Campbell County Court Records
What Is Campbell County Court Records
Court records in Campbell County, Virginia, are official documents generated and maintained by the judicial system in connection with legal proceedings filed within the county's courts. These records encompass a broad range of materials, including case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Each document type serves a distinct function: dockets provide a chronological index of case activity, pleadings contain the formal written statements of parties, and judgments reflect the court's final determinations on matters before it.
Court records are distinct from other categories of public records maintained at the county level. Property records, for example, are held by the Commissioner of the Revenue or the Circuit Court Clerk in a land records capacity, while vital records such as birth and death certificates are administered through the Virginia Department of Health. Court records, by contrast, are generated exclusively through judicial proceedings and are custodied by the clerk of the relevant court.
In Campbell County, court records are maintained across several judicial bodies:
- Campbell Circuit Court — handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, family law, probate, and land records
- Campbell General District Court — handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, civil claims up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court — handles matters involving juveniles, child support, custody, and family protective orders
- Magistrate's Office — issues warrants, summonses, and bail determinations; does not maintain case files in the same manner as courts of record
Records span civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-208, the clerk of each circuit court is responsible for the custody and preservation of all records filed in that court.
Are Court Records Public In Campbell County
Court records in Campbell County are presumptively open to the public under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 2.2-3700 et seq., establishes the public's right to access government records, including judicial records, subject to specific exemptions. Virginia's open courts tradition further reinforces this presumption: members of the public may inspect most civil case files, criminal case files following the filing of charges, judgments and orders, docket sheets, and scheduled hearing information without demonstrating a particular need or interest.
The following categories of records are generally available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, and orders)
- Criminal case files after charges have been formally filed
- Final judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indexes
- Probate filings and wills admitted to record
- Traffic case dispositions
Certain records are sealed or restricted by statute or court order. These include juvenile court records, adoption records, expunged criminal records, and records sealed pursuant to judicial order. It is important to note that federal court records — maintained by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia — operate under separate rules governed by federal law and the Electronic Privacy Protection Act rather than Virginia's FOIA framework.
The Supreme Court of Virginia has adopted administrative policies governing access to court records, and clerks are required to make records available during regular business hours consistent with those policies.
How To Find Court Records in Campbell County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Campbell County may access them through several channels, depending on the type of case and the court involved.
In-Person Access: Requesters may visit the clerk's office of the relevant court during public counter hours. Staff are available to assist with locating case files, providing certified copies, and directing requesters to the appropriate index. Fees for copies are set by statute under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to circuit court clerks.
Steps for in-person access:
- Identify the court where the case was filed (Circuit, General District, or Juvenile and Domestic Relations)
- Visit the clerk's office during posted public counter hours
- Provide the case number, party name, or approximate filing date
- Request inspection of the file or certified copies as needed
- Pay applicable copy fees at the time of the request
By Mail: Written requests may be submitted to the clerk's office. Requesters should include the full name of the parties, the case number if known, the type of record sought, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment for copies must accompany the request.
Online: Virginia's judiciary provides online access to case information through the Online Case Information System, which allows searches of circuit and general district court records statewide.
How To Look Up Court Records in Campbell County Online?
Virginia's judicial system currently provides several online portals through which members of the public may search for court records associated with Campbell County proceedings.
Virginia's Online Case Information System (OCIS): The primary statewide portal for public case lookups is accessible through the Case Status and Information page maintained by the Supreme Court of Virginia. This system includes:
- Circuit court civil and criminal case information
- General district court case information
- Juvenile and domestic relations case information (limited public access)
- Appellate court case status
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Case Status and Information portal
- Select the court type (Circuit Court or General District Court)
- Choose Campbell County from the jurisdiction list
- Enter the party name, case number, or hearing date
- Review the case summary, docket entries, and disposition information displayed
Officer of the Court Remote Access (OCRA): The OCRA system is a restricted portal available exclusively to authorized officers of the court, including licensed attorneys and their staff. This system provides enhanced access to case documents and is not available to the general public.
Campbell Circuit Court Online Resources: The Campbell Circuit Court page on Virginia's Judicial System website provides direct links to clerk contact information, local rules, and filing resources.
Campbell General District Court Online Resources: The Campbell General District Court page provides information specific to the 24th Judicial District, including clerk contact details and court schedules.
How To Search Campbell County Court Records for Free?
Virginia law guarantees members of the public the right to inspect court records at no charge. Physical inspection of a case file at the clerk's office does not require payment; fees apply only when copies are requested. This right of free inspection is grounded in the open courts provisions of Virginia law and the administrative policies of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
The following resources are currently available at no cost:
- Online Case Information System — The statewide case search portal is free to use and requires no account registration for basic case lookups
- In-person inspection — Members of the public may review case files at the clerk's office without charge during regular business hours
- Docket sheets — Docket information is accessible online and in person at no cost
Fees are assessed only for printed or certified copies of documents, as established under Virginia Code § 17.1-275.
