CourtCaseFinder.com
  1. Home
  2. Virginia Court Records

Virginia Court Records Lookup

Start Here
Start Here

The following is for information purposes only

Table of Contents

How To Find Court Records in Virginia

Tracking a family law case in the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to understand custody proceedings can feel like stepping into a maze without a map. That is where CourtCaseFinder comes in, guiding you through the process with ease.

Court records are official documents that capture every motion, filing, hearing, and ruling. They tell the full story of a case and serve as a vital resource for conducting legal research or handling a pending case.

CourtCaseFinder compiles records from courts across Virginia and delivers them quickly, especially when the information you need is available. There is no need to visit the courthouse or search through multiple government websites. You can access court records conveniently from home through our online case retrieval service.

How To Access Virginia Public Court Records

Searching court records in the Commonwealth of Virginia can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the procedures courts use to release records.

CourtCaseFinder simplifies the process by quickly collecting and presenting records in an easy-to-read format. However, understanding official procedures and requirements can still enhance your knowledge.

Here are the typical methods offered by the Virginia Judiciary:

Online Case Information Search

The Virginia Judicial System provides the following online resources to check case records quickly and securely:

Mail-In Request

In Virginia, most courts let you request copies of case files by mail, though you should first confirm availability with the Clerk of Court. Contact information for each court is listed in the Virginia Judiciary Directories.

For example, the Fairfax County Circuit Courtaccepts mailed requests for civil case files. Your request must include the case number or year, names of all parties, a certified check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Fairfax Circuit Court, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Fees are $0.50 per page, with an extra $2.00 for certification and $2.50 for a triple-seal copy.

Court Record Access in Person

If you are near the courthouse where the case is filed, you can visit the Clerk's Office to request paper copies of the case records for a small fee. When available, you can also use public access terminals in courthouses to search, view, and print electronic records.

Virginia Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) grants the public access to records held by government agencies, including executive departments, local governments, and certain public bodies. However, the FOIA does not cover the judiciary, so court records are governed by separate legal rules.

Under Virginia Code Sections 16.1-69.54:1 and 17.1-208, court documents are open for public inspection. Typically, anyone can review:

  • Case dockets showing schedules, hearings, and case progress
  • Complaints, petitions, and motions filed by parties
  • Summons issued to defendants or witnesses
  • Court decisions, judgments, and official orders
  • Transcripts of courtroom proceedings

However, Virginia law also protects files that are confidential under statute or court order. Records restricted from public access include:

  • Documents containing Social Security numbers or other personal identifiers (Va. Code Section 8.01-420.8)
  • Criminal records tied to ongoing investigations or revealing witness identities
  • Juvenile case files (Va. Code Section 16.1-305)
  • Information identifying sexual assault victims
  • Records related to public safety, health, or social services
  • Examination materials, internal legal notes, and trade secrets

Who Oversees the Courts in Virginia?

The Supreme Court of Virginia is the Commonwealth's highest judicial authority, responsible for overseeing the administration of justice and maintaining consistency in the application of law across all courts.

Assisting the Court in this role is the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), which serves as the central administrative and support agency for Virginia's judicial branch. The OES provides a wide range of essential services: payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, human resources, planning, and grant administration.

It also manages training and continuing education for judges and judicial employees, conducts legal research support, and oversees technology systems, including internet, e-mail, case management, video technology, and technical support. In addition, the OES supports magistrate offices throughout the Commonwealth.

What Types of Courts Exist in Virginia?

Virginia's court system is organized into three tiers: appellate courts, trial courts, and limited-jurisdiction courts. These tiers include five distinct courts: the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, General District Courts, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, each serving specific judicial roles.

