Criminal records in Augusta County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. AugustaCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Augusta County. The Virginia court system's online case search portal, the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's office, and the Augusta County Sheriff's Office each serve as additional access points for criminal record inquiries.
How to Search Criminal Records in Augusta
There are multiple ways to look up criminal records in Augusta County. The method you choose depends on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search Options
- AugustaCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to Augusta County criminal cases.
- Virginia Court Case Information System — The Virginia Judicial System provides statewide online access to adult criminal case information in general district courts, juvenile and domestic relations district courts, and circuit courts. You can search by name or case number.
- Virginia Courts Online Services — For more detailed circuit court records, Virginia offers online services that may require registration with the local Circuit Court Clerk.
- VADOC Inmate Locator — If someone has been sentenced to state custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator can help you find their current location and projected release date.
- Middle River Regional Jail — Augusta County uses Middle River Regional Jail (MRRJ) for local detention. The MRRJ website may provide inmate lookup tools for individuals held locally.
In Person
- Visit the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse in Staunton. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records.
- The Augusta County General District Court also maintains criminal and traffic case records that can be reviewed at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk for copies of specific criminal case records. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
- For a formal criminal history record check, you can submit a request to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). This typically requires fingerprinting and a completed SP-167 form.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for online searches)
- Case number (if available)
- Court where the case was filed (Circuit Court, General District Court, or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court)
Search Augusta Criminal Cases by Case Number
Virginia uses a standardized case number format across its courts. Understanding the structure helps you search more efficiently.
A typical Virginia case number looks like this: CR19001234-00
- CR — Prefix indicating the case type (CR for criminal, GC for grand jury indictment in circuit court, etc.)
- 19 — The two-digit year the case was filed (2019 in this example)
- 001234 — The sequential case number assigned by the court
- -00 — A suffix that distinguishes individual charges or related actions within the same case
When searching on the Virginia Courts case information system, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, try searching by the defendant's name instead and then locate the correct case from the results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Augusta
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Charge Description | Plain-language description of the offense |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are the most serious; infractions are minor violations |
| Amended Charges | A charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or at the court's discretion |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open and awaiting further court action |
| Active | The case has ongoing proceedings or conditions being monitored |
| Disposed | The case has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All court obligations are complete and the case file is closed |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — In felony cases, a district court judge determines if there is probable cause to send the case to circuit court
- Pre-Trial — Motions, discovery issues, and plea discussions are addressed before trial
- Trial — The case is heard by a judge or jury
- Sentencing — If convicted, the court imposes a sentence
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or other court-ordered conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted of the charge |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was acquitted after trial |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecution chose not to pursue the charge |
| Dismissed | The court dismissed the charge — reasons vary |
| Deferred Disposition | The court delays a final ruling, often pending completion of conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Augusta
Certified copies of criminal case records in Augusta County are handled by the Circuit Court Clerk's office. General district court records can be requested from the General District Court Clerk.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Ask the clerk for certified copies of specific case documents.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the defendant's full name, case number, the specific documents you need, and a return address. Include payment for applicable fees.
- State criminal history: For a formal criminal history background check, contact the Virginia State Police CCRE. Requests require a completed SP-167 form, fingerprint card, and the appropriate fee.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- Fingerprints for state criminal history checks through the Virginia State Police
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Augusta County Sheriff's Office may also assist with questions about local criminal records or direct you to the appropriate office.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Augusta
Fees for criminal record copies in Virginia are generally set by statute under Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and related provisions. The following table reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (name-based) | $15.00 |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $15.00+ |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request.
- Mail requests: Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- Virginia State Police criminal history: Name-based checks may take several business days; fingerprint-based checks can take longer.
Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office typically include cash, check, or money order. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted before visiting.