Amherst County, Virginia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Amherst County, Virginia?
Arrest records are public in Amherst County, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests. The VFOIA operates under the principle that government records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the Commonwealth, with certain statutory exceptions.
The Amherst County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit a formal request to the records division. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act requires that such requests be fulfilled within five working days, unless specific exemptions apply as outlined in § 2.2-3705 of the Code of Virginia.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions. Such redactions typically include Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and information that might compromise active investigations as specified in § 2.2-3706.
Amherst County Sheriff's Office
115 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
Phone: (434) 946-9381
Official Website
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Amherst County?
Arrest records in Amherst County are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Virginia Court System provides a case information system where members of the public may search for criminal cases, including those stemming from arrests in Amherst County.
The Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, which operates the Amherst County Adult Detention Center, maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly. This resource provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including their charges and booking dates.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Corrections offers an inmate locator service that allows the public to search for individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrest and conviction.
It should be noted that online records may not contain complete arrest information. Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 9.1-134, certain sensitive information is restricted from public online access. For comprehensive arrest records, individuals may need to submit a formal request to the appropriate agency.
How to Look Up Amherst County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Amherst County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available for their search. The following methods are authorized under Virginia public records laws:
- Submit a written request to the Amherst County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Visit the Amherst General District Court to review public case files related to arrests.
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System for searchable court records related to arrests.
- Contact the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority for information about current inmates and recent bookings.
- Submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, as provided for in Code of Virginia § 2.2-3704.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate their search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. Fees may apply for copies of records, as authorized by § 2.2-3704(F) of the Code of Virginia.
Amherst General District Court
113 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
Phone: (434) 946-9351
Official Website
Amherst County Adult Detention Center
104 Trojan Road
Madison Heights, VA 24572
Phone: (434) 846-2700
Official Website
Contents of an Amherst County Arrest Record
Amherst County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Virginia law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, with reference to the applicable Virginia Code sections
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer
- Booking information, including processing date and time
- Fingerprint classification data
- Photographic identification (mugshot)
- Case or incident number for administrative tracking
- Custody status and bail information, if applicable
Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 19.2-390, law enforcement agencies are required to report specific arrest information to the Central Criminal Records Exchange maintained by the Virginia State Police. This reporting must occur within 72 hours of the arrest and includes fingerprints and descriptive information.
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (for individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to different regulations under § 16.1-301 of the Code of Virginia and generally have greater privacy protections than adult records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Amherst County
The expungement process in Amherst County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as outlined in Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2. Individuals may petition for expungement if:
- The arrest resulted in an acquittal
- Nolle prosequi was entered or the charge was otherwise dismissed
- The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
- The individual's name was used without consent by another person charged with a crime
The petition for expungement must be filed in the Circuit Court of Amherst County, where the original case was handled. The petitioner must provide fingerprints, which will be forwarded to the Central Criminal Records Exchange for comparison with the records to be expunged.
The Commonwealth's Attorney has the right to respond to the petition. If the Commonwealth's Attorney does not object, the court may enter an order of expungement without a hearing. If there is an objection, a hearing will be scheduled.
Upon granting of an expungement, all public records related to the arrest, including court records and police reports, will be sealed. These records remain available only to law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances as specified in § 19.2-392.3.
Amherst Circuit Court
113 Taylor Street
Amherst, VA 24521
Phone: (434) 946-9321
Official Website
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