What are Amherst County Public Records?
Amherst County public records are documents created by public agencies or employees of these agencies and made public under the FOIA. These documents may contain information on the agency's activities, or describe a resident's activities or interactions with government agencies in the county. All records considered public are open to interested persons who submit official requests.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Amherst County Crime Statistics
Analysis of crime reports compiled by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program shows that crime in Amherst County increased by nearly 28% between 2015 and 2019. Law enforcement reported 336 index crimes in the 2015 crime report, including 25 violent crimes and 311 property crimes. In contrast, the latest 2019 crime report from the UCR shows 430 index crimes, including 74 violent crimes and 356 property crimes.
A close look at the five-year data reveals violent crime has increased by nearly 300%, while property crime has only increased by 14%. Aggravated assault accounts for the significant jump in violent crime. On the other hand, larceny and motor vehicle theft contributed to the increase in property crime.
Are Amherst County Criminal Records Public?
The Virginia Code of Central Criminal Records Exchange outlines specific conditions where requestors can obtain Amherst County criminal records. However, the level of information accessible depends on the requestor's status. The general public may obtain copies of Amherst County criminal records from the Virginia State Police (VSP) by completing the SP-167 request form.
Interested requestors must follow specific instructions outlined by the VSP to request Amherst criminal records. Generally, a request involves completing the form, notarizing it, and attaching a check or money order for the $15.00 service fee. The requestor should then enclose the application packet in a manilla envelope and mail it to the VSP. Interested persons should direct requests and additional inquiries to:
Virginia State Police
Civil & Applicants Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
Phone: (804) 674-2131
Email: Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov
How to Obtain Amherst County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Amherst County Sheriff's Office is the designated record custodian for police reports and arrest records. Persons looking to obtain copies of these records must have enough details to assist the administrative staff in finding the record.
The most important details are the arrestees' names and the incident or arrest date. Providing additional details like the incident location and the names of the officers at the scene can expedite the search.
Interested persons who have these details may visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours to request copies of police reports or arrest records. The Office advises requestors to call for a cost estimate before visiting. Record seekers should submit requests for Amherst County arrest records and police reports to:
Amherst County Sheriff's Office
115 Taylor Street
P.O. Box 410
Amherst, VA 24521
Phone: (434) 946-9381
Fax: (434) 946-9380
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Amherst County
Amherst County sex offender information is available on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Parties may find sex offender information by searching the registry with the offender's name, address, or school.
Generally, a search on this registry will provide the offender's personal information, offense description, recent mugshot, and known addresses (home, work, or school). Furthermore, a complete description of the offender's physical appearance is also available to the public.
How to Find Amherst County Inmate Records
Persons who wish to obtain Amherst County inmate records may contact the Sheriff's Office directly or search the online inmate database maintained by the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.
Either way, a requestor must know the inmate's name or identification number to obtain public inmate records. These records typically contain the individual's full name, mugshot, and physical description. Furthermore, the document will include a summary of charges, booking date, bond details, and release date.
Amherst County Court Records
The Amherst County Circuit Court handles the adjudication of criminal and civil cases filed in the county. The Clerk of Court is responsible for maintaining court records created and maintained throughout the history of a case.
Amherst County Circuit Court Building
113 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
Phone: (434) 946-9321
Fax: (434) 946-9323
Are Amherst County Court Records Public?
Yes. Amherst County court records are presumed open to the public unless sealed by court order or otherwise exempted by statute. Generally, court records are sealed when the need for confidentiality outweighs the public's right to access the documents. In most cases, these confidential Amherst court records contain information about minors, or details that would compromise the physical or financial safety of the persons named on the record if disclosed.
How to Obtain Amherst County Civil Court Case Records
To obtain Amherst County civil court records, requestors should visit the Clerk's Office in person during business hours or submit written FOIA request letters describing the court records sought. Record seekers must provide the Clerk’s Office with the litigants' names, case numbers, or filing dates before the administrative staff will process the request. A requestor must also cover the cost of finding and making copies of the desired civil court records sought. Record seekers should consider calling the Clerk's Office in advance to receive a cost estimate.
Clerk of Circuit Court
Circuit Court Building
113 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
P.O. Box 462
Phone: (434) 946-9321
Fax: (434) 946-9323
How to Obtain Amherst County Criminal Court Records
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office entertains requests for copies of case files created or submitted in a criminal case. Interested parties may visit the Office in person during business hours or mail written FOIA request letters describing the desired criminal court record.
The requestor must provide the litigants' names, case numbers, or filing dates. Additional details like the adjudication date (for closed cases) and attorneys' names also help expedite the search. The Clerk’s Office may also charge copy fees depending on record volume. Record seekers should submit requests for Amherst County criminal court records to:
Clerk of Circuit Court
Circuit Court Building
113 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
P.O. Box 462
Phone: (434) 946-9321
Fax: (434) 946-9323
What are Amherst County Vital Records?
Amherst County vital records are official documents containing information about life events, such as births, marriages, divorces, and deaths. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Office of Vital Records (OVR) are the designated custodians for various vital records concerning Amherst County residents.
Only eligible individuals may obtain certified copies of the aforementioned vital records. These include the individuals named on the document, their immediate family members, and authorized representatives. Eligible requestors must also submit valid identification such as a passport or driver’s license.
Divorce Records
Amherst County divorce records are documents created following the legal dissolution of marriage in court. Eligible requestors should complete the marriage/divorce record request form and submit it to the OVR. Each request requires a valid ID as described on the form, and a $12.00 check or money order made out to the State Health Department. Requestors should submit applications to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Marriage Records
Amherst County marriage records are official documents confirming that two people got married in the county. Marriage records in Amherst County are confidential for 25 years and only available to eligible requestors, including the parties named on the records, immediate family members, and people with demonstrable interests in the record. Interested persons should submit requests for Amherst County marriage certificates to:
Clerk of Circuit Court
Circuit Court Building
113 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
P.O. Box 462
Phone: (434) 946-9321
Fax: (434) 946-9323
Birth Records
Birth records contain information like a child's name, birth parents, and birthplace. Amherst County birth records are confidential and only accessible to certain authorized requestors. Eligible parties include the person named on the record, their parent, adult child, current spouse, grandparent, adult sibling, and legal guardian. Requestors should complete the birth record application form and submit it with a check or money order for $12.00, payable to the State Health Department. Parties should forward applications for Amherst County birth certificates to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Death Records
Amherst County death records are issued to confirm deaths in the county. These records include the decedent’s name, address, and the date and place of death. According to Virginia law, only parties related to the decedent can obtain Amherst County death records within 25 years of the death. Eligible requestors may obtain Amherst County death records by submitting completed copies of the death record request form with $12.00 money orders or checks, to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: (804) 662-6200
