Payment Options

Payment Methods

The Circuit Court accepts the following methods of payment:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card (not accepted for expungement filings)
  • Money order

Payment Requirements

For all payments, note the following requirements:

  • Checks and money orders made payable to the Chesterfield Circuit Court Clerk.
  • Individuals paying by personal check must present a government-issued photo ID.
  • A $2 convenience fee will be assessed on all credit card transactions in accordance with Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 A (27).
  • For in-person transactions, the cardholder must be present and have a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • If the card is enabled with chip (ICC/EVM) technology, it will be processed using such technology. Card swipes for such cards are not acceptable.
  • For payments made over the phone, the cardholder must contact the Clerk’s Office directly (or provide authorization for use).

Returned Check/Dishonored Payment Policy

If a check or credit card payment is returned or dishonored, you will be responsible for the transaction amount and you may be charged a fee of $50 or 10% of the amount of the transaction, whichever is greater, in accordance with Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 A (28).

Criminal Court Costs

When an individual is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the Circuit Court, court imposed fines, costs and/or restitution (e.g., court debt) will be assessed against the defendant.

Failure to Pay Promptly

An individual who does not promptly pay or enter into a payment plan agreement to pay court debt will be subject to the following:

  • A judgment will be entered against the defendant if costs are not paid the same day.
    • All judgments will be docketed against real estate, thereby creating a lien on the defendant's real property in the land records.
    • The Clerk has no authority to release this lien/judgment based upon a request of the judgment debtor or another individual with an interest in the real estate.
  • Interest will accrue on the balance due beginning 181 days after conviction or 181 days after release from incarceration imposed for the related charges.
  • Unpaid balances are reported to the Virginia Department of Taxation for collection purposes and a 17% collection fee is assessed.
    • Your employer may be contacted to garnish your wages until the debt is paid in full.
    • After proper notice, any state tax refund and lottery proceeds due the defendant will be sent to the Clerk's Office to pay toward the debt.