Court records in Richmond, Virginia, can be found through several channels. RichmondVACourt.us allows you to search for public information on court cases in this jurisdiction. Additionally, the Virginia State Court Information System provides access to case statuses. The Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court accepts requests in person and by mail, and public terminals in the courthouse allow you to view case materials on-site.
Richmond Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Richmond, each handling specific categories of cases. The city is independent of the county, so it has its own court structure.
Circuit Court — handles serious civil claims over $25,000, criminal felony cases, appeals from lower courts, as well as probate and land records. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains public records, including deeds, wills, and marriage licenses.
- Serious criminal cases (felonies)
- Civil claims for significant amounts
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
- Probate and estate management cases
General District Court handles minor civil disputes (small claims up to $5,000, civil claims up to $25,000), traffic violations, and criminal misdemeanor cases. Most residents end up here for speeding tickets or minor disputes.
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court deals with cases involving minors, custody, domestic violence, and child support. Records from this court are usually restricted due to the involvement of children.
Richmond Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or this week, use the Case Status and Information system on the Virginia court system's website. This platform allows you to search by party name or case number and shows scheduled hearing dates.
For criminal and traffic cases in the General District Court, the system displays the date of the next hearing directly in the search results. For the Circuit Court, the calendar can be clarified through the Clerk's Office.
Some practical tips:
- Go to the online case search page and select the type of court — Circuit or District.
- Enter the last name or case number.
- In the results, check the field with the next hearing date.
- If information is not available online, call the court office or visit it in person.
The schedule may change without notice. Before visiting the court, it is advisable to check the information's accuracy a day before the hearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Richmond Court Document
Most Circuit Court records are public according to § 17.1-208 of the Virginia Code. There are two types of copies: certified (certified — with the clerk's seal, suitable for legal use) and uncertified (a regular copy for review).
Online. Some land records and deeds are available through the deed search system on the city's website. To obtain a certified copy, you need to contact in person or by mail.
In person. Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
By mail. Send a written request with the full name of the party, type of document, approximate date, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Records of the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court have limited access — they are usually available only to the parties involved or their attorneys.
Richmond Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copying and certifying documents are established by the Virginia Code (specifically § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276). Below are the approximate rates for the Circuit Court:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular document copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Copy certification | $2.00 per document |
| Record search fee | Depends on the type of request |
| Deed copy | $0.50 per page + certification |
| Certified marriage license copy | $2.50 |
The office accepts payment by cash, check, and money order. Check the possibility of card payment directly at the office, as rules may change.
To search for inmates in the state correctional system, use the Inmate Locator of the Virginia Department of Corrections. Information about individuals in the Richmond City Jail can be found through the Richmond Sheriff's website.
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are issued by the Office of Vital Records at the Virginia Department of Health — this is a separate institution from the court office, and fees are set separately there.