Court records in Alexandria, Virginia, can be searched through several channels. AlexandriaCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the city. You can also look up case details through official Virginia court websites, visit the clerk's office in person, or use public-access terminals at the courthouse. The resources below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to check court calendars, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Alexandria Court System & Jurisdictions
Alexandria is an independent city in Virginia — not part of any county — and operates its own local court system. Two primary courts handle cases within the city:
Alexandria Circuit Court (18th Judicial Circuit)
The Alexandria Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $4,500 (exclusive jurisdiction above $25,000)
- Divorce, custody, and other domestic relations matters
- Probate, wills, and fiduciary appointments
- Land records and deed recordings
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains case files, land records, marriage licenses, and probate records.
Alexandria General District Court
The Alexandria General District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions and misdemeanor traffic offenses
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases before they are certified to Circuit Court
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
This court hears cases involving juveniles charged with criminal offenses or traffic violations, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation disputes (when children are involved), child support, and protective orders. Information about all Alexandria courts is available on the City of Alexandria Courts page.
Alexandria Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding scheduled hearings depends on which court is handling the case.
- Circuit Court hearings: Contact the Clerk's Office at (703) 746-4044 to ask about upcoming hearing dates for a specific case. The Circuit Court does not maintain a publicly searchable online calendar for individual hearings.
- General District Court hearings: Use the Virginia courts' Online Case Information System to search by name or case number. The system displays hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and case status for General District Court cases statewide, including Alexandria.
- In person: Court calendars are typically posted at the Alexandria Courthouse. You can also check with the clerk's office for daily and weekly docket sheets.
If you are a party to a case or an attorney, you may receive hearing notices directly. Members of the public looking up someone else's hearing should start with the online case search or call the appropriate clerk's office.
How to Get a Copy of a Alexandria Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on the court that handled the case and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the court seal and the clerk's signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the court seal. They are useful for personal reference but may not be accepted for legal purposes.
How to Request Documents
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Alexandria Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties and approximate filing date. Staff can retrieve documents and provide copies on the spot.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk's Office with the case details, the specific document needed, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
- Online (land records only): Virginia's Secure Remote Access system allows registered users to search and view land records electronically. A subscription fee applies.
Clerk of Circuit Court Mailing Address
For General District Court records, contact that court directly at the courthouse or by phone. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court's divorce section.
Alexandria Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document services in Virginia are set by statute (Virginia Code § 17.1-275 et seq.). The table below lists common fees you may encounter when requesting records from the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certification of a document (court seal and signature) | $2.00 per certificate |
| Copy of a court document (uncertified) | $0.50 per page |
| Search of court records (per name searched) | $5.00 |
| Copy of a deed or land record | $0.50 per page |
| Secure Remote Access to land records (online subscription) | Varies; set by the Office of the Executive Secretary |
| Exemplification of a record (triple seal certification) | $6.00 |
| Filing a civil action (Circuit Court) | Varies by case type; consult the clerk |
Fees are based on the Virginia Code and may be updated by the General Assembly. Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's window. Ask the clerk's office about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies can vary. For the most current fee schedule, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court directly or review the statutory fee tables in Virginia Code Title 17.1.