Petersburg City Court Records Search
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Petersburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, meaning it functions as its own jurisdiction separate from any surrounding county. Its court system generates a substantial body of records spanning criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law proceedings, and probate matters. These records — which include warrants, summonses, pleadings, docket sheets, orders, judgments, exhibits, and final decrees — document the formal resolution of legal disputes and serve as an authoritative resource for attorneys, employers, researchers, genealogists, and private individuals seeking verified legal information.
In Virginia, court records can be accessed through a combination of official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals at local courthouses, and state-managed online platforms. VirginiaStateCourts.us can serve as a starting point for locating publicly available case information and understanding which state and county-level tools are available to record seekers. The specific court where a case was filed will determine the appropriate clerk’s office and search system to use.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Petersburg?
Petersburg has three active trial courts, each maintaining its own records. Identifying the correct court for a given case is the essential first step before submitting a search or records request.
Online Case Search Tools
The Virginia Judiciary provides two publicly accessible systems for locating court case information:
- The Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System covers civil and criminal cases in circuit courts and allows searches by party name, case number, or hearing date.
- The Virginia General District Court Case Information System provides docket access for civil, traffic, and misdemeanor cases in general district courts.
- The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (OCIS) is an additional portal that aggregates case data entered by court clerks across multiple court divisions.
In-Person Access
Any of Petersburg’s three courthouses allows members of the public to review case files in person during business hours. Clerks can assist with locating records, and certified copies of documents can be requested for a fee.
Mail Requests
Written requests for specific records or certified copies can be mailed to the clerk’s office of the appropriate court. Include the full names of all parties, the approximate filing date, and any known case number to expedite processing.
Petersburg Court Locations
City of Petersburg Circuit Court — 11th Judicial Circuit
Address: 7 Courthouse Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Fax: (804) 732-5548
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Clerk: Honorable Maytee E. Parham
City of Petersburg General District Court — 11th Judicial District
Address: 35 East Tabb Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2374
Fax: (804) 733-2375
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
City of Petersburg Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Address: 27 East Tabb Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2372
Clerk: Laura B. Craig
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed for state and federal holidays and severe weather)
Are Court Records Public in Petersburg?
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Va. Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., establishes that most government records — including judicial records — are presumed open to citizens of the Commonwealth and to members of the media. Under VFOIA, record custodians must respond to requests promptly and without requiring requesters to explain why they want the information.
However, several categories of Petersburg court records are restricted or confidential under Virginia law. Requesters seeking access to these types of records generally must obtain a court order or demonstrate legal authorization:
- Juvenile records — sealed by operation of Va. Code § 16.1-305, which mandates that all juvenile case files be filed separately and restricts who may inspect them
- Expunged and sealed case files — records removed from public access by court order
- Active criminal investigation records — withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing law enforcement activity
- Sexual offense victim identification — records that would reveal the identity of a victim of a sexual offense are confidential
- Mental health records — protected under applicable health privacy statutes
- Proprietary business and trade secret information — exempted under VFOIA when disclosure would cause competitive harm
- Personal health and social services information — subject to confidentiality protections separate from VFOIA
For records that are publicly accessible, clerks apply standard redaction practices to remove sensitive personal identifiers — such as Social Security numbers and financial account details — before providing copies.
Petersburg Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Petersburg are filed in either the General District Court (misdemeanors, traffic offenses) or the Circuit Court (felonies and misdemeanor appeals). The General District Court handles the bulk of lower-level criminal matters, while serious felony cases proceed to the Circuit Court for trial or sentencing.
Searching Criminal Case Records Online
- The Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System and General District Court Case Information System both allow searches by defendant name, case number, or hearing date.
- For in-person searches, public terminals are available at the courthouse clerk’s offices during regular business hours.
Arrest Records and Police Reports
Arrest records, incident reports, and crash reports involving Petersburg are maintained by the Petersburg Bureau of Police. The Bureau’s Records Management Team serves as the repository for criminal histories, fingerprints, photographs, incident and accident reports, and warrants.
Petersburg Bureau of Police — Records Division
Address: 37 East Tabb Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 732-4222
Email: pbprecordsmanagement@petersburg-va.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Police Records Fee Schedule
| Document Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Accident/Crash Reports & Incident Reports | $5.00 |
| Applicant Fingerprints | $10.00 |
| FOIA Requests — Administrative fee | $12.80 per hour |
| FOIA Requests — Document reproduction | $0.15 per page |
| FOIA Requests — CD | $2.00 |
Crash reports can also be obtained online through Policereports, and incident reports are accessible through secure.coplogic.com.
