Richmond DUI Records

Richmond DUI records are filed at the Richmond General District Court and Circuit Court Clerk's office in Virginia's state capital and largest independent city. The city is served by the Richmond Police Department and Virginia State Police for DUI enforcement on I-95, I-64, I-195, US Route 1, US Route 60, the Downtown Expressway, and city streets including Broad Street, Cary Street, and the Scott's Addition and Shockoe Bottom entertainment districts. Search DUI case records through Virginia's statewide court portal, visit the Richmond courthouse, or request records under Virginia FOIA.

Richmond DUI Records -- Where They Are Filed

Richmond is an independent city and Virginia's capital with its own court system entirely separate from surrounding Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover counties. DUI arrests in Richmond go to Richmond General District Court under Virginia Code § 18.2-266. This statute makes driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by alcohol or drugs a criminal offense. The General District Court handles all misdemeanor DUI charges and most case dispositions. Case records can be searched through the Virginia courts online case information system.

The 13th Judicial Circuit covers Richmond. Felony DUI cases transfer to Richmond Circuit Court. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains felony conviction records and sentencing orders. Richmond handles one of the largest DUI dockets in Virginia. The city has a thriving bar and restaurant scene in areas like Cary Street, Scott's Addition, Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, and Jackson Ward. VCU, University of Richmond, and VSU together bring a large student population to the city.

Important note for records searches: Richmond city courts are separate from Henrico County courts and Chesterfield County courts. The city is surrounded by Henrico County to the north and east, and Chesterfield County to the south. Arrests on I-95 or I-64 within Richmond city limits go to Richmond courts. Arrests in Henrico go to Henrico courts. Arrests in Chesterfield go to Chesterfield courts. The lines are not always obvious from the road.

How to Search Richmond DUI Records

The Virginia General District Court online portal covers Richmond cases. When searching, select "Richmond" as the jurisdiction -- not "Henrico County" or "Chesterfield County." Search by name or case number to find DUI records, hearing dates, and dispositions. Circuit Court felony records may require direct contact with the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk.

In-person searches at the Richmond courthouse give you access to the full case file. Bring the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate offense date. Court staff can locate files and you can review them at no charge. Copies carry per-page fees set by Virginia law. Certified copies are needed for employment and legal matters.

Written FOIA requests under Virginia law must be answered within five working days. For arrest records, contact the Richmond Police Department. VSP has records for arrests on I-95, I-64, and other state routes where VSP made the arrest. Henrico County and Chesterfield County police have records only for their own jurisdictions.

Richmond's Broad Street, Cary Street, and the Shockoe Bottom bar district are the most active DUI enforcement zones at night. The Scott's Addition neighborhood has seen rapid bar and brewery growth and is a current enforcement focus. The Downtown Expressway and I-95 through the city generate ongoing DUI arrests, particularly on weekends and during major events at the Virginia Capital Trail, Richmond Raceway, and other venues.

Richmond Law Enforcement and Arrest Records

The Richmond Police Department is the primary DUI enforcement agency in the city. Officers patrol Broad Street, Cary Street, Shockoe Bottom, and major city corridors. DUI investigations follow Virginia's standard field sobriety testing and implied consent protocols. Arrest records are public records available through FOIA requests to Richmond Police. Virginia State Police patrol I-95, I-64, I-195, and other state routes through Richmond and handle major crash investigations. VSP records are available through the Virginia State Police records office. The Richmond Sheriff's Office handles courts and the city jail. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science -- headquartered in Richmond -- certifies breath testing equipment and processes blood samples for DUI cases throughout Virginia.

Virginia DUI Laws in Richmond

Virginia DUI law applies to all arrests within the City of Richmond. Under § 18.2-266, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is a criminal offense. Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both is also prohibited. Virginia's implied consent law under § 18.2-268.2 requires all drivers lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to chemical testing. Refusing triggers a one-year automatic license suspension. Drivers under 21 face a near-zero BAC standard under § 18.2-266.1. A minor under 17 in the vehicle adds five mandatory jail days and a minimum fine under § 18.2-270.D.

Penalties and Driving Record Impact

A first DUI in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a $250 mandatory minimum fine. A BAC of 0.15% to 0.20% adds five mandatory jail days. Above 0.20% means at least 10 mandatory days in jail. A second DUI within five years carries a $500 minimum fine, 20 mandatory jail days, and a three-year license revocation. A third within 10 years is a Class 6 felony with a minimum 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. DUI convictions stay on the Virginia driving record for 11 years and add six demerit points. Under § 18.2-270.1, high-BAC and repeat offenders must install an ignition interlock for at least 12 months. The Virginia DMV handles all license suspensions and interlock requirements.

VASAP and Court Programs in Richmond

DUI defendants in Richmond are typically ordered to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program under § 18.2-271.1. VASAP is court-ordered and funded by defendant fees. An intake assessment determines the appropriate program. Courts in the 13th Circuit treat VASAP as a standard probation condition. The Central Virginia VASAP service area covers Richmond. Completing VASAP is required for full license restoration through the Virginia DMV. Contact the Richmond court clerk or the Central Virginia VASAP program for current fees, locations, and enrollment steps.

Nearby Cities

Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg are south on I-95.

Nearby Counties

Richmond is surrounded by Henrico County and Chesterfield County. Hanover County is to the north.