MECKLENBURG COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Mecklenburg County Public Records?

As per the Virginia FOIA, Mecklenburg's County public records is any writing or recording owned, prepared, kept, filed, or in possession by a department, bureau, commission, authority, board, legislative body within the county. The records may be in the form of handwritten documents, printed or typewritten records, audio or video recordings, electronic files, photographs, magnetic impulse, mechanical recordings, or any other means of data compilation.

Although the FOIA promotes an informed citizenry through its public records, it also restricts access to some of its public records. For instance, the public cannot access the following records:

• Vendor proprietary information such as computer programs
• Records subject to attorney-client privileges
• Personnel records
• Documents relating to the negotiation and award of a contract
• Legal memoranda compiled solely for use in litigation
• Un-administered examination questions prepared by a public body
• A person's or public body's account number with a financial institution
• Confidential information such as a victim’s identity
• Information describing the functions, design, and operations of a manual or automated security system
• Records of an individual's mental health assessment
• Ongoing investigation records conducted by the Department of Health or any health regulatory board

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.

Mecklenburg County Crime Statistics

The FBI's National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) provides in-depth information on property and violent crime incidents in the United States, collating it from local law enforcement agencies. The NIBRS obtains Mecklenburg County's crime statistics from all law enforcement agencies within the county. In 2020, Mecklenburg county law enforcement reported 250 property crimes and 63 violent crimes from 168 larceny thefts, 58 burglaries, 49 aggravated assaults, 26 motor vehicle thefts, 5 rapes and robberies, 4 murders, and 3 arson. In 2019, the county recorded 275 property crimes from 171 larceny thefts, 72 burglaries, 27 motor vehicle thefts, and 5 arsons. It also had 50 violent crimes, including 36 aggravated assaults, 8 robberies, and 3 murders and rapes.

Violent crimes increased by 26%, while property crimes decreased by 9%. The overall crime rate for the county during the period dropped by 3.6%.

Are Mecklenburg County Criminal Records Public?

The Virginia State Police maintains the state repository of criminal records, and all parties seeking Mecklenburg County criminal records can access the records from this office. Requesters of criminal records can be the record holder or a third party. Individuals obtaining their criminal record can fill out the Virginia State Police Criminal History Record Name Search online form. The Virginia State Police charges $15 to receive the record and an additional $15 for online notarizing the web form. Individuals can make payments using a MasterCard or Visa, money order, or a business or certified check.

Parties obtaining the criminal records on behalf of the record holder can print and fill out the form SP-167. Before submitting the form, the record seeker should have the record holder notarize their signature and obtain a notarized signature from the agency or person named in the Mail Results section. Record seekers can send the completed, notarized form to:

Virginia State Police
Civil & Applicants Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285

Lastly, some approved non-criminal agencies in Virginia may obtain a Mecklenburg criminal record. Such agencies can fill out the form SP-230. The Virginia State Police does not require notarization of this form. For further clarification, agencies may send an email to ncjihelp@vsp.virginia.gov or send a written inquiry to:

Department of State Police
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Civil & Applicants Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285

How to Obtain Mecklenburg County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

All persons interested in accessing Mecklenburg County arrest records and police reports may contact the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office to obtain the document. Parties may send a request by email to administration@mcsova.us, visit the Sheriff's Office in person during its official hours or send a mail. Regardless of the submission method, record seekers should have relevant record details such as the record name, incident date, and arresting officer. All parties can visit or mail a request for Mecklenburg arrest records and police reports at:

Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
911 Madison Street
P.O. Box 390
Boydton, VA 23917

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Mecklenburg County

Residents of Mecklenburg County can obtain sex offenders information from the Virginia Sex Offenders Registry (SOR). The Sex offenders registry allows record seekers to locate offenders within a predetermined postal zip code, offenders enrolled at a tertiary institution, living in a precise location, county, or city. The researcher should have the address, zip code, first and last name, or the name of the institution of learning and restrict the search to the offender's current status to obtain a favorable search result. The Virginia SOR also carries a Supplementary Registry of registered sex offenders, including the first and last name, date of conviction, year of birth, jurisdiction, and offense committed by the offender. The Virginia State Police encourages record seekers to register for Community Notification to receive email notification of a new sex offender's registration or change in the status of a registered sex offender.

