City of Norfolk County
Norfolk City is an independent waterfront city located in southeastern Virginia. It was established in 1691 as part of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area and is known for its deepwater harbor and rich maritime history. The City of Norfolk has a population of approximately 236,973 and spans over 53.3 square miles.
Norfolk City's judicial system comprises the Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. The Norfolk Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction, dealing with general civil claims exceeding $4,500, felony criminal matters, lesser-included offenses, and misdemeanors charged by a grand jury indictment. It also handles divorce cases, adoption, emergency protection orders, as well as matters like contract disputes, tort claims, and probate of wills. The General District Court oversees misdemeanors, traffic violations, ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. It has exclusive jurisdiction over most general civil claims where the amount in dispute is less than $4,5000, exclusive of interest and costs. The Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court addresses family-related issues such as child abuse and neglect, child custody, child support, adoption, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence matters. It also handles certain juvenile offenses, including traffic violations, mental health cases involving minors, and judicial consent to medical procedures for a child.
Court records are official documents generated during court trials and hearings. Norfolk City public court records are governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), allowing public access to many types of court documents within the county. These records include:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Family Records
- Traffic Records
However, access to sensitive records such as juvenile, adoption, or mental health case files is restricted. The public can request court records through Virginia's Online Case Information System, which allows users to search for cases by party name, case number, or hearing date. Circuit Court dockets are available on the county's website. Individuals can also view or obtain copies of court records by visiting the City Clerk of the Circuit Court Office at:
150 St. Paul's Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 664-4580
