Arlington County Court Records

What Is Arlington County Court Records

Arlington County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts serving Arlington County, Virginia.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Business records (licenses, permits)
• Tax records

In Arlington County, court records are maintained by several courts within the Virginia judicial system:

• Arlington Circuit Court
• Arlington General District Court
• Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

These courts generate records for various case types including:

• Civil litigation
• Criminal proceedings
• Family law matters
• Probate cases
• Traffic violations
• Small claims

According to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, specifically § 2.2-3704, court records are considered public records subject to disclosure with certain exceptions. Additionally, the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia Part 11 establishes specific guidelines for public access to judicial records.

Are Court Records Public In Arlington County

Court records in Arlington County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) § 2.2-3700 and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Virginia Constitution Article I, § 12 establishes that "the courts of this Commonwealth shall be open," supporting the public's right to access court proceedings and records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:

• Juvenile records (with exceptions under § 16.1-305)
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Certain family court matters
• Cases involving minors as victims
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Grand jury proceedings

Access to Arlington County court records is governed by Part Eleven of the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, which establishes uniform standards for public access to judicial records throughout the Commonwealth. These rules balance the presumption of openness with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (which includes Arlington County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system rather than county or state systems.

How To Find Court Records in Arlington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Arlington County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the clerk's office of the appropriate court during regular business hours
2. Complete a records request form specifying the case information
3. Present valid photo identification
4. Pay applicable copy fees (typically $0.50 per page)
5. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the public records request form
2. Include specific case information (names, case numbers, dates)
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
4. Include payment for copy fees by check or money order
5. Mail the request to the appropriate court clerk's office

Online Access:

1. Visit the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
2. Select the appropriate court type
3. Enter search criteria (name, case number)
4. Review available case information
5. Note that complete case files may not be available online

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to § 17.1-275 of the Code of Virginia, fees for certified copies are $2.00 per document plus copy costs.

Researchers seeking historical court records may need to contact the Library of Virginia for documents that have been transferred from the courts according to the records retention schedule.

How To Look Up Court Records in Arlington County Online?

Arlington County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different levels of information based on the court type and case category. The primary online resources include:

Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System:

1. Navigate to the Virginia Judiciary Case Information portal
2. Select "Circuit Court Case Information" for Arlington Circuit Court cases
3. Choose "District Court Case Information" for General District or Juvenile & Domestic Relations cases
4. Enter search criteria (name, case number)
5. Review case summary information, including parties, charges, hearing dates, and disposition

Arlington Circuit Court Records:

1. Access the Arlington Circuit Court online records
2. Select "Land Records" for property-related documents
3. Choose "Case Management System" for civil and criminal case information
4. Create a user account if accessing restricted information
5. Enter search parameters and review available documents

Arlington General District Court:

1. Visit the General District Court online system
2. Select case type (civil, criminal, traffic)
3. Enter defendant/plaintiff name or case number
4. Review case status, hearing dates, and judgment information

It is important to note that online access has certain limitations:

• Complete case files are not available online
• Some sensitive case types may be excluded
• Historical records may not be digitized
• Document images may require in-person access
• Certain identifying information is redacted pursuant to § 17.1-293

For comprehensive access to court documents, including pleadings, motions, and exhibits, requestors may need to visit the courthouse in person or submit a formal records request.

How To Search Arlington County Court Records for Free?

The Virginia Code § 17.1-208 guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, stating that "the records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person." While copying fees may apply, basic inspection of records is available at no cost through several methods:

Free In-Person Inspection:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
2. Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
3. Present identification and complete any required forms
4. Use public access terminals to view electronic records
5. Take notes from records without incurring copy fees

Free Online Resources:

1. Virginia Judiciary Case Information System - Provides free access to basic case information including:

   • Party names
   • Case numbers
   • Filing dates
   • Hearing schedules
   • Case status and disposition
   • Judge assignments

2. Arlington County Court Docket Search - Offers free access to:

   • Daily court dockets
   • Upcoming court calendars
   • Case scheduling information

3. Virginia Appellate Court Records - Provides free access to:

   • Published opinions
   • Unpublished orders
   • Case status information

While these free resources provide valuable information, they have limitations:

• Document images may not be available
• Historical records may be limited
• Detailed pleadings and exhibits require in-person access
• Some case types have restricted online access

For comprehensive research requiring extensive document review, users may need to visit the courthouse in person to avoid copy fees, which are currently set at $0.50 per page pursuant to § 17.1-275.

What's Included in a Arlington County Court Record?

Arlington County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with specific contents varying by case type and court level. A typical court record file includes:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions
• Summonses or warrants
• Indictments or information (criminal cases)
• Initial appearance documentation
• Service of process verification

Procedural Documents:

• Motions and responses
• Briefs and memoranda of law
• Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
• Subpoenas and witness lists
• Continuance requests
• Scheduling orders

Evidentiary Materials:

• Affidavits and declarations
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Deposition transcripts (when filed)
• Expert witness reports
• Documentary evidence

Court-Generated Documents:

• Docket sheets listing all case activities
• Court orders and opinions
• Judgment entries
• Sentencing documents (criminal cases)
• Transcripts of proceedings
• Certificates of service

Case Resolution Documents:

• Settlement agreements (when filed)
• Verdict forms
• Final judgments
• Dismissal orders
• Appeal notices
• Satisfaction of judgment filings

Administrative Records:

• Fee payment information
• Attorney appearance notices
• Interpreter requests
• Jury selection materials
• Court reporter assignments

In accordance with § 8.01-389 of the Code of Virginia, these records are considered the official documentation of court proceedings and "shall be received as prima facie evidence" of the facts stated therein when properly authenticated.

How Long Does Arlington County Keep Court Records?