How to Find Mecklenburg County Inmate Records

The Meherrin River Regional Jail (MRRJ) serves as the detention facility for persons incarcerated in Mecklenburg County. Record seekers may obtain the Mecklenburg County inmate records from the detention center. The MRRJ has a current offenders list on its homepage to obtain records of inmates currently held in its facility.

Also, the detention center adheres to the Virginia FOIA, and parties seeking inmate records can visit the Regional Jail in person to request the record, send an email request at foia@mrrj.org, or mail a written request to the detention center. The physical and mailing address is:

Meherrin River Regional Jail
9000 Boydton Plank Road
P.O. Box 10
Boydton, VA 23821
Phone: (434) 949-6700 Ext 204

Mecklenburg County Court Records

Mecklenburg County trial court system consists of a Circuit Court, General Court, and a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

The Mecklenburg County Circuit Court presides over all civil and criminal cases beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. Cases typically handled by the court include felonies, civil claims above $25,000, divorce, wills and estates, and trusts. The General District Court handles most traffic violation cases and has jurisdiction over minor criminal cases, typically misdemeanors, and conducts preliminary hearings for felonies. The court also presides over civil cases with claims below $4,500, landlord/tenant disputes, and personal injury actions. Lastly, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handle all juvenile matters ranging from juvenile delinquency to child abuse and neglect. Domestic cases heard in this court include paternity, child support, and domestic violence protective order.

All persons seeking Mecklenburg Court records can access the case file at the courthouse where the judge presided over the case. The address of the various courthouses in Mecklenburg County includes:

Mecklenburg County Circuit Court - 10th Judicial Circuit
393 Washington Street
P.O. Box 530
Boydton, VA 23917
Phone: (434) 738-6191
Fax: (434) 738-6861

Mecklenburg County General District Court
911 Madison Street
P.O. Box 306
Boydton, VA 23917-0306
Phone: (434) 738-6260
Fax: (434) 738-0761

Mecklenburg County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
911 Madison Street
P.O. Box 340
Boydton, VA 23917
Phone: (434) 738-6191
(434) 738-4325
Fax: (434) 738-0311

Are Mecklenburg County Court Records Public?

Most Mecklenburg County court records are public records, according to the Virginia FOIA. All persons seeking court records can make a written request either in person or by mail to the record custodian providing all essential details to facilitate a search for the record. Although the Act grants the public access to court records, some are not available to the public. Examples include:

• Sealed and confidential court records
• Mental health records
• Hospital records
• Adoption records
• Foster care home placement records
• Juvenile records

How to Obtain Mecklenburg County Civil Court Case Records

The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all records for civil court cases held in the county and grants requesters access to these records. Parties seeking civil court case records can request in writing, including the case name, case number, attorney number, and other relevant details to the Clerk’s Office. The office location and mailing address is at:

Mecklenburg County Clerk of Circuit Court Office
393 Washington Street
P.O. Box 530
Boydton, VA 23917
Phone: (434) 738-6191
(434) 738-4215 (Civil)
Fax: (434) 738-6861

Record seekers can also use the Case Management System for Circuit Courts in Virginia and the General District Court Online Case Information System to obtain civil court case records. Parties can search the database for civil court case records using the name, case number inquiry, or hearing date search features. Searchers should ensure that they choose Mecklenburg County and civil court case records to begin the search.

How to Obtain Mecklenburg County Criminal Court Records

Record seekers can obtain the case files generated in court during a criminal trial from the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office. Parties can visit the office in person from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or mail a written request describing the desired criminal court record.

Mecklenburg County Clerk of Circuit Court Office
393 Washington Street
P.O. Box 530
Boydton, VA 23917
Phone: (434) 738-6191
(434) 738-4210 (Criminal)
Fax: (434) 738-6861

Record seekers may obtain Mecklenburg County criminal court case records online using the Virginia Courts Case Information. Searchers should have the name, case number, or hearing date of the criminal court case record to facilitate the search record. Also, parties must choose Mecklenburg County Circuit Court to begin the search and criminal records as the division in the main menu to return a positive search. Record seekers may also obtain criminal records heard by the General District Court using the General District Court Online Case Information System.

