Individuals can visit in person or submit written requests to the Clerk's Office of the Wise County Circuit Court to view or obtain copies of records.
• Originating Courthouse: Records may be requested directly from the respective court's Clerk for cases initiated in the General District or Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts.
• Electronic Portals: While Wise County does not currently offer a county-specific online court records portal, some case information may be available through the Virginia Judicial System's online case information system.
• Third-Party Websites: Independent websites may provide access to some court records, though their completeness and accuracy may vary.

Wise County Courts

The addresses and contact information of the courthouses in Wise County are as follows:

Wise/Norton Circuit Court - 30th Judicial Circuit
Wise County Courthouse
206 E Main St,
P.O. Box 1248,
Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-6111

Wise/Norton General District Court - 30th Judicial District
Wise County Courthouse
206 E Main St,
P.O. Box 829,
Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-3426
Fax: (276) 328-4576

Wise/Norton Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Wise County Courthouse
206 E Main St,
P.O. Box 829,
Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-3426
Fax: (276) 328-4576

Wise County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records in Wise County are consolidated at the state level by the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), a division of the Virginia Department of State Police. Under Va. Code § 19.2-389, the public can obtain certain criminal history records through either a name- or fingerprint-based check.

Name-Based Checks: Individuals, private entities, and non-Virginia agencies may request a name-based criminal record search by completing Form SP-167 and having it notarized. Each request must be mailed with the appropriate fee to:

Virginia State Police
Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE)
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235

Fingerprint-Based Checks: Employers or entities requiring more reliable identification or holding specific statutory authority often utilize fingerprint-based checks. These may be initiated by submitting the appropriate forms (e.g., SP-230 for non-criminal justice entities) to the State Police.

The fee is typically $13.75 for name-based checks, while FBI record checks cost $13.25. The Virginia State Police website has all current fees, forms, and instructions.

If an individual discovers inaccuracies within their criminal records, they may challenge the information by contacting the Wise County Sheriff's Office or local police for fingerprinting and identity confirmation. The corrected information should then be sent to:

Manager, Central Criminal Records Exchange
Virginia State Police
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261-7472

Civil court records document disputes and legal actions that do not involve criminal charges. These may include contract disputes, real estate matters, personal injury claims, small claims, family law issues, and probate cases. Generally:

• The Circuit Court manages higher-value civil cases (over $25,000) and significant equity matters.
• The General District Court handles lower-value claims ($25,000 or less).

Under Title 17.1 of the Virginia Code, nonconfidential civil records are accessible through the Clerk's offices. Copies are typically $0.50 per page, and a deposit may be required if the estimated cost exceeds $200. Mail requests for Circuit Court records to:

Clerk of the Wise County Circuit Court
206 East Main Street, Room 240
Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-6111

Wise County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Wise County are maintained at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, where the marriage license was issued. Under Va. Code § 32.1-271, marriage records remain restricted for 25 years. Only spouses, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives may obtain certified copies during this restricted period.

After 25 years, these marriage records become public. To request copies, provide proper identification and the applicable fees (usually $0.50 per page) to:

Clerk of the Wise County Circuit Court
206 East Main Street, Room 240
Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-6111

If a request for a restricted record is denied, individuals may petition the court for review. Post-25-year records are generally available to anyone unless otherwise sealed by statute or court order.

Wise County Divorce Records

Similar to marriage records, divorce records are not public for 25 years (Va. Code § 32.1-271). Only the divorced parties, their immediate family, or authorized representatives may access these documents during this restricted timeframe.

To obtain a certified divorce decree, submit a request with proper identification and pay the required fee ($0.50 per page) to the same address as above for the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Once 25 years have elapsed, divorce records become public documents unless restricted by law or court order.

Wise County Birth and Death Records

All vital records are subject to confidentiality periods established by Va. Code § 32.1-271. Birth records remain confidential for 100 years, while death records are restricted for 25 years. Once these periods expire, records become public.

Until then, only qualified individuals—such as immediate family members, the record holder (for birth records), or legal representatives—can obtain certified copies. Applications for these vital records should be submitted to:

Virginia Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
Former Stratford University Building
836-A J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA

Requesters may need a government-issued photo ID and a valid reason for requesting the record (e.g., establishing identity, settling an estate, applying for benefits, or genealogical research).

Wise County Probate Court Records

Probate court records document the legal proceedings following an individual's death, including the administration of wills, distribution of estates, appointment of executors, and management of guardianships or conservatorships.

Nonconfidential probate records are accessible at the Wise County Circuit Court. Costs are typically $0.50 per page or scan, and a deposit may be requested if fees exceed $200. For assistance:

Clerk of the Wise County Circuit Court
206 East Main Street, Room 240
Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-6111

Wise County Property Records

Wise County property records are publicly accessible and provide information on real estate transactions, property assessments, land use classifications, and tax values. To search property records:

• Visit the official Wise County website
• Navigate to the "Government" or "Departments" section and find the Real Estate Assessor's Office page.
• Locate the property search tool.
• Enter the parcel ID, owner's name, or property address.
• Review the search results for assessed values, ownership history, lot size, and other pertinent information.

These records are essential for real estate transactions, property tax assessments, and legal research, ensuring property interests are properly documented.

Wise County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Virginiacourtrecords.us provide statewide case information and can simplify the process of reviewing Wise County court records. While these platforms often provide user-friendly search features and remote access, users should be aware of possible limitations, including fees, outdated data, or incomplete records.