Waynesboro Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Waynesboro, Virginia?
Arrest records are public documents in Waynesboro, Virginia, accessible to all citizens under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains this policy to ensure governmental transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
The Waynesboro Police Department, as a public law enforcement agency, is required to make arrest records available for public inspection with certain statutory exceptions. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia.
Citizens seeking arrest records may encounter the following types of publicly available information:
- Booking information
- Charges filed
- Court appearance dates
- Case disposition information
- Mugshots (in most circumstances)
It should be noted that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3706(B), which protects sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, medical information, and other protected data.
How to Look Up Waynesboro Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Waynesboro, Virginia. The Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency has resulted in several methods through which citizens may obtain this information.
The Waynesboro Police Department maintains arrest records and makes them available through the following methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Waynesboro Police Department during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply.
Waynesboro Police Department
301 S. Wayne Avenue
Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 942-6675
Waynesboro Police Department Official Website
Online Access: The Waynesboro Police Department publishes a Daily Arrest Blotter on their official website, providing recent arrest information. For more comprehensive searches, the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System offers access to court records related to arrests.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, citizens may submit written FOIA requests to the Waynesboro Police Department Records Division. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include the requester's name and contact information.
Augusta County Circuit Court: For arrest records that have proceeded to court action, the Circuit Court maintains case files that may be accessed by the public.
Augusta County Circuit Court
1 E. Johnson Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5321
Augusta County Circuit Court Official Website
When requesting arrest records, requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Agencies are required to respond to FOIA requests within five working days, though this period may be extended by seven additional working days with proper notification to the requester.
Contents of a Waynesboro Arrest Record
Waynesboro arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Virginia law enforcement protocols and the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) requirements. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in arrest.
Standard information contained in Waynesboro arrest records includes:
Biographical Data: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest Information: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); agency making the arrest; and statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific Virginia Code violations alleged, including whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies, and the classification level of each offense.
Booking Details: Booking number, fingerprint classification information, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Case Processing Information: Court docket number, scheduled court appearance dates, magistrate determinations, and bail or bond information if applicable.
Disposition Information: Final outcome of the case, including dismissal, conviction, acquittal, or other resolution, though this information may be added to the record after initial creation.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services maintains standards for record-keeping pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-102, ensuring consistency in arrest record documentation across jurisdictions within the Commonwealth.
It should be noted that while these components typically appear in arrest records, certain information may be redacted or restricted from public disclosure in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3706(B) when release would compromise ongoing investigations or violate privacy protections established by law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Waynesboro
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides a legal mechanism 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.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Waynesboro include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal
- Nolle prosequi (prosecution declined to pursue charges)
- Dismissal of charges
- Absolute pardon for wrongful conviction
- Identity theft cases where the arrestee was not the person who committed the offense
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition for expungement in the Circuit Court where the case was concluded
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $88 for most cases)
- Submit fingerprints to the Virginia State Police for verification
- Attend a hearing if the Commonwealth's Attorney objects to the petition
Augusta County Circuit Court
1 E. Johnson Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5321
Augusta County Circuit Court Official Website
It is important to note that Virginia law historically has been more restrictive regarding expungement than many other states. Convictions, including guilty pleas and pleas of nolo contendere, have traditionally not been eligible for expungement. However, recent legislative changes have expanded expungement eligibility for certain misdemeanor marijuana possession offenses and created a process for sealing certain records after specified waiting periods.
The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) and is responsible for implementing court-ordered expungements by removing eligible records from public databases and notifying other agencies that may maintain copies of the records.
Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Division
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
(804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police Official Website
Successful expungement means that individuals may legally answer "no" when asked if they have been arrested for the expunged offense on employment, housing, and other applications, with certain exceptions for law enforcement and security-sensitive positions.
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