Pulaski County Court Records Search

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    Pulaski County, Virginia, sits within the 27th Judicial Circuit and District, serving residents through three interconnected trial courts: the Circuit Court, the General District Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Each of these courts generates its own set of official records—ranging from criminal filings and civil pleadings to estate inventories and protective orders—that together form the documentary foundation of justice in the county. Whether you are researching a case outcome, verifying a judgment, or requesting documents for legal proceedings, understanding how Pulaski County’s court system is organized is the essential first step.

    Court records in Virginia can be located through several avenues depending on the type of case and the level of court involved. VirginiaStateCourts.us provides a starting point for identifying the right court and accessing publicly available case information statewide. The Virginia judiciary also maintains its own official online portals, and county clerk offices remain the authoritative source for obtaining certified copies of records. In-person access, mail requests, and electronic searches each serve different needs, and knowing which method applies to your situation can save significant time.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Pulaski County?

    Searching for a Pulaski County court case depends on which court handled the matter and how recent the case is. Virginia’s court system provides multiple official tools for locating case information.

    Online Search Options

    • The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (OCIS 2.0) allows users to conduct a statewide search across adult criminal cases in juvenile and domestic relations courts, as well as criminal and traffic matters in general district courts. Case information entered by local court clerks into the state case management system is reflected here. Note that OCIS 2.0 does not support online payments.
    • The Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System (CJIS) provides online access to civil and criminal case details in circuit courts. Searches can be conducted by locality, party name, case number, or hearing date.
    • The General District Court Online Case Information System offers access to civil, criminal, and traffic cases handled by general district courts across Virginia, including Pulaski County’s 27th Judicial District. Searches are available by plaintiff or defendant name, case number, or hearing date.

    In-Person Access

    Records may also be reviewed in person at the appropriate clerk’s office during regular business hours. All three Pulaski County courthouses are located within the same building:

    CourtAddressPhoneHours
    Circuit Court (Suite 101)45 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301(540) 980-78258:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    General District Court (Suite 102)45 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301(540) 980-74708:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court (Suite 103)45 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301(540) 980-38228:30 AM – 4:30 PM

    Mail Requests

    Written requests for copies of court records may be directed to the relevant clerk’s office at the address listed above. Requests should identify the case as specifically as possible—including party names, case number if known, and approximate filing date—to allow staff to locate the correct record. Include payment for applicable copy fees with your request.

    Copy Fees

    Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, clerk fees for circuit court records are set by statute. Standard copy fees are $0.50 per page, with an additional $2.00 certification fee per document if a certified copy is required. Exemplified copies carry an additional $2.50 charge. Filing fees for civil cases can be estimated using the Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator maintained by the Virginia court system.

    Are Court Records Public in Pulaski County?

    Virginia law generally treats court records as open to public inspection. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., establishes the principle that the people of the Commonwealth are entitled to ready access to public records held by government bodies. Court records specifically are governed not by VFOIA but by Titles 16.1 and 17.1 of the Virginia Code, as well as Part Eleven of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Virginia Judiciary’s public records request policy clarifies that case records maintained by court clerks are open to inspection under these statutory provisions, subject to any applicable restrictions.

    Despite the general rule of openness, certain categories of records are withheld from public access under Virginia law:

    • Juvenile case files are confidential under Virginia Code § 16.1-305, which requires that all juvenile case files be maintained separately from adult records and opened only to specifically authorized parties. An exception applies when a juvenile is charged with a crime that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult, in which case certain disposition information may be disclosed.
    • Adoption records are sealed and not available for general public inspection.
    • Mental health and competency evaluation records, including psychiatric assessments ordered by the court, are restricted to protect the privacy of the individual.
    • Active law enforcement investigative materials attached to pending criminal matters may be withheld under Virginia Code § 2.2-3706.
    • Sealed or expunged records are removed from public access through a formal court order. Virginia’s record sealing process is governed by statute and requires a petition for expungement filed in circuit court, with timelines varying based on offense type.
    • Personal identifying information of victims, witnesses, or protected parties where disclosure could create safety risks may be redacted from otherwise public documents.

    Any person may inspect public court records in person at the clerk’s office during business hours. Certified copies are available upon payment of applicable statutory fees.

    Pulaski County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal court records in Pulaski County originate from proceedings brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia against individuals accused of violating state criminal statutes. Depending on the severity of the alleged offense, cases may be initiated in the General District Court, transferred to the Circuit Court, or—for juvenile defendants—heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

    The Pulaski County General District Court ((540) 980-7470) handles misdemeanor criminal cases and preliminary hearings on felony charges. It is the entry point for most criminal matters. The Pulaski County Circuit Court ((540) 980-7825) handles felony prosecutions, jury trials, and appeals from the general district court. Both courts maintain their own dockets, and case records are accessible through the respective clerk’s offices.

    Searching Criminal Records Online

    The OCIS 2.0 statewide search system is the primary online tool for locating criminal case information across Virginia courts, including Pulaski County. The CJIS portal provides additional circuit court criminal case detail. The General District Court Case Information System covers misdemeanor and traffic criminal matters in the district court.

    Criminal History and Arrest Records

    Statewide criminal history records are maintained by the Virginia State Police, not by the county clerk’s office. Individuals seeking a complete criminal history background check should contact the Virginia State Police directly. Arrest records generated by local law enforcement may be available through the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, though the release of specific records may be subject to restrictions depending on whether a case is active or pending.