Court Type Jurisdiction Common Case Types

Supreme Court of Virginia

Highest court; appellate and limited original jurisdiction; Seven justices

Appeals from lower courts, writs (habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, actual innocence), attorney discipline, and judicial removal

Court of Appeals of Virginia

Intermediate appellate; 17 judges in rotating three-judge panels

Civil and criminal appeals, workers' comp, agency rulings, concealed weapon permits, prisoner treatment, writs, and select felony pre-trial issues

Circuit Courts

General jurisdiction; 31 circuits

Civil claims > $25,000, personal injury/wrongful death ≤ $50,000, divorce, estates, property disputes, adoption, all felonies, misdemeanor appeals, and juvenile felony transfers, appeals, and grand juries

General District Courts

Limited jurisdiction; 32 districts; judge only, no jury

Misdemeanors (≤ 1 year jail or ≤ $2,500 fine), traffic cases, civil claims ≤ $25,000, small claims ≤ $5,000, exclusive claims ≤  $4,500, and felony preliminary hearings

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts

Specialized District Courts; 32 districts; judge only, no jury

Juvenile delinquency, status offenses, abuse/neglect, custody, foster care, child/spousal support, family abuse, and medical, mental health, and rehab orders

What Federal Courts Are In Virginia?

Federal courts in Virginia decide matters involving U.S. laws, constitutional rights, and interstate disputes, while state courts oversee Virginia-based issues such as criminal prosecutions, family law, probate, and most civil claims. Additionally, each court system applies distinct procedural rules governing trials and evidence.

Here are some essential pieces of information about the federal courts in Virginia:

Federal Court Jurisdiction Location & Contact Information

U.S. District Courts - Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia

Cover Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond metro, and the Appalachian and Southwestern regions. Handle federal crimes, including narcotics trafficking, interstate kidnapping, and offenses on federal property, as well as civil disputes.

Eastern Virginia Federal District Court

Website: vaed.uscourts.gov

Norfolk:

Walter Hoffman

Federal Courthouse

600 Granby St.

Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone: 757- 247-0785

Alexandria:

Albert V. Bryan Federal Courthouse

401 Courthouse Sq.

Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 703-299-2100

Richmond:

Spottswood Robinson III and

Robert Merhige, Jr., U.S. Courthouse

701 E. Broad St.

Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804-916-2200

Newport News:

U.S. Courthouse

2400 West Ave,

Newport News, VA 23607

Phone: 757-247-0784

Western Virginia Federal District Court

Website: vawd.uscourts.gov

Abingdon:

180 W. Main St.

Room 104

Abingdon, VA 24210

Phone: 276-628-5116

Charlottesville:

255 W. Main St.

Room 304

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Phone: 434-296-9284

Danville:

700 Main Street

Suite 202

Danville, VA 24541

Phone: 434-793-7147

Harrisonburg:

116 N. Main St.

Room 314

Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Phone: 540-434-3181

Lynchburg:

1101 Court St.

Suite A66

Lynchburg, VA 24504

Phone: 434-847-5722

Roanoke:

210 Franklin Road S.W.

Suite 540

Roanoke, VA 24011

Phone: 540-857-5100

U.S. Bankruptcy Courts - Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia

Manage various cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, 13, and 15, including individual debt liquidation and business reorganization. Provide structured solutions for debtors and equitable outcomes for creditors.

Eastern Virginia Federal Bankruptcy Court

Website: vaeb.uscourts.gov

Co-located with the U.S. District Court offices in Norfolk (757-222-7500), Richmond (804-916-2400), and Newport News (757-244-3678)

Alexandria:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

200 S. Washington St.

Alexandria, VA 22314-5405

Phone: 703-258-1200

Western Virginia Federal Bankruptcy Court

Website:vawb.uscourts.gov

Co-located with the U.S. District Court offices in Harrisonburg (540 434-8327) and Lynchburg (540 857-2391)

Roanoke:

210 Church Ave.

Room 200

Roanoke, VA 24011

Phone: 540-857-2391

Decisions from Virginia's federal district and bankruptcy courts can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond. This court reviews cases for legal accuracy and interprets federal law across Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Virginia Courts?

Based on recent caseload statistics, Virginia's Circuit Courts and General District Courts collectively manage approximately 2,390,000 cases each year. This data highlights the scale of the state's judicial activity.