Petersburg FOIA requests can be submitted by email to foia@petersburg-va.org, by fax to (804) 732-9212, or by U.S. mail addressed to the FOIA Officer at 135 North Union Street, Petersburg, VA.
Statewide Criminal History Records
For a formal statewide criminal background check, requests are processed through the Virginia State Police Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE). Submit the completed SP-167 form (personal requests) or SP-230 form (agency/business requests) along with a $15.00 fee (or $20.00 for a combined criminal history and Sex Offender Registry search) payable to Virginia State Police, mailed to:
Virginia State Police — CARE
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
The Petersburg Sheriff’s Office at 8 Courthouse Avenue, (804) 733-2369, can also be contacted for locally maintained records.
Petersburg Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Petersburg are filed in either the General District Court or the Circuit Court, depending on the dollar amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. The General District Court handles smaller civil matters and small claims disputes, while the Circuit Court presides over larger claims and equity matters.
Small Claims Court
Virginia’s small claims division allows individuals to pursue disputes involving up to $5,000 without an attorney. The General District Court handles these filings. Filing fees vary by claim amount and whether sheriff service is required. The Virginia judiciary’s General District Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator and Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator allow users to determine exact fees before filing.
Civil Record Search
Civil case records can be searched through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System and the General District Court Case Information System. In-person searches and certified copy requests can be made at the relevant clerk’s office.
Civil Division — General District Court
Civil Division Clerks: (804) 733-2374
The Civil Division is responsible for filing civil petitions, issuing summonses, and processing judgments and garnishments. Clerks can assist with locating case files but cannot provide legal advice.
Online Payments
Petersburg Circuit Court accepts credit and debit card payments for court fees and fines. Payment plans for court costs and fines are available by completing the notarized Form DC-211 Petition for Payment Agreement and submitting it to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Allow 5–7 business days for approval notification.
Petersburg Family Court Records
Family law matters in Petersburg are divided between two courts depending on the nature of the proceeding. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) District Court handles the majority of family-related matters, while the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court — Jurisdiction Includes:
- Child custody, visitation, and support proceedings
- Family abuse protective orders and domestic violence matters
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Guardianship of minors
- Adoptions (in certain circumstances)
- Parental rights proceedings
JDR proceedings are generally open to the parties involved but may be restricted in matters involving juveniles or sensitive domestic situations. Juvenile case records are confidential under Va. Code § 16.1-305 and are not publicly accessible.
Divorce Records
Divorce cases are filed exclusively in the Circuit Court. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 7 Courthouse Avenue. Requesters should provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of the decree.
Certified divorce certificates from 1918 to present are also available through the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Submit a completed Application for Certification of a Marriage and/or Divorce Record along with a $15.00 fee per certified copy.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Vital Records. Walk-in service is available at:
VDH Office of Vital Records
8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM (walk-in); Customer Care Center open until 4:30 PM
The fee for each certified vital record copy is $15.00, payable by check, money order, payment card, mobile pay, or cash. Checks should be made payable to the State Health Department. An online application system is also available through the VDH vital records portal.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records for Petersburg residents are maintained by the VDH Office of Vital Records. Access to certified birth certificates is restricted to the individual named, immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives. Death certificates carry similar eligibility requirements. The cost is $15.00 per certified copy.
Petersburg Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Petersburg — including will administration, estate settlement, guardianships, and conservatorships — fall under the jurisdiction of the Petersburg Circuit Court. The Clerk of the Circuit Court, Honorable Maytee E. Parham, also serves as the Probate Clerk and handles all estate matters.
Petersburg Circuit Court — Probate Division
Address: 7 Courthouse Avenue, Suite 201, Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Probate Email: petersburgprobate@vacourts.gov
Common Probate Matters Handled:
- Qualifying executors and administrators of decedents’ estates
- Admitting wills to probate
- Overseeing estate administration and inventories
- Establishing guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated adults and minors
- Trust-related proceedings
Useful Probate Resources
The Circuit Court’s official page provides several resources for individuals navigating the probate process:
- Application for Probate Appointment — the required form to begin a probate proceeding in Petersburg
- A Guide to the Administration of Decedent’s Estates in Virginia — a general reference published by the Virginia Bar Association
- Probate in Virginia — an official guide published by the Virginia court system
- Local Rules of the Petersburg Circuit Court — governing procedures for case scheduling and court terms
Probate case records can be searched through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System by party name or case number. In-person access to probate files is available at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Individuals should contact the Probate Division directly before visiting to confirm document availability and copying fees. Probate clerks cannot provide legal advice.