Lynchburg County, Virginia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lynchburg County, Virginia?
Arrest records are public documents in Lynchburg 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 records maintained by public bodies shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizens of the Commonwealth. The Virginia Public Records Act further mandates the preservation and accessibility of these records to ensure governmental transparency and accountability.
The Lynchburg Circuit Court maintains custody of felony arrest records, while the Lynchburg General District Court oversees misdemeanor arrests. Both courts operate under the judicial transparency principles established by the Supreme Court of Virginia, which affirm that court records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public except where specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
Members of the public should note that certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, which protects information that might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals involved in law enforcement operations.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lynchburg County?
Digital access to Lynchburg County arrest records is available through several authorized platforms. The Virginia Judiciary Case Information System provides electronic access to court case information, including arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This system is maintained pursuant to the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, specifically Rule 1:15 governing public access to court records.
The Lynchburg Police Department maintains an online database of recent arrests within city limits, updated in accordance with § 15.2-1722 of the Code of Virginia, which requires law enforcement agencies to maintain records of all complaints, arrests, and incidents.
The Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, which serves Lynchburg County, provides an inmate lookup service that displays current detention status and basic arrest information for individuals in custody.
Users of these online systems should be aware that digital records may not contain complete arrest information, as certain details may be available only through in-person requests at the appropriate government office. Additionally, pursuant to § 9.1-134 of the Code of Virginia, electronic access to criminal history record information is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals.
How to Look Up Lynchburg County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Lynchburg County:
- Lynchburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office: The clerk maintains felony arrest records and associated court documents. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours.
Lynchburg Circuit Court
900 Court Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434-455-2620
Lynchburg Circuit Court
- Lynchburg General District Court: This court maintains records of misdemeanor arrests and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Lynchburg General District Court
905 Court Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434-455-2630
Lynchburg General District Court
- Lynchburg Police Department: The Records Division provides arrest reports and incident documentation for cases handled by city police.
Lynchburg Police Department
905 Court Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434-455-6041
Lynchburg Police Department
- Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority: This facility maintains booking records and custody information for arrested individuals.
Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority
510 Ninth Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434-847-3100
Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority
Requestors should note that pursuant to § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records. Identification is typically required when requesting arrest records in person, and specific request forms may need to be completed.
Contents of a Lynchburg County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Lynchburg County law enforcement agencies and courts contain standardized information as required by § 19.2-390 of the Code of Virginia. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Name and jurisdiction of the arresting agency
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Case or docket number assigned by the court of jurisdiction
- Custody status and bail information
- Preliminary hearing date (if applicable)
The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) maintains electronic versions of these records in accordance with regulations established by the Virginia Department of State Police. Access to complete criminal history information is restricted under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, which limits dissemination to authorized criminal justice agencies and other entities specifically authorized by statute.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lynchburg County
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia. Expungement petitions in Lynchburg County must be filed with the Circuit Court that would have had jurisdiction over the case.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lynchburg County include:
- Arrests resulting in acquittal
- Nolle prosequi (formal abandonment of prosecution)
- Dismissal of charges
- Absolute pardon for wrongful conviction
- Identity theft cases where the arrested person's name was used without authorization
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Lynchburg Circuit Court
- Payment of the filing fee (currently $88 pursuant to § 17.1-275)
- Submission of fingerprints to the Virginia State Police
- Service of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney
- Attendance at a hearing before a Circuit Court judge
Successful expungement results in the physical destruction of police and court records related to the arrest, and the removal of electronic records from databases accessible to the public. However, certain agencies may retain sealed records for limited purposes as specified in § 19.2-392.3.
Individuals with arrest records should note that Virginia law does not currently permit expungement of convictions except in cases of absolute pardon or identity theft. The expungement process can be legally complex, and petitioners may benefit from legal counsel.
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