James City County Court Records

James City County court records are official documents held by the court clerk's office, covering information on the events of civil, traffic, and criminal cases (Va. Code § 17.1-292). These records include various materials such as written documents, audio or video files, photographs, and electronic data related to legal proceedings.

Court records play a crucial role in the judicial system as they preserve the details of legal cases, providing transparency and ensuring accountability within the courts. The public can access these records to gain insight into the legal process and verify if justice has prevailed in legal proceedings.

Information typically found in James City court records includes docket entries, trial exhibits, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and other legal filings. These records contribute to the more extensive Virginia court records, which document cases handled across the state's legal system.

Are Court Records Public in James City County?

Yes, court records in James City County are generally public and accessible per Virginia law. Under Va. Code § 17.1-208, the public has the right to inspect and copy nonconfidential court records maintained by the clerk's office. The code allows access to James City County public records, and these documents include civil, traffic, and criminal court documents.

However, there are restrictions on accessing specific court records. Va. Code § 17.1-292 protects confidential court records, which include documents sealed by court order or records deemed confidential under specific laws. For example, court records involving juveniles, mental health evaluations, or specific family law matters, such as adoption, are typically sealed and cannot be accessed by the public. Additionally, sensitive information within otherwise public records, such as social security numbers, financial details, or medical records, may be redacted to protect individual privacy.

James City County Court Records Search

Interested members of the public can perform a James City County court records search at the following places:

• A court clerk's office.
• The originating courthouse (i.e., where a case was filed).
• An electronic portal provided by the county.
• A third-party public records website.

James City County Courts

The James City County trial court system comprises a Circuit Court, a General District Court, and a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Below is a list of all three courthouse addresses:

Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court - 9th Judicial Circuit
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 6
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: (757) 564-2242

Williamsburg/James City County General District Court - 9th Judicial District
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 2
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: (757) 564-2400

Williamsburg/James City County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 3
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: (757) 564-2200

James City County Criminal Records

James City County criminal records are maintained by the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), a division of The Virginia Department of State Police. Per VA Code §19.2-389, obtaining records such as James City County arrest records can be done in either of two ways: a name-based check or a fingerprint-based check.

The general public, private companies, and out-of-state agencies may do name-based searches for James City criminal records by printing and completing the SP-167 form. Each request requires a separate form, and it should be notarized. The completed form should be mailed to:

Virginia State Police
Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE)
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
N. Chesterfield, Virginia, 23235.

Employers or prospective employers seeking a criminal record check require a SP-230 form. This form is designed for non-criminal justice entities and does not require notarization. The SP-230 form is also available to the following parties:

• Adoption agencies
• Home care facilities
• Adult care centers
• Licensed or unlicensed child care centers.

The Virginia State Police charges $13.75 for the CCRE search and $13.25 for an FBI record check. For further inquiries on name-based checks, interested parties should visit the Virginia State Police's dedicated criminal records check page.

Parties that find out their name or other identifying information is incorrectly listed in the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) can initiate a "challenge of a record". Intending records contenders can kickstart the process by reporting the issue to the James City County Sheriff’s Office or a local police department and requesting fingerprinting to challenge the record. The official conducting the fingerprinting will then confirm, on official letterhead, that identification has been reviewed and the fingerprints were taken. There is no fee for this service.

Manager, Central Criminal Records Exchange
Virginia State Police
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261-7472.

Get James City County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in James City County refer to documents related to non-criminal disputes between individuals or organizations. These include cases involving property disputes, contract breaches, landlord-tenant disagreements, personal injury claims, and other civil matters. Civil cases may also involve small claims, family law issues such as divorce and child custody, and probate matters like wills and estates.

The James City County Circuit Court and the James City County General District Court handle county civil cases depending on case scope. The Circuit Court handles general civil claims over $25,000, exclusive of interest and attorney fees, while the General District Court has jurisdiction over most general civil claims below $25,000.

To access nonconfidential civil case records, submit a records request to the court clerk's office that handled the case (Virginia Code, Title 17.1). For example, if the Circuit Court handled the case, requests should be made to the court clerk's office. It costs 50 cents per page or scan for records and may require a deposit if estimated costs exceed $200.

