Albemarle County Court Records
What Is Albemarle County Court Records
Court records in Albemarle County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Albemarle County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting and election records
Within Albemarle County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Albemarle Circuit Court
- Albemarle General District Court
- Albemarle Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Pursuant to § 16.1-69.54 of the Code of Virginia, court clerks are responsible for maintaining these records and ensuring their accessibility according to state law.
Are Court Records Public In Albemarle County
Court records in Albemarle County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the constitutional principle of open courts. Under § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, "The records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person and the clerk shall, when required, furnish copies thereof."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. These exceptions include:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
Access to federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (which includes Albemarle County) is governed by federal rules rather than state law. The Virginia Judicial System provides guidance on record access policies that apply to all courts within the Commonwealth.
How To Find Court Records in Albemarle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Albemarle County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court that maintains the desired records
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing case number or party names
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (if requested)
Albemarle Circuit Court Clerk's Office
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4083
Albemarle Circuit Court
Online Access:
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System Case Information portal
- Select the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review available case information
- Note that complete case files may not be available online
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include specific case information and documents requested
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
Secure Remote Access: For certain records, particularly land records, attorneys and authorized users may access the Secure Remote Access system maintained by the Virginia court system.
Pursuant to § 17.1-276 of the Code of Virginia, reasonable fees may be charged for search and copying services. Currently, standard copy fees are $0.50 per page for regular copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies.
How To Look Up Court Records in Albemarle County Online?
Albemarle County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different levels of information based on court type and record category:
Virginia Judicial System Case Information:
- Navigate to the Virginia Courts Case Information portal
- Select "Circuit Court Case Information" for Albemarle Circuit Court records
- Choose "District Court Case Information" for General District or Juvenile & Domestic Relations cases
- Enter search parameters (name, case number)
- Review case summary information, including parties, charges, hearing dates, and disposition
Circuit Court Records: For Albemarle Circuit Court records, users may:
- Access the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information system
- Select Albemarle County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria
- Review available case information, including civil judgments, criminal dispositions, and hearing schedules
Land Records: For property and land records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk:
- Attorneys and authorized users may access the Secure Remote Access system
- Registration and subscription fees apply
- Search by name, property address, or instrument number
Court Calendars: Court dockets and hearing schedules can be viewed at:
- Virginia Court System Hearing Date Search for District Courts
- Circuit Court Hearing Date Search for Circuit Court
Online access is limited to case summaries and docket information. Complete case files, including pleadings and exhibits, typically require in-person inspection or specific document requests.
How To Search Albemarle County Court Records for Free?
Virginia law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. Pursuant to § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, "The records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person" without fee for inspection alone.
Free search options include:
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours to review records at no cost:
Albemarle Circuit Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4083
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Albemarle General District Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4007
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Case Information: The Virginia Judicial System provides free access to basic case information through:
These systems allow searches by name or case number and provide:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information (criminal cases)
- Hearing dates
- Case status and disposition
While inspection is free, fees apply for copies of documents ($0.50 per page) and certified copies ($1.00 per page) as established under § 17.1-275 of the Code of Virginia.
What's Included in a Albemarle County Court Record?
Albemarle County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Typical components include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition
- Summons and proof of service
- Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings (if prepared)
- Orders and judgments
- Appeal notices and related documents
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictments, information)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond information
- Plea agreements
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Trial exhibits (if admitted)
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal documents
Family Court Records:
- Petitions for divorce or custody
- Financial statements
- Parenting plans
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Court orders regarding custody, support, or visitation
- Final divorce decrees
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Accountings
- Orders appointing executors/administrators
- Final distribution orders
Each record also contains a case summary sheet or docket that chronologically lists all filings and court actions. Pursuant to § 16.1-69.55 of the Code of Virginia, court clerks must maintain these records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
How Long Does Albemarle County Keep Court Records?
