Criminal records in Fauquier County, Virginia, are maintained across several official systems. FauquierCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for the county. Beyond that resource, the Virginia court system's online case search portal, the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's office, and local law enforcement agencies each provide access to criminal records through different channels — online, in person, or by written request.
How to Search Criminal Records in Fauquier
Several methods are available depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search Options
- FauquierCourt.us — Search for publicly available Fauquier County criminal court record information. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
- Virginia Court Case Information System — The statewide portal operated by Virginia's Judicial System provides online access to criminal and traffic case information from district courts and circuit courts. Search by name or case number.
- Fauquier County Circuit Court eSearch — The Clerk's online portal allows registered users to search circuit court records. An account is required; some record types may need a Secure Remote Access (SRA) subscription.
- Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — If the individual is currently incarcerated under VADOC custody (including at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center), this tool shows location and projected release date.
In Person
- Visit the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's office during business hours. Public access terminals in the record room allow you to search case files directly.
- The Clerk's Office hours are 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Fauquier 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 state criminal history record check, submit a request to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). This requires fingerprint submission on a Virginia State Police SP-167 form.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court case searches)
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate date range of the offense or filing
Search Fauquier Criminal Cases by Case Number
Virginia circuit court case numbers follow a structured format that encodes the court, year, case type, and sequence. A typical Fauquier County criminal case number looks like this:
- Court FIPS code — A numeric code identifying Fauquier County (061 for the circuit court).
- Case type prefix — Letters indicating the case category. Common criminal prefixes include CR (criminal felony) and MI (misdemeanor).
- Year — Two digits for the filing year (e.g., 24 for 2024).
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned as cases are filed.
For example, a case number like CL24-001234 or CR24-000567 tells you the court level, year, and order of filing. When searching by case number on the Virginia courts portal or the Clerk's eSearch system, enter the number exactly as it appears on court documents. Partial numbers may not return results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Fauquier
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court has jurisdiction |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations; both the original and amended charge typically appear in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open; no final disposition yet.
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions pending).
- Disposed — A final outcome has been entered (conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
- Closed — All post-disposition obligations (sentencing, probation) are complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary hearing — District court determines whether probable cause exists for felony charges to proceed to circuit court.
- Pre-trial — Motions, discovery disputes, and scheduling matters.
- Trial — Bench or jury trial on the merits.
- Sentencing — Court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review hearing — Follow-up on probation compliance or deferred disposition conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution declines to pursue the charge |
| Dismissed | Court terminates the case (various reasons) |
| Deferred disposition | Judgment withheld pending completion of conditions (common in first-offender cases under Virginia Code § 19.2-303.6 or § 18.2-251) |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Fauquier
From the Circuit Court Clerk
The Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's office is the custodian of circuit court criminal case files. Certified copies of case documents — including indictments, orders, and dispositions — can be obtained here.
Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
How to request:
- In person — Visit the Clerk's office, identify the case, and request certified copies at the counter.
- By mail — Send a written request with the defendant's name, case number, and the specific documents needed. Include a check or money order for applicable fees payable to the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Online — Some documents may be accessible through the Clerk's eSearch portal, though certified copies generally require an in-person or mail request.
Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required for in-person requests. For mail requests, include a copy of your ID if the records are restricted or if you are requesting your own criminal history.
From the Virginia State Police
For a comprehensive state criminal history report, contact the Virginia State Police CCRE. Requests require:
- A completed SP-167 form
- Fingerprint card or electronic fingerprint submission
- Payment of the applicable fee
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Fauquier
Fees are set by Virginia statute (primarily Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276) and the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's fee schedule.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 | Standard per-page rate under Virginia Code § 17.1-275 |
| Certified copy — first page | $2.00 | Includes certification seal |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.50 | Same document |
| Search fee (Clerk's office) | Varies | Contact the Clerk for current schedule |
| Virginia State Police criminal history check | $15.00 | Fingerprint-based; submitted to CCRE |
| Name-based criminal history check (VSP) | $15.00 | Less comprehensive than fingerprint-based |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Clerk's office — Often same-day for simple copy requests.
- Mail requests — Typically 5–10 business days, depending on volume.
- Virginia State Police criminal history — Generally 7–14 business days for mail submissions; electronic submissions through approved channelers may be faster.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Virginia State Police before submitting payment.