Find Criminal Court Records in Pulaski County

Pulaski County criminal court records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk and the General District Court in the town of Pulaski, in southwestern Virginia's New River Valley. You can search felony cases, misdemeanor filings, and traffic charges online through Virginia's court portals or go to the courthouse at 45 3rd Street NW to request records in person. This page covers where to search, how to request copies, what fees apply, and what your rights are under Virginia law when it comes to accessing these records.

Pulaski County Circuit Court Records

The Pulaski County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction for the county and handles all felony criminal cases, grand jury proceedings, and appeals from the General District Court. It is part of Virginia's 27th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Court Clerk's office is located at 45 3rd Street NW in the town of Pulaski and maintains all criminal case files, including indictments, warrants, sentencing orders, and final dispositions. These records are generally open to the public unless sealed by a judge.

To search Pulaski County Circuit Court criminal records online, use the CJISWeb system run by the Virginia Judicial System. Select Pulaski County from the list of courts. Then search by party name, case number, or hearing date. Criminal case numbers carry a "CR" prefix. The system draws data in real time from the court's case management platform, so what you see is current. More information about the clerk's office is available at pulkcounty.org/circuit-court-clerk.

Standard copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $2.00. Triple-seal certification adds another $2.50. The clerk's office handles document requests and can confirm case status during normal business hours.

No local image was available for Pulaski County's court portal at time of publication. The screenshot below shows the Virginia GDC statewide search interface, which covers Pulaski County's General District Court records.

The GDC system is the main tool for searching misdemeanor and traffic records across Virginia, including Pulaski County cases.

Pulaski General District Court

The Pulaski County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic matters, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Civil claims up to $25,000 also come before this court. There are no jury trials at this level. A defendant who wants a jury trial must appeal to the Circuit Court, where the case starts fresh under a de novo standard.

Use the GDC online system to search General District Court records for Pulaski County. You can look up misdemeanor, traffic, and civil cases by name or case number. The county government website at pulkcounty.org has general county contact information if you need to reach the courthouse by phone. Preliminary felony hearing records are also accessible through the GDC portal once a case has been logged into the system.

Online Search Tools for Pulaski Records

Virginia's court system gives the public free access to criminal case data through multiple online tools. The OCIS 2.0 system provides statewide search coverage across both circuit and district courts. This is useful when you are not sure which court holds a case, or when a person has filings in more than one Virginia county. For Pulaski County circuit court records specifically, the CJISWeb portal linked above is the primary search tool.

Virginia also offers a Case Status and Information portal through the Virginia Judicial System website. It lets you check active case status, upcoming hearing dates, and case numbers for both circuit and general district courts. No login is needed. These free portals are the fastest place to start before you decide whether to request physical copies from the clerk's office.

Note: Sealed records, juvenile cases, and certain domestic matters are not visible through public search portals.

Accessing Pulaski County Criminal Records

Court case files held by the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk are public records under Virginia law. Virginia Code § 19.2-389 defines criminal history record information and sets the rules for its release through law enforcement channels. Court files are a separate category and are held by the clerk rather than by police agencies. Both types of information are accessible to the public, with limited exceptions for sealed or juvenile matters.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act at Virginia Code Title 2.2, Chapter 37 applies to FOIA requests directed at the county government rather than the courts. A public body must respond within five working days. Criminal investigative files may take up to 60 additional days in some situations. The Virginia FOIA Advisory Council helps requesters understand their rights and how to submit effective requests.

The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) for background checks. Requests go through vsp.virginia.gov and cover statewide arrest and disposition data.

Record Sealing in Pulaski County

Virginia allows sealing of certain criminal records under Virginia Code Title 19.2, Chapter 23.1. Cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal may qualify for sealing under § 19.2-392.2. Serious offenses under § 19.2-392.12 are excluded even when other conditions are met. You must file a petition with the court; the process is not automatic.

In July 2026, a broader sealing law takes effect in Virginia. People with qualifying convictions may then petition to seal those records. The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center has guides and forms to walk you through the eligibility requirements and filing steps. If you are not sure whether your record qualifies, start there before contacting an attorney.

Self-Help Resources for Pulaski Residents

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center provides forms, plain-language guides, and step-by-step instructions for people who need to navigate the court system without a lawyer. It covers how to request records, respond to criminal charges, file petitions, and more. The site is maintained by the Virginia Judicial System and covers all courts in the state, including Pulaski County.

Legal aid services for low-income residents in southwestern Virginia can be reached through the Self-Help Center or the county website at pulkcounty.org. The New River Valley region has nonprofit legal organizations and pro bono programs that may be able to assist with criminal record matters. The Virginia State Bar also maintains a lawyer referral service for those who need paid legal counsel.

Note: The courthouse in the town of Pulaski is the only location for certified copies of Pulaski County court records. Mail and online searches are good first steps when an in-person visit is not practical.

Nearby Counties

Pulaski County is surrounded by other southwestern Virginia counties in the New River Valley and surrounding areas.