Criminal records in Danville, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. DanvilleCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Danville. The Danville Circuit Court, the Danville General District Court, and the Virginia State Police criminal history repository also provide access to criminal records depending on the type of record and the purpose of the request.
How to Search Criminal Records in Danville
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Danville. The method you choose depends on whether you need a quick case status check or a certified criminal history report.
Online Search Options
- DanvilleCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Danville.
- Virginia Court Case Information System — The statewide case search portal maintained by the Virginia Judicial System. You can search by name, case number, or hearing date and filter results to the Danville locality for both circuit and general district court cases.
- Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — Search for individuals currently incarcerated or under VADOC custody. Danville City Jail and the Danville City Jail Farm – Adult Detention Center are listed facilities.
- Virginia State Police Criminal Background Check — For an official criminal history record, submit a request through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). Requests can be made online at the VSP website or by mail.
In Person
- Visit the Danville Circuit Court Clerk's Office to search case records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
- The Danville General District Court also maintains criminal case records for misdemeanor and preliminary felony hearings.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Danville Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Include the subject's full legal name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Enclose the applicable fees by check or money order.
- For a statewide criminal history, submit a request to the Virginia State Police CCRE, which may require fingerprinting for certain purposes.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if searching a specific case)
- Hearing date (optional, for narrowing results)
Search Danville Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by it is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. Virginia uses a standardized case number format across its courts.
A typical Virginia case number includes:
- Locality code — A numeric code identifying the court (Danville has its own locality code as an independent city)
- Case type prefix — Letters indicating the type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal in circuit court, "GC" for general district criminal)
- Year — The two-digit year the case was filed
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned in filing order
For example, a Danville Circuit Court criminal case might appear as something like CR24-000123. Enter this number into the Virginia courts case information system, selecting Danville as the locality, to retrieve charges, hearing dates, and disposition details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Danville
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court handles the case |
| Amended Charges | Original charges may be reduced or modified through plea agreements or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting action |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated |
| Disposed | A final decision has been entered |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations are complete |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Held in general district court to determine probable cause for felony charges before certification to circuit court
- Pre-Trial — Motions, discovery issues, and scheduling matters
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty finding
- Review — Follow-up hearings for probation compliance or deferred dispositions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant found or pleaded guilty |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted of the charge |
| Dismissed | Charge dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution declines to pursue the charge |
| Deferred Disposition | Case outcome is postponed pending completion of conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Danville
Certified copies of criminal case records carry the court's official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background verifications, and other formal purposes.
Where to Request
- Danville Circuit Court Clerk's Office — Handles certified copies of felony case records and any criminal cases adjudicated in circuit court.
- Danville General District Court Clerk's Office — Handles misdemeanor and traffic criminal records from district court proceedings.
- Virginia State Police (CCRE) — For a statewide criminal history report, which compiles records from all Virginia jurisdictions.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the case and produce certified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number, and the documents needed. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court.
- Online — The Virginia Courts online services portal provides access to certain records, though certified copies typically require an in-person or mailed request.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- Fingerprint card (SP-167) for state criminal history requests through VSP, depending on the purpose
Contact Information
Danville Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Danville
Fees for criminal record copies in Virginia are governed by § 17.1-275 and related statutes. The table below reflects standard court fees.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy — first page | $2.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.50 |
| Certificate with seal (no copy attached) | $2.00 |
| VSP criminal history record check (name-based) | $15.00 |
| VSP criminal history record check (fingerprint-based) | $15.00+ |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often processed the same day at the clerk's office, depending on workload.
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for the clerk's office to process and return documents.
- VSP criminal history checks — Name-based checks submitted online are typically returned within 5–10 business days. Fingerprint-based requests may take longer.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Danville Circuit Court Clerk's Office or the Virginia State Police before submitting payment.