Petersburg Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Petersburg, Virginia?
Arrest records are public in Petersburg, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes that all public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of media organizations, unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records fall within the category of public records that promote transparency in governmental operations and maintain public trust in the judicial and law enforcement systems.
The Petersburg Bureau of Police maintains arrest records as part of their official documentation. While these records are generally available to the public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, or victim identities as provided under § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves are public, specific components may be withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions.
How to Look Up Petersburg Arrest Records in 2025
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in Petersburg. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Petersburg Bureau of Police Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records. The Records Division serves as the repository for criminal histories, arrest reports, and related documentation.
Petersburg Bureau of Police
37 East Tabb Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 732-4222
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Court Records: Arrest information is often documented in court records, which may be accessed through the Petersburg Circuit Court. The court maintains records of arraignments, hearings, and case dispositions related to arrests.
Petersburg Circuit Court
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Resources: The Virginia Judiciary provides an online Case Information System where users may search for case information related to arrests. Additionally, the Petersburg Bureau of Police publishes Weekly Crime Reports that include information about recent arrests.
Virginia Department of Corrections: For information regarding individuals who have been convicted and are serving sentences, the Virginia Inmate Locator provides custody status and location information.
Pursuant to § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia, agencies must respond to requests for public records within five working days. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable charges for the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for the requested records.
Contents of a Petersburg Arrest Record
Petersburg arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Virginia law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any documented aliases or known associates.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed against the individual, including the Virginia Code section(s) allegedly violated, classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor), and degree of each charge.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process at the Petersburg City Jail or other detention facility.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including bail or bond information, court dates, and preliminary hearing outcomes if applicable.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case, subject to restrictions under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia regarding dissemination of criminal history record information.
The Records and Technology Division of the Petersburg Bureau of Police maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, medical information, or information related to confidential informants, may be redacted from public versions of arrest records as provided by law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Petersburg
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia. Expungement is a court-ordered process that removes arrest records from public access, though the records remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Individuals may petition for expungement of Petersburg arrest records under the following circumstances:
- The individual was acquitted of all charges.
- The Commonwealth's Attorney or arresting agency formally dismissed all charges (nolle prosequi).
- The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit.
- The individual's name or identity was used without authorization by another person who was arrested.
- The arrest was based on mistaken identity.
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the Petersburg Circuit Court where the case was disposed. Petitioners must submit:
- A completed petition for expungement form (Form CC-1473)
- A complete set of fingerprints obtained from a law enforcement agency
- A certified copy of the final disposition of the case
- The required filing fee (approximately $88 as of 2025)
Petersburg Circuit Court
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Upon receipt of a petition, the court forwards the request to the Commonwealth's Attorney, who has 21 days to file an objection. If no objection is filed, or if the court determines that the continued existence of the record would constitute a manifest injustice to the petitioner, the court may order the expungement. The process typically takes 90-120 days from filing to completion.
Individuals should be aware that expungement in Virginia is not automatic, even for dismissed charges, and the Commonwealth has more restrictive expungement laws than many other states. Convictions, with very limited exceptions, cannot be expunged under current Virginia law.
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