Criminal records in Norfolk, Virginia, are available through several channels. NorfolkVACourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in this city. Additionally, the state's official court systems, Norfolk law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail. Below are specific steps, tools, and requirements for each search method.
How to Search Criminal Records in Norfolk
Start with NorfolkVACourt.us — you can view publicly available information about court cases without leaving home. For a deeper search, there are several additional ways.
Online Search
- Virginia Court System Portal. The Case Status and Information page allows you to search criminal and traffic cases statewide — in circuit courts, general district courts, and juvenile and domestic relations courts. You need to enter the person's last name or case number.
- Norfolk Police Arrest Reports. The city's open data portal publishes arrest reports for the last 24 hours. Data is updated daily.
- Active Warrants. Check current arrest warrants through the active warrants dataset of Norfolk police — search by crime type or demographic characteristics.
- Inmate Search. If a person is in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections, use the Inmate Locator — it shows the location and estimated release date.
- Federal Cases. Federal jurisdiction criminal cases heard in Norfolk are available through the PACER system for the Eastern District of Virginia. Norfolk/Newport criminal case information line: 757-222-7202.
In-Person Visit
The Norfolk General District Court Clerk's Office serves visitors who wish to view case materials or order copies. Public access terminals in the courthouse allow direct case searches.
Written Request
A request for a criminal history check can be sent by mail to the district court clerk's office or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services — the state's central repository of criminal records. Typically, you need to provide:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Last four digits of the social security number (for DCJS requests)
Search Norfolk Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Virginia, each criminal case is assigned a unique number, the structure of which contains useful information. The typical format for a general district court looks like this:
- Court Code — a two or three-digit code identifying the specific court (Norfolk has a separate code as an independent city).
- Case Type Letter — for example, "CR" for a criminal case, "TR" for a traffic case.
- Filing Year — the last two digits of the year.
- Sequential Number — a six-digit sequential number within the year.
For example, a record like CR25-001234 indicates a criminal case from 2025 with a sequential number 001234. Knowing the exact number will yield results much faster than searching by last name — especially when the last name is common. Enter the case number on the Virginia Court System's Case Status and Information page, select the appropriate court, and click "Search."
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Norfolk
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Virginia Code (e.g., § 18.2-95 — grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during the case — the new wording is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — the case is in court proceedings.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision; the case is concluded.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution.
Hearings
A criminal case in Norfolk goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first appearance of the accused before a judge; charges are announced.
- Preliminary hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence (usually in felony cases).
- Pre-trial — a preparatory session where parties discuss procedural issues.
- Trial / Sentencing — court trial and, if found guilty, sentencing.
- Review — a review session to check compliance with court conditions.
Court Results
| Result | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Acquittal — similar to Not Guilty, but often used after a full trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Norfolk
Certified copies of criminal records are required for official purposes — employment, immigration, licensing. Here's how to obtain them.
Through the Court Clerk's Office
The Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office issues certified copies of court decisions and case materials. Apply in person or send a written request. Bring with you:
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Case number or full name and date of birth of the defendant
Through Virginia State Police
To obtain a complete criminal history record check, submit a request to the Virginia State Police — they maintain the state's central criminal records registry. You need to fill out form SP-167 and provide fingerprints. Requests can be submitted by mail or through authorized fingerprint providers.
Through DCJS
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services coordinates the criminal history check process for employers and organizations authorized by law.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Norfolk
The cost depends on the type of request and the institution. Below are approximate fees according to Virginia's current rates.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $0.50 per page | According to § 17.1-275 of the Virginia Code |
| Certification of copy | $2.00 per document | In addition to copying cost |
| Criminal history check (Virginia State Police, name-based) | $15.00 | Processing usually takes 10–15 business days |
| Criminal history check (Virginia State Police, fingerprint-based) | $15.00 (state) + possible FBI fee | Processing — up to 14 business days; FBI fee charged separately |
| PACER system search (federal cases) | $0.10 per page | Maximum $3.00 per document |
The court clerk's office accepts payment by cash, money orders, and typically credit cards. Processing times for written requests to the clerk's office range from a few business days to two weeks, depending on workload. If you need a copy urgently, visit in person — in most cases, the document will be prepared the same day.