Frederick County, Virginia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Frederick County, Virginia?
Arrest records in Frederick County, Virginia are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Virginia residents to access governmental records maintained by public bodies, including those held by law enforcement agencies. The VFOIA specifically mandates 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 legislative intent behind this act is to ensure governmental transparency and to provide citizens with the opportunity to witness and understand the operations of government.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records through established procedures, subject only to specific exemptions outlined in the VFOIA that protect ongoing investigations, personal privacy in certain circumstances, and other statutorily protected information.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Frederick County?
Frederick County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county law enforcement agencies. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to recent arrest information through its official website, allowing citizens to view arrest logs and related public safety information. This online accessibility represents the county's commitment to governmental transparency and efficient public service delivery.
Online arrest records typically include basic information about recent arrests, including the name of the arrested individual, charges filed, and arrest date. The Virginia Code § 15.2-1722 requires law enforcement agencies to maintain records of all arrests, which forms the basis for these online repositories. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Virginia law.
The digital availability of these records serves multiple public interests, including community awareness of law enforcement activities, journalistic reporting, and background verification processes. Citizens should note that online records may not be comprehensive and may require supplementation through formal records requests for complete information.
How to Look Up Frederick County Arrest Records in 2025
Frederick County provides multiple channels through which citizens may access arrest records in 2025:
Online Database Access: The Frederick County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of arrest records at their official website. Users may search by name, date range, or case number to locate specific arrest information. This service is available 24 hours per day.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Frederick County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply for document reproduction.
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
1080 Coverstone Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
(540) 662-6168
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
- Court Records: Arrest information may also be obtained through the Frederick County Circuit Court or Frederick/Winchester General District Court, which maintain records of criminal proceedings.
Frederick County Circuit Court
5 North Kent Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-5770
Office Hours: 8:00AM - 4:00PM, Monday through Friday
Frederick/Winchester General District Court
5 North Kent Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-7208
Office Hours: 8:00AM - 4:00PM, Monday through Friday
- Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email to the Records Division of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include specific information about the record sought, the requestor's contact information, and may require payment of applicable fees.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies must respond to records requests within five working days. Fees for record reproduction are limited to the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for the requested records.
Contents of a Frederick County Arrest Record
Frederick County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Virginia Code § 15.2-1722, which mandates the maintenance of comprehensive law enforcement records. A typical arrest record includes:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Virginia Code references and charge classification (felony or misdemeanor).
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification data, and court docket number if assigned.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, bond amount if applicable, and detention facility location.
Photographic Evidence: Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during the arrest processing procedure.
Court Appearance Data: Scheduled arraignment date, court location, and assigned judge if available.
These records are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Public Records Act, Code of Virginia § 42.1-76 et seq., which establishes standards for the creation, maintenance, and disposition of public records. The completeness and accuracy of arrest records are subject to verification procedures established by the Virginia State Police and local law enforcement protocols.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Frederick County
Virginia law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2. In Frederick County, individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The individual was acquitted of all charges.
- A nolle prosequi was taken or the charge was otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction.
- The individual was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit.
- The individual's name was used without authorization during an arrest.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court where the case was disposed. Petitioners must:
- Complete and file a "Petition for Expungement" form with the Frederick County Circuit Court.
- Provide certified copies of the original charge and disposition.
- Submit fingerprints obtained from a law enforcement agency.
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $88 as of 2025).
Frederick County Circuit Court
5 North Kent Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-5770
Office Hours: 8:00AM - 4:00PM, Monday through Friday
The Commonwealth's Attorney reviews all expungement petitions and may contest the petition. If contested, a hearing will be scheduled where the petitioner must demonstrate that the continued existence of the record causes or may cause circumstances that constitute a manifest injustice.
If granted, the court will order all public records related to the arrest to be removed from public access and sealed. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes as specified in § 19.2-392.3.
Search Arrest Records in Frederick County