Take a closer look at the estimated annual case filings for these courts, broken down by major case categories:

Court Level Case Category Approx. Annual Case Filings

Circuit Courts

General Civil (Level 1)

~800

General Civil (Level 2)

~15,000

General Civil (Level 3)

~11,000

Civil (Miscellaneous)

~160,000

Domestic and Family (Level 1)

~8,000

Domestic and Family (Level 2)

~4,000

Contested Divorce

~7,000

Uncontested Divorce

~17,000

Felonies and Related Matters

~111,000

Aggravated Murder

~100

Misdemeanor

~42,000

Other Criminally Related Matters

~15,000

Protective Orders

~200

Probate/Wills and Trusts (Level 1)

~300

Probate/Wills and Trusts (Level 2)

~3,000

Administrative Law

~400

General District Courts

General Civil

~200,000

Civil Violation/Infraction

~1,000,000

Felony

~80,000

Misdemeanor

~400,000

Involuntary Commitments

~3,000

Protective Orders

~21,000

Landlord Tenant

~130,000

Garnishment

~170,000

Review the compilation of filing and disposition reports prepared by the Department of Judicial Services' (DJS) Court Performance and Statistical Services Division (CPSS) to gain deeper insights into the workload and performance of Virginia's courts.

How Do I File a Case in Virginia Courts?

Achieving success in a Virginia court often starts with a solid understanding of court procedures. Let us guide you through what you need to do when bringing an issue or dispute to court:

1. Find the Right Court

Check jurisdiction to see which court can hear your case and venue, usually where the defendant lives, where the dispute happened, or where the property is located.

In Virginia, General District Courts handle smaller cases up to $25,000, like unpaid rent. Conversely, Circuit Courts deal with larger claims over $25,000 or more complex matters.

2. Complete the Proper Forms

If you intend to file a lawsuit for money, the court clerk can give you a Warrant in Debt (Form DC-402). For cases involving the recovery of property, the correct form is a Warrant in Detinue (Form DC-404).

When filling out the form, be sure to provide the necessary details, such as the amount being claimed or the estimated value of the property.

3. Submit Initial Filings

You may file case initiation documents in person at the Clerk of Court's Office, or in some courts, by mail. Certain courts do not accept filings by mail, while others require you to first secure an approved docket date and time from the Clerk's Office before filing.

The filing fee also varies based on the court, location, and type of case. For instance, filing a Warrant in Debt costs $52 in Arlington County General District Court.

4. Notify the Person You're Suing

After you file your case, the documents are sent to the sheriff's office in the county or city where the defendant lives, or you may hire a private process server to deliver them.

A deputy from the sheriff's department or the private process server will personally deliver the court papers to the defendant. This "service of process" makes sure that the defendant receives official notice of the lawsuit.

How Is the Virginia Court System Unique?

Virginia's court system is distinctive because it uses a two-tiered trial structure, separating cases between the General District Court and the Circuit Court. The General District Court hears misdemeanors but is a court "not of record", meaning no official transcript is kept, and jury trials are not permitted.

Its most notable feature is the automatic right to a "de novo" appeal, which allows cases to be retried in Circuit Court as if the first trial never happened. This gives defendants a clean slate and the option of a jury.

In felony cases, the General District Court conducts only preliminary hearings before sending the matter to the Circuit Court for pleas or trials. This system protects against unfair outcomes, provides an extra layer of review, and makes sure serious cases are handled in a court with broader authority and resources.

Virginia Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

Where to Find Additional Information About Virginia Courts?

FAQs

Where Should I File for a Divorce?

In Virginia, divorce filings must be submitted to the Circuit Court where either spouse resides. Va. Code Section 20-97 requires that at least one party be a bona fide Virginia resident for six months before initiating the divorce.

Which Court Handles Felony Criminal Charges?

The Circuit Court's Criminal Division is tasked with indexing, processing, and maintaining felony cases that are either referred to a grand jury or transferred by a judge for trial in the Circuit Court.

What Court Should I File Charges in if I Am Being Evicted?

If your landlord files an unlawful detainer case to evict you, you may respond by filing an "Answer and Grounds of Defense" (Form DC-422) in the General District Court. This paper explains your legal defenses, such as why eviction is improper or why you owe less rent than claimed.

