Henrico Court Records provide official access to legal documents, case files, and property records for one of Virginia’s largest counties. These records include criminal cases, civil disputes, land deeds, mortgage filings, and domestic relations matters dating back to 1744. Residents, attorneys, title researchers, and background screening professionals rely on these records for legal research, property verification, and compliance checks. The county offers both online portals and in-person services through multiple court divisions, each with specific functions and access procedures. Understanding how to navigate these systems ensures fast, accurate retrieval of needed documents while following state privacy and fee regulations.
How to Access Henrico Court Records Online
The primary digital gateway for Henrico Court Records is the subscription-based portal managed by Logan Systems. This secure platform gives authorized users encrypted, 24-hour remote access to digitized land records from 1978 onward. Subscribers receive a unique login, multi-factor authentication, and quarterly usage reports. Access requires approval from the Circuit Court Clerk after confirming eligibility and payment of an annual fee based on record volume. The system stores deeds, plats, mortgage filings, and property transfers, making it essential for real estate professionals and legal researchers.
To begin, visit the official Henrico County website and navigate to the “View Circuit Court Online Records” service. Users must register, submit identification, and pay the required fee before gaining access. The portal supports search by parcel number, owner name, or legal description. Each search returns official documents in PDF format, downloadable or printable for legal use. The system updates nightly, ensuring current data for active cases and recent filings.
Henrico General District Court: Criminal, Traffic, and Civil Filings
The Henrico General District Court handles misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, and civil claims under $25,000. Clerk Barbara C. Shaw oversees case intake, docketing, and public record requests. Criminal and traffic matters are directed to (804) 501-4723, while civil filings go to (804) 501-4727. Faxes for criminal cases arrive at (804) 501-7388 and civil faxes at (804) 501-4141. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays.
Public users can request case files, docket sheets, and hearing schedules in person or by phone. The court maintains digital indexes for cases filed since 1990, accessible during business hours. For older records, written requests with a $10 fee per document are required. The office also provides certified copies, summons forms, and courtroom schedules. Staff assist with filing complaints, obtaining warrants, and scheduling hearings.
Henrico Circuit Court: Felony Cases and Major Civil Disputes
The Henrico Circuit Court serves the 14th Judicial Circuit and handles felony prosecutions, major civil lawsuits, probate matters, and appellate reviews. Clerk Hon. Heidi S. Barshinger manages the office at 4309 East Parham Road, P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775. Contact the office at (804) 501-4202 or fax (804) 501-5214 during business hours (8:00 AM–4:00 PM). The court tracks over 12,000 active cases and maintains a docket of more than 3,200 criminal files.
The Criminal Division adjudicates all felony cases, including violent crimes, drug trafficking, and financial offenses. Misdemeanors originating from grand jury indictments and appeals from lower courts are also processed here. Case files contain charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing memoranda, and appellate briefs. Public access is available through the clerk’s online portal or in-person requests during office hours.
County Recorder’s Office: Historical Records and Public Archives
The County Recorder’s Office preserves arrest logs, sentencing records, custody determinations, and court orders dating back to 1744. These historical documents are vital for genealogical research, background checks, and legal verification. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 fee per document. Users must provide a government-issued ID and specify the record type and date range.
Records include felony convictions, misdemeanor sentences, protective orders, and juvenile adjudications (sealed but available to authorized parties). The office does not provide certified copies for all documents; some require a court order. Researchers can visit in person or mail requests with payment and identification. Processing time ranges from 3 to 10 business days depending on volume.
Circuit Court Clerk’s Office: Forms, E-Filing, and Case Summaries
The Clerk’s Office supplies printable forms for criminal complaints, civil filings, deed transfers, and fiduciary appointments. Forms are available for download from the public portal or at the courthouse service window in Room 240. The physical address is 4309 E. Parham Road, Courthouse Building, Henrico, VA 23228. Mail goes to P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775. General inquiries: (804) 501-4202.
The office provides guided assistance for electronic filing (e-file) submissions, required for most civil and criminal cases. Daily case summaries and jury trial schedules are posted online and updated each morning. Staff help users navigate the docket system, locate case numbers, and understand filing deadlines. Training sessions for attorneys and self-represented litigants are offered quarterly.
Criminal Cases in Circuit Court: Felony and Misdemeanor Dockets
The Criminal Division of the Henrico Circuit Court manages all felony prosecutions and certain misdemeanor cases. This includes violent crimes, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and appeals from lower courts. The docket holds over 3,200 active files, each containing charging documents, court rulings, and sentencing details. Public access is granted through the online portal during business hours.
Users can search by defendant name, case number, or charge type. Results show filing dates, court dates, and current status. Certified copies require a written request and fee. The division also handles expungement petitions, bond hearings, and pretrial motions. Attorneys must register for e-filing to submit motions and receive notifications.
Public Access Rules and Fee Structure
Henrico County follows Virginia’s public records laws, ensuring transparency while protecting privacy. Most court records are open to the public, except sealed juvenile cases, mental health records, and ongoing investigations. Fees vary: $10 per document for copies, $25 for certified copies, and subscription fees for online access based on usage volume.
