Criminal records in Richmond, Virginia, are available through several channels — from online tools to official court systems and law enforcement agencies. RichmondVACourt.us allows you to search publicly accessible information about criminal cases. Additionally, you can use the state court system portal, the office of the circuit court clerk, and the Richmond City Sheriff's Office to obtain information about arrests, detentions, and court decisions.
How to Search Criminal Records in Richmond
There are several ways to find criminal records. Here is a step-by-step guide for each of them.
Online through RichmondVACourt.us
- Go to RichmondVACourt.us.
- Enter the full name of the person or the case number.
- Review the results — case status, charges, hearing dates.
Virginia Court System Portal
The Virginia Supreme Court maintains an online case search system that covers circuit courts, district courts, and juvenile courts across the state. To search, you need:
- Full name (Last Name, First Name)
- Or case number
The system shows adult criminal and traffic cases.
Inmate Search
The Richmond Sheriff's Office provides an Inmate Search tool on its website. If the person is under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Corrections, use the Inmate Locator on the VADOC website — it will show the place of detention and the estimated release date.
In Person
The Richmond Circuit Court Clerk maintains most court records that are public under § 17.1-208 of the Virginia Code. Visit the clerk's office to use public access terminals or request copies.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk at the address above. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number in the request. Attach a copy of identification and payment for the applicable fees.
Search Richmond Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Virginia is assigned a unique number. The case number format typically includes the following elements:
- Court Prefix — indicates the type of court (e.g., CR for criminal cases in circuit court, GC for General District Court).
- Year — two digits of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a unique ordinal number within the year.
For example, a number like CR24-001234 indicates a circuit court criminal case filed in 2024 under number 001234. If you have the exact case number, enter it into the search system — this is the fastest way to find a specific case without the risk of confusion between people with the same name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Richmond
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Virginia Code (e.g., § 18.2-95 — grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration.
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — the case is fully closed, all obligations fulfilled.
Types of Hearings
In Richmond criminal cases, the following hearings may be held:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the court determines if there is enough evidence to transfer the case to circuit court (applies to felonies).
- Pre-trial — a procedural hearing to resolve motions before the main trial.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea.
- Review — checking compliance with punishment conditions (e.g., probation).
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | The court or jury acquitted the defendant after consideration on the merits |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Richmond
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk. These documents have the official court seal and are accepted as legal evidence.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person: visit the circuit court clerk's office at the address below. Bring valid photo identification (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail: send a written request including the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), a copy of identification, and a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online: some documents can be ordered through the Secure Remote Access (SRA) system on the Virginia court system website.
State Criminal History Check
To obtain an official criminal history record check, contact the Virginia State Police (VSP). The request is submitted through their online portal or by mail. Fingerprints are required for biometric-based checks.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Richmond
Fees are established according to the Virginia Code (specifically § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276). Below are approximate amounts.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee | $2.00 |
| Criminal history check through VSP (name-based) | ~$15.00 |
| Criminal history check through VSP (fingerprint-based) | ~$15.00 – $35.00 (depending on type) |
Processing Times
- Copies at the clerk's office: usually issued the same day or within 1–3 business days.
- Mail requests: processing may take 5–10 business days after receiving the request.
- VSP checks: name-based online requests are processed within minutes; fingerprint-based requests — up to 10–14 business days.
Payment at the clerk's office is accepted by check, money order, or (in some cases) credit card. Confirm acceptable payment methods directly with the office by calling 804-646-6505.