What are Mecklenburg County Vital Records?

Mecklenburg County's vital records are records of significant life events kept by the county government. Mecklenburg residents seeking a vital record should provide proof of a direct relationship or tangible interest in the record. Record seekers can access birth, marriage, and birth records from the Virginia Department of Health and divorce records from the Mecklenburg County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. It costs $12 to obtain a Mecklenburg County vital record from the VDH payable by check, credit card, or money order.

Divorce Records

A divorce decree is a detailed document enumerating the terms bringing a marriage to an end. In Virginia, divorce decrees are available to the divorcing couple and their attorneys. Eligible parties may obtain the record from the Circuit Court Clerk Office in the county where the court granted the divorce. Qualified persons can obtain their divorce decree at:

Mecklenburg County Clerk of Circuit Court Office
393 Washington Street
P.O. Box 530
Boydton, VA 23917
Phone: (434) 738-6191
Fax: (434) 738-6861

A divorce verification contains basic information about the couple. It is less detailed, typically having the name, date of birth, date, and place of divorce. Record seekers can access a divorce certificate by filling out the relevant section on the Application for Certification of a Marriage and/or Divorce Record form. Mail the completed form to:

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (800) 662-6200 (Call Center)

Marriage Records

A marriage record is an official statement confirming the union between two people. In Virginia, all marriage licenses issued by the Circuit Court Clerk are public marriages; therefore, Mecklenburg County cannot give confidential marriage records. Parties eligible to obtain a Mecklenburg County marriage record should be the couple, parents, adult children, spouse, adult sibling, or a legal representative with proof of relationship. Qualified persons can obtain a Mecklenburg County marriage certificate by filling out the Application for Certification of a Marriage and/or Divorce Record form. Parties can mail or drop off the completed form, a valid identifying document, and the fees at:

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (800) 662-6200 (Call Center)

Birth Records

A birth record documents the birth of an individual. In Virginia, only the record holder and immediate family members such as the record holder's parents, children, spouse, grandparents, legal guardian, or legal representatives may obtain certified copies of Mecklenburg County birth records. Eligible parties can get the document by mail or in-person during business hours. All persons ordering a Mecklenburg County birth certificate may fill out the Application for Certification of a Birth Record. Parties should include the fees and a clear copy of their ID with the application and submit their request at:

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (800) 662-6200 (Call Center)

Death Records

A death record contains information about a deceased person, such as the name, location, time, and cause of death. Virginia Law allows only the immediate family member of a deceased person to obtain certified copies of the death certificate. All other parties may request a Verification of Death record if they can prove a direct and tangible interest. Family members of a deceased can complete the Application for Certification of a Death Record, including the fees, with a valid copy of an acceptable form of ID and mail or bring the application in person to:

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (800) 662-6200 (Call Center)

The VDH accepts clear copies of the following forms of ID:

• A photo identification card issued by the U.S government
• Unexpired U.S military card
• Drivers license
• Temporary residents card
• Permanent resident card
• Resident alien card.
• U.S probation Offender Information form
• Employment authorization document
• U.S government-issued ID
• Unexpired U.S or foreign passport
• Learners permit
• Certificate of citizenship
• Current school or employment photo ID card
• Refugee travel document
• Certificate of naturalization
• Certificate of birth abroad
• Consular report on birth abroad N
• Northern Marianas card

Requesters who do not have the acceptable form of ID may submit any two documents from the list below:

• U.S selective service card
• Certified school records or transcripts
• Unexpired military dependent ID card with photo
• Unexpired Social Services Identification
• U.S passport expired not more than 5 years
• Foreign passport with a U.S Visa expired not more than 5 years
• Life insurance policy
• Health care insurance card
• Unexpired guns and weapons permit
• Veterans universal access ID
• USCIS student or dependent form
• U.S Department of State form
• Form DS-2019