Ashland Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ashland, Virginia?
Yes, arrest records are public in Ashland, Virginia. This transparency is upheld by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), which mandates that all public records, unless specifically exempted by law, must be accessible to the general public. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3700, the VFOIA ensures citizens' right to access governmental records, including those related to arrests. These records typically encompass details of the detention, the identity of the arrested individual, and the nature of the charges.
The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains this policy of transparency to ensure accountability in law enforcement operations and to provide citizens with access to information regarding public safety matters. Members of the public may request these records through established channels, though certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in Virginia Code § 2.2-3705.
How to Look Up Ashland Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple resources are available to the public for accessing arrest records in Ashland. These records can be obtained through various official channels, providing options for individuals seeking this information. The following constitute the primary methods for searching arrest records in Ashland:
Online Public Access Systems: The Ashland Police Department maintains digital databases where arrest records can be searched by name, date of arrest, or case number. These systems are accessible through the Ashland Police Department's official website.
Local Police Department: Citizens may visit the Ashland Police Department in person to request arrest records. Standard request forms must be completed and submitted at the department's records division.
Ashland Police Department
601 England Street
Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: (804) 412-0600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch)
Official Website
- Hanover County Courthouse: Arrest records may also be accessed by visiting the courthouse where the arrest or subsequent court proceedings took place.
Hanover General District Court
7530 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
Phone: (804) 365-6191
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Official Website
- Freedom of Information Act Requests: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, citizens may submit formal FOIA requests to the Ashland Police Department for specific arrest records. Requests must be submitted in writing and may incur reasonable fees for search and duplication services.
Contents of an Ashland Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Ashland Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Hanover County typically contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest incident. In accordance with Virginia Code § 19.2-390, these records generally include the following elements:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Detailed description of the alleged crime or Virginia statute violated
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer and agency
- Booking details, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
- Bail or bond conditions established, if applicable
- Case disposition information, when available
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ashland
In Ashland, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under specific conditions established by Virginia law. Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying arrest records from state or federal databases, effectively removing them from public access. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, eligibility for expungement typically requires meeting one or more of the following criteria:
- Acquittal of all charges
- Nolle prosequi (formal abandonment of prosecution)
- Dismissal of charges
- Absolute pardon for wrongful conviction
- Identity theft victim whose name was used without authorization
The expungement procedure involves filing a formal petition with the Hanover Circuit Court that originally handled the case. The petition must include certified copies of the relevant case documents, a set of fingerprints obtained from an authorized law enforcement agency, and payment of the required filing fee (approximately $88 as of 2025). The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest the request.
Virginia law does not currently permit expungement of records in cases resulting in conviction or where the defendant pleaded guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), even if the charge was later dismissed following completion of probation or a diversion program. This restriction is outlined in Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2(A).
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process typically takes 3-6 months to complete and may require a formal hearing before a circuit court judge. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to remove the specified records from their databases and physical files.
Search Arrest Records in Ashland
