Fauquier County Court Records
What Is Fauquier County Court Records
Court records in Fauquier County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), these records constitute official government documents maintained by judicial authorities. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and probation records
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate documentation
Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. In Fauquier County, court records are primarily maintained by the following judicial bodies:
- Fauquier County Circuit Court (20th Judicial Circuit)
- Fauquier General District Court
- Fauquier Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, court records are defined as "papers, documents, exhibits, and other materials that are maintained by the clerk in connection with specific cases."
Are Court Records Public In Fauquier County
Court records in Fauquier County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Virginia's constitutional commitment to open courts and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The Code of Virginia § 17.1-208 explicitly states that "the records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person and the clerk shall, when required, furnish copies thereof."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Court dockets and hearing schedules
- Final judgments and orders
- Property records including deeds and liens
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate records and wills
However, public access is subject to important limitations. Certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293, which governs the posting and availability of certain information. Protected information includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Cases involving sexual assault victims
- Records sealed by judicial order
The Virginia Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.
How To Find Court Records in Fauquier County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Fauquier County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains both in-person and electronic access options for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for record identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
For Circuit Court records, visit:
Fauquier County Circuit Court
29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8100
Fauquier Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For General District Court records, visit:
Fauquier County General District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8035
Virginia General District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Access:
- Access the Virginia Judicial System Case Information website
- Select the appropriate court type (Circuit, General District, or J&DR)
- Choose Fauquier County from the jurisdiction list
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review available case information and documents
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include specific case information and documents needed
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose applicable fees for search and copies
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-275, fees apply for most record searches and copies. Current fees include $5.00 for record searches and $0.50 per page for copies.
How To Look Up Court Records in Fauquier County Online?
Fauquier County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and provide different levels of information access:
Circuit Court Records:
- Visit the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's eSearch portal
- Create a user account or log in with existing credentials
- Select the desired search type (case records, land records, etc.)
- Enter search parameters such as name, case number, or date range
- Review search results and select specific cases to view details
- Pay applicable fees for document access or copies if required
General District Court and J&DR Court Records:
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
- Select "General District Court" or "J&DR District Court" from the menu
- Choose "Fauquier County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review case information including hearings, charges, and disposition
Criminal History Records:
- Visit the Virginia State Police Criminal History Record Request
- Complete the Criminal History Record Request form
- Submit the form with required identification and fees
- Receive results by mail (online results not available for public requests)
The online systems provide varying levels of detail. The Circuit Court eSearch system offers more comprehensive document access, while the General District Court system typically provides case summaries rather than full document images. Certain sensitive cases or documents may not be available through online portals and require in-person requests.
Users should note that pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293, remote access to certain court records may be restricted to authorized users such as attorneys, government officials, and abstractors with subscription accounts.
How To Search Fauquier County Court Records for Free?
Virginia law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities. According to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, "The records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person." This statutory right enables members of the public to access records without charge for viewing, though fees apply for searches and copies.
Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names to locate records
- Review documents on-site at no charge
- Pay only if copies are requested ($0.50 per page)
Free Online Resources:
- Virginia Judicial System Case Information - Provides free basic case information for General District Court and J&DR Court cases
- Virginia Courts Case Status Information - Offers free access to case status and hearing dates
- Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Opinions - Provides free access to published appellate opinions
While basic case information is available without charge, comprehensive document access typically requires payment of statutory fees. The Circuit Court's eSearch system requires subscription fees for full access, though limited information may be available without charge.
Public access computer terminals are available at the courthouse for free searching of electronic records. These terminals provide more extensive access than is available through public internet connections.
What's Included in a Fauquier County Court Record?
Court records in Fauquier County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents typically include:
Circuit Court Criminal Case Records:
- Indictments or criminal information
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Bond and bail documentation
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and rulings
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Verdict forms and judgments
- Sentencing orders
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal notices and documentation
Circuit Court Civil Case Records:
- Initial complaints or petitions
- Summonses and service documentation
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court orders and opinions
- Final judgments
- Post-judgment collection documents
- Appeal notices and briefs
Family Court Records:
- Divorce petitions and responses
- Child custody and support orders
- Visitation schedules
- Property division agreements
- Name change petitions
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
- Protective orders
- Guardian ad litem reports
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories
- Lists of heirs and beneficiaries
- Executor/administrator appointments
- Accountings of estate assets
- Final distribution orders
Land Records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgage documents
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Plats and surveys
- Tax records related to property
Each record contains identifying information including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and court identifiers. Sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth may be redacted in publicly accessible versions pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293.
How Long Does Fauquier County Keep Court Records?
Fauquier County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. These schedules vary by record type and significance:
Permanent Retention Records:
- Final judgments and decrees in civil cases
- Criminal case files for felonies
- Order books and docket books
- Land records (deeds, mortgages, plats)
- Marriage licenses
- Wills and estate settlements
- Adoption records
- Naturalization records (pre-1906)
- Court minute books
Long-Term Retention Records (20+ years):
- Divorce case files (50 years)
- Civil case files with significant precedential value (20 years)
- Felony criminal cases not resulting in conviction (20 years)
- Juvenile felony cases (20 years after subject turns 19)
- Mental commitment proceedings (20 years)
Medium-Term Retention Records (5-20 years):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (10 years)
- General civil litigation (10 years after final order)
- Traffic cases involving DUI (10 years)
- Child support cases (until child reaches majority plus 3 years)
- Juvenile misdemeanor cases (5 years after subject turns 19)
Short-Term Retention Records (less than 5 years):
- Minor traffic infractions (3 years)
- Small claims cases (3 years after final disposition)
- Administrative records (3 years)
- Juror qualification forms (3 years)
These retention periods are governed by the Library of Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule and Supreme Court of Virginia Records Management Policy. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed, transferred to archives, or preserved on microfilm or digital media.
