Criminal records in Bedford, Virginia, can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BedfordCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Bedford County. The Bedford General District Court, the Bedford Circuit Court Clerk's Office, and the Virginia State Police also serve as access points for criminal record searches and certified documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bedford
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Bedford County. The approach you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or certified documents.
Online Search Options
- BedfordCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to Bedford County criminal cases.
- Virginia Court Case Information System — The statewide Online Case Information System allows searches of both Circuit Court and General District Court case records. You can search by name or case number.
- Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — Use this tool to find current incarceration status and release dates for individuals in VADOC custody.
In-Person Search
- Visit the Bedford Circuit Court Clerk's Office to search court records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
- The Bedford General District Court, located at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523, handles misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Bedford Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Include the subject's full legal name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a state criminal history record check, submit a request to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). This requires fingerprint submission and a processing fee.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if searching a specific case)
- Social Security Number (required for state criminal history checks through VSP)
Search Bedford Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Virginia case numbers follow a structured format that identifies the court, case type, and year.
A typical Virginia case number includes:
- Court FIPS code — A numeric code identifying the locality (Bedford County or the City of Bedford)
- Case type prefix — Letters indicating the case category (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases in Circuit Court, "GC" for General District Court criminal cases)
- Year — Two digits representing the filing year
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned to each case filed that year
For example, a case number like CR25-000123 would indicate a Circuit Court criminal case filed in 2025. Enter the full case number into the Virginia Online Case Information System to pull up charges, hearing dates, and disposition details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bedford
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Virginia Code section under which the defendant is charged (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea agreements or court rulings |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting court action |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated |
| Disposed | Court has reached a final decision |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations are complete |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Held in General District Court for felony cases to determine probable cause before transfer to Circuit Court
- Pre-Trial — Motions, discovery issues, and scheduling are addressed
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty finding
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant found or pleaded guilty |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted of the charge |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution declined to pursue the charge |
| Dismissed | Court dismissed the charge |
| Deferred Disposition | Judgment withheld pending completion of conditions (common in first-offender programs) |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bedford
From the Bedford Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Certified copies of criminal case records — including indictments, orders, and disposition documents — are available from the Circuit Court Clerk. You can request them in person or by mail.
- Provide the case number, defendant's name, and the specific document you need.
- A valid government-issued photo ID is required for in-person requests.
- Mail requests should include a written description of the records sought, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment by check or money order.
From the Virginia State Police
For a comprehensive state criminal history report, submit a request to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. Personal criminal history record requests require fingerprinting, which can be done at the Bedford County Sheriff's Office or an authorized fingerprinting location. Submit the SP-167 form along with the required fee.
From the Bedford General District Court
Misdemeanor and traffic case records are maintained by the Bedford General District Court. Contact the clerk's office directly for copies of these records.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bedford
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified record copies | $0.50 per page | Per Virginia Code § 17.1-275 |
| Certified copies | $2.00 for the first two pages, $0.50 each additional page | Per Virginia Code § 17.1-275 |
| Criminal history record check (VSP) | $15.00 | Submitted through Virginia State Police; fingerprint-based checks may cost more |
| In-court document search | Varies | Ask the clerk for the current schedule |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail requests: Allow 7–14 business days for the clerk's office to process and return documents.
- Virginia State Police criminal history checks: Typically 10–15 business days for mail submissions; electronic submissions through authorized channels may be faster.
Payment methods accepted at the Bedford Circuit Court Clerk's Office generally include cash, check, and money order. Contact the office directly to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted for record requests.