Requests can be submitted by mail to:

Clerk, Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 6
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: (757) 564-2243

James City County Marriage Records

James City County marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the event date. During this period, only eligible parties, such as the couple, their immediate family members, or legal representatives, may access James City County marriage certificates (Virginia Code § 32.1-271). To get certified copies of James City County marriage records, eligible persons should tender a request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The request should include valid identification and payment of fees ($0.50 per page):

Clerk, Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 6
Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Once 25 years have passed, county marriage records become public, allowing anyone to access them unless a statute, court order, or law enforcement request restricts access. If the Circuit Court denies an individual's request for a nonpublic marriage record, the decision can be petitioned to the court for a review. For any questions or further inquiries, call the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at (757) 564-2242.

James City County Divorce Records

James City County divorce records are publicly inaccessible for 25 years from the event date. During this time, only eligible parties, such as the individuals involved in the divorce, their immediate family members, or legal representatives, may access these documents (Virginia Code § 32.1-271). To acquire a certified copy of a divorce record, eligible individuals should submit a formal request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. This request should include valid identification and payment of the applicable fees—$0.50 per page.

Clerk, Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 6
Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Once the 25-year restriction period has passed, divorce records become publicly accessible, making them accessible to anyone unless restricted by a statute, court order, or law enforcement request. Parties seeking these older records can send records requests to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. For further questions or inquiries about accessing divorce records, interested parties can call the office at (757) 564-2242.

James City Birth and Death Records

Access to James City County vital records is governed by § 32.1-271. James City County birth records remain confidential for 100 years, while death records are restricted for 25 years. Once these periods have passed, the records become public.

Until then, only specific individuals, such as immediate family members or legal representatives, can request certified copies of these records. Requests should be submitted to the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records, which oversees vital records such as James City County birth certificates. Parties seeking records can visit the office at:

Former Stratford University Building
836-A J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA.

Interested parties might have to provide a valid government-issued photo I.D. and may need to present a legitimate reason, such as establishing identity, applying for government benefits, or conducting genealogical research.

Birth and death records are critical legal documents necessary for tasks like applying for social security benefits, settling estates, enrolling in educational institutions, and confirming legal identity. Death records, in particular, serve essential functions in verifying causes of death, which can be significant for medical, legal, and insurance-related matters. Ensuring the accuracy and availability of these records is vital for personal and public administration.

James City County Probate Court Records

James City County probate court records cover cases involving the distribution of a deceased person’s assets, the administration of estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. These records detail the legal proceedings that happen when a person dies with or without a will, including petitions to validate wills, assign executors, and settle disputes among heirs. Other common filings include the appointment of guardians for minors or incapacitated adults and the management of their estates.

The circuit court handles county probate matters. To obtain nonconfidential probate information, requesters can submit a records request to the Court Clerk's Office. The cost is 50 cents per page or scan; a deposit may be required if the total exceeds $200. For further inquiries, call (757) 564-2243.

Requests can be done in writing and mailed to:

Clerk, Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court
5201 Monticello Avenue
Suite 6
Williamsburg, VA 23188.

James City County Property Records

James City County property records can be accessed online via the county’s official website. Interested parties can follow these steps:

• Visit the James City County website.
• Scroll down to "Property Information" and click it.
• Fill in the provided fields, such as parcel I.D., owner's name, street address, and LRSN.
• Click search to view the results.

These records contain a wide range of property-related information, including the property's assessed value, ownership history, lot size, land use classification, and details about buildings or improvements on the land. Tax information, zoning, and any liens or encumbrances tied to the property may also be available. These details are essential for legal, real estate, and personal research.

James City County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Virginiacourtrecords.us offer easy access to James City County court records, letting users search remotely without needing to visit the courthouse. These platforms provide records for civil, criminal, and probate cases, and their advanced search functions make record searches convenient and time-efficient.

However, users may encounter limitations, such as fees for complete document retrieval, outdated or incomplete information, and restricted access to sensitive records. Since these sites do not always ensure accuracy or official status, verifying information with official sources is advisable.