Criminal records in Fairfax County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. FairfaxCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the Virginia court system's online case search tools, the Fairfax County Police Department's Central Records section, the Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk's Office, and the General District Court. Whether you need to look up a pending charge, verify a disposition, or obtain a certified copy, the resources below explain how.
How to Search Criminal Records in Fairfax
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Fairfax County. What you need to get started depends on the method, but generally have the following ready:
- Full legal name of the person (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if known)
Through FairfaxCourt.us
FairfaxCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available criminal case information filed in Fairfax County. You can search by name or case number to find case details, charges, and court dates.
Online — State and County Court Portals
- Virginia Court Case Information System — The Virginia Courts case search portal provides statewide access to adult criminal case information in General District Courts, Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts, and Circuit Courts. Search by name or case number.
- Fairfax Circuit Court Public Access Network — The Court Public Access Network offers remote access to Fairfax Circuit Court records dating back to 1742. An account with quarterly billing is required.
- Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — To check whether someone is currently incarcerated in a state facility (including the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center), use the VADOC Inmate Locator.
In Person
- Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk's Office — Visit the courthouse to review criminal case files. Circuit Court records are available at the Fairfax County Courthouse, the Offsite Records Center, and through public access terminals on site.
- General District Court — The General District Court criminal records page directs requesters to the Fairfax County Police Department's Central Records section for police-generated records such as incident reports.
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of the Circuit Court — Send a written request for certified copies of criminal case records to the Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk's Office (address below).
- Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) — For a statewide criminal history record check, submit a request to the Virginia State Police. This typically requires fingerprinting and a completed SP-167 form.
- VFOIA Requests — You may also submit a Virginia Freedom of Information Act request for certain law enforcement records held by county agencies.
Fairfax County Police Department — Central Records
Search Fairfax Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Virginia case numbers follow a structured format that encodes key information:
- Court prefix — A code identifying the court level (e.g., "GC" for General District Court criminal, "FE" for Circuit Court felony, "MI" for Circuit Court misdemeanor).
- Year — A two- or four-digit year indicating when the case was filed.
- Sequential number — A numeric sequence assigned to the case within that court and year.
For example, a Fairfax Circuit Court felony case filed in 2024 might appear as FE-2024-000123. A General District Court criminal case could look like GC24-012345.
Enter the full case number into the Virginia Courts case search portal or the Fairfax Circuit Court's Public Access Network to pull up charges, hearing dates, and disposition details. Partial case numbers may not return results, so use the complete number when possible.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Fairfax
Criminal case records in Fairfax County typically display several data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court hears the case and the potential penalties |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations; the amended charge replaces or supplements the original |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting further court action.
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, trial set).
- Disposed — The court has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
- Closed — All court obligations, including sentencing or probation, are completed.
Hearings
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing — In felony cases, a General District Court judge determines whether probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Pre-trial — Motions, discovery disputes, and plea discussions are addressed before trial.
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — If convicted, the court imposes a sentence.
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearings to monitor compliance with probation or other court-ordered conditions.
Court Results (Dispositions)
- Guilty — The defendant was convicted, either by plea or after trial.
- Not guilty — The defendant was acquitted at trial.
- Dismissed — The charge was dropped by the prosecution or dismissed by the court.
- Nolle prosequi — The Commonwealth's Attorney elected not to prosecute the charge.
- Deferred disposition — The court postpones a finding, often contingent on completing conditions such as community service or a treatment program.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Fairfax
Certified copies carry the court's official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, or immigration matters. The office that handles your request depends on where the case was heard.
Circuit Court Records
Request certified copies from the Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk's Office. You can submit requests in person at the courthouse or by mail.
Fairfax Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
What you need:
- Full case number or the defendant's full legal name
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for applicable fees
General District Court Records
The Fairfax General District Court maintains criminal case records for a limited retention period. For police-generated records (incident reports, arrest records), contact the Fairfax County Police Department Central Records section.
State Criminal History Records
For a comprehensive Virginia criminal history report, submit a request to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. This requires:
- A completed SP-167 form
- Fingerprint card or electronic fingerprint submission
- Applicable fee (paid to the Virginia State Police)
FOIA Requests
Certain law enforcement records may be obtained through a Virginia Freedom of Information Act request to the Fairfax County Police Department. Response is generally required within five business days under Virginia law.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Fairfax
Fees for criminal record copies in Fairfax County are set by Virginia statute and local court policy. The table below covers common costs:
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 | Virginia Code § 17.1-275 — standard court copy rate |
| Certified copy — first page | $2.00 | Virginia Code § 17.1-275 — includes certification seal |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.50 | Virginia Code § 17.1-275 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (personal review) | $15.00 | Virginia State Police CCRE |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (name-based, for employers) | $15.00 | Virginia State Police CCRE |
| Fingerprint-based national background check (FBI) | Varies (typically $15–$40+) | Submitted through Virginia State Police; FBI processing fee applies |
| FOIA request charges | Varies | Fairfax County may charge for staff time and copying per VFOIA guidelines |
Processing Times
- In-person court copies: Often available the same day, depending on volume and staff availability.
- Mail requests to the Clerk's Office: Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- Virginia State Police criminal history check: Typically 7–10 business days for mail-in requests; electronic submissions may be faster.
- VFOIA requests: Fairfax County agencies must respond within five business days, though the actual production of records may take longer if additional time is needed.
Contact the relevant office directly to confirm current fees and expected turnaround times, as processing periods can vary based on request volume.