The Giles County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the citizens of Giles County. Situated in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Giles County encompasses roughly 363 square miles and has a population of approximately 16,000. Our department provides 24-hour patrol throughout the county, investigation of criminal matters, security in all courts, and operates the county-wide Enhanced 911 (E-911) Communications Center. Learn more. ⟶
The Circuit Court Clerk and his staff provide administrative support for all courtroom proceedings. They are responsible for setting up and maintaining files, maintaining the court docket, managing juries, as well as, ensuring that court cases are recorded and summarized into court orders. In addition, they are responsible for collecting court costs and filing fees, securing evidence, mailing court orders to all parties in a case and issuing arrest and other legal documents to be served.
The current Giles County Courthouse located at the corner of Wenonah Avenue and Main Street in Pearisburg was built in 1836. The Giles County Courthouse was placed on the Department of Historic Resources register on the Virginia Landmark Registry on July 20, 1982 and on the National Registry of Historic Places on September 9, 1982.
Circuit Court
P. O. Box 502
Pearisburg, VA 24134
540-921-1722
The Circuit Court of Giles County is the trial court with the broadest powers in the county. The circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $15,000. It shares authority with the general district court to hear matters involving between $4,500 and $15,000. The circuit court has the authority to hear serious criminal cases called felonies.
501 Wenonah Ave.
Pearisburg, VA 24134
(540) 921-1722
FAX: (540) 921-3825
General District Court is the court that most people have contact with. The general district court handles most traffic violations. The general district court also hears minor criminal cases known as misdemeanors and conducts preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies.
120 N. Main Street Suite 1
Pearisburg, VA 24134
(540) 921-3533
FAX: (540) 921-3752
The Giles County Adult Parole and Probation Office is responsible for the supervision of all adults who are on probation or parole. This supervision can involve home visits, verification of employment, drug screens, and other aspects.
Under the court’s direction, Probation Officers also prepare pre-sentence reports on persons convicted of crimes. These reports aid the court in determining appropriate punishment based on the person’s prior criminal history and other factors.
Probation Officers also conduct other investigations as directed by the court.
First floor of the Courthouse
501 Wenonah Ave.
Pearisburg, VA 24134
(540) 921-3380
FAX: (540) 921-3825
Wythe Office: (276) 228-5311
Bland Office: (276) 688-6158
Tazewell Office: (276) 988-7727
Staff
Bill Rowlette, Probation Officer
Lana Moore, Probation Officer
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
The 29th District Court Service Unit is an agency of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The office in Pearisburg serves the juvenile court in Giles County and is headquarters to the 29th District Court Service Unit, which serves Giles, Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell Counties.
A brief listing of Juvenile Court services provided by our office:
“Juvenile law” is the area of law that deals with criminal law involving persons not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. In Virginia, as in most other states, the age for criminal culpability is set at 18 years; anyone less than 18 years of age is defined as a “juvenile.”
Law Building – Upper Level
501 Wenonah Ave.
Pearisburg, VA 24134
(540) 921-3408
(540) 921-3626
FAX: (540) 921-3789
Staff
Ronald W. Belay, Director
Jeffrey T. Brintle, Supervisor
Rickey S. Teague, Psychologist
E. Aaron Powell, Prob. Off.
Rebecca J. Flack, Secretary Senior
Judy G. Morris, Offices Svcs. Asst.
Hours
Monday-Friday
8:15 AM – 12:00 noon
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This is the lawyer responsible for prosecuting the majority of crimes in the county. In court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney presents evidence to the judge or jury so they may understand the facts of the case and determine whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.
In addition to courtroom proceedings, the Commonwealth Attorney offers advice to officers concerning criminal investigations, directs the extradition of fugitives from other states, serves as special prosecutor in other jurisdictions in the event of a conflict, and meets with victims of crimes.
The position of Commonwealth’s Attorney is a fulltime position that does not allow the attorney to practice civil law.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney is an elected official, with elections held every four years.
Commonwealth’s Attorney is the title given to the elected prosecutor of felony crimes in Virginia. Other states refer to similar prosecutors as District Attorney or State’s Attorney.
A Commonwealth’s Attorney is the highest law enforcement official in his or her jurisdiction and in many jurisdictions supervises a staff which includes a Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorneys and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys.
A Commonwealth’s Attorney is a constitutional officer, which means that the job is established in the state Constitution which defines the position, the broad powers of the elected officeholder and in Virginia, the requirement that every county and every city be served by a Commonwealth’s Attorney. Cities in Virginia are independent jurisdictions and not part of any county.
Court House – First Floor
501 Wenonah Ave.
Pearisburg, VA 24134
(540) 921-2553
FAX: (540) 921-2537
blilly@gilescounty.org
Staff
Robert M. Lilly, Jr. – Comm. Attorney
Trish Guy, Admin. Assistant
Matthew S Arnold – Asst. Comm. Atty.
C. Anthony Needham, II – Asst. Comm. Atty.
Donya R. Stephens, Admin. Assistant
Hours
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.