Chesterfield County, Virginia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Arrest records in Chesterfield County, Virginia are public documents accessible to citizens 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 maintained by public bodies, including those pertaining to arrests made within the county jurisdiction. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act operates under the principle that government records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the Commonwealth, with certain statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and public safety.
The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of arrest records as part of its statutory responsibilities. While these records are generally available for public inspection, certain information may be redacted in accordance with § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, which provides specific exemptions for law enforcement records. These exemptions may include information that would jeopardize ongoing investigations or compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel.
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1261
Sheriff's Office website
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chesterfield County?
Digital access to Chesterfield County arrest records is available through several official channels maintained by county and state authorities. The Chesterfield County Police Department provides online access to certain police records through their official portal, where members of the public may request and retrieve arrest information subject to applicable state laws regarding disclosure.
The Virginia Judiciary Case Information System offers a centralized database where citizens may search for criminal case information, including arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. This system is maintained pursuant to Code of Virginia § 17.1-293, which governs the posting of certain court records on the internet. Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest information and are subject to periodic updates.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Corrections maintains an Inmate Locator service that provides information about individuals currently in custody or under supervision. This resource includes data from Chesterfield County Jail and other correctional facilities throughout the Commonwealth.
Chesterfield County Police Records Unit
10001 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1268
Police Records services
Virginia Judiciary
Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Virginia Court Case Information System
How to Look Up Chesterfield County Arrest Records in 2025
Citizens seeking Chesterfield County arrest records may utilize multiple official channels established for public access. The following procedures have been implemented in accordance with Virginia public records laws:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Requestors must complete a standard records request form and may be required to present identification in accordance with § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia.
Online searches are available through the Chesterfield County Jail Operations portal, which provides current inmate information and recent arrest data. This service is maintained as part of the Sheriff's statutory obligation to provide public information about persons in custody.
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which maintains records of all criminal proceedings within the county. The Criminal Division handles felony cases and misdemeanor appeals as prescribed by § 17.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those transferred from Chesterfield County Jail.
Active warrant information is periodically published in the Chesterfield County Active Warrants List, which contains data about individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for certain record searches and document reproduction in accordance with § 2.2-3704(F) of the Code of Virginia. These fees are designed to cover the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, and supplying the requested records.
Contents of a Chesterfield County Arrest Record
Chesterfield County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Virginia law enforcement protocols and the Code of Virginia § 19.2-390, which governs criminal history record information. Standard arrest records typically include:
• Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
• Arrest details, including date, time, and location of apprehension
• Criminal charges filed, with reference to specific Virginia Code sections allegedly violated
• Case numbers and other administrative identifiers assigned by the arresting agency
• Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing at the Chesterfield County Jail, located at 6900 Mimms Drive, Chesterfield, VA 23832
• Fingerprint records collected pursuant to § 19.2-390(A) of the Code of Virginia, which requires fingerprinting of all persons arrested for felonies and certain misdemeanors
• Arresting officer information, including badge number and agency affiliation
• Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearance information
• Custody status, including bond information if applicable
The Criminal Division of the Circuit Court maintains records of subsequent judicial proceedings related to arrests, including indictments, trial information, and case dispositions. These records become part of the permanent court record as required by § 17.1-240 of the Code of Virginia.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Chesterfield County
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2. Individuals seeking expungement in Chesterfield County must petition the Circuit Court in accordance with established legal procedures.
Eligibility for expungement in Chesterfield County is limited to the following circumstances:
• Cases resulting in acquittal • Nolle prosequi (formal abandonment of prosecution) • Dismissal of charges • Absolute pardon for wrongful conviction
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and pay applicable filing fees. Pursuant to § 19.2-392.2(C), the petition must include:
• Certified copies of the arrest warrant or indictment • Date of arrest and name of arresting agency • Specific criminal charge to be expunged • Date of final disposition of the charge • Petitioner's date of birth and complete criminal history
Following submission, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews each petition and may contest the expungement request. The Circuit Court then determines whether the continued existence of the arrest record would constitute a manifest injustice to the petitioner. If granted, the expungement order directs all public agencies possessing such records to remove them from public access and seal them from ordinary inspection.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
Circuit Court information
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia has established statutory limitations on the disclosure of certain arrest information to protect individual privacy rights while maintaining government transparency. Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3706, specific categories of law enforcement records may be withheld from public disclosure, including:
• Records containing information related to ongoing criminal investigations • Juvenile arrest records, which are generally confidential under § 16.1-301 • Information that would jeopardize the safety of any person • Records that would disclose undercover operations or investigative techniques • Victim information where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Additionally, the Criminal Justice Records Privacy Act (§ 9.1-126 et seq.) regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information. This statute restricts access to comprehensive criminal history data, limiting full disclosure to authorized criminal justice agencies and other entities specifically authorized by law.
Employers in Chesterfield County are subject to restrictions regarding the use of arrest records in employment decisions. Pursuant to § 19.2-392.4, employers may not require job applicants to disclose information concerning arrests that did not result in conviction. Violations of these provisions may result in civil penalties.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that information obtained may be subject to these statutory restrictions, and certain details may be redacted from publicly available documents in accordance with applicable exemptions under Virginia law.
Search Arrest Records in Chesterfield County