Albemarle County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Library of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia under the authority of § 42.1-86.1 of the Code of Virginia. Retention periods vary by record type:
Circuit Court Records:
- Felony case files: 20 years after final disposition (capital cases permanently)
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil case files: 20 years after final disposition
- Divorce records: Permanently
- Wills and estate records: Permanently
- Land records (deeds, mortgages): Permanently
- Judgments: 20 years (renewable)
General District Court Records:
- Criminal case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 10 years after final disposition
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Records:
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 19 (felonies until age 29)
- Child custody and support: Until youngest child reaches age 19
- Child protective orders: 15 years
Certain historically significant records may be designated for permanent retention. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures. Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format for improved preservation and access.
The Library of Virginia maintains the official Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for all court records in the Commonwealth.
Types of Courts In Albemarle County
Albemarle County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with distinct jurisdictions and authority:
Albemarle Circuit Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4083
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Albemarle Circuit Court
Albemarle General District Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4007
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Virginia General District Courts
Albemarle Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4021
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts
The Virginia court hierarchy proceeds from District Courts (General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations) to Circuit Courts, then to the Court of Appeals of Virginia, and finally to the Supreme Court of Virginia. Federal cases may be heard in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, with appeals to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and ultimately the United States Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Albemarle County Courts Hear?
Each court in Albemarle County has jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Virginia law:
Albemarle Circuit Court:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from District Courts
- Divorce proceedings
- Probate and estate administration
- Real property disputes
- Administrative appeals
- Serious juvenile offenses (transferred from JDR Court)
Albemarle General District Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Traffic violations
- Protective orders (non-family)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
Albemarle Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court:
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Family abuse protective orders
- Child abuse and neglect
- Termination of parental rights
- Criminal cases where victim is family/household member
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by Title 16.1 and Title 17.1 of the Code of Virginia. The Virginia Court System provides additional information about specific court functions and procedures.
How To Find a Court Docket In Albemarle County
Court dockets in Albemarle County, which list scheduled hearings and case activities, can be accessed through several methods:
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System Case Information portal
- Select "Hearing Date Search" for the appropriate court
- Choose Albemarle County from the jurisdiction list
- Enter the desired date range
- Review the list of scheduled hearings
Circuit Court Dockets:
- Access the Circuit Court Case Information system
- Select Albemarle County
- Enter search criteria (date, courtroom, case type)
- View scheduled hearings and associated case information
District Court Dockets:
- Navigate to the District Court Hearing Date Search
- Select either General District or Juvenile & Domestic Relations
- Choose Albemarle County
- Enter search parameters
- Review docket listings
In-Person Docket Review: Current dockets are posted daily in the respective courthouse lobbies and outside courtrooms. Members of the public may also request to view docket information at the clerk's office:
Albemarle Circuit Court Clerk's Office
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4083
Docket information typically includes case numbers, party names, hearing types, assigned judges, and courtroom locations. For security and privacy reasons, certain case types (particularly juvenile matters) may have limited docket information available to the public.
Which Courts in Albemarle County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Virginia's judicial system, "courts not of record" are courts whose proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim, and appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trials) in higher courts. Pursuant to § 16.1-69.5 of the Code of Virginia, the following Albemarle County courts are classified as courts not of record:
Albemarle General District Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4007
Albemarle Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-4021
As courts not of record, these district courts:
- Do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Allow appeals to be tried completely anew in Circuit Court
- Follow more simplified procedures than Circuit Court
- Do not conduct jury trials (except in certain juvenile cases)
- Maintain records that may have different retention requirements
In contrast, the Albemarle Circuit Court is a court of record, meaning:
- Proceedings are recorded verbatim
- Appeals are based on the existing record and legal errors
- More formal procedures are followed
- Jury trials are available
- Records are maintained permanently for many case types
This distinction is important for understanding appeal rights and procedural requirements in different courts. The Virginia court system structure is established by Article VI of the Constitution of Virginia and implemented through Title 16.1 and Title 17.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Lookup Court Records in Albemarle County
Virginia Court Case Information