Petersburg, Virginia Court Records

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    Petersburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which means it operates as its own jurisdiction separate from any surrounding county. Its court system produces a broad body of records covering criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law proceedings, and probate matters. Those records — warrants, summonses, pleadings, docket sheets, orders, judgments, exhibits, and final decrees — document how legal disputes were formally resolved and serve as authoritative sources for attorneys, employers, researchers, genealogists, and individuals who need verified legal information.

    In Virginia, court records can be reached through a combination of official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals at local courthouses, and state-managed online platforms. VirginiaStateCourts.us can help you identify publicly available case information and understand which state and county-level tools are available. The court where a case was originally filed will determine which clerk's office and search system to use.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Petersburg?

    Petersburg has three active trial courts, each keeping its own records. Before you submit a search or records request, identify which court handled the case — that's the essential first step.

    Online Case Search Tools

    The Virginia Judiciary makes two publicly accessible systems available for finding court case information:

    In-Person Access

    All three Petersburg courthouses allow members of the public to review case files in person during business hours. Clerks can help locate records, and you can request certified copies of documents for a fee.

    Mail Requests

    If you can't visit in person, mail a written request 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 help speed up 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 cannot require you to explain why you want the information.

    That said, several categories of Petersburg court records are restricted or confidential under Virginia law. You'll generally need a court order or demonstrated legal authorization to access these:

    • Juvenile records — sealed by operation of Va. Code § 16.1-305, which requires all juvenile case files to be filed separately and limits who may inspect them
    • Expunged and sealed case files — removed from public access by court order
    • Active criminal investigation records — withheld to protect ongoing law enforcement activity
    • Sexual offense victim identification — records that would reveal the identity of a sexual offense victim are confidential
    • Mental health records — protected under applicable health privacy statutes
    • Proprietary business and trade secret information — exempt 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 and traffic offenses) or the Circuit Court (felonies and misdemeanor appeals). The General District Court handles most lower-level criminal matters, while serious felony cases proceed to the Circuit Court for trial or sentencing.

    Searching Criminal Case Records Online

    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 holds 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 TypeFee
    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 go 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 at issue 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 lets individuals pursue disputes involving up to $5,000 without an attorney, handled through the General District Court. Filing fees vary by claim amount and whether sheriff service is required. Use the Virginia judiciary's General District Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator and Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator to determine exact fees before you file.

    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 are handled at the relevant clerk's office.

    Civil Division — General District Court
    Civil Division Clerks: (804) 733-2374
    The Civil Division files civil petitions, issues summonses, and processes judgments and garnishments. Clerks can help locate case files but cannot provide legal advice.

    Online Payments

    Petersburg Circuit Court accepts credit and debit card payments for court fees and fines. If you need a payment plan for court costs and fines, complete the notarized Form DC-211 Petition for Payment Agreement and submit 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 split between two courts depending on the type of 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. Have the names of both parties and the approximate date of the decree ready when you make your request.

    Certified divorce certificates from 1918 to the 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

    Each certified vital record copy costs $15.00, payable by check, money order, payment card, mobile pay, or cash. Checks should be made payable to the State Health Department. You can also apply online 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 on the record, 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 offers several resources for individuals navigating the probate process:

    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. Contact the Probate Division directly before visiting to confirm document availability and copying fees. Probate clerks cannot provide legal advice.