Chesapeake City Court Records

"Court records" is a broad term that encapsulates all documentary materials produced during judicial proceedings in a particular jurisdiction, such as transcripts, judgments, dockets, and exhibits (Va. Code Ann. § 17.1-292(B)). In Chesapeake City, these records highlight the events that transpired when a court presided over a civil matter involving parties seeking legal remedies for an injury or a criminal matter involving a natural person accused of committing a public offense.

Following regulations governing the use and formulation of Virginia court records, Chesapeake City court records serve to promote transparency within the judicial system. This openness enables members of the society to experience fair legal processes and learn how the law works. Further, court records are a historical repository of legal decisions, which judges, lawyers, historians, and others can explore to identify precedents that can influence or shape future rulings.

Are Court Records Public in Chesapeake City?

Yes. Court records are among the documents that constitute the Chesapeake City public records. This public access is rendered pursuant to Titles 16.1 and 17.1 of the Code of Virginia. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, a set of laws governing access to other public records within the Commonwealth of Virginia, does not apply to case records maintained by the Chesapeake City courts.

Notably, certain Chesapeake court records are barred from public disclosure by law or court order. These confidential court records include juvenile case files, expunged court records, adoption files, medical and psychological records, and records protected by attorney-client privilege.

Chesapeake City Court Records Search

A Chesapeake court records search delves into case documents and information maintained by the local judicial system. This search can be conducted as follows:

• At the courthouse where a legal matter was filed
• Through a clerk of the court's office
• By accessing the Virginia Judiciary's remote case information systems
• Through a third-party aggregator website

Chesapeake City Court Records Search by Name

A court records search by name is a technique for finding related court records using the partial or complete name of a person associated with a legal case. Usually, this case party is the plaintiff or defendant listed in the records.

To perform a Chesapeake City court records search by name, an individual can access case search tools provided on the Virginia Judicial System's website. An online search is the fastest way to retrieve case records created in Chesapeake City, and requesters have access to the information at no charge. However, users can only receive information extracted from the court documents. No option is provided to download these documents through the systems.

People needing the actual case files or documents can submit a written or oral request bearing a case party's name to a court clerk's office. It should be noted that where a requester requires copies of documents, they must pay the associated charges, which vary by court and a requester's order.

Chesapeake City Courts

The City of Chesapeake's judicial system consists of a Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) District Court, which collectively comprise Virginia's First Judicial Circuit.

Below are the courts' physical addresses and contact numbers.

Chesapeake Circuit Court
307 Albemarle Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 382-3000
Fax: (757) 382-3080

Chesapeake General District Court
307 Albemarle Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 382-3100

Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
301 Albemarle Drive
2nd Floor
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 382-8100
Fax: (757) 382-8152

Chesapeake City Superior Court Case Search

The Chesapeake City Circuit Court serves as the region's superior court. The court maintains general trial jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. Specifically, the circuit court handles most civil cases with claims above $25,000. It also shares concurrent jurisdiction with the general district court over civil claims between $4,500 and $25,000 and civil matters involving personal injury or wrongful death that do not exceed $50,000.

In criminal matters, the Chesapeake City Circuit Court handles all felonies, misdemeanors initially filed in the circuit court, and misdemeanor appeals from the district courts. The court also hears all other appeals from the local district courts and handles divorce, probate, and real estate disputes. Per the Virginia Constitution, it is the only trial court authorized to conduct jury trials in Chesapeake.

Individuals can utilize the following avenues to find court case records from the Chesapeake City Circuit Court.

Online Case Search

The Virginia Judiciary operates several case management systems to enable the public to find circuit court information. Generally, these tools are:

• The Circuit Court Case Information, which provides online access to civil and criminal cases), and
• The Online Case Information System-Statewide Search (OCIS 2.0), which provides remote access to criminal case information

Online case search systems are free to use, and users can generally look up information by name, case number, or hearing date. However, court case documents cannot be downloaded/printed, nor can copies be requested through these systems.

In-Person Case Search

An alternative to the online search is to visit the Chesapeake Circuit Clerk's Office at 307 Albemarle Drive, Suite 300A (3rd Floor), to search for and obtain court case records. It is important to note that a fee applies to obtain copies of records. Per Va. Code Ann.§ 17.1-275, the Clerk charges 50 cents per page for plain copies and $2 per document for certification.

Chesapeake City District Court Records

Chesapeake City has two distinct types of district court, each having the authority to adjudicate specific case types. These courts hold no jury trials and are designated as "courts not of record," as defined in Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-69.5.

The Chesapeake City General District Court handles minor criminal cases (i.e., misdemeanors), traffic violations, preliminary hearings of felony cases, city ordinance violations, and civil cases (e.g., contract and landlord-tenant disputes). The general district court's civil jurisdiction extends to claims from $4,500 to $25,000 and personal injury and wrongful death claims not above $50,000.

On the other hand, the Chesapeake City Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court presides over criminal and traffic violations involving juveniles and serious domestic (family) relations matters.

