Criminal records in Alexandria, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. AlexandriaCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for the City of Alexandria. Additional access points include the Virginia court case information system, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the Alexandria Police Department.
How to Search Criminal Records in Alexandria
There are several ways to search criminal records in Alexandria. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or certified documents.
Online Search Options
- AlexandriaCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information for Alexandria cases.
- Virginia Judicial System Case Information — The state court portal provides online access to a statewide search of adult criminal case information. You can search Circuit Court and General District Court records by name or case number.
- Alexandria Crime Database Search — The City of Alexandria maintains an online crime report database for searching incident-level police data.
- Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — Search for individuals currently incarcerated under state custody, including location and release date information.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk of the Alexandria Circuit Court to search court records using public access terminals at the courthouse.
- The Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic infractions, and records can be reviewed at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for copies of criminal case records.
- For official criminal history record checks, the Alexandria Police Department directs requestors to the Virginia State Police, which serves as the state criminal history repository. Requests can be submitted to the Virginia State Police by mail or online through their website.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Court type — Circuit Court or General District Court
Search Alexandria Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Virginia uses a standardized case number format across its courts. Understanding the format helps you identify the court, case type, and year at a glance.
A typical Virginia case number follows this pattern:
- Court code — A prefix identifying the locality. Alexandria's FIPS code is 510.
- Case type designator — Letters indicating the type of case. Common criminal designators include:
- CR — Criminal (Circuit Court)
- FE — Felony
- MI — Misdemeanor (General District Court)
- Year — Two digits representing the year the case was filed.
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned to the case within that year and category.
For example, a case number like CR25-000123 would indicate a criminal case filed in the Circuit Court in 2025. Enter the full case number on the Virginia courts case information portal to pull up charges, hearing dates, and disposition details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Alexandria
Criminal case records in Alexandria contain several data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | If the original charge was reduced or changed through plea agreement or court action, the amended charge and its code will appear |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting further court action |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All court actions, including sentencing and compliance, are complete |
Hearings
- Arraignment — Initial court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered
- Preliminary Hearing — Held in General District Court for felony cases to determine probable cause before transfer to Circuit Court
- Pre-Trial — Conference or motions hearing before trial
- Trial — Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing — Hearing where the judge imposes a sentence after a guilty finding
- Review — Post-sentencing hearing to check compliance with court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was found or pleaded guilty |
| Not Guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution chose not to pursue the case |
| Deferred Disposition | Case outcome is delayed pending completion of conditions (e.g., community service, treatment programs) |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Alexandria
Certified copies of criminal case records are available from the Clerk of the Alexandria Circuit Court. These are official copies bearing the court seal, suitable for legal proceedings, background verifications, or personal records.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk's Office during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request to the Clerk's Office. Include the full case name, case number (if known), your contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
What You Need
- Full name of the defendant
- Case number or approximate date range of the case
- Valid photo identification (for in-person requests)
- Payment for copy and certification fees
For Criminal History Background Checks
The Alexandria Police Department does not provide criminal history record checks. These must be obtained through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). You can submit a request to the Virginia State Police online or by mail, and fingerprint-based checks may be required for certain purposes.
Clerk of the Alexandria Circuit Court
Alexandria Sheriff's Office
The Alexandria Sheriff's Office operates the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center and can provide information about individuals currently held at the facility. Contact the Detention Center Bureau for inmate-related inquiries.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Alexandria
Fees for obtaining criminal records in Alexandria are set by Virginia statute and the Clerk's Office fee schedule. Below are the standard charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of a court record (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (name-based) | $15.00 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $15.00+ |
Copy and certification fees are established under Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and related statutes. The Virginia State Police sets fees for criminal history searches separately.
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Copies are generally available the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request.
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing by the Clerk's Office.
- Virginia State Police background checks — Name-based checks typically take 5–10 business days. Fingerprint-based checks may take longer.
Payment methods accepted at the Clerk's Office typically include cash, check, and money order. Contact the office directly at (703) 746-4044 to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request.