Court records in Hampton, Virginia can be found through several resources. HamptonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the city. You can also search records through the Virginia Court System's online case information tools, visit the clerk's office at either the Circuit Court or General District Court, or use public-access terminals available at the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the court and case type involved.
Hampton Court System & Jurisdictions
Hampton is an independent city in Virginia, so its court system functions at the city level rather than the county level. The court system in Hampton includes three primary trial courts:
Hampton Circuit Court
The Hampton Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $4,500 (exclusive jurisdiction above $25,000)
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- Land records, wills, and probate matters
- Divorce, annulment, and equitable distribution cases
- Adoption proceedings
Hampton General District Court
The Hampton General District Court handles three categories of cases:
- Civil cases — lawsuits involving amounts up to $25,000
- Criminal cases — misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Traffic cases — traffic infractions and driving-related criminal offenses
Small claims cases (up to $5,000) are also heard in General District Court.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
This court handles matters involving juveniles (delinquency, abuse, neglect, custody, and support), as well as domestic violence protective orders and certain family-related criminal offenses. Juvenile records are generally restricted from public access under Virginia law.
Hampton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding out when a case is scheduled requires checking the correct court's calendar. Here is how to look up hearing dates:
- Circuit Court cases — Use the Virginia case management system for circuit courts to search by name or case number. Case detail pages typically display upcoming hearing dates.
- General District Court cases — The Virginia Court System's Online Case Information System provides criminal and traffic case information for general district courts statewide, including Hampton. Search by name or case number to find scheduled court dates.
- In person — You can call or visit the clerk's office at either court to confirm hearing dates. Court staff can look up today's, tomorrow's, or the current week's docket.
Calendar information is updated regularly, but last-minute continuances or changes do occur. Confirm directly with the court if your attendance depends on a specific date.
How to Get a Copy of a Hampton Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and which court holds the record.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry the court clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, or official use.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of a document. They work for personal reference but are not accepted where certification is required.
How to Request Documents
- In person — Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office or the General District Court Clerk's Office. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the record.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the document needed, the case number (if known), and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Mail requests for Circuit Court records to:
- Online — Circuit court land records can be accessed through the Virginia Court System's secure remote access portal, which requires registration with the local Circuit Court Clerk. General District Court case information can be viewed online, though obtaining certified copies still typically requires an in-person or mail request.
What You May Need to Provide
- Full names of parties involved
- Case number
- Type of document (order, judgment, filing, etc.)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
Some records — including juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain adoption files — are restricted and may not be available to the general public.
Criminal History Records
Local criminal history checks for incidents in Hampton can be requested through the Hampton Police Central Records Unit. These reports cover only Hampton and do not include juvenile offenses. For a more comprehensive criminal background check, you must contact the Virginia State Police, which maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange.
Hampton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Virginia are set by statute (Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and related sections). The table below lists common fees you can expect when requesting records from Hampton courts. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by the General Assembly.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document (first page) | $2.00 |
| Each additional page of a certified copy | $0.50 |
| Uncertified photocopy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Search fee (Circuit Court Clerk's Office) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Remote access to land records (annual subscription) | Set by clerk; registration required |
| Local criminal history check (Central Records Unit) | Contact Hampton Police for current fee |
| Virginia State Police criminal background check | $15.00 (standard processing) |
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, money order, and in some offices credit or debit cards are accepted. Ask the clerk's office about card acceptance before your visit.
- By mail — Check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office.
For general city records requests outside the court system, Hampton accepts FOIA requests with fees determined by the responding department. Court record fees are separate and governed by Virginia statute.