>Hanover County Arrest Records Online

Hanover County, Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hanover County, Virginia?

Arrest records are public in Hanover 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 presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Virginia Public Records Act further mandates that local law enforcement agencies maintain these records in an accessible format. Members of the public may access these documents to promote transparency in governmental operations and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.

The Hanover County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, the fundamental arrest information remains accessible to the public. This includes basic details about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials within Hanover County jurisdiction.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hanover County?

Hanover County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The Hanover County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that allows members of the public to search for arrest information. Additionally, the Hanover County Public Crime Data Access portal provides mapping capabilities to view recent arrest activities and crime reports throughout the county.

Online accessibility is subject to system limitations and record availability. Some arrest records, particularly those involving sensitive cases or juvenile offenders, may not be available through online platforms in accordance with Virginia Code § 16.1-301, which restricts the disclosure of juvenile records. Furthermore, recent arrests may experience processing delays before appearing in online databases.

The Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System also provides access to court records related to arrests in Hanover County. This system is maintained by the Hanover General District Court and allows users to search for case information using the defendant's name or case number.

How to Look Up Hanover County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Hanover County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office: The Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains official court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.

Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7530 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
Phone: 804-365-6151
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website
Contact the Hanover County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information.

Hanover County Sheriff's Office
7522 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
Phone: 804-365-6140
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website
Submit a FOIA Request: Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, individuals may submit a formal request for specific arrest records. Requests must be submitted in writing and may incur reasonable fees for search and duplication services as permitted under § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia.
Access Online Court Case Information: The Court Case Information portal provides digital access to court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.
Check the Pamunkey Regional Jail Records: For information about individuals currently in custody, the Pamunkey Regional Jail maintains inmate records.

Pamunkey Regional Jail
P.O. Box 510
Hanover, VA 23069
Phone: 804-365-6400
Official Website

Contents of a Hanover County Arrest Record

Hanover County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these official documents are as follows:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any documented aliases or nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency and officer's name and badge number; and the legal authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed against the individual, including the Virginia Code section(s) violated, classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor), and severity level.
Booking Information: Unique booking number, fingerprint identification data, and photographic documentation (commonly referred to as a "mugshot").
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention at the Pamunkey Regional Jail.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court (General District or Circuit Court), and case number for tracking through the judicial system.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-390, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain accurate arrest records and submit reports to the Central Criminal Records Exchange maintained by the Virginia State Police. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and form part of an individual's criminal history if convictions result from the arrest.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hanover County

Under Virginia law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Hanover County. The expungement process is governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, which provides specific criteria for eligibility. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Hanover Circuit Court, and the following conditions generally apply:

The arrest resulted in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal of charges.
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 arrest record was the result of mistaken identity.

The expungement process requires the submission of a formal petition, payment of filing fees (currently $88 for most cases), and fingerprinting for verification purposes. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews all petitions and may contest the expungement request. If contested, a hearing will be scheduled before a Circuit Court judge who will determine whether the continued existence of the arrest record would constitute a manifest injustice to the petitioner.

It is important to note that Virginia law does not currently permit expungement of conviction records except in very limited circumstances. Additionally, pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-392.3, it is unlawful for any person to require an individual to disclose information about expunged arrest records.

Search Arrest Records in Hanover County

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