What's Included in a Campbell County Court Record?
The contents of a court record vary by case type, but generally include the following categories of documents:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer and any counterclaims
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment filings (garnishments, liens)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, or warrant)
- Arraignment records
- Bail and bond orders
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts (where prepared)
- Sentencing orders and probation conditions
- Expungement orders (where applicable and not sealed)
Family and Domestic Relations Records:
- Divorce decrees and separation agreements
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child and spousal support orders
- Protective orders
Probate Records:
- Wills admitted to probate
- Inventories and accountings of estates
- Appointment of executors and administrators
- Final settlement orders
Traffic Records:
- Citation information
- Hearing dates and dispositions
- Fine payment records
How Long Does Campbell County Keep Court Records?
Court record retention in Virginia is governed by schedules established by the Library of Virginia in coordination with the Supreme Court of Virginia. Retention periods vary by record type and court level.
Current retention periods for principal record categories include:
- Felony criminal case files — Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor criminal case files — Retained for a minimum of 10 years following case closure
- Civil case files (Circuit Court) — Permanent for judgments; other materials retained per the Library of Virginia schedule
- Traffic infraction records — Retained for a minimum of 5 years
- Probate records and wills — Permanent retention
- Juvenile court records — Subject to restricted retention schedules; many records are sealed upon the subject reaching adulthood
The Library of Virginia publishes the official Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for local government records, including court records, which clerks are required to follow under Virginia law.
Types of Courts In Campbell County
Campbell County is served by courts within the 24th Judicial Circuit and 24th Judicial District of Virginia. The court hierarchy in Virginia proceeds from magistrate and district courts at the base, through the circuit court, to the Court of Appeals of Virginia, and ultimately to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Campbell Circuit Court Rustburg Courthouse, 85 Courthouse Circle, Rustburg, VA 24588 (434) 332-9517 Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Campbell Circuit Court – Virginia's Judicial System
Campbell General District Court 85 Courthouse Circle, Rustburg, VA 24588 (434) 332-9590 Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Campbell General District Court – Virginia's Judicial System
Campbell Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court 85 Courthouse Circle, Rustburg, VA 24588 (434) 332-9595 Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Virginia Court of Appeals 109 North Eighth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 371-8428 Virginia Court of Appeals
Supreme Court of Virginia 100 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-2251 Supreme Court of Virginia
What Types of Cases Do Campbell County Courts Hear?
Each court within Campbell County's judicial structure exercises jurisdiction over specific categories of cases.
Campbell Circuit Court hears:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, equitable distribution, adoption)
- Probate and estate administration
- Land records and deed recordation
- Appeals from the General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Campbell General District Court hears:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions and traffic-related criminal charges
- Civil claims up to $25,000 (including small claims matters)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Campbell Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears:
- Delinquency matters involving juveniles
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Child support and custody disputes
- Spousal and family member protective orders
- Emancipation petitions
Virginia Court of Appeals hears:
- Appeals from circuit courts in criminal, domestic relations, and administrative law matters
Supreme Court of Virginia hears:
- Discretionary appeals from the Court of Appeals
- Original jurisdiction matters as provided by the Virginia Constitution
How To Find a Court Docket In Campbell County
A court docket is the official chronological record of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access Campbell County court dockets through the following methods:
Online Search: The Case Status and Information portal maintained by Virginia's Judicial System provides docket information for circuit and general district court cases. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
Steps to locate a docket online:
- Access the Virginia Online Case Information System
- Select the appropriate court type and Campbell County as the jurisdiction
- Enter available identifying information (party name or case number)
- Select the case from the results list to view the docket entries
In-Person Access: Docket sheets are available for inspection at the clerk's office of the relevant court during public counter hours. Clerks maintain physical docket books and can assist in locating case activity records.
Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may contact the clerk's office by telephone to confirm hearing dates, case status, or docket information for a specific matter.
Which Courts in Campbell County Are Not Courts of Record?
A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented and preserved, whose acts and judicial proceedings are enrolled for perpetual memory and testimony, and whose records carry a presumption of accuracy. Courts not of record, by contrast, do not maintain a verbatim transcript of proceedings and their decisions do not carry the same precedential weight.
In Virginia, the distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established under Virginia Code § 17.1-123, which designates circuit courts as courts of record. General district courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts are not courts of record under Virginia law, meaning that their proceedings are not transcribed verbatim and parties dissatisfied with a judgment in those courts are entitled to a de novo (new) trial in the circuit court upon appeal.
In Campbell County, the following are not courts of record:
- Campbell General District Court — Decisions are subject to de novo appeal to the Circuit Court
- Campbell Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court — Decisions are subject to de novo appeal to the Circuit Court
- Magistrate's Office — Issues warrants and bail determinations but does not conduct trials or maintain case files as a court of record
Because general district courts are not courts of record, no official transcript is produced during proceedings. Parties who wish to preserve a record of testimony for appellate purposes must initiate their appeal in the Circuit Court, where proceedings are conducted anew.