Criminal records in Henrico County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. HenricoCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Henrico County. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the General District Court, the Sheriff's Office, and the statewide Virginia court case information system all serve as additional access points for criminal record searches.
How to Search Criminal Records in Henrico
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Henrico County. What you need to start depends on the method, but at minimum you should have the person's full legal name. A date of birth, case number, or SSN (for formal background checks) will narrow results significantly.
Through HenricoCourt.us
HenricoCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available court record information related to Henrico County criminal cases. You can search by the defendant's name to find case details, charges, and court dates.
Online — State and County Portals
- Virginia Court Case Information System: The Case Status and Information portal maintained by the Virginia Judicial System provides statewide online access to criminal and traffic case information in General District Courts and select Circuit Courts. Search by name or case number.
- Henrico County Arrest Reports: The county publishes arrest report data online for general informational purposes. This data may include arrest dates, charges, and booking details.
- Public Crime Data: The Henrico County Police Division's public crime data page provides searchable data on arrests, calls for service, and related law enforcement activity.
In Person
- Visit the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office to search criminal case files. The Clerk maintains all civil and criminal court files and records. Public access terminals may be available during business hours.
- The General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses. You can inquire about case records at the clerk's window.
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Court: You may request copies of public court records — including criminal case orders and judgments — by mail from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
- Police Records Unit: For police reports and incident records, submit a written request or FOIA request to the Henrico County Police Division, Criminal Records Unit.
- Virginia State Police: For a formal criminal history record check (Virginia Criminal History Record), submit a request through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. This typically requires fingerprinting and a processing fee.
What you need to begin a search:
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if known)
- SSN (required only for formal state background checks)
Search Henrico Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Virginia uses a standardized case numbering format across its courts. A typical case number includes these components:
- Court locality code — a code identifying the jurisdiction (Henrico County courts have their own designated codes)
- Case type prefix — indicates the type of case. Common criminal prefixes include:
- CR — Criminal (Circuit Court)
- GC — General District Court criminal
- FE — Felony
- MI — Misdemeanor
- Year — the two-digit year the case was filed
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned in filing order
For example, a case number like CR23-001234 would indicate a criminal case filed in Circuit Court in 2023. Enter the full case number into the Virginia courts case information system or provide it to the Clerk's Office for a direct lookup. Case number searches return exact matches, making them the fastest way to pull up a specific record.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Henrico
Criminal case records in Henrico County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
- Statute code: Each charge references a specific section of the Code of Virginia (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny).
- Severity: Charges are classified as felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. Felonies are further divided into classes (Class 1 through Class 6). Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 through Class 4.
- Amended charges: The Commonwealth's Attorney may amend charges during prosecution — for example, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement. Amended charges replace or supplement the original charge on the case record.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case filed but not yet resolved; awaiting hearings or trial |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated or the defendant is under court supervision |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations (fines, probation) are complete |
Hearings
- Arraignment: Initial court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered.
- Preliminary hearing: Held in General District Court for felony cases to determine whether probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Pre-trial: Conference or motions hearing before trial, often addressing evidence or procedural issues.
- Trial: The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the court imposes a sentence.
- Review hearing: Post-sentencing check-in, common when the defendant is on probation or in a treatment program.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted of the charge |
| Not guilty | Defendant acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Charge dropped by the court or prosecutor (nolle prosequi) |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecutor declines to pursue the charge |
| Deferred disposition | Judgment withheld pending completion of conditions (e.g., first offender program) |
| Acquitted | Found not guilty; equivalent to "not guilty" verdict |
The Criminal Division of the Henrico Circuit Court handles all felony cases, misdemeanor cases originating by Grand Jury action, and misdemeanor appeals from General District Court.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Henrico
Certified copies of criminal court records — including court orders, judgments, and sentencing documents — are issued by the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Uncertified copies of police reports are available through the Police Division.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office (Court Records)
- In person: Visit the Clerk's Office in the Henrico County Courts Building during business hours. Request copies at the records counter. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and the documents needed. Include payment for copy and certification fees. Mail to the Clerk's Office at the address below.
- By phone: Call (804) 501-4249 to ask about record availability and current fees before submitting a request.
Police Reports and Incident Records
For police reports, submit a request through the Henrico County Police Division's Criminal Records Unit. Requests can be made by mail using the forms available on the county website. A FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request may be required for certain records.
State Criminal History Check
For a comprehensive Virginia criminal history report, contact the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. This requires fingerprint submission and a separate fee. Employers and individuals can request their own records through the Virginia State Police website.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Written authorization if requesting records on behalf of another person
- Notarized release may be required for certain sealed or restricted records
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Henrico
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified) | $0.50 per page | Virginia Code § 17.1-275; confirmed by Clerk's Office |
| Certification of court document | $2.00 per document | Virginia Code § 17.1-275 |
| FOIA request (police reports) | Varies; based on staff time and copy volume | Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3704) |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (name-based) | $15.00 | Virginia State Police fee schedule |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $15.00 (state) + FBI fee if national check requested | Virginia State Police fee schedule |
Processing Times
- In-person court record copies: Typically same day if records are readily available.
- Mail requests to Clerk's Office: Generally 5–10 business days, depending on volume.
- Police report requests (FOIA): Virginia law requires a response within 5 business days; complex requests may take longer with written notice.
- State criminal history checks: Name-based checks are usually processed within 10–15 business days. Fingerprint-based checks may take longer.
Payment methods accepted at the Clerk's Office typically include cash, check, and money order. Contact the office at (804) 501-4249 to confirm accepted payment forms before mailing a request.