Criminal records in Portsmouth, Virginia, are available through several channels — online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. PortsmouthCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, you can use the Virginia state court system portal, the Portsmouth Police Department, and the district court clerk's office to obtain official documents and check case status.
How to Search Criminal Records in Portsmouth
Searching for criminal records in Portsmouth can be done in several ways — online, in person, or by mail.
Online Search
- PortsmouthCourt.us — enter a person's name or case number to find publicly available information on court cases.
- Virginia Court System Portal — the Online Case Information System allows you to search for criminal and traffic cases across the state. It works for circuit courts, general district courts, and juvenile and domestic relations courts.
- Portsmouth Police Department Arrest Search — data on arrests for the last 45 days. Reports are dynamically updated and may change with case reclassification or record deletion.
- VADOC Inmate Locator — if a person is in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections, you can find their location and estimated release date here.
In-Person Visit
The clerk's office of the Portsmouth Circuit Court welcomes visitors who wish to view court materials. Note: As of January 29, 2026, general access with portable electronic devices to the courthouse is prohibited. Payment for any transactions, except for document copy requests, is accepted until 4:00 PM.
Mail Request
A written request for a criminal history can be sent to the district court clerk's office or the Virginia State Police — the central repository of the state's criminal records. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and, if available, case number. A criminal history check through the Virginia State Police usually requires fingerprint submission.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Portsmouth Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Virginia, court case numbers have a standardized format. The typical structure is as follows:
- Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case. For example, "CR" means a criminal case in the circuit court, "GC" — a criminal case in the general district court, "GT" — a traffic violation.
- Year — a two-digit number corresponding to the year the case was opened (e.g., "24" for 2024).
- Sequential Number — a unique numerical identifier of the case within the court and year.
For example, the number CR24-001234 means a criminal case in the circuit court, opened in 2024 with a sequential number of 001234. If you know the case number, enter it on the Virginia court system portal or the case search page — this is the fastest way to find a specific case without guessing the spelling of a name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Portsmouth
Charges
Each charge in a case includes a reference to a specific article of the Virginia Code. The severity of the offense is classified as follows:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Felony | Crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than 12 months — murder, robbery, serious drug offenses |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses with penalties up to 12 months — petty theft, disorderly conduct, first-degree DUI |
| Infraction | Traffic violations and minor offenses usually punishable by a fine |
Charges may be changed by the prosecutor during the case — for example, reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement.
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in the process of being heard
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the accused is read the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence (only for felonies)
- Pre-trial — a pre-trial hearing to resolve procedural issues
- Trial — the substantive court hearing
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
- Review — review of probation conditions or fulfillment of obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a substantive decision |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after a substantive hearing |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Portsmouth
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office. These documents bear the official court seal and are accepted as legal evidence.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with a valid photo ID
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if available), and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fees
Background Check through Virginia State Police
For an official background check, contact the Virginia State Police. This procedure usually requires fingerprint submission. Background check results through the Virginia State Police cover records from the entire state, not just Portsmouth.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Completed request form (provided by the clerk's office)
- Payment of fees
Expungement of Criminal Records
If the case was closed in your favor, you can file a petition for expungement. The civil division of the Portsmouth Circuit Court accepts such requests at (757) 393-8671, Option 4.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Portsmouth
Fees for copies of court documents in Virginia are set according to § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276 of the Virginia Code.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of copy | $2.00 per document |
| Criminal History Record Check through Virginia State Police | Depends on the type of check; usually from $15 to $35 |
Processing Time
- Document copies for in-person requests — usually issued the same day if the request is made by 4:00 PM
- Mail requests — processing may take 5 to 15 business days depending on the volume of the request
- Background check through Virginia State Police — processing times vary; electronic requests are processed faster than paper ones
The clerk's office accepts payment in cash, check, or money order. Confirm acceptable payment forms directly with the office, as policies may change. For information on inmates in the Portsmouth City Jail, contact the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office — the sheriff's website does not publish inmate lists, so you need to call directly.