Arlington County courts maintain records according to the Library of Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for court records, as mandated by § 42.1-86 of the Code of Virginia. Retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance:

Circuit Court Records:

• Felony case files: 20 years after final disposition (permanent for serious felonies)
• Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
• Divorce records: Permanent
• Adoption records: Permanent
• Wills and estate records: Permanent
• Land records (deeds, mortgages): Permanent
• Judgments: 20 years after satisfaction or 40 years if unsatisfied
• Court order books: Permanent

General District Court Records:

• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Traffic cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
• Garnishments: 3 years after satisfaction
• Protective orders: 15 years after expiration

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Records:

• Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 19 (longer for serious offenses)
• Child custody and visitation: Until all children reach age 21
• Support cases: 10 years after youngest child reaches majority
• Abuse and neglect: 20 years after final disposition

After the retention period expires, records may be:

1. Transferred to the Library of Virginia for historical preservation
2. Converted to microfilm or digital format
3. Destroyed according to approved procedures

Certain historically significant records are designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the legal custodian of these records pursuant to § 17.1-242, ensuring their preservation according to state archival standards.

Types of Courts In Arlington County

Arlington County's court system consists of several levels within Virginia's unified judicial system, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority:

Arlington Circuit Court (17th Judicial Circuit)
1425 North Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Arlington Circuit Court

Arlington General District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Arlington General District Court

Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 4100
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-4495
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

The Virginia court hierarchy proceeds as follows:

1. District Courts (General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations) - Courts of limited jurisdiction
2. Circuit Courts - Trial courts of general jurisdiction and appellate review of district court cases
3. Court of Appeals of Virginia - Intermediate appellate court
4. Supreme Court of Virginia - Court of final resort

Federal cases arising in Arlington County are heard in:

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division)
401 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-2100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

Appeals from this court proceed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and potentially to the Supreme Court of the United States.

What Types of Cases Do Arlington County Courts Hear?

Each court within Arlington County's judicial system has specific subject matter jurisdiction as established by the Code of Virginia:

Arlington Circuit Court:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
• Appeals from district courts
• Divorce proceedings
• Property disputes
• Will probate and estate administration
• Real estate matters and land records
• Adoption cases
• Name change petitions
• Serious misdemeanors (by appeal or certification)

Arlington General District Court:

• Civil claims up to $25,000
• Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Local ordinance violations
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Protective orders (non-family members)
• Small claims (up to $5,000, simplified procedure)
• Garnishments and other post-judgment proceedings

Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court:

• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Child custody and visitation
• Child and spousal support
• Family abuse protective orders
• Child abuse and neglect
• Termination of parental rights
• Criminal cases where victim is family/household member
• Underage traffic violations
• Truancy and child in need of supervision cases

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by Title 16.1 and Title 17.1 of the Code of Virginia, with specific authority defined in § 16.1-241 for Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, § 16.1-77 for General District Courts, and § 17.1-513 for Circuit Courts.

Cases may move between courts through appeals or transfers. For example, a case initially heard in General District Court may be appealed to Circuit Court for a new trial (trial de novo), while serious juvenile cases may be transferred to Circuit Court for trial as an adult under certain circumstances defined by § 16.1-269.1.

How To Find a Court Docket In Arlington County

Court dockets in Arlington County provide schedules of cases to be heard and record all actions taken in each case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
2. Select the appropriate court (Circuit, General District, or J&DR)
3. Choose "Hearing Date Search" option
4. Enter the desired date range
5. Review the list of scheduled cases with time, courtroom, and case type

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
2. Request to view the daily or weekly docket sheets
3. Dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances
4. Electronic docket displays may be available in courthouse lobbies
5. Court staff can assist with locating specific case information

Telephone Information:

1. Contact the clerk's office of the appropriate court:
   • Circuit Court: (703) 228-7010
   • General District Court: (703) 228-7900
   • Juvenile & Domestic Relations: (703) 228-4495
2. Provide case name, number, or hearing date
3. Basic docket information may be provided by phone

For attorneys and parties to cases, the Virginia Judiciary E-Filing System provides additional docket notification services and electronic access to case schedules.

Public docket access is governed by the presumption of openness established in § 17.1-208, though certain sensitive case types may have restricted docket information. Juvenile court dockets, for example, have limited public access pursuant to § 16.1-302 unless specifically opened by judicial order.

Which Courts in Arlington County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Virginia's judicial system, "courts not of record" are courts whose proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim and whose decisions may be appealed for a completely new trial (trial de novo) in a higher court. According to § 16.1-69.5 of the Code of Virginia, the following Arlington County courts are classified as courts not of record:

Arlington General District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7900
Arlington General District Court

Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 4100
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-4495
Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

These district courts have the following characteristics as courts not of record:

• Proceedings are not automatically transcribed
• No court reporter is routinely present
• Audio recordings may be made but are not official transcripts
• Decisions may be appealed to Circuit Court for a completely new trial
• Less formal procedures than Circuit Court
• No jury trials (with limited exceptions)
• Judges are appointed by the General Assembly for six-year terms

In contrast, the Arlington Circuit Court is a court of record pursuant to § 17.1-500, meaning:

• Proceedings are recorded verbatim
• Court reporters create official transcripts
• Appeals are based on the record created at trial
• Appeals go directly to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia
• More formal procedures are followed
• Jury trials are available
• Judges are appointed by the General Assembly for eight-year terms

This distinction is important for litigants to understand, as it affects both the proceedings themselves and the appeal process. When a case is appealed from a court not of record to the Circuit Court, the entire case is heard anew as if the district court proceeding never occurred.

Lookup Court Records in Arlington County

Arlington General District Court

Arlington Circuit Court

Virginia Judiciary Case Information System

Virginia Court System Public Records Request

Virginia Court System Forms