Here's how to obtain case records specific to the Chesapeake City district courts:

Accessing Chesapeake General District Court Records

Members of the public can utilize the Virginia Judiciary's OCIS 2.0 and General District Court Case Information portals to look up civil, criminal, and traffic case information generated in the Chesapeake General District Court. Either system can be searched by mane, hearing date, or case number. It should be noted that confidential case information and plain or certified copies of case documents are unavailable through these systems.

Alternatively, interested persons can stop by the courthouse at 307 Albemarle Drive to inquire about a case heard in the general district court. Note that the court clerk may charge a fee in line with Va. Code § 16.1-69.48:2 to produce a copy of a paper record. Typically, this fee does not exceed $1 for the initial two pages and 50 cents for each subsequent page.

Accessing Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Records

Individuals seeking JDR court records in Chesapeake should be advised that such records are subject to confidentiality restrictions. Disclosure is generally constrained to the people involved in a case, as permitted under the applicable laws. Further, only limited information may be released to the involved parties. Eligible persons can submit an inquiry to the JDR clerk's office at 301 Albemarle Drive, 2nd Floor.

Chesapeake City Criminal Records

The Virginia State Police (VSP) is the central repository for criminal records within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Consequently, it is the primary point of contact for persons seeking Chesapeake criminal records or other criminal record information in Virginia.

The VSP provides two methods for requesting a statewide criminal record check:

• Form SP-167 (requests from individuals, the general public, out-of-state agencies, and private companies), and
• Form SP-230 (requests from employers or prospective employers).

The applicable forms, form instructions, order fees, and processing times are available on the VSP's Virginia Criminal History Record Check web page.

However, it is imperative to note that the VSP disseminates records per Va. Code Ann. §§ 19.2-389 and 19.2-389.1. These laws set out the persons to whom criminal history record information may be released.

At the same time, an individual can submit a Chesapeake City arrest record or criminal records request to the City Police Department's Central Records Unit. The Unit can be contacted at (757) 382-6815 for detailed information about submitting such requests. Requesters should note that not all records can be disclosed publicly, and fees may apply to reproduce a record.

Chesapeake City Criminal Court Case Lookup

Court records make up a significant portion of a person's Chesapeake criminal record history information, providing insight into the local justice process and whether a person was ultimately convicted or sentenced for a crime.

To look up criminal court case records in Chesapeake City, one can submit a written or oral request to the clerk of the court where the criminal case was filed. Each requester must be able to provide information that allows staff to identify or locate a record. Inquirers are also liable for the associated fees if they seek copies of a record.

Another way to look up Chesapeake City criminal court cases is to access the Virginia Judiciary's case search systems. These platforms are generally searchable with a case party's name, case number, or hearing date, and members of the public do not need to pay a fee for access.

Get Chesapeake City Civil Court Records

Chesapeake City civil court records encompass all case-related information, documents, and files generated from non-criminal proceedings held in a local court. Interestingly, all three courts in Chesapeake City possess some form of civil jurisdiction. Therefore, anyone interested in looking up or obtaining civil court records in the city must first ascertain which court adjudicated the matter.

Generally, when a civil case involves a substantial monetary amount, results in a jury trial, or is divorce-related, the circuit court is likely to sit in judgment over the issue. Meanwhile, lower-level civil cases often fall under the general district court's jurisdiction, and those pertaining to juveniles or families are most likely to be heard by the JDR court.

An individual can also utilize official and third-party online databases to determine a presiding court. Subsequently, the inquirer can submit a civil court records inquiry in person or via mail to the court clerk's office for copies of documents. Note that a nominal fee will apply to obtain a copy of any court record from a clerk's office.

Chesapeake City Family Court Records

Various familial disputes or controversies may arise in Chesapeake City, necessitating resolution within the court system. These cases include divorce, child support, child custody, adoption, visitation, paternity, child abuse and neglect, and guardianship.

While there is no dedicated "family court" in Chesapeake, the circuit and JDR courts exercise some family court jurisdiction. The proceedings from these courts comprise the family court records of Chesapeake City.

To obtain a Chesapeake City family court record, a person can inquire at the courthouse where a case was filed or heard. However, family court records are usually subject to confidentiality restrictions due to their sensitive contents and the fact that they are often needed to establish or protect a person's rights. For this reason, access is typically constrained to the parties directly involved in a case.

Chesapeake Dissolution of Marriage Records

In Chesapeake City, dissolution of marriage records are the documents or materials produced from legal proceedings initiated to end a marital union. Generally, these records are maintained by the circuit court, which holds jurisdiction over all divorce cases in Chesapeake.

Requesters can stop by the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 307 Albemarle Drive to request dissolution of marriage records, or they may mail, email, or call the Clerk's office with their records request. The Circuit Clerk's contact details are provided online.

Chesapeake City Marriage and Divorce Records

Chesapeake City marriage records can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The Clerk issues marriage licenses in Chesapeake and maintains the related documents.

A certified copy of a Chesapeake marriage license costs $2.50 and can be requested in person or via mail. In-person applicants can pay in cash or check. Meanwhile, mail requesters must include a self-addressed return envelope and a check or money order payable to the "Clerk of Circuit Court" in their request. Each request must bear the spouses' names before the marriage and the marriage year. Below is the Circuit Clerk's mailing address.

