Court records in Chesterfield County, Virginia can be searched through several channels. ChesterfieldCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the Virginia Court System's online case information portal, the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office, and public terminals located inside the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Each court maintains its own docket, so knowing which court handled a case is the first step.
Chesterfield Court System & Jurisdictions
Chesterfield County operates three trial-level courts. Each handles different case types, and docket records are maintained separately by each court.
Circuit Court
The Chesterfield County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil claims exceeding $4,500
- Equity suits (injunctions, divorces, land disputes)
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
- Probate and estate administration (wills, fiduciary appointments)
- Land records (deeds, liens, plats)
The Circuit Court Clerk is charged with more than 800 statutory responsibilities under the Code of Virginia, including maintaining case files, land records, and marriage licenses.
General District Court
The Chesterfield General District Court presides over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases before they are certified to Circuit Court
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
The Chesterfield J&DR District Court handles:
- Cases involving juveniles accused of crimes or traffic offenses
- Child custody, visitation, and support matters
- Protective orders (domestic violence)
- Offenses involving family or household members
Most juvenile case records are confidential under Virginia law, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Magistrate's Office
Chesterfield County magistrates issue arrest warrants, search warrants, emergency protective orders, and set bail. Magistrates do not maintain a separate public docket — their actions are reflected in the court where a case is subsequently filed.
Chesterfield Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming court hearings in Chesterfield County, use the Virginia Judiciary's Case Status and Information system. This statewide tool provides online access to criminal and traffic case information for General District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts.
To look up a scheduled hearing:
- Visit the Virginia Courts case information page.
- Select the court type (Circuit, General District, or J&DR).
- Choose "Chesterfield County" from the locality list.
- Search by party name or case number to view hearing dates and case status.
For Circuit Court docket information, you can also contact the Clerk's office directly or visit the courthouse. The General District Court and J&DR Court post daily dockets at the courthouse. If you need to confirm a hearing time, call the appropriate court clerk — schedules can change due to continuances or judicial reassignments.
All three courts are located at or near the Chesterfield County Courthouse:
How to Get a Copy of a Chesterfield Court Document
Court documents in Chesterfield County can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk's signature, which is usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing with another court. Uncertified copies are acceptable for personal reference.
Ways to Request Copies
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the record.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the document needed, the case number if known, and a check or money order for applicable fees to:
- Online: Some Circuit Court records — including land records — can be searched through Virginia's Secure Remote Access system, which requires registration and may involve a per-page fee. Criminal case information can be viewed (but not downloaded as certified copies) through the Virginia Courts case information portal.
What You May Need to Provide
- Full name of the party or parties involved
- Case number (if available)
- Type of document (order, judgment, filing, etc.)
- Date range or approximate year of the case
For General District Court or J&DR Court records, contact those courts directly. Older or archived records may require additional processing time.
Chesterfield Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Virginia are established by statute (primarily Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276). The table below reflects common fees for the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Actual charges may vary depending on the document type and length.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document (first page) | $2.00 |
| Each additional page of a certified copy | $0.50 |
| Uncertified photocopy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certificate and seal (certification only) | $2.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per record type) | $5.00 |
| Remote access to land records (per page viewed/printed) | $0.50 |
| FOIA request copies (per page, after first 50 pages) | Varies by department |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and in some cases credit/debit cards are accepted at the Clerk's office.
- By mail: Check or money order made payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court."
- Online: Fees for remote access to land records are handled through the Secure Remote Access system's payment portal.
Victims of crimes may have certain record charges waived when requesting police records. For records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, the county's FOIA request page outlines applicable procedures and any associated costs. Always confirm current fees with the issuing office before submitting payment, as statutory rates can be updated by the General Assembly.