Criminal records in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are available through several channels. VirginiabeachCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases. Additionally, data can be obtained through the state's official court systems, city law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this jurisdiction.
How to Search Criminal Records in Virginia Beach
There are several ways to access the information you need, and each is suitable for different situations.
Online Search
- VirginiabeachCourt.us — start here if you need to check publicly available data about a criminal case. Enter the person's name or case number.
- Virginia Court System Portal — the Case Status and Information page provides online access to civil, criminal, and traffic cases in the General District Court and Circuit Court. Select the jurisdiction "Virginia Beach" and fill in the search fields.
- Self-Help Page — the Find a Case resource explains how to search for cases in both courts.
- Police Reports — Police Offense Reports on the city's open data portal contain information about registered offenses.
- Inmate Search — the Inmate Locator of the Virginia Department of Corrections allows you to find individuals under state supervision, including in the Virginia Beach City Jail.
In-Person Visit
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk's office accepts visitors who wish to view case materials or order copies. The court clerk is Hon. Tina E. Sinnen.
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations. The clerk is Pamela J. Pringle.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Court clerk's office, including the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include a copy of your ID and payment for the applicable fees (check or money order payable to Clerk of Circuit Court). For an official state-level criminal history check, contact the Virginia State Police.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
Search Virginia Beach Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Virginia, the case number format depends on the court.
In the Circuit Court, the number usually looks like this: CRxxxxx-xx, where "CR" indicates a criminal case, followed by a sequential number and a two-digit year. Felonies often have the prefix "CR," while misdemeanors may be labeled differently depending on the court's internal numbering.
In the General District Court, the format is different and includes a letter code for the case type, jurisdiction code, and sequential number. The exact structure can be seen on the receipt or summons issued by the court.
With the number, enter it into the appropriate field on the court portal. The system returns the case status, list of charges, hearing dates, and outcomes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Virginia Beach
Each record in the system contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Code of Virginia, e.g., § 18.2-95 (grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges before a judge
- Preliminary hearing — preliminary review of evidence (felonies only)
- Pre-trial — pre-trial session to resolve procedural issues
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence after a guilty verdict
- Review — review of conditions, such as probation
Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The court found the person guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquittal |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Deferred Disposition | Decision deferred under certain conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Virginia Beach
Certified copies are officially authenticated documents accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies.
The Circuit Court clerk's office issues certified copies of court decisions, sentences, and criminal case materials. Contact the clerk in person or send a written request to the court's address.
To obtain a complete criminal history record at the state level, submit a request to the Virginia State Police through their online portal or by mail. This is a separate process that requires fingerprinting.
What to Submit
- Completed request form (available at the clerk's office or on the court's website)
- Valid photo ID
- Payment of fees — check or money order
If the request concerns another person, the court may require a notarized power of attorney or proof of legal interest.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Virginia Beach
Fees are regulated by Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 and may change. Below are approximate amounts applicable to Virginia courts.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document |
| Record search (by name) | Free through the online portal; a fee may be charged for written requests |
| Criminal history check (Virginia State Police) | Depends on the type of check; typically from $15 to $35+ |
Processing Time
- Online Search — results appear instantly
- Certified Copy Request (in person) — usually the same day or within a few business days
- Mail Request — from 5 to 15 business days depending on the clerk's office workload
- Check through Virginia State Police — from a few days to several weeks
Check current amounts directly with the Circuit Court or General District Court clerk's office, as fees may be reviewed.