>Chesapeake City County Arrest Records Online

Chesapeake Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Arrest records are public documents in Chesapeake, 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 government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the principle that the affairs of government are not conducted in secrecy.

The Chesapeake Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. Under VFOIA provisions, members of the public may request access to these records, subject to certain exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, and personal privacy in specific circumstances.

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, which governs the release of criminal records. Information that may compromise public safety, violate privacy rights, or interfere with law enforcement proceedings may be withheld from public disclosure.

How to Look Up Chesapeake Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Chesapeake, Virginia. The following methods are available for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Chesapeake Police Department Records Unit to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours.

Chesapeake Police Department
304 Albemarle Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 382-6161
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Access: The Chesapeake General District Court provides an online case information system where arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be searched.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Unit of the Chesapeake Police Department. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and specific information being requested.
Virginia State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be directed to the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Exchange.

Virginia State Police Criminal Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
(804) 674-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and duplication as authorized by Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(F). Current fee schedules are available at the respective agencies.

Contents of a Chesapeake Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Chesapeake law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Virginia state law. These official documents generally include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including Virginia Code citations and classification (felony or misdemeanor)
Case Processing Data: Booking information, fingerprint records, and photograph (mugshot)
Court Information: Case number, scheduled court appearances, and jurisdiction
Disposition Status: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
Bail/Bond Information: Amount set, conditions imposed, and payment status

The Chesapeake Circuit Court maintains records of felony cases, while the Chesapeake General District Court processes misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for felonies. Both courts maintain public records that may contain information related to arrests.

It should be noted that pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-389, the dissemination of criminal history record information is subject to specific regulations designed to ensure accuracy and appropriate use of such information.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Chesapeake

Arrest records in Chesapeake serve multiple legitimate purposes within the legal and civic framework. These records may be lawfully utilized for:

Background Verification: Employers may access arrest records when conducting pre-employment screening for positions involving public safety, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations, in accordance with the Guide to Criminal History Record Check Procedure.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records as part of tenant screening processes, subject to Fair Housing regulations.
Judicial Proceedings: Courts may consider prior arrest records during bail determinations, sentencing decisions, and other judicial matters.
Professional Licensing: Regulatory boards may evaluate arrest records when considering applications for professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, and financial services.
Statistical Analysis: Government agencies may utilize anonymized arrest data for crime trend analysis, resource allocation, and policy development.
Public Safety Notifications: Law enforcement may use arrest information to issue public safety alerts when appropriate.

Users of arrest record information must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Virginia Human Rights Act, and other applicable laws governing the use of criminal history information in decision-making processes. Improper use of arrest record information may result in civil liability.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Chesapeake, Virginia law establishes several important restrictions on access and use. The following limitations apply:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-301, records pertaining to juvenile arrests (under age 18) are confidential and not available to the general public except by court order.
Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged in accordance with Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Sealed Records: Certain records may be sealed by court order, restricting public access while maintaining the record for limited official purposes.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld from public disclosure under VFOIA exemptions.
Protected Information: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and victim information is typically redacted from public arrest records.
Discrimination Prohibition: Virginia Code § 2.2-3900 prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction.

Law enforcement agencies and courts in Chesapeake maintain strict protocols to ensure compliance with these access limitations. Unauthorized access or misuse of restricted records may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Chesapeake

Virginia law provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records in Chesapeake. Expungement is the process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:

The individual was acquitted of the charge
The charge was nolle prossed (formally abandoned by prosecutors)
The charge was otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction
The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
The individual's name was used without authorization during the commission of a crime

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Chesapeake Circuit Court, along with supporting documentation and payment of applicable fees. The petition must be filed in the jurisdiction where the case was concluded.

Chesapeake Circuit Court
307 Albemarle Drive, Suite 300A
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 382-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing. The Commonwealth's Attorney may contest the petition. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies possessing records related to the arrest to remove them from public access. The Virginia State Police coordinates the expungement process across all relevant agencies.

It should be noted that expungement in Virginia is not automatic, even for dismissed charges, and the process may take several months to complete. Legal assistance is recommended but not required for this process.