>Bedford County Arrest Records Online

Bedford County, Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bedford County, Virginia?

Yes, arrest records are public in Bedford County, Virginia. This accessibility is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq., which ensures that the public has the right to access records held by public bodies, including local law enforcement agencies. The VFOIA establishes that all public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizens of the Commonwealth during the regular office hours of the custodian of such records. The act aims to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and affords every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government.

Bedford County law enforcement agencies maintain these records in compliance with state regulations. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-1722, all police and sheriff's departments are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all criminal incidents, arrests, and other matters related to law enforcement activities.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bedford County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Bedford County. The availability of these records online facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information without the need to physically visit local government offices. The Bedford County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes recent arrest information as part of their commitment to public transparency and safety.

Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, which states that public records should be provided in any medium requested by the citizen if the public body maintains the record in that medium. Digital access to these records represents the county's effort to modernize record-keeping systems and improve public accessibility.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, certain details may be redacted in compliance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, which protects specific law enforcement and criminal records from disclosure when such disclosure would jeopardize investigations or compromise personal privacy beyond what is permitted by law.

How to Look Up Bedford County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain arrest records in Bedford County in 2025, citizens may utilize several available resources. Here are the primary methods to search for these records:

Online Public Access Systems: The Bedford County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital records system where recent arrests and inmate information can be accessed. The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator also provides information about individuals currently in state custody.
Bedford County Sheriff's Office
1345 Falling Creek Road
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 586-7827
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bedford County Circuit Court
123 East Main Street, Suite 201
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 586-7632
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Bedford Circuit Court
Bedford General District Court
123 East Main Street, Suite 101
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 586-7637
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bedford General District Court
Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority - Bedford Adult Detention Center
1000 Broad Street
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 587-9292
Bedford Adult Detention Center

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(A), requests for records may be made orally or in writing. However, agencies typically prefer written requests to ensure accuracy and proper processing. Requesters should be as specific as possible about the records they seek to facilitate prompt and accurate responses.

Contents of a Bedford County Arrest Record

A Bedford County arrest record typically includes comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual involved. These records are maintained in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-1722, which requires law enforcement agencies to keep detailed records of all arrests. Standard information found in Bedford County arrest records includes:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Detailed description of the charges filed, including applicable Virginia Code sections
Arresting agency information and the name of the arresting officer
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking
Personal identifying information including date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and last known address
Case disposition information, if available
Bond information, including amount set and whether it was posted
Court appearance dates and locations

These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including identification of individuals with outstanding warrants, tracking criminal histories, and providing information to the courts for bail and sentencing decisions. The comprehensiveness of these records ensures that law enforcement and judicial authorities have access to accurate information when making decisions that affect public safety.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bedford County

In Bedford County, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under specific conditions established by Virginia law. Expungement is the legal process by which a record of criminal arrest or conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal repositories. Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 governs the expungement process in the Commonwealth.

Eligibility for expungement in Bedford County typically depends on several factors:

Cases resulting in acquittal
Nolle prosequi (formal abandonment of prosecution)
Dismissal of charges
Absolute pardon for innocence
Identity theft cases where the individual was falsely identified

The expungement process requires filing a petition in the Bedford Circuit Court where the case was handled. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2(C), the petition must include:

The date of arrest and the name of the arresting agency
The specific charge sought to be expunged
The date of final disposition of the charge
The petitioner's date of birth
The petitioner's full name at the time of arrest

A filing fee of approximately $88 must accompany the petition, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners. After filing, the Commonwealth's Attorney has 21 days to respond, indicating whether they object to the expungement. If there is no objection, the court may enter an order of expungement without a hearing. If there is an objection, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the continued existence of the record would constitute a manifest injustice to the petitioner.

It should be noted that Virginia's expungement laws are more restrictive than those in many other states, as they generally do not allow for expungement of actual convictions, only arrests that did not result in conviction or where the individual received an absolute pardon for innocence.