How to Look Up Pleadings & Orders in Virginia's State Records
In Virginia, all filings, pleadings and orders in criminal and civil lawsuits are part of the public record. Any interested member of the public may obtain a copy of pleadings and orders in cases before a Virginia court of law. The Virginia Judiciary's online case information system does not keep online versions of pleadings and orders, so obtaining a copy of a pleading or order requires visiting the clerk of court in person.
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Instructions
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Access the Virginia Circuit Courts Case Information website (see Resources). The Virginia Judiciary System maintains an online database by county of criminal and civil cases throughout Virginia. From the main screen, select whether you wish to research the filings in a case before the Virginia Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, Circuit Court or District Court. After selecting a link, type the numbers shown in the text box at the bottom of the page and click "Proceed." On the next page, select your county from the dropdown box and click "Begin."
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Provide information about your case. Select whether your case is a civil or criminal case. Provide the full or partial name of any party to the case for which you wish to obtain a pleading or order and click "Search by Name." On the next page, there will be a list of all matching names. Find the case for which you wish to obtain a pleading or order and write down the file number.
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Travel to the clerk of court. While the Circuit Courts Case Information includes the title of filings in civil cases for same counties, you will need to obtain a copy of a pleading or order in person at the clerk of court's office. Present the clerk of court with the file number for your case. You will be able to make a copy of any pleadings or orders issued. While the copying fee varies by county, you will be required to pay a charge of between $0.50 and $2 per page (as of April 2011).
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