richmond-circuit-court-cases involve civil and criminal matters handled by the Richmond Circuit Court, located at 100 North Ninth Street in Richmond, Virginia. The court operates under the 15th Judicial Circuit and serves as the primary venue for felony trials, high-value civil disputes, divorces, and appeals from lower courts. Each month, the court convenes on Term Day—the first Tuesday—at 9:00 a.m. for criminal docket calls and 1:30 p.m. for civil matters. Commissioners in Chancery assist only in contested divorce cases involving property or custody issues. In March 2024, the court launched a Secure Remote Access (SRA) portal allowing attorneys to download land-record PDFs remotely for a $49 annual fee. This system requires identity verification and encrypted login.
Court Structure and Jurisdiction
The Richmond Circuit Court has broad authority over serious legal matters. It handles all felony criminal cases such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide. Civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000 fall under its jurisdiction, while personal injury and wrongful death suits up to $50,000 are also heard here. The court shares concurrent jurisdiction with General District Courts for claims between $4,500 and $25,000. Appeals from General District Court decisions are reviewed de novo in the circuit court. Additionally, the court issues injunctions, declaratory judgments, and equitable remedies. Jury trials consist of twelve citizens who determine guilt or liability.
Term Day and Docket Scheduling
Term Day marks the start of each monthly court session. Criminal cases are called precisely at 9:00 a.m., followed by civil docket calls at 1:30 p.m. Attorneys must appear on time unless prior arrangements are made. For contested matters, filings must be submitted at least ten days before the scheduled hearing. Parties can negotiate preliminary hearing dates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or request alternate dates directly from the judge’s chambers via phone at (804) 333‑3781. The clerk records all agreed-upon schedules in the official docket. Uncontested divorces do not require Commissioners in Chancery, but disputed cases involving assets or children do.
Secure Remote Access (SRA) for Land Records
Effective March 12, 2024, the Richmond Circuit Court introduced the Secure Remote Access (SRA) portal. This service enables licensed attorneys to retrieve scanned land deeds and property records without visiting the clerk’s office. Access requires a paid annual subscription of $49.00 and multi-factor identity verification. Each download is logged for audit compliance under Code Section 17.1‑294. To subscribe, users must send a protected email to the address provided on the court’s notice. The system supports encrypted PDF retrieval and is available 24/7. Technical support is offered through a help desk reachable at (804) 646‑5600.
Online Court Records Access (OCRA)
Virginia attorneys and their staff can use the Online Court Records Access (OCRA) system to view case files electronically. This platform operates under Code Section 17.1‑292 and mandates authentication using a state-issued bar number. OCRA provides real-time access to dockets, motions, and judgments. Users must agree to a data-use policy before accessing any document. The system timestamps all queries and stores logs in the Commonwealth’s secure data center. It integrates with the State Court Information System (SCIS) for cross-referencing civil, criminal, and traffic cases. Access is restricted to authorized legal professionals only.
Clerk’s Office Operations and Hours
The Clerk of Circuit Court oversees daily operations at 100 North Ninth Street. Office hours run weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In-person filings are accepted until 12:00 p.m.; after that, electronic submissions via the e-filing portal are encouraged. The main phone line (804) 333‑3781 connects callers to the docketing department. Fax submissions at (804) 333‑5396 are processed after hours for verified legal documents. Passport applications are handled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with original ID and a completed DS‑11 form. Public parking accommodates up to 30 vehicles near the west wing.
Judgment Recording and Public Access
Judgments are recorded weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the clerk’s office on 900 E. Broad Street. Documents submitted after hours are queued for the next business day. Staff verify each entry against the official docket before stamping. Inquiries about judgment status can be made by calling (804) 646‑6530. A certified copy costs $10. The office maintains a public display board listing recent judgments, updated hourly. All recordings comply with Virginia’s public records laws and are accessible for background checks or legal research.
Case Search and Payment Portal
Residents and attorneys can search civil, criminal, and traffic cases using the State Court Information System. Searches accept party names, docket numbers, or hearing dates. The portal also processes payments for fines, filing fees, and restitution via credit card or ACH transfer. An embedded fee calculator helps estimate civil filing costs based on claim amount and case type. All transactions are encrypted and stored securely. Users receive instant confirmation receipts. This system supports compliance with court orders and streamlines financial obligations.
Richmond County vs. Richmond City Courts
It is important to distinguish between Richmond Circuit Court (city) and Richmond County Circuit Court. The city court serves Richmond proper at 100 North Ninth Street. The county court, located in Warsaw at P.O. Box 1000, 101 Court Circle, handles cases for Richmond County residents. Both fall under the 15th Judicial Circuit but serve different geographic areas. The county clerk, Hon. Cheryl B. Pierson, has served since 2015 and leads a team of five deputy clerks. Confusion between these courts can delay filings, so verifying the correct jurisdiction is essential.
