Craig County Court Records Lookup

Craig County criminal court records are filed and kept at the Circuit Court and General District Court in New Castle, Virginia. Craig County is one of Virginia's smallest counties by population, located in the Alleghany Highlands region of western Virginia. The county is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. You can search for criminal case records through the statewide Virginia court online systems, or visit the courthouse in New Castle during business hours. This page covers how to find and access Craig County criminal court records and what public access rules apply.

Craig County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the primary court of record for criminal and civil matters in Craig County. Part of the 6th Judicial Circuit, this court handles felony cases, civil matters over $25,000, and appeals from the General District Court. The clerk's office in New Castle maintains all criminal case files, including indictments, guilty pleas, trial records, and sentencing orders. Because Craig County has a very small population, the court handles fewer cases than most other Virginia counties, but public access rules are identical to those in larger jurisdictions.

Walking into the clerk's office in New Castle is a straightforward way to access court records in Craig County. Staff can search for cases by name or case number and make copies for you on the spot. Standard copies run $0.50 per page. If you need a certified copy, which carries an extra charge, ask the clerk at the time of your request. Call ahead before making the drive, especially if you need records from older cases that may not be fully digitized. The Virginia Circuit Court Information System is the best online tool for checking whether a case record exists before visiting in person.

Craig County Criminal Records Online

Virginia's court system maintains several free public portals for searching criminal records across the state. The Online Case Information System (OCIS) is the primary tool for looking up Circuit Court criminal case records, including those from Craig County. You can search by name or case number and get back information on case type, charges, filing date, and disposition. The system is free, requires no registration, and reflects current case status.

The image below is a screenshot of the Virginia Judicial System homepage, which is the main gateway to all public court search tools including those that cover Craig County criminal records.

From the Judicial System homepage, you can reach both the OCIS Circuit Court search and the GDC General District Court search with a few clicks. Using both tools is the most thorough way to search Craig County criminal case history.

The case status and information portal is another useful tool. It covers both Circuit and General District Court records in a single interface and lets you check on an active case without calling the courthouse. Results show scheduled court dates, case status, and basic charge information for Craig County and all other Virginia jurisdictions.

General District Court in Craig County

The General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings in Craig County. It is the lower court in the two-tier county court system. Cases at this level are handled by a judge, not a jury. A defendant convicted here can appeal to the Circuit Court and get a fresh trial with the option of a jury. In a small rural county like Craig, the GDC handles a relatively modest volume of cases compared to larger suburban counties, but the same access rules apply.

GDC records for Craig County are searchable through the Virginia General District Court online portal. This is a separate system from the OCIS Circuit Court tool, so you need to check both if you want a complete picture of someone's criminal history in the county. The GDC portal lets you search by name or case number and shows the charge, case status, and upcoming court dates for active matters.

The image below shows the GDC statewide search tool, which covers Craig County General District Court criminal and traffic cases.

GDC records are public for most criminal and traffic matters. Cases that were sealed or involved a juvenile are not accessible through this system.

Public Records Access in Craig County

Criminal court records in Craig County are public under Virginia law. Any person can inspect court records at the clerk's office during business hours without stating a reason or proving a connection to the case. Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, found at Title 2.2, Chapter 37 of the Virginia Code, reinforces the right to access government records. Agencies must respond to records requests within five business days. For investigative or complex requests, that window may extend by up to 60 additional days. The Virginia FOIA Council oversees compliance and handles complaints when agencies fail to respond properly.

Some records are not available. Juvenile cases are sealed from public view. Criminal cases that ended in dismissal and were later expunged under Virginia Code section 19.2-389 are removed from the public record. Virginia's conviction sealing law, effective July 2026 under Title 19.2, Chapter 23.1, will allow some individuals with older convictions to petition for sealing. Serious offenses identified in section 19.2-392.12 are excluded from this process and cannot be sealed.

Resources for Craig County Court Records

Craig County residents who need help with court matters or criminal records can use the Virginia Courts Self-Help Center. This free online resource provides step-by-step guides for common court tasks, including requesting records, filling out forms, and understanding court procedures. The guides cover all court levels and apply across Virginia, including in smaller counties like Craig. The center is maintained by the state court system and updated as laws change.

For statewide criminal history records, contact the Virginia State Police, which manages the central criminal history database. A VSP report covers offenses across all Virginia jurisdictions and is more comprehensive than a county clerk search. For questions specific to Craig County case filings, the clerk's office in New Castle is the authoritative source. The Virginia Judicial System website has contact information for every court in the state and can help you reach the right office for your needs.

Note: The clerk's office cannot give legal advice. If you have questions about how a criminal record may affect your rights or status, speak with a licensed Virginia attorney.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Craig County in western Virginia. Each operates its own court system for criminal and civil matters.