Virginia Criminal Records Search

Conducting a search on Recordsfinder.com is subject to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. You acknowledge that Recordsfinder.com is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA and the information provided cannot be used for any unlawful purpose.

How to Check for Virginia Criminal Records

The Virginia State Police offer two ways to get criminal records in the state. The first is through fingerprints. You must use their form SP-167 and have it notarized. If you want to perform a name search for someone’s criminal records, you must use their form SP-230. Fingerprint searches cost $13 each and name searches cost $12 each. You can also request an additional FBI search for $25 more. They do not offer any expedited or same-day service. You can, however, use a third-party search portal to find someone’s criminal records in Virginia.

Federal Records vs. Court Criminal Records in Virginia

Along with the FBI report you can order above, Virginia’s Judicial System website also offers the public a portal to search federal criminal records by name or court case. This same website offers court of appeal searches and district court records. So if you need any local criminal records, you can get them there also. The system is called the Appellate Case Management System (ACMS-SCV. You can also use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system to search for federal criminal records.

How Long do Felony or Misdemeanor Charges Last?

Both felonies and misdemeanors will stay on your criminal record forever if you do not petition the court to have them sealed or expunged. Only if you were found not guilty or your case was “Nolle prosequi,” are you eligible to file to have your records expunged. Juvenile records are automatically destroyed when they turn 29 if they have no further criminal history. If you were guilty of a crime, then you can apply to have your records sealed which means they won’t be destroyed but hidden from view in background checks.

Who Can Lookup your Criminal Background?

Virginia allows the general public to use their justice system resources to look at anyone’s criminal history up easily. You can also get a copy of your own criminal records so you can see what others are finding out about you. You or anyone else will have to pay a $12 fee for your record.

Why Check Someone’s Filed Criminal Charges?

There are many reasons why you would want to look at someone’s criminal charges. The most common reasons are security clearances, asking someone to watch your kids, online dating, renting property and for licensing or to purchase a gun.

Types of Criminal Records

When you pull a copy of someone’s criminal records, you will see their basic information like name, address, phone, height, weight, gender, race, physical description including tattoos and scars, along with mug shots and fingerprints. You will also see their crimes, arrests, sentencing, any incarcerations, police reports, any fines paid or bail and parole or probation information.

How Are VA Criminal Records Created?

Virginia criminal records are created every time someone enters the justice system by committing a crime. It begins with their RAP sheet, and then every other event is documented and compiled into their complete criminal history.