Staunton Criminal Records Search
Staunton criminal records come from two main sources: the city's own Circuit Court and General District Court, both part of Virginia's 25th Judicial Circuit. Staunton is an independent city in Virginia, so it keeps its own records separate from Augusta County even though the two share a judicial circuit. Arrest data flows from the Staunton Police Department into the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. You can search cases online for free through OCIS, or visit the courthouse in person to get documents. This page covers how to find Staunton criminal records, what each source contains, and how to request copies.
Staunton Overview
Staunton Circuit Court Criminal Records
Staunton's Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases for the city. The court is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit, which also serves Augusta County and Bath County. Each locality keeps its own separate records. The Circuit Court Clerk is the official record keeper for Staunton felony cases. Files include indictments, motions, trial orders, sentencing guidelines, and final dispositions.
Virginia criminal procedure laws at law.lis.virginia.gov govern how Staunton courts create and maintain criminal records.
The Staunton Circuit Court follows Title 19.2 procedures for all felony cases filed within the city.
You can request copies at the clerk's counter during normal business hours. Copy fees are set by state law at $0.50 per page under Virginia Code § 17.1-275. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can explain procedures and help you identify the right records. If you need certified copies for court or licensing purposes, tell the clerk that when you make your request so they can prepare the proper certification.
| Office | Staunton Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 113 East Beverley Street Staunton, VA 24401 |
| Phone | (540) 332-3874 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | staunton.va.us/circuit-court |
General District Court and Online Search
The Staunton General District Court handles misdemeanor crimes, traffic charges, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. It is the busiest court in the city by volume. The General District Court Clerk records all warrants, summonses, judgments, and sentencing orders for misdemeanor matters. Court contact information and directory details are available at vacourts.gov.
The Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System at eapps.courts.state.va.us provides free access to Staunton criminal case records. You can search by name or case number. Results show case status, hearing dates, charges, and dispositions for both the Circuit Court and General District Court. The OCIS is a good first step for anyone trying to find a case without visiting the courthouse.
Note: OCIS shows case summaries and status data. Full documents and certified copies require an in-person visit or written request to the clerk's office.
Arrest Records and FOIA in Staunton
The Staunton Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits and is the primary source for arrest records and incident reports in the city. The department can be reached at staunton.va.us/police. The Records Division processes public records requests and handles FOIA submissions.
Virginia's FOIA law at foiacouncil.dls.virginia.gov gives Staunton residents the right to request accessible criminal records.
Staunton offices must respond to FOIA requests within five business days under § 2.2-3704.
FOIA requests for police records should be submitted in writing to the Staunton Police Department or City Attorney's office. Basic arrest information is generally public under Virginia law, including the date, location, arresting officer, and charges. Active investigation files may be withheld. The Staunton Sheriff's office also plays a role in some law enforcement functions and can be reached at staunton.va.us/sheriff. For the statewide criminal history database, use form SP-167 and submit a $15 fee to the Virginia State Police CCRE at vsp.virginia.gov.
Expungement in Staunton
Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 lets Staunton residents petition to expunge certain criminal records. Expungement is available for charges that were acquitted, dismissed, or had a nolle prosequi entered. It does not cover convictions in most cases. You file the petition in the Staunton Circuit Court. The petition must include the arrest date, arresting agency, charge, date of disposition, and your date of birth.
Once filed, a copy goes to the Commonwealth's Attorney, who has 21 days to respond. After that period, the court schedules a hearing. The court reviews whether continued access to the record creates manifest injustice. If you had no prior criminal record and the arrest was for a misdemeanor that was dismissed, expungement is generally available unless the Commonwealth shows good cause to deny it. Once the court orders expungement, the clerk forwards the order to all relevant agencies, including the CCRE, which then removes or seals the records from public access.
Virginia also has a sealing process under Chapter 23.2 that applies in some conviction situations. The rules for sealing differ from expungement. An attorney can help you determine which process applies to your case.
Legal Help in Staunton
Legal Aid Justice Center serves the Shenandoah Valley region, which includes Staunton. They offer free civil legal services to low-income residents. Their services can cover criminal record issues, expungement, and court navigation. LawHelpVirginia at lawhelp.org/va has free guides on Virginia criminal records and the expungement process.
Virginia Free Legal Answers at va.freelegalanswers.org allows qualifying residents to submit legal questions online and get answers from licensed attorneys at no charge. The Virginia State Bar lawyer referral line is 1-800-552-7977. A referral call costs nothing. Attorney consultation fees may apply after the referral. The Staunton city website at staunton.va.us links to all city departments including courts and law enforcement.
The Virginia Sex Offender Registry at sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov is publicly searchable and includes registrants from Staunton. You can search by name or address. Registration is required under Virginia Code § 9.1-900 for qualifying offenses.
Augusta County Criminal Records
Staunton is an independent city adjacent to Augusta County. Both share the 25th Judicial Circuit. Criminal records for Augusta County cases go through the Augusta County Circuit Court, not Staunton's courts. If the case you need was heard in the county rather than the city, check the Augusta County records page for clerk contact info and search resources.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities are near Staunton. Each has its own criminal records system.