Virginia Arrest Records

Is Virginia an Open Arrest Records State?

Virginia is considered an open arrest records state pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Under this legislation, arrest records are classified as public records and are generally accessible to members of the public. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains this open records policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations, particularly within the criminal justice system. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:

Maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their communities
Supporting the constitutional principle of open courts and public trials
Enabling background checks for employment, housing, and other legitimate purposes

According to § 19.2-389.3 of the Virginia Code, records relating to arrests, criminal charges, and convictions are considered public information, with certain exceptions for protected categories of information. The Virginia State Police and local law enforcement agencies are required to maintain these records and make them available through established procedures for public access.

How to Look Up Virginia Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Virginia arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Commonwealth has established multiple access points to accommodate different needs and preferences:

In-Person Requests

Individuals may visit the following agencies to submit in-person requests:

Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
(804) 674-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virginia State Police

Local Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments
Each jurisdiction maintains records of arrests made within their authority. Contact information for specific departments can be found through the Virginia Sheriff's Association or municipal websites.

Online Resources

The Virginia Court System provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests, through their Case Information System. This system allows searches by name, case number, or hearing date across multiple jurisdictions.

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the arresting agency or the Virginia State Police. Pursuant to Virginia FOIA requirements, agencies must respond to such requests within five working days. Requests should include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Requestor's contact information
Payment of applicable fees

Third-Party Background Check Services

While commercial services exist that aggregate public records, the Commonwealth recommends using official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding arrest records.

Contents of a Virginia Arrest Record

Virginia arrest records contain standardized information as required by state law and departmental policies. A complete arrest record typically includes the following components:

Biographical Information

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest
Fingerprints and other biometric identifiers

Arrest Details

Date, time, and location of arrest
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest
Legal authority for the arrest (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Miranda warning documentation

Criminal Charges

Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable Virginia Code sections
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Factual basis for charges as documented by law enforcement

Case Processing Information

Court appearance dates
Bail or bond information
Case disposition (if available)
Sentencing information (if applicable)

Pursuant to § 19.2-389 of the Virginia Code, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to juvenile offenders.

Understanding the Virginia Open Records Act

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. This legislation is founded on the principle that the affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in secret.

Key Provisions

The Virginia FOIA contains several provisions specifically relevant to arrest records:

Public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, must respond to record requests within five working days
Agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover actual costs of accessing, duplicating, and supplying requested records
Certain exemptions exist for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and information that would jeopardize public safety
Electronic records must be provided in any format in which they are maintained

Requesting Agency Obligations

Law enforcement agencies in Virginia must:

Maintain systems for organizing and preserving arrest records
Establish procedures for processing public requests
Train personnel in proper handling of FOIA requests
Provide written explanations when denying access to records

The Virginia FOIA Council, located at 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, provides advisory opinions regarding the application of FOIA provisions to specific record requests. The Council may be contacted at (804) 698-1810 for guidance on accessing arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Virginia

Under Virginia law, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement, which removes them from public access. The process is governed by § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia and requires specific legal procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

The individual was acquitted of all charges
All charges were nolle prossed (formally abandoned by prosecutors)
The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
The individual's name or identity was used without consent by another person charged with a crime
The arrest was for a misdemeanor offense and the Commonwealth's Attorney consents to the expungement

Expungement Process

The expungement procedure involves several steps:

Filing a petition in the circuit court where the case was handled
Payment of required filing fees (currently $88 for circuit court filing)
Fingerprinting at local law enforcement agency
Serving the Commonwealth's Attorney with a copy of the petition
Attending a hearing before a circuit court judge
If granted, court orders are sent to all agencies holding records

Virginia State Police Expungement Unit
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
(804) 674-6723
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Find Local Arrests in Virginia?

Information about local arrests in Virginia is maintained by various agencies at the municipal and county levels. Members of the public seeking this information have several options available to them:

County Sheriff's Offices

Each county sheriff's office maintains records of arrests within their jurisdiction. Many offices provide online booking logs or recent arrest information on their websites. For example:

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 246-3227
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Police Departments

City police departments maintain separate arrest records for arrests made within city limits:

Richmond Police Department Records Division
200 W. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 646-6754
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Regional Jail Authorities

Regional jails often maintain current inmate rosters that include recent arrests:

Central Virginia Regional Jail
13021 James Madison Highway
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-3222

Court Clerk's Offices

Circuit Court and General District Court clerk's offices maintain case records that include arrest information:

Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk's Office
2425 Nimmo Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4181
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Individuals seeking local arrest information should be prepared to provide the full name of the person of interest and, if possible, the approximate date of arrest. Some agencies may require written requests for older records not available through online systems.