Court records of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, are available through several channels. PittsylvaniaCourt.us allows searching for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, residents can use the Virginia state online court information system, visit the district court clerk's office in person or call, and use public terminals in the courthouse to view case registers.
Pittsylvania Court System & Jurisdictions
Several judicial instances operate in Pittsylvania County, each handling specific categories of cases.
Circuit Court
Pittsylvania Circuit Court is part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. It handles:
- Criminal cases involving felonies
- Civil claims with amounts exceeding $25,000
- Divorce, custody, and alimony cases
- Appeals from district courts
- Land disputes and real estate document registration
The court clerk is Hon. Angie R. Harris.
General District Court
The General District Court handles minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, civil claims up to $25,000, and small claims up to $5,000. Most traffic fine cases are processed here.
Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
The Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court of Pittsylvania County handles cases involving:
- Juveniles accused of offenses
- Child abuse and neglect
- Protective orders in family matters
- Paternity determination and child support
Magistrate
The Magistrate's office operates 24/7. Magistrates issue arrest and search warrants, conduct bail hearings upon detention, and issue temporary detention orders.
Pittsylvania Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out about scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or within the week, use the following resources:
- Virginia Online Court Information System — on the Case Status and Information page, a statewide search for cases in Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court is available. Searches are conducted by last name or case number, and results include dates of upcoming hearings.
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office — call (434) 432-7887 and inquire about the schedule for a specific date. The clerk can confirm if a hearing is scheduled in your case.
- Public terminals in the courthouse — in the Court Services building on Bank Street in Chatham, there are terminals where you can view the schedule.
Please note: the schedule may change. Before visiting the court, it is advisable to confirm the date and time of the hearing directly with the clerk's office.
How to Get a Copy of a Pittsylvania Court Document
Copies of court documents in Circuit Court come in two types — uncertified and certified. A certified copy bears the official seal of the clerk and is accepted by other institutions as a legal document.
Ways to Obtain
- In person — visit the Circuit Court clerk's office. Entry to the court is through the complex on Bank Street in Chatham. You will need the case number or the full name of the party.
- By mail — send a written request with case details and payment to the clerk's office address:
- Land records — all land records of Pittsylvania County are open for public inspection and research. Copies cost $0.50 per page.
Access Restrictions
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed criminal records, and certain family cases are usually not issued without a court order. If you are unsure whether the document you need is available, ask the clerk.
Records of divorce are kept in the Circuit Court. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by the Office of Vital Records of the Virginia Department of Health.
Pittsylvania Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court services in Virginia are determined by state law (Code of Virginia). Below are typical fees applied in the Pittsylvania County Circuit Court clerk's office:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (uncertified) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification of copy | $2.00 per document |
| Criminal record search (through Sheriff's Office) | Inquire by phone at (434) 432-7997 |
| Deed registration | Depends on the number of pages; base rate set by Code of Virginia |
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. To confirm payment methods, call the clerk at (434) 432-7887.
To check criminal records through the Sheriff's Office, contact Tricia Waller at (434) 432-7997. Information about inmates can be found through the Inmate Locator of the Virginia Department of Corrections or through VineLink — an inmate status notification system in local and regional jails in the state.