What are Chesterfield County Public Records?
The Virginia FOIA defines Chesterfield County public records as documents that provide details of an agency's operations or transactions. Public documents generated or maintained by Chesterfield County agencies are required by law to be available to disclosure regardless of their qualities or physical form. Chesterfield public records may include a document, letter, paper, photograph, voice recording, cassette, file, or other electronic information in these records.
While the FOIA guarantees public access, it also stipulates that some documents should be considered secret and restricted to the general public. The following are some instances of exempt records:
- Records containing information that, if made public, may result in the loss of state or federal income;
- Records holding information on law enforcement, national defense, homeland security, military, or general public safety, if their release would jeopardize public safety, readiness, or protection;
- State or federal military authorities have classified records;
- Records where there is a clear or severe danger of physical injury if they are released;
- Records whose release might compromise a building's, utility's, or infrastructure's safety or physical security;
- Information on a person's psychological, mental, or medical background and the individual's handicap status, details of a consultation, evaluation, diagnosis, therapy, or prescription;
- Records including any individual's personal identity information, social security number, personal financial information, a driver's license number, and phone numbers;
- Trade secrets or secret proprietary information;
- Any record that might jeopardize a person's right to a fair trial, such as complaints, investigative materials, the identity of a victim, a confidential source, a suspect, or any other record that could jeopardize a person's right to a fair trial.
Chesterfield County Crime Statistics
The Virginia State Police (VSP) provides statewide crime statistics to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program. According to the 2019 report, Chesterfield county reported 6299 crimes. There were 458 violent crimes, including 12 murders, 115 rapes, 146 robberies, and 185 aggravated assaults. The county also reported 5841 property crimes, including 642 burglaries, 4887 larceny-thefts, 312 motor vehicle thefts, and 30 arsons. In 2017, Chesterfield County reported 437 violent crimes, including 10 murders, 97 rapes, 160 robberies, and 170 aggravated assaults. The county also reported 6208 property crimes, including 837 burglaries, 5005 larceny-thefts, 366 motor vehicle thefts, and 42 arsons. Over all, crime in Chesterfield County increased by 1.5% between 2017 and 2019.
Are Chesterfield County Criminal Records Public?
Chesterfield County criminal records are public records according to Virginia code §19.2-389. Thus, anyone interested in obtaining criminal records may reach out to the Virginia State Police to submit online or mail requests. The type of criminal record history check available depends on the requester. The general one is the SP-167 (Available to all residents). Another one is the SP-230 which is only available to registered child care agencies in Virginia. The third is SP-325, which is used for vetting potential employees.
Anyone seeking information can fill out and mail copies of the VSP's Criminal History Request Form (SP-167). Requesters should send requests for records to:
Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE)
Virginia State Police
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
How to Obtain Chesterfield County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office may provide arrest records and police reports for Chesterfield County residents. Requests should include names of relevant people, incident dates, charge information, and an incident narrative, among other things. Requesters should be aware that the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office may charge varied rates for copies of records. Residents can get copies of Chesterfield arrest records and police reports by sending a mail to the following address:
Chesterfield County Police Department
P.O. Box 148
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Requesters can also submit the request personally at the police department located at:
Chesterfield County Police Department
10001 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1251
Fax: (804) 748-6265
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Chesterfield County
The Virginia State Police provides a searchable online registry that contains information on the state's registered sex offenders. People looking for information on sex offenders in Chesterfield County can use the VSP's Website to search by name, city, municipality, county, mile radius, and zip code. Transient offenders, sexually violent delinquent juveniles, sexually violent predators and non-compliant offenders can all be searched. The register provides the following information:
- Full name and aliases
- Physical description
- Photographs
- Offender type
- Registration date
- Offense details
- Conviction date
- Vehicles owned
- Home, employment, and school addresses
How to Find Chesterfield County Inmate Records
The Chesterfield County Jail can provide public access to inmate records in Chesterfield County. Requests including an inmate's data, such as complete name, booking date, charge information, and other known specifics, may be submitted by interested parties. Requesters should send requests to the following address:
Chesterfield County Jail
6900 Mimms Drive
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1476
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Chesterfield County Jail?
Visitation at the Chesterfield County Jail is allowed from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. Visitors should come 15 minutes before the commencement of the tour. Video displays are being used to allow visitors to pay their respects. On-site (at the facility) or off-site visits are available (computer, phone, or tablet). Only prearranged visits are permitted during visitation hours. The registrar must include all visitors on the list of visitors already granted permission by the inmate to visit. Inmates are given one 25-minute video visit each week from a maximum of four people.
The institution requires visitors to provide a valid identification card and submit it to a search. Acceptable types of identification include a driver's license with a current address, an active military identity card, photo identification with a current address, and a passport with a current address.
In addition to these qualifications, visitors may be denied entry to the building for any of the following reasons:
- There isn't enough room in the visitor area.
- The visitor looks to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Improper behavior on the part of the detainee or a guest
- Any portion of the facility or equipment is defaced or destroyed by a visitor.
- Any situation that the Lieutenant or Shift Commander considers a danger to the jail.
The institution has a strict dress code that prohibits wearing anything too exposing or otherwise objectionable. Examples are half shirts, halter tops, tube tops, micro-mini skirts, and see-through apparel.