Public Records Registration Process
To access electronic records in Richmond County, residents must register online. Required details include a valid driver’s license number, residential address, and a username with an eight-character minimum password. After submission, the clerk reviews the application and sends an approval email with a temporary access code. Users must activate their account within 72 hours. Once active, they can request certified deeds, view dockets, and schedule in-person pickups. The system ensures privacy while enabling efficient record retrieval.
Meeting Schedules and City Council Coordination
The clerk’s office publishes schedules for Richmond City Council meetings, including informal sessions and public hearings. For example, a September 12, 2022 meeting began at 4:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. Advisory gatherings, like the Public Information Advisory for the 8th Voter District on July 27, 2022, are also coordinated. Minutes are archived online and available in PDF within five business days. The clerk works closely with Mayor Levar Stoney’s office to notify the public about special sessions and emergency protocols.
Legal Authority and Statutory Compliance
All court operations adhere to Virginia Code Sections 17.1‑292 and 17.1‑294. These statutes govern electronic access to case files and land records. The court ensures compliance with privacy regulations through data-use agreements and audit trails. Every document download or view is logged with user credentials and timestamps. This framework supports transparency while protecting sensitive information. Violations of access terms may result in account suspension or legal action.
Contact Information and Location Details
Richmond Circuit Court is located at 100 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The clerk’s office phone number is (804) 646‑6530. For technical support with SRA or OCRA, call (804) 646‑5600. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Passport services end at 4:00 p.m. Richmond County’s court is at P.O. Box 1000, 101 Court Circle, Warsaw, VA 22572, with phone (804) 333‑3781. Always confirm jurisdiction before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to find specific richmond-circuit-court-cases or access records online. Others want to know about Term Day schedules or subscription costs for remote access. Below are common questions with clear, direct answers based on current court policies and Virginia law.
How do I search for a Richmond Circuit Court case online?
Use the State Court Information System portal to search by party name, docket number, or hearing date. The system covers civil, criminal, and traffic cases. You can also view dockets and pay fines electronically. For land records, subscribe to the Secure Remote Access portal if you’re a licensed attorney. Residents in Richmond County can register for electronic access through the county’s public records portal. Always verify the correct court jurisdiction—city or county—before searching.
What is Term Day and when does it occur?
Term Day is the first Tuesday of each month when the Richmond Circuit Court holds docket calls. Criminal cases start at 9:00 a.m., and civil matters begin at 1:30 p.m. This schedule is fixed unless announced otherwise. Attorneys must appear unless they’ve made prior arrangements with the judge or Commonwealth’s Attorney. All contested filings must be submitted at least ten days before Term Day. The term structure ensures consistent case management and timely hearings.
Can I access land records without visiting the courthouse?
Yes, but only licensed attorneys can use the Secure Remote Access (SRA) portal. It launched in March 2024 and costs $49 per year. You’ll need to verify your identity and agree to data-use terms. Each download is logged for audits. Non-attorneys must visit the clerk’s office or request records by mail. Richmond County offers a separate registration system for residents to view deeds and schedule pickups. Always check which court holds the record you need.
How much does it cost to get a certified copy of a judgment?
A certified copy of a judgment from the Richmond Circuit Court costs $10. You can request it in person at 900 E. Broad Street between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call (804) 646‑6530 to confirm availability. Documents submitted after hours are processed the next business day. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card. The office also maintains a public display board with recent judgments updated hourly.
What types of cases does the Richmond Circuit Court handle?
The court handles felony criminal cases like homicide and armed robbery. It also hears civil cases with claims over $25,000, including personal injury and wrongful death up to $50,000. Appeals from General District Court are reviewed here. The court issues injunctions and declaratory judgments. Commissioners in Chancery assist only in contested divorces involving property or custody. Uncontested divorces proceed without their involvement.
How do I register for electronic access to Richmond County records?
Visit the Richmond County Circuit Court records portal and provide your driver’s license number, address, and a secure password. After review, you’ll receive an email with a temporary access code. Activate your account within 72 hours. Once approved, you can view dockets, request deeds, and schedule pickups. The system is designed for residents, not attorneys. For city records, use the state’s OCRA system with your bar number.
Who do I contact for help with the Secure Remote Access portal?
Call the 24-hour help desk at (804) 646‑5600 for technical issues with the SRA portal. This service supports attorneys accessing land records. For general court questions, call the clerk’s office at (804) 646‑6530. If you’re in Richmond County, dial (804) 333‑3781. Always have your subscription details or case number ready. Support staff can assist with login problems, download errors, or billing inquiries.
For official information, visit https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/Richmond/home.html or call (804) 646‑6530. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Passport services end at 4:00 p.m. Location: 100 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219.