How To Sue Someone for Less Than $5,000, Which Court to Use?

In Virginia, civil cases with claims of $5,000 or less are heard in the Small Claims Division of the General District Court. To begin, file a Warrant in Debt or Warrant in Detinue and serve the defendant a copy at least 10 days before the scheduled court appearance.

Can I Represent Myself in Courts Without an Attorney?

Yes, you can represent yourself in court. The Virginia Judiciary's Court Self-Help page provides step-by-step guides, instructional resources, and downloadable forms to assist pro se litigants in handling civil, family, and certain criminal cases.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?

Under Va. Code Section 19.2-128, if you fail to appear in court, you could face serious consequences. For felony charges or convictions, you could be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

How Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree With a Court's Decision?

If you disagree with a Circuit Court decision, file a Notice of Appeal with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office within 30 days of the final judgment. The Notice must specify whether the appeal is to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. See Rules of the Supreme Court, Volume II, Parts 5 & 5A.

Are Court Proceedings Open to the Public?

In Virginia, not all court hearings are open to the public. For instance, under Va. Code Section 16.1-302(C), the general public is excluded from all juvenile court hearings, and only individuals deemed appropriate by the judge may be admitted.

How Long Does It Typically Take for a Case To Be Resolved in the Trial Court?

The duration of trial court cases depends on their type and complexity. Simple civil or misdemeanor cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while contested civil, family law, or felony cases can take longer due to multiple hearings, evidence gathering, and court scheduling demands.

How Can I File a Complaint Against a Judge or Court Staff?

In Virginia, you can file a complaint against a judge by sending a signed written statement to the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission (JIRC) that includes the judge's name, details of the misconduct, any witnesses, and your contact information.

Can I Access Court Hearings Remotely, and How?

Yes, courts such as the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court permit parties and witnesses to attend hearings remotely via phone or WebEx for certain cases. To request this, you must submit a Motion for Remote Hearing form.

Are There Specific Courts That Handle Environmental or Business Disputes?

Circuit Courts handle business cases such as mergers, franchises, partnerships, and commercial contract disputes. Environmental issues, including wetlands, pollution, hazardous waste, and land-use conflicts, are also addressed by Circuit Courts or the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Can I Access Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can access court records for free. Using the Virginia Judiciary System's online case management tools, you can search, view, and stay updated on cases filed across courts at no cost.

How Can I Search Virginia Court Records by Name?

All case management systems on the Virginia Judiciary System's Case Status and Information page allow you to access case details by just entering a name, case number, or hearing date.

How Far Back Do Online Virginia Public Court Records Go?

While the Virginia Judiciary's online case information systems do not specify how far back records go, certain courts maintain extensive archives. For example, the Fairfax County Circuit Court's Court Public Access Network (CPAN) holds records dating all the way back to 1742.

Are Civil and Criminal Case Records Accessed Through the Same Online System?

Yes, through the Circuit Court and General District Court Online Case Information Systems, you can look up the status and details of criminal and civil cases processed in the respective trial courts.

Is There a Way To Be Notified of Updates to a Court Case I'm Following?

The Online Case Information System (OCIS) 2.0 provides a free service called the Case Alert Subscription System (CASS). By subscribing, you can receive text and email notifications whenever there are updates to cases from Virginia's trial courts.

Are Probate and Family Court Records (e.g., Divorce, Custody) Fully Public?

No, Virginia courts protect the confidentiality of certain probate and family court records. This includes wills, child custody and guardianship documents, birth records, educational and health information, mental assessments, and juvenile records.

Can I Request Redacted Copies of Court Records That Contain Sensitive Information?

Yes, you can obtain redacted court records. Va. Code Section 8.01-420.8mandates that filings in Circuit and District Courts conceal personal identification numbers, showing only the last four digits to safeguard sensitive information.

Can I Request Bulk Access To Court Records or Data for Research Purposes?

Yes, you can request aggregated case information from a court clerk or the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, as long as it excludes any personally identifiable information about the parties.

Table of Contents