Online access to court cases available

The Fairfax County Circuit Court launched a new service allowing people to view public case information online for free.

The new program, e-CaseSearch, provides access to non-confidential case information offering the public “unprecedented transparency and convenience,” states a press release from the court.

This service “eliminates barriers to information, empowering citizens with easy access to public records,” such as hearing dates and times, a list of charges, and other docket information on criminal and civil cases.

“Fairfax County was the only remaining county in Virginia that did not provide free online access to public Circuit Court case information,” says Clerk of the Court Chris Falcon.

“This electronic service will mark a significant milestone in enhancing public access to Circuit Court case information, fostering transparency, and promoting accountability within the legal system,” Falcon says.

The court previously had a subscriber-based online service that charged $150 a quarter.

e-CaseSearch was created in-house in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Information Technology at no additional cost to taxpayers.

It is available in six languages, as well as English. Bilingual Circuit Court employees worked with IT analysts to translate the program themselves.