virginia criminal records public access: what to know and how to use it

Overview

Virginia balances transparency with privacy by allowing public lookup of criminal justice records while restricting sensitive data. Public access typically covers court case information and conviction data, helping people make informed decisions and track case status.

Where the information comes from

The Virginia State Police manage the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) for official criminal history reports, and the Virginia Judiciary offers online case search for circuit and general district courts. Local clerks and law enforcement may provide records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

What you can see

Convictions, charges, docket entries, and hearing dates are commonly accessible. Juvenile, sealed, expunged, and protected victim data are not public. Name-based checks may require consent and fees; fingerprint checks are used for regulated purposes.

How to search effectively

1. Define your purpose and confirm eligibility.
2. Use the judiciary portal for case status and docket notes.
3. Request a CCRE record for employment or licensing needs.
4. Consult the clerk for certified copies or older files.
5. Handle results ethically; verify identity and consider expungement.

Use cases include employers, landlords, attorneys, journalists, and individuals checking their own history for accuracy and due diligence.