Nottoway County Criminal History Records
Nottoway County criminal history records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 328 West Courthouse Road in Nottoway and with the Nottoway County Sheriff's Office. You can look up criminal cases through Virginia's statewide court systems or visit the courthouse in person. This guide covers the courts, agencies, and online tools for finding criminal record information in Nottoway County.
Nottoway County Overview
Nottoway County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The Nottoway County Circuit Court operates under the 11th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Hon. Kathryn Lindsay Spence serves as Clerk of Court. The court is located at 328 West Courthouse Road, P.O. Box 25, Nottoway, VA 23955. Phone is (434) 645-9043 and fax is (434) 645-2201. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains records for all felony criminal cases filed in Nottoway County. This includes civil cases, family matters, and probate proceedings in addition to criminal prosecutions. Felony case files contain the indictment or information, all hearing records, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation-related documents. The 11th Judicial Circuit serves multiple counties in Southside Virginia, coordinating felony cases, significant civil matters, and family law cases across its jurisdiction. Certified copies of court records are available from the Clerk's Office. Fees apply for copies and certification.
| Office | Nottoway County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Kathryn Lindsay Spence |
| Phone | (434) 645-9043 |
| Fax | (434) 645-2201 |
| Address | 328 West Courthouse Road, P.O. Box 25, Nottoway, VA 23955 |
| Hours | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday |
| Website | vacourts.gov - Nottoway Circuit Court |
The Nottoway County Circuit Court page on vacourts.gov provides current Clerk contact information and links to court services and statewide case search tools.
General District Court in Nottoway County
The Nottoway County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000. It also conducts preliminary hearings for felony charges before they are transferred to the Circuit Court. General District Court case information for Nottoway County may be available through the statewide online case information system. For current contact information specific to the General District Court, check the vacourts.gov portal or call the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which can direct you to the right contacts.
Most people encounter the General District Court for traffic violations, DUI charges, and misdemeanor assault or theft cases. If a person wants to appeal a misdemeanor conviction, the case goes to the Circuit Court for a full new trial. The General District Court also serves as the first step for anyone arrested on a felony charge. The court holds a preliminary hearing and, if probable cause is found, certifies the case to the Circuit Court for grand jury review and trial.
Nottoway County Sheriff's Office
The Nottoway County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county and maintains arrest records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Criminal records in Nottoway County are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court for court records and by the Sheriff's Office for arrest records. Arrest records include the person's name, charges, arrest date, and booking details. To request records, contact the Sheriff's Office directly. Written FOIA requests may be required for older records.
The Sheriff's Office coordinates with the Commonwealth's Attorney and state police on criminal prosecutions. For cases that begin at the state level, the Virginia State Police may hold the initial arrest records. For local arrests, the Sheriff's Office is the right contact. The county jail handles pre-trial detention and short sentences. VADOC handles state prison placements for longer felony sentences.
Search Criminal History in Nottoway County
Virginia's Online Case Information System at eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis/search lets you search Nottoway County Circuit Court criminal records by name or case number. Results include charges, court dates, case status, and final disposition. This is the best tool for felony records. The system is free and does not require an account.
For General District Court records from Nottoway County, use the General District Court Online Case Information System at eapps.courts.state.va.us/gdcourts/. Accept the disclaimer before searching. The unified case search at vacourts.gov/caseinfo/home.html pulls from both court levels. Use this when you are not sure which court handled a particular case. Search by name, case number, or hearing date. These tools cover Nottoway County along with all other Virginia jurisdictions.
Virginia State Police Criminal Record Checks
Criminal history record checks for Nottoway County and all Virginia jurisdictions are processed through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. Individuals request their own records using form SP-167 and submitting fingerprints. Get details at vsp.virginia.gov/criminal-record-check/. Authorized agencies use the CARE system. Virginia Code § 19.2-389 defines who may access criminal history records and under what circumstances.
State Police checks compile data from courts across all Virginia jurisdictions. They are more complete than single-court searches. If you are researching someone who may have had cases in multiple counties, the State Police check captures all of it. Court portal searches are good for checking specific courts but may miss records from other jurisdictions.
VADOC Inmate Locator
To find someone from Nottoway County who is serving a sentence in a Virginia state prison, use the VADOC inmate locator at vadoc.virginia.gov/general-public/inmate-locator/. Search by name to get the current facility, sentence details, and projected release date. This tool covers state-managed correctional facilities only. For local detention at the county jail, contact the Nottoway County Sheriff's Office directly.
Criminal Records Access in Nottoway County
Most criminal court records in Nottoway County are public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. You can go to the courthouse at 328 West Courthouse Road and ask to view case files during business hours. You do not need to be a party to the case. The Clerk's Office can search by name or case number and make copies at the applicable fee. Certified copies cost more and include the Clerk's official seal for legal purposes.
Virginia Code § 19.2-389 limits who can receive a full criminal history report covering all Virginia jurisdictions. Law enforcement, courts, and certain authorized entities get this access. The general public can view individual court case records at the courthouse or through online portals. For a complete statewide record, you need to go through the State Police. This distinction matters if you are researching someone who may have lived in other Virginia counties.
Court records that are not available to the public include juvenile court files, expunged cases, records sealed by court order, and grand jury proceedings. If a case was expunged, it will not appear in any public court search. If you believe a record is being wrongly withheld, submit a written FOIA request. You can appeal any denial to the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council.
Note: Certified copies of court records from Nottoway County are available from the Clerk's Office. The standard per-page copy fee and a certification fee apply. Call ahead to confirm current rates.
Nearby Counties
Nottoway County is in Southside Virginia. These counties share borders or close connections through the 11th Judicial Circuit.