Historically significant cases may be preserved indefinitely regardless of standard retention schedules. Additionally, the Circuit Court Clerk maintains certain records permanently as required by Virginia Code § 17.1-242.
Types of Courts In Fauquier County
Fauquier County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels:
Fauquier County Circuit Court (20th Judicial Circuit)
29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8100
Fauquier Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction and the court of record for major civil and criminal matters. It handles felony cases, civil claims exceeding $25,000, appeals from lower courts, and has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, wills, and real property disputes.
Fauquier County General District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8035
Virginia General District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The General District Court handles civil claims up to $25,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. It also manages landlord-tenant disputes and protective orders.
Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8040
Virginia J&DR District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The J&DR Court handles cases involving juveniles, family matters, child support, custody, and domestic violence. It has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency cases and child welfare proceedings.
Virginia Court of Appeals
Supreme Court Building
100 North 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-5651
Virginia Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals hears appeals from Circuit Courts in domestic relations, criminal cases (except death penalty cases), and administrative agency decisions. It does not directly operate in Fauquier County but reviews cases appealed from the county's Circuit Court.
Supreme Court of Virginia
Supreme Court Building
100 North 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-2251
Supreme Court of Virginia
The Supreme Court is Virginia's highest court and court of last resort. It reviews decisions from the Court of Appeals and has original jurisdiction in certain matters. Cases from Fauquier County may reach this court through the appellate process.
The court hierarchy follows a progression from the lower District Courts (General District and J&DR) to the Circuit Court, then to the Court of Appeals, and finally to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
What Types of Cases Do Fauquier County Courts Hear?
Fauquier County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court handling specific case types according to its statutory jurisdiction:
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes and land records
- Divorce proceedings and equitable distribution
- Will probate and estate administration
- Appeals from General District and J&DR Courts
- Judicial review of administrative agency decisions
- Name change petitions
- Restoration of civil rights
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Complex business litigation
- Medical malpractice claims
General District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Small claims actions (up to $5,000)
- Unlawful detainer and eviction proceedings
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Protective orders (non-family members)
- Local ordinance violations
- Bond hearings
- Civil forfeiture proceedings
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Cases:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child and spousal support matters
- Family-based protective orders
- Termination of parental rights
- Foster care review
- Adoption consent
- Underage drinking and tobacco violations
- Truancy and school-related offenses
- Emancipation of minors
Case assignment is determined by statutory authority as outlined in the Code of Virginia Title 16.1 for District Courts and Title 17.1 for Circuit Courts. Certain specialized proceedings, such as mental health commitments and alcohol safety action programs, may involve multiple courts depending on the specific circumstances.
The Circuit Court also exercises concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court for civil claims between $4,500 and $25,000, allowing plaintiffs to choose the forum in these cases.
How To Find a Court Docket In Fauquier County
Court dockets in Fauquier County provide schedules of upcoming hearings and case status information. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System Case Information website
- Select the appropriate court (Circuit, General District, or J&DR)
- Choose Fauquier County from the jurisdiction list
- Search by case number, party name, or hearing date
- Review docket information including scheduled hearings
Circuit Court Docket Access:
- Access the Fauquier Circuit Court Clerk's eSearch portal
- Log in or create an account
- Select "Court Case Information" from the search options
- Enter search criteria (case number, name, date range)
- View docket entries and scheduled hearings
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
- Request to view the daily or weekly docket sheets
- Provide specific date ranges or case information
- Review printed docket listings available for public inspection
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office:
- Circuit Court: 540-422-8100
- General District Court: 540-422-8035
- J&DR Court: 540-422-8040
- Provide case number or party names
- Request information about upcoming hearings
Daily court dockets are typically posted in the courthouse lobby or outside courtrooms on the day of scheduled proceedings. For specialized dockets such as grand jury proceedings or mental health hearings, contact the Circuit Court clerk directly as these may not appear on public docket listings.
Pursuant to Virginia Supreme Court Rule 1:15, docket control and scheduling are under the authority of the presiding judge, and hearing dates may be subject to change. It is advisable to verify hearing information shortly before the scheduled date.
Which Courts in Fauquier County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Virginia's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and appellate structure. According to Virginia Code § 16.1-69.5, courts not of record are those district courts established by the General Assembly that do not maintain comprehensive verbatim records of their proceedings.
In Fauquier County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:
Fauquier County General District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8035
Virginia General District Court
Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8040
Virginia J&DR District Court
These courts are characterized by:
- No automatic verbatim recording of proceedings (parties must request recording)
- Simplified rules of procedure and evidence
- Judges who serve fixed terms rather than life appointments
- De novo appeal rights to Circuit Court (cases heard completely anew)
- Limited jurisdiction as defined by statute
- No jury trials (except in certain civil cases in General District Court)
By contrast, the Fauquier County Circuit Court is a court of record, maintaining comprehensive records of all proceedings, following formal rules of procedure, and having judges appointed for life terms (subject to good behavior). Appeals from the Circuit Court go to the Virginia Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia and are based on the record established at trial rather than being heard de novo.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appellate purposes. When a case is appealed from a court not of record to the Circuit Court, the appellant receives an entirely new trial rather than a review of the lower court's decision.