Prince Edward County, Virginia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Prince Edward County, Virginia?
Arrest records in Prince Edward County, Virginia are classified as public documents pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. Members of the public may access these records as part of Virginia's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains that public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
• Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations • Facilitating public oversight of the criminal justice system • Providing citizens with information pertinent to public safety • Supporting the constitutional right to information about governmental proceedings
The Prince Edward County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-1722, which requires law enforcement agencies to maintain accurate records of all reportable incidents. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions outlined in § 2.2-3705.1 through § 2.2-3706, the fundamental status of arrest records as public documents remains intact.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Virginia's public records statutes. The Virginia Judiciary Case Information System provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia maintains this system to facilitate public access to non-confidential court records.
Online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the following statutory provisions:
• Records must be maintained in accordance with Virginia Code § 42.1-85 regarding records management • Access may be restricted for records sealed under court order pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 • Juvenile records are generally not available online as stipulated in § 16.1-301 • Records pertaining to certain sensitive cases may have limited online availability as outlined in § 2.2-3706(B)
The Prince Edward Circuit Court maintains electronic records of felony cases, while the Prince Edward General District Court maintains records for misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings.
How to Look Up Prince Edward County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Prince Edward County. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies must respond to records requests within five working days. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records:
• In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests at the Prince Edward County Sheriff's Office located at 124 South Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification is required in accordance with § 2.2-3806.
• Court Records Access: The Prince Edward Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains felony case records at 111 South Street, Farmville, VA 23901. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Telephone: (434) 392-5145.
• Online Case Information System: The Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System provides access to non-confidential court records pursuant to Supreme Court of Virginia policy on electronic access.
• Virginia State Police Records: Criminal history information may be requested through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange as authorized by § 19.2-389. Their Criminal Records and Information Services Division is located at P.O. Box 27472, Richmond, VA 23261-7472.
• Freedom of Information Act Requests: Written FOIA requests may be submitted to the Prince Edward County Administrator's Office at 111 South Street, Third Floor, Farmville, VA 23901, in accordance with § 2.2-3704.
Contents of a Prince Edward County Arrest Record
Prince Edward County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Virginia Code § 15.2-1722 and the Criminal Justice Records Management guidelines established by the Library of Virginia. Standard arrest records include the following components:
• Demographic Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and last known address of the arrested individual
• Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer; legal authority for arrest (warrant or probable cause)
• Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including Virginia Code sections allegedly violated; classification of offenses as felonies or misdemeanors
• Case Processing Data: Booking information, magistrate determinations, bond status, and court appearance dates
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected pursuant to § 19.2-390 and photographs taken during booking procedures
• Disposition Information: Court outcomes including dismissals, convictions, sentences, or other case resolutions
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with § 2.2-3706(B), including social security numbers, medical information, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Prince Edward County
Virginia law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2. Expungement petitions in Prince Edward County must be filed with the Circuit Court located at 111 South Street, Farmville, VA 23901.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
• Cases resulting in acquittal (§ 19.2-392.2(A)(1)) • Nolle prosequi dispositions (§ 19.2-392.2(A)(2)) • Dismissals (§ 19.2-392.2(A)(3)) • Absolute pardons for wrongful convictions (§ 19.2-392.2(A)(4)) • Identity theft victims whose name was used in an arrest (§ 19.2-392.2(B)) • Certain misdemeanor convictions under the 2021 amendments to § 19.2-392.2(F)
The expungement process requires:
• Filing a petition with the Circuit Court (forms available from the Clerk's Office) • Payment of filing fees (currently $86, with potential waiver for indigent petitioners) • Fingerprinting at the local law enforcement agency • Service of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney • Judicial review and determination
If granted, expungement orders are forwarded to the Virginia State Police, which coordinates the removal of records from central repositories and notifies agencies holding such records to seal or destroy them in accordance with § 19.2-392.2(G).
Search Arrest Records in Prince Edward County
Farmville Police Department
116 North Main Street
Farmville, VA 23901
Phone: (434) 392-3332
Police Department | Farmville, VA
