>Arlington County Arrest Records Online

Arlington County, Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Arlington County, Virginia?

Arrest records are public in Arlington County, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) codified in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. This legislation establishes the public's right to access records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, unless specifically exempted by statute. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains this policy to ensure governmental transparency and accountability to its citizens.

The Arlington County Police Department and Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records that typically contain the arrestee's name, demographic information, charges filed, and the circumstances of the arrest. These records are accessible to any member of the public who submits a proper request in accordance with established procedures. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted if disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights protected by law, or endanger public safety as specified in § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Arlington County?

Arlington County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The Arlington County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate inquiry system that allows members of the public to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released. This system provides basic information about arrestees including names, booking dates, and charges.

The Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System also provides electronic access to court records related to arrests in Arlington County. Users may search this database by name to locate information about criminal cases, including those stemming from arrests within the county jurisdiction. The system is updated regularly to reflect current case status and disposition information.

It should be noted that pursuant to § 9.1-134 of the Code of Virginia, certain sensitive information is excluded from online records to protect individual privacy and prevent identity theft. Additionally, some historical arrest records may not be available through online platforms and may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.

How to Look Up Arlington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Arlington County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining appropriate security protocols:

Submit a written request to the Arlington County Police Department Records Division located at 1425 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201. Requests may be submitted in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) or by mail.
Visit the Arlington General District Court at 1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Court personnel can assist with accessing public case records related to arrests. The court operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and can be reached at (703) 228-7900.
Utilize the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator to find information about individuals who have been transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction.
Access the Arlington County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal, which provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.

Contents of an Arlington County Arrest Record

Arlington County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Virginia law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of all criminal charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including fingerprints and mugshot photographs
Custody status and bail/bond information if applicable
Case numbers and court appearance dates
Preliminary hearing outcomes and case disposition when available

Pursuant to § 19.2-390 of the Code of Virginia, arrest records must be maintained with accuracy and completeness. The Arlington County Police Department and Sheriff's Office adhere to strict protocols regarding the collection, storage, and dissemination of this information to ensure compliance with state regulations and protect the integrity of the criminal justice process.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Arlington County

Under Virginia law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Arlington County authorities. The expungement process is governed by § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may qualify for expungement in the following circumstances:

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 or identity was used without consent by another person charged with a crime

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Arlington Circuit Court located at 1425 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201. Petitioners must submit fingerprints with their application, which are forwarded to the Central Criminal Records Exchange for verification purposes as specified in § 15.2-709.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, all public records pertaining to the arrest are sealed from public view. However, these records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate investigative purposes. The Arlington County Police Department and Sheriff's Office comply with court-ordered expungements by removing eligible records from public access within the timeframe specified by the court.