>Virginia Beach City County Arrest Records Online

Virginia Beach Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Arrest records are public in Virginia Beach, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Virginia citizens to access governmental records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies. The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official duties and make these records available to the public in accordance with state law.

The VFOIA operates under the principle that government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy, allowing citizens to monitor governmental activities and hold public officials accountable. However, certain exemptions exist under § 2.2-3706 that may restrict access to specific information within arrest records, particularly when disclosure might compromise ongoing investigations, endanger individuals, or violate privacy rights protected by state or federal law.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as mandated by Virginia Code § 2.2-3705.1.

How to Look Up Virginia Beach Arrest Records in 2025

The Virginia Beach criminal justice system provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Each method varies in processing time, associated fees, and comprehensiveness of information provided.

In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies

Citizens may obtain arrest records by visiting the Virginia Beach Police Department or Sheriff's Office in person:

Virginia Beach Police Department Records Unit
2509 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4101
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
2501 James Madison Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Requestors must complete a FOIA request form and provide proper identification. Processing fees may apply pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(F), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search and copying services.

Court Records Access

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings:

Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk's Office
2425 Nimmo Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4181
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Virginia Beach Circuit Court

Court records may be accessed through public terminals at the courthouse or via the Virginia Judiciary's online case information system.

Online Access Options

Digital platforms have significantly enhanced public access to arrest records:

The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System provides searchable access to court cases, including those stemming from arrests
The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator allows searches for individuals currently in state custody
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function for individuals currently detained in local facilities

Written Requests

Written FOIA requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate agency. Requests must:

Clearly identify the records sought
Include the requestor's contact information
Be addressed to the designated FOIA Officer
Acknowledge willingness to pay reasonable processing fees

Agencies must respond within five working days as required by Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(B), either by providing the requested records, denying the request with specific legal justification, or requesting additional time to fulfill the request.

Contents of a Virginia Beach Arrest Record

Virginia Beach arrest records typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Virginia Code § 19.2-390, which mandates reporting requirements for criminal justice agencies. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's encounter with law enforcement and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system.

Biographical Information

Arrest records contain identifying information about the arrested individual:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Gender and race
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
State identification number and/or FBI number if applicable

Arrest Details

The circumstances of the arrest are documented with the following information:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and processing location
Arrest type (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Miranda rights acknowledgment
Property inventory

Criminal Charges

Information regarding the alleged criminal activity includes:

Specific charges filed, with Virginia Code citations
Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
Brief narrative of alleged criminal activity
Weapon involvement, if applicable
Victim information (often redacted in public versions)

Case Processing Information

Post-arrest procedural details are recorded:

Magistrate or judicial officer who processed initial appearance
Bail or bond determination and conditions
Court appearance dates
Case numbers assigned
Detention status and facility

Supplemental Documentation

Depending on the nature of the case, additional materials may be included:

Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint cards or digital fingerprint records
Results of chemical tests if applicable (e.g., blood alcohol content)
Protective order information if relevant

Expungement of Arrest Records in Virginia Beach

Virginia law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances, as codified in Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed entirely.

Eligibility Criteria

Not all arrest records qualify for expungement in Virginia Beach. Eligibility is generally limited to:

Cases resulting in acquittal
Nolle prosequi (formal abandonment of prosecution)
Dismissal of charges
Absolute pardon for innocence
Identity theft victims whose name was used by another person arrested
Misdemeanor convictions with absolute pardons

Individuals with prior criminal convictions face significant restrictions on expungement eligibility. Virginia's expungement laws are more restrictive than many other states, generally not permitting expungement of actual convictions except in very limited circumstances.

Petition Process

The expungement procedure requires filing a formal petition with the circuit court:

Petitioner must file in the Circuit Court where the case was concluded
Petition must include certified copies of relevant case documents
Fingerprints must be submitted with the petition
Filing fees apply (approximately $88 as of 2025)
Notice must be served on the Commonwealth's Attorney

Virginia Beach Circuit Court
2425 Nimmo Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4181
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Hearing and Determination

The court will schedule a hearing on the petition where:

The Commonwealth's Attorney may contest the expungement
The petitioner must demonstrate that the continued existence of the record causes or may cause circumstances that constitute a manifest injustice
The court will consider the petitioner's criminal history and the nature of the offense

If granted, the court will issue an order directing all agencies possessing records related to the arrest to remove them from public access, seal them, or destroy them as appropriate under the law.

Effects of Expungement

When an expungement is granted:

The individual may legally respond to questions about the arrest as if it never occurred
Employers, educational institutions, and licensing bodies cannot access the expunged record
The record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes
The Virginia State Police maintains a confidential index of expunged records

Individuals should be aware that federal agencies and certain specialized background checks may still reveal expunged records under specific circumstances.