    Expungement and Record Sealing

    Individuals who were acquitted, had charges dismissed, or meet eligibility criteria for sealing a conviction may petition the Circuit Court for relief. The formal process requires filing Form CC-1473 in the Pulaski County Circuit Court. Virginia’s record sealing law imposes waiting periods—generally seven years for certain misdemeanor convictions and ten years for certain felonies—before a petition may be filed.

    Pulaski County Civil Court Records

    Civil court records document disputes between private parties, businesses, or governmental entities over matters such as contracts, property rights, personal injury claims, landlord-tenant issues, and debt collection. In Pulaski County, civil jurisdiction is divided between the General District Court and the Circuit Court based on the amount in controversy.

    • The General District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil claims of $4,500 or less and shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court for claims between $4,500 and $25,000. As of 2025, Virginia has increased the general district court’s upper civil jurisdictional limit to $50,000.
    • The Circuit Court handles civil claims exceeding the general district court’s exclusive jurisdiction and is the only court with authority over matters such as injunctions and certain property disputes requiring equitable relief.
    • Small claims in Virginia are heard within the General District Court system and are available for amounts up to $5,000. These proceedings are designed to be accessible without an attorney, and Virginia’s court self-help resources provide guidance on filing procedures.

    Requesting Civil Records

    Civil case records filed in the General District Court are maintained by the clerk at Suite 102 ((540) 980-7470, email: pulaskigd@vacourts.gov). Circuit Court civil records are maintained by the clerk at Suite 10((540) 980-7825). Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Online civil case information for the circuit court may be found through the CJIS case information system, and district court civil matters through the General District Court system.

    Land Records

    The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office also serves as the custodian of Pulaski County land records, including deeds, deeds of trust, liens, plats, and related documents. These records are publicly accessible in person at the clerk’s office. The county also supports e-recording of land documents through Simplifile and CSC, allowing title companies and attorneys to submit land record filings electronically. A Land Records Cover Sheet is required for all filings submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk.

    Pulaski County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Pulaski County are handled primarily by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, located at Suite 103, 45 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301 (phone: (540) 980-3822, fax: (540) 980-7891). The court’s clerk’s office maintains hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Cases involving divorce and equitable distribution, however, are heard by the Circuit Court, as the JDR court does not have jurisdiction over divorce proceedings.

    The Pulaski County JDR Court has earned national recognition for its work in domestic violence response. In both 2020 and 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women designated the court a Domestic Violence Mentor Court, recognizing the court’s adherence to best practices in specialized domestic violence court models.

    Types of Records Maintained

    The JDR Court handles and generates records related to:

    • Child custody and visitation disputes
    • Child support establishment and modification
    • Spousal support orders
    • Protective orders in domestic violence matters
    • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
    • Child abuse and neglect cases
    • Termination of parental rights
    • Guardianship of minors

    Protective Orders and the HOPE Card Program

    Protective order records are available through the JDR Court clerk’s office. Pulaski County participates in Virginia’s HOPE Card Program, which allows protected parties to apply for a portable, electronic verification card confirming that a qualifying protective order (one year or longer) is in effect. Applications are submitted to the court that issued the protective order. Questions about the program may be directed to hopecard@vacourts.gov.

    Confidentiality in Family Cases

    Many JDR Court records are confidential under Virginia law. Juvenile case files are restricted under Virginia Code § 16.1-305, and adoption records are sealed by statute. Divorce decrees and civil protective orders that originate in the Circuit Court are generally public, though certain personal identifying information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions.

    Vital Records Related to Family Matters

    Marriage and divorce records, while not court records in the traditional sense, are frequently needed in family legal proceedings. Marriage records from Pulaski County may be obtained through the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or through the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records, which maintains records from 1936 forward. Divorce records are similarly available from the VDH for proceedings from 1918 onward. The current fee for a certified vital record copy from VDH is $15.00 per copy, payable by check, money order, credit card, or cash. Requests require a completed application for a vital record and valid photo identification. Mail requests may be sent to:

    VDH Office of Vital Records
    P.O. Box 1000
    Richmond, VA 23218-1000

    Birth and death certificates are subject to stricter access controls and are generally restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives.

    Pulaski County Probate Court Records

    In Virginia, probate matters fall within the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. The Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk administers the probate process, which encompasses the qualification of executors and administrators, the probate of wills, the administration of decedents’ estates, and the appointment of conservators and guardians for incapacitated adults.

    The probate process in Pulaski County is initiated at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Suite 101, 45 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301 (phone: (540) 980-7825). The clerk has authority under the Code of Virginia to probate a will, appoint and qualify personal representatives, and oversee the filing of required inventories and accountings.

    What Probate Records Contain

    Probate records filed with the Circuit Court Clerk may include:

    • The original Last Will and Testament submitted for probate
    • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration issued to the personal representative
    • Inventories of estate assets
    • Accountings filed during estate administration
    • Fiduciary bonds
    • Orders of the court relating to estate matters
    • Conservatorship and guardianship appointments for incapacitated adults

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate case information for Pulaski County may be available through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System, which allows searches by party name or case number within the 27th Judicial Circuit. For older records or matters not reflected in the online system, a direct inquiry to the clerk’s office is necessary. The Virginia Judicial System also provides probate forms through its court self-help portal, which can assist individuals navigating the process without an attorney.

    Requesting Probate Documents

    Copies of probate records may be requested in person at the clerk’s office during regular business hours or by submitting a written request by mail. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, copies are $0.50 per page, with a $2.00 certification fee per document for certified copies. Individuals who need to review estate files that are no longer active should contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm availability and arrange access.