Chesapeake Circuit Court
ATTN: Marriage License Division
307 Albemarle Drive
Suite 300A
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Similarly, Chesapeake divorce records can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Interested persons can complete and submit the Clerk's Document Request Form to retrieve copies of divorce documents, including judgments, from the city's circuit court. However, requesters must pay the applicable research, copy, and certification fees (as stated on the form), plus a 2% credit/debit card convenience fee.

It should be noted that marriage and divorce records are considered vital records in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Section 32.1-249 of the Virginia Code defines "vital records" as certificates or reports of births, adoptions, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, divorces or annulments, and any related amendment data.

Consequently, Chesapeake City marriage and divorce records can also be obtained from the Commonwealth's Department of Health (VDH), which acts as the State Registrar. People requesting such Chesapeake City vital records can complete the Marriage/Divorce form and bring it to the VDH's office in Chesapeake at:

Chesapeake Health Department - Vital Records Office
748 Battlefield Boulevard North
1st Floor Counter
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Email: CHDVitalRec@vdh.virginia.gov

A Chesapeake City marriage certificate costs $12, and each requester must present a valid ID. The same requirements apply to obtain a Chesapeake divorce certificate from the VDH. The Department highlights other methods for requesting marriage and divorce records on its Vital Records website.

Note, however, that under Virginia law, marriage and divorce records in the State Registrar's custody only become "public" 25 years after the event. Prior to that timeline, these records are only disclosable to the subject and "immediate family members" (present spouse, adult child, brother, sister, parent, or grandparent).

Chesapeake Birth and Death Records

Individuals seeking Chesapeake City birth records can complete and submit the Virginia Department of Health's Birth Certificate Application. Meanwhile, those seeking Chesapeake death records can fill out and submit the Department's Death Certificate form.

Each request costs $12, and the applicant must provide a valid ID alongside the request. Submissions can be made at the Chesapeake Health Department's Vital Records Office or using other methods highlighted on the VDH's Vital Records website.

Per Va. Code Ann. § 32.1-271(D), a Chesapeake City birth certificate becomes "public" information when 100 years have elapsed from the event. Until that happens, the record can only be released to the subject, an immediate family member, or a legal guardian bearing proof of custody.

Conversely, a Chesapeake City death certificate becomes publicly available 25 years after the date of death. Death certificates less than 25 years old can only be released to a grandchild, great-grandchild, immediate family member, or legally authorized person.

Birth and death records are essential legal documents that serve distinct purposes. Birth records are handy for establishing one's identity on government and other official applications. On the other hand, death records verify a person's demise, usually to claim insurance, an inheritance, or some other benefit. Both records are also valuable for ancestral research.

Chesapeake City Probate Court Records

The Chesapeake City Circuit Court adjudicates all probate cases brought to the city's judicial system. These cases include the administration of decedent estates, appointment of guardians, and execution of wills.

A person can stop by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours to find probate court records in Chesapeake City. It will be necessary to provide sufficient information about a case (party name, case number, hearing date) to enable staff to retrieve records. The Clerk's Office can be reached at ccclerk@cityofchesapeake.net or (757) 382-3000 for probate case record inquiries.

Note that it is possible to look up wills using the Circuit Clerk's Remote Access Site, as explained in the next section.

Chesapeake City Property Records

Property (land) records in Chesapeake City refer to documents carrying information about real estate (real property) within the city. This includes data about a property's ownership, transfer, taxation, and appraisal.

Property documents are primarily recorded in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office as part of the Chesapeake City public records. Thus, individuals can visit or contact the Clerk's Office to inspect or obtain copies of these records. Typically, fees apply for copy orders.

To facilitate faster public access to land records, the Chesapeake City Circuit Clerk provides a Remote Access Website. The site offers information about deeds, judgments, wills, and more.

Users can access indexing data for free using search criteria like a name, book/page number, or recording date. At the same time, a fee-based secure remote access (SRA) site is available to parties who want to access digitized land records and other select records maintained in digitized format by the Clerk. However, one must register with the Circuit Clerk's Office to use the SRA website. A subscription costs $600, charged annually per user.

Members of the public also have other avenues for looking up property information in Chesapeake City. The city's Your Property and Property Data web pages can be reviewed to find these resources.

Chesapeake City Court Records Online

Third-party aggregator websites offer an alternative means to obtain Chesapeake City court records online. One significant benefit of using a third-party website like Virginiacourtrecords.us is that the user has instant access to the database. They can also retrieve other public records related to the person being searched, such as the subject's public Chesapeake arrest records, bankruptcy information, liens, assets, etc. Moreover, searches on these websites are not limited by location, allowing users to search beyond the city.

Notwithstanding, individuals should be aware of the potential limitations to data accuracy or currentness when using third-party websites, making verifying any information obtained from these sources crucial. Also, access fees may be charged, especially when one wants to get comprehensive data. This fee may be charged per order or at intervals, typically monthly.