Online subscribers pay annually, with rates starting at $150 for low-volume users and increasing for high-volume researchers. In-person requests require ID and payment via cash, check, or money order. No credit cards are accepted at the counter. Processing time is typically 3–5 business days for standard requests.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles cases involving minors, family disputes, child support, and protective orders. Records are generally sealed but accessible to parties involved, attorneys, and authorized agencies. Requests require a court order or written permission from a judge. The court is located at 4401 E. Parham Road, Suite 100, Henrico, VA 23228. Phone: (804) 501-4730.
Public dockets show case numbers and hearing times but not names or details. Parents, guardians, and legal representatives can obtain records with proper identification. The court offers mediation services and parenting classes for custody cases. Forms are available online or at the service window.
Property and Land Records: Deeds, Plats, and Mortgages
Henrico’s land records include deeds, plats, liens, and mortgage filings from 1978 to present. These are stored in the secure data center managed by Logan Systems. Subscribers can search by parcel ID, owner name, or legal description. Each record includes the document type, recording date, and parties involved. Plat maps show property boundaries, easements, and subdivisions.
Historical deeds before 1978 are available in paper format at the Recorder’s Office. Researchers must visit in person or submit a written request. Digital scans are not available for pre-1978 records. Title companies and attorneys use these records for chain-of-title verification and closing documents.
Background Checks and Criminal History Reports
Third-party services like Corra Group provide statewide criminal background checks using data from the Virginia State Police, Department of Corrections, and county courts. These reports include arrest records, convictions, and sentencing details for individuals with activity in Henrico County since October 1, 2014. Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies use these for screening.
Reports are delivered within 24 hours as encrypted PDFs. They include sex offender registry status and drug test results if available. Users must certify lawful purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Henrico-specific records are cross-referenced with state databases for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have questions about accessing, understanding, and using Henrico Court Records. Below are common inquiries with clear, direct answers based on current procedures and policies. These responses reflect the most up-to-date information from official sources and reflect real user needs.
How do I get a copy of a court case from Henrico County?
To obtain a copy of a court case, visit the Clerk’s Office at 4309 E. Parham Road during business hours (8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday). Bring a government-issued ID and the case number or party names. For older records, submit a written request with a $10 fee per document. Certified copies cost $25 and require additional processing. Online access is available through the subscription portal for recent cases. Processing takes 3–10 business days depending on volume and record age.
Are Henrico court records public?
Yes, most Henrico court records are public under Virginia law. This includes criminal cases, civil lawsuits, property deeds, and docket sheets. Exceptions include sealed juvenile records, mental health proceedings, and ongoing investigations. Users can view or copy records in person or online. Some sensitive information, like social security numbers, is redacted to protect privacy. Always bring ID for in-person requests.
How much does it cost to access Henrico court records?
Fees vary by service. In-person document copies cost $10 each; certified copies are $25. Online subscription access starts at $150 per year for low-volume users, with higher tiers for frequent researchers. There is no fee to view dockets or schedules in person. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order—no credit cards at the counter. Subscription fees are paid annually and non-refundable.
Can I search Henrico court records by name?
Yes, you can search by name using the online portal for cases filed since 1990. Enter the full name as it appears in court documents. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and current status. For older records or non-digital files, visit the Clerk’s Office or submit a written request. Name searches may return multiple matches; use additional details like case type or date to narrow results.
How do I file a case in Henrico Circuit Court?
To file a case, go to the Clerk’s Office at 4309 E. Parham Road, Room 240. Bring completed forms, filing fees, and identification. Civil cases require a complaint form and payment based on claim amount. Criminal filings are handled by law enforcement or prosecutors. E-filing is required for attorneys. Self-represented litigants can use paper forms or attend a free training session. Staff assist with form completion and procedural guidance.
What is the difference between General District and Circuit Court in Henrico?
General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil claims under $25,000. Circuit Court manages felonies, major civil lawsuits over $25,000, probate, and appeals from lower courts. Each has separate clerks, dockets, and procedures. Criminal cases start in General District and may move to Circuit Court if upgraded to felony. Choose the correct court based on case type and amount in dispute.
How far back do Henrico court records go?
Henrico court records date back to 1744, when the county was established. The Recorder’s Office maintains historical arrest logs, sentencing memoranda, and custody determinations. Digital records are available from 1978 onward via the online portal. Pre-1978 documents are stored in paper format and require in-person or mailed requests. Genealogists and historians frequently access these archives for research.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Circuit Court Clerk’s Office: 4309 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228 | P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775 | Phone: (804) 501-4202 | Fax: (804) 501-5214 | Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday
General District Court: Clerk Barbara C. Shaw | Phone (Criminal/Traffic): (804) 501-4723 | Phone (Civil): (804) 501-4727 | Fax (Criminal): (804) 501-7388 | Fax (Civil): (804) 501-4141 | Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Friday
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court: 4401 E. Parham Road, Suite 100, Henrico, VA 23228 | Phone: (804) 501-4730
Official Website: https://henrico.us/clerk/