Criminal records in Charlottesville, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. CharlottesvilleCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Virginia Court System's online case search and the Charlottesville Circuit Court Clerk's Office also provide access to criminal case data for this independent city.
How to Search Criminal Records in Charlottesville
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Charlottesville. What you need to get started depends on the method you choose, but having the person's full legal name, date of birth, or a case number will make any search easier.
Through CharlottesvilleCourt.us
- Visit CharlottesvilleCourt.us.
- Enter the individual's name or other identifying details.
- Review the publicly available criminal case information returned.
Online — Virginia Court System
The Virginia Judicial System's Case Status and Information portal offers a statewide search covering circuit courts, general district courts, and juvenile & domestic relations district courts. To search:
- Select the court type (Circuit or General District).
- Choose "Charlottesville" from the locality list. Note: Charlottesville is an independent city in Virginia, separate from Albemarle County.
- Search by name or case number.
- Review hearing dates, charges, and case disposition details.
You can also use the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator to check whether someone is currently incarcerated in a state facility, including the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
In Person
Visit the Charlottesville Circuit Court Clerk's Office or the Charlottesville General District Court to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff. The circuit court for Charlottesville cases is located at:
The Albemarle Circuit Court page provides additional contact details and judge information for cases heard at this location.
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Send a written request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the address above. Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the specific records you need. Enclose payment for any applicable copy or certification fees.
- State criminal history records: Submit a request to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). A fingerprint-based background check can be initiated through the Virginia State Police website or by mailing a completed SP-167 form with the required fee.
Search Charlottesville Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Virginia case numbers follow a structured format that tells you the court type, locality, year, and sequence:
- Court type prefix: A letter or letters indicating the court — for example, "CR" often denotes a criminal case in circuit court, while "GC" may appear in general district court records.
- Locality code: A numeric code identifying Charlottesville (FIPS code 540).
- Year: A two- or four-digit year indicating when the case was filed.
- Sequence number: A unique number assigned to each case within that year.
Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on any court paperwork. Even small errors — a missing digit or wrong prefix — can return no results. If you're unsure of the format, the clerk's office can help you identify the correct case number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Charlottesville
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines potential penalties and court jurisdiction |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or at the court's discretion |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting further court action.
- Active: Proceedings are underway — hearings or trial dates may be scheduled.
- Disposed: The court has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.).
- Closed: All matters related to the case, including sentencing and compliance, are complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing: A judge determines whether there is probable cause to send a felony case to circuit court.
- Pre-trial: Motions, discovery issues, and plea discussions are addressed before trial.
- Trial: Evidence is presented and a verdict is reached by judge or jury.
- Sentencing: The court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review hearing: A follow-up to check compliance with probation, treatment, or other court orders.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted of the charge |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | The charge was dropped by the court or the prosecution |
| Nolle prosequi | The Commonwealth's Attorney chose not to prosecute |
| Deferred disposition | The case outcome is postponed, often pending completion of conditions (e.g., first-offender programs) |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Charlottesville
Certified copies of criminal case records — needed for legal proceedings, employment verification, or personal use — are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Informal copies of general district court records can be requested from the Charlottesville General District Court.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number(s), defendant name, and type of record needed. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online: Some documents may be available through the Virginia Judicial System website, though certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
What You Need
- Full legal name of the case subject
- Case number (if available)
- Date of birth or approximate date range of the case
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for fees
Contact Information
For a state-level criminal history report, contact the Virginia State Police CCRE. Fingerprint-based checks require submission of a completed SP-167 form and the applicable fee.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Charlottesville
Fees for criminal record copies in Virginia are set by statute (Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and related sections). The following table reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy of a court record | $2.00 for the first two pages; $0.50 each additional page |
| Certificate with seal (no copy attached) | $2.00 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (name-based) | $15.00 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $15.00 (state) + FBI fee if national check requested |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within one to two business days.
- Mail requests: Allow two to three weeks, depending on volume.
- State Police background checks: Name-based results are typically returned within five to ten business days. Fingerprint-based checks may take longer.
Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office generally include cash, check, and money order. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted before visiting.