Chesterfield County Court Records
A circuit court, a general district court, and a juvenile and domestic relations district court are all located in Chesterfield County. Most civil disputes under $4,500 have exclusive jurisdiction in general district courts, whereas circuit courts handle civil claims exceeding $4,500. Divorces, adoptions, crimes, and misdemeanors are all handled by circuit courts, which have extensive authority over all forms of criminal and civil issues.
The Virginia Courts circuit case management system allows interested parties to look for circuit court data online. Residents can also contact the circuit court clerk for Chesterfield County Court Records at:
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
Or mail the Clerk of circuit clerk at:
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 125
Chesterfield, VA 23832-0909
Locations of Courts in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County Circuit Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
Chesterfield County General District Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1231
Fax: (804) 748-1757
1917 Courthouse
10011 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard
Building Number 7
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1379
Fax: (804) 717-6043
Are Chesterfield County Court Records Public?
According to Virginia law, court documents in Chesterfield County are public records. Charge information, court dates, litigant information, and judgment documents are all accessible for viewing. However, the Chesterfield County Clerk of Courts can block public access to some records under Virginia law. These include juvenile records, adoption proceedings, and sealed court papers containing sensitive information.
Can You Look Up a Chesterfield County Court Case Online?
Yes. Residents can use the Virginia Judiciary Web Portal's case search to obtain online Chesterfield County court records. Users should note that recent entries in Chesterfield County courts may not be available immediately online. For these, visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours.
How to Obtain Chesterfield County Civil Court Case Records
The Circuit Court Clerk in Chesterfield County keeps track of its court records and makes them available upon request. Inquirers can make written requests describing the documents needed or make on-site visits to the Clerk's Office. It costs $0.50 for uncertified copies, while certified copies cost $2 per page. Requesters should send all requests to the following address:
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
How to Obtain Chesterfield County Criminal Court Case Records
Chesterfield County criminal court records are kept by the Clerk of Courts. After supplying the Clerk's Office with a description of the desired document, public members may submit in-person or mail requests for non-confidential criminal court records. Interested parties should send requests for record information to the following address:
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
What are Chesterfield County Vital Records?
Chesterfield County vital records are records of life events that occur in the county. Government agencies generate and preserve vital records, including divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. The Prothonotary, Register of Wills, and the state's Department of Health are record custodians for various vital records.
Where and How to Obtain Chesterfield County Divorce Records
Chesterfield County divorce records are legal papers connected to a couple's divorce. They include the couple's divorce papers, as well as any records generated throughout the divorce process and a divorce certificate, which they submit in Chesterfield County Court. Divorce filings are also collected and indexed by Virginia State to aid public divorce record search.
At the local and state levels, Chesterfield County provides vital records. Only registrants and close family members may have access to certified copies, such as siblings, children, parents, and grandparents. Requesters may be asked to provide a genuine government-issued identification card.
Each Chesterfield County divorce decree costs $12, payable by cash or money order payable to the Virginia Department of Health. Requesters should mail completed divorce records requests form to the following address:
Virginia Department of Health.
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Interested individuals can also submit it in person at:
Virginia Department of Health.
2001 May Will Street, Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230
Where and How to Get Public Chesterfield County Marriage Records?
The Clerk of the circuit court in Chesterfield County keeps marriage records and makes copies available to anybody who requests them. Interested individuals must attend the Circuit Court Clerk's Office with a government-issued picture identification card to get a copy. In Chesterfield County, a marriage record costs $2.50 per page.
To obtain copies of Chesterfield County marriage records, you must first provide information about the document. The complete and maiden names of both spouses, the marriage date, the marriage license number, and the marriage place are all required. Requesters should also include personal information such as the requester's name, address, city, zip code, and phone number. Requesters should send all requests to:
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
Requesters can also access both certified and non-certified copies of marriage records from The Virginia department of health office. Along with the$12 fee and a completed marriage record request form, requesters can send a mail to the VDH office at:
Virginia Department of Health.
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Interested individuals can also submit it in person at:
Virginia Department of Health.
2001 May will Street, Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230
Where and How to Find Chesterfield County Birth Records
The Virginia Department of Health keeps track of all births in the state and distributes copies through its Vital Records Division. Chesterfield County birth certificates are not available to the public under Virginia law. Only the subject of the record and anyone who has direct contact with the subject is eligible.
Chesterfield birth certificates cost $12. Each person requesting a birth certificate by mail must submit a completed application for a birth certificate together with a valid government-issued picture I.D. and a postal address. If a government-issued I.D. isn't accessible, the requester can present two recent papers that prove their identity and current residence. A utility bill, car registration or agreement, a bank statement, or a pay stub are all examples of acceptable documents. Requesters must submit all requests to:
Department of Health
Chesterfield Health District
9501 Lucy Corr Circle
P.O. Box 100
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1691
Where and How to Find Chesterfield County Death Records
The Virginia Department of Health's Division of Vital Records has death records for Chesterfield County. Since 1912, the department has kept birth records and only gives copies to close relatives who are at least 18 years old:
Qualified individuals can request Chesterfield death certificates by mail or in person. A $12 service fee is required. A completed application for a death certificate, money order or check made out to Vital Records, and proper identification are required for each mail request. Requesters should send all documents to the following address:
Department of Health
Chesterfield Health District
9501 Lucy Corr Circle
P.O. Box 100
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1691
