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Richmond County, Virginia State Court Records

A court record, as defined by Virginia Code § 17.1-292, is "any record maintained by the clerk in a civil, traffic, or criminal proceeding in the court, and any appeal from the district court." A court record contains everything from the first document filed to the last, which typically is the final decision issued by the judge.

Court records do not function alone in Richmond County and often share information with other public agencies. This information sharing connects them with other public records, such as arrest and vital records.

Are Richmond County Court Records Public?

Yes. Court records in Richmond County are a part of the county's public records. Access to Richmond County court records is governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and Virginia Code § 16.1-69.54:1. Virginia Code § 17.1-208 governs access to records maintained by a Court of Record, while Virginia Code § 16.1-69.54:1 applies to court records kept by a Court Not of Record.

While court records are generally public in Richmond County and all of Virginia, some information is shielded from public disclosure. These records include:

  • Foster care records
  • Sealed convictions
  • Juvenile records
  • Sensitive personal identifying information
  • Medical records

What Information is Available in Richmond County Court Records?

Individuals are likely to encounter the following information when inspecting a court record in Richmond County:

  • Basic Case Details: Case number, filing date, the case type, and the case status
  • Party Details: Names of the plaintiffs, defendants, respondents, and attorneys involved in the case
  • The docket sheet
  • Court orders and decrees

Richmond County Court Records Search

The following methods can be used to access court records in Richmond County:

Online Access

To access Richmond County court records online, individuals may use any of the case search portals on the Virginia Judicial System Case Status and Information webpage. The page contains unique portals one can use to search District Court, Circuit Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court records. To search for all court records in one place, users may use the general Online Case Information System. Users may search the portal using a name or case number.

In-Person Access

Researchers are also permitted to access Richmond County court records in person. To inspect a record physically, individuals may visit the appropriate Clerk of Court's Office and provide the search details (name or case number). In-person searches are more relevant when looking for confidential or old and archived court records. Individuals can also obtain copies of the record from the Clerk's Office.

Mail and Phone Requests

Another way to obtain copies of a court record from a Clerk of Court's Office is by sending a written request via mail. The request must contain identifying details on the record, such as the names of the parties in the case or the case number.

Requesters may also specify the year the case was filed, the documents wanted, and the number of copies to be produced. A check or money order for payment should be enclosed in the mail package alongside a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the records can be returned via mail.

Fees for Court Records in Richmond County

In Virginia, courts generally do not charge individuals a fee for inspecting a court record. A fee is mostly only charged when the inquirer requests copies of the record. Virginia Code § 17.1-275 mandates that requesters be charged a baseline fee for copies of a court record. A plain copy costs 50 cents per page, and certifying the document will cost an extra $2. Mail requests will also incur postage costs.

Richmond County Courthouse Locations

Richmond County houses two courts (the Combined District Court and the Circuit Court) that handle all cases within the county's borders. The Combined District Court consists of the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. These are the addresses of the courts in the county.

Richmond County Circuit Court

John Marshall Courts Building

400 North Ninth Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: (804) 646-6505

Fax: (804) 646-6562

Richmond County Combined District Courts

201 Court Circle

Warsaw, VA 22572

Phone: (804) 333-4616

Fax: (804) 333-3741

Criminal Records Access in Richmond County

Criminal records in Richmond County can be accessed through the judiciary. Inquisitive persons may look up the case details on the Virginia Online Case Information System using a case number or party name. Researchers may also visit the District or Circuit Court Clerk's Office, whichever is the custodian, to inspect the record in person.

On the other hand, individuals can access a criminal record through the Virginia State Police (VSP). The VSP is the repository for criminal history information in the state. Individuals may submit the online Criminal History Record Check form to obtain a record.

Richmond County Probate Records

Richmond County probate records are documents that contain the court's administration of a person's estate after they die. Probate records are usually filed by family members, executors, or lawyers during the probate process. Some probate files may also be filed by the subject before their death. Examples of probate records include wills, asset inventories, lists of heirs, and letters of administration.

Richmond County probate records are public under Virginia Code § 17.1-208. Probate matters are handled by the Richmond County Circuit Court. Individuals can search for a probate record on the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information portal using a name or case number. Such records may also be inspected in person at the Clerk of Court's Office.

Richmond County Family Court Records

Richmond County family court records are files that document proceedings in family-related cases. Family matters in the county are divided between the Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The Circuit Court handles adult family cases, such as divorces, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court focuses on issues involving minors (e.g., child custody and support) and protective orders between family members.

Family court records in Richmond County, while generally considered public records, are not as open as conventional court records. Under Virginia Code § 16.1-305, all records in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court are confidential. Adoption records are also completely sealed from public view.

Individuals who want to inspect a Richmond County family court record may visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

Federal Court Records in Richmond County

Federal court records are documents generated when a legal case involves federal laws. These records are maintained by the United States government and not the county or state judiciary. Federal cases arising out of Richmond County are particularly handled by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. All federal crime cases or lawsuits are routed to the Richmond Division.

Researchers can access a federal court record by visiting the Spottswood W. Robinson III and Robert R. Merhige, Jr. Federal Courthouse or online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) portal.

Richmond County Court