Franklin County Criminal Records

Franklin County criminal history records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk and the Sheriff's Office in Rocky Mount, Virginia. You can search criminal case records online for free through Virginia's court systems, or contact the courthouse to request copies in person or by mail. Franklin County is part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit and is located in southwest Virginia near Roanoke and Martinsville. This page covers the courts, the sheriff, online search tools, state police record checks, and public access to criminal records in Franklin County.

Franklin County Circuit Court

The Franklin County Circuit Court is part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. The Clerk of Court is Hon. Teresa J. Brown, reachable at tjbrown@vacourts.gov. The office is at 275 South Main Street, Suite 212, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 (mailing: P.O. Box 567, Rocky Mount, VA 24151). Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Judges' mail goes to P.O. Box 601, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. The Circuit Court maintains all felony criminal case records, civil case files, land records, and probate documents for Franklin County.

The Clerk's Office at franklincountyva.gov/507/Clerk-of-the-Circuit-Court handles case filings, land recording, marriage licenses, probate matters, and requests for certified copies of court records. Staff can search by name or case number. For large research projects, contact the Clerk's Office in advance to discuss procedures and fees.

The Franklin Circuit Court page on the Virginia Judiciary website lists clerk contact information, court hours, and procedures for accessing criminal case records in the county.

Franklin County General District Court

The Franklin County General District Court is part of the 22nd Judicial District. The Clerk of Court is Jacqueline Preston Brubaker, reachable at (540) 483-3060, fax (540) 483-3036. The court is at 275 South Main Street, Suite 111, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 (mailing: P.O. Box 569). Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000. Preliminary hearings for felony cases also take place here before transfer to Circuit Court. The General District Court is often where criminal proceedings in Franklin County begin.

The Franklin County General District Court page on the Virginia Judiciary website lists the clerk, contact details, and court hours for misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic violations in the county.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. Sheriff W. Q. "Bill" Overton Jr. has served since January 1, 2012. The office is at 70 East Court Street, Suite 101, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, and can be reached at (540) 483-3000. The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement, operates the county jail, provides court security, and handles civil process service throughout Franklin County. For arrest records and incident reports, contact the Sheriff's Office or submit a FOIA request.

Search Criminal History in Franklin County

The Virginia OCIS system is the main online tool for searching Franklin County Circuit Court criminal records. You can search by name or case number to find felony cases, case status, hearing dates, charges, and dispositions. The system is free and available around the clock. Juvenile records, adoptions, and sealed cases are not available through the public search.

For misdemeanor cases and traffic violations from Franklin County, use the General District Court online case information system. The Virginia Courts case information portal is another resource for tracking court dates and case activity across all Virginia courts. Both tools are free and maintained by the Virginia Judiciary.

If you need paper copies or certified records, contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (540) 483-3065 or by email at tjbrown@vacourts.gov. The Franklin County Clerk of Circuit Court website at franklincountyva.gov has additional information about record requests and court services. For FOIA requests to county agencies, Franklin County's FOIA page explains the process and your rights under Virginia law.

The Franklin County Clerk of Circuit Court page provides information on court services, record requests, and how to access case records through the county's local website.

Virginia State Police Criminal Record Checks

The Virginia State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository. For a formal record check, visit vsp.virginia.gov/criminal-record-check/ and use Form SP-167 to request your own record. Submit the form with identifying information and the required fee. The result covers all Virginia criminal history on file, not just Franklin County. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, criminal history information is restricted to authorized purposes and parties. The State Police also runs the CARE system for authorized agencies requiring direct database access to criminal history records.

VADOC Inmate Locator

The VADOC inmate locator lets you find individuals serving sentences in Virginia state prisons. Search by name or inmate ID number to get facility location, sentence details, and projected release date. This covers state correctional facilities only. For individuals held at the Franklin County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office at (540) 483-3000.

Public Criminal Records Access in Franklin County

Criminal court records in Franklin County are public under Virginia law. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 275 South Main Street in Rocky Mount is the custodian of all felony criminal case files. You can visit in person or send a written request to P.O. Box 567, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Staff can locate records by name or case number. Copy fees apply under state law, with certified copies costing more than plain copies. For large requests, contact the office ahead of time.

Franklin County's FOIA process governs access to records held by county agencies outside of the courts. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, public records are presumed open unless a specific exemption applies. You can ask to inspect records or get copies. You can also request a cost estimate before copies are produced. If FOIA rights are violated, you may file a petition in court. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, criminal history record information has specific access restrictions and is not broadly available through FOIA to the general public.

Franklin County's FOIA page explains the Virginia Freedom of Information Act process, your rights as a requester, how to submit a records request, and what types of records may be withheld.

Cities Near Franklin County

Franklin County is in southwest Virginia near several independent cities. The nearest qualifying cities with their own pages are listed below.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Franklin County. Each has its own court system and public records process for criminal case searches.