Virginia Arrest Records

Virginia Public Records /Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Virginia?

Yes. Arrest records in Virginia are considered public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which provides that citizens have the right to inspect public records held by government agencies. Basic arrest and booking information is often available through local sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, and the courts. The Virginia State Police – Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) serves as the state’s central repository for criminal history information.

However, access is restricted when it comes to complete criminal history reports. Full arrest records, including non-conviction data, may only be obtained by the individual named in the record, law enforcement, or entities authorized by law such as certain employers and licensing boards. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-305, and arrests that have been expunged under Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-392.2 are not available to the public. Records connected to active investigations or containing sensitive personal identifiers may also be exempt from disclosure.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Virginia?

Access to arrest records in Virginia is primarily governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified in Title 2.2, Chapter 37 of the Code of Virginia. This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies.

Additional laws that regulate access to arrest records in Virginia include:

Virginia Criminal Records Privacy Act (Code of Virginia § 19.2-389) - Regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information and establishes who may access complete criminal history records.
Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia § 42.1-76 through § 42.1-91) - Establishes requirements for the preservation and management of public records, including arrest records.
Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2 - Provides the legal framework for the expungement of police and court records under specific circumstances.
Code of Virginia § 16.1-301 - Addresses confidentiality of juvenile law enforcement records.
Code of Virginia § 19.2-389.1 - Regulates access to criminal history record information for employment purposes.

These laws collectively establish a framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system. They define who can access arrest records, what information can be disclosed, and the procedures for requesting such records.

What Information Is Included in a Virginia Arrest Record?

Virginia arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and may include the following details:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (often partially redacted in public records)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Charges filed (including Virginia Code citations)
- Description of alleged offense
- Weapon information (if applicable)
Case Processing Information:
- Court docket number
- Court appearance dates
- Bail or bond information
- Plea information
- Case disposition (e.g., conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Sentencing information (if convicted)
Incarceration Information (if applicable):
- Detention facility
- Inmate number
- Custody status
- Release date (if known)

The level of detail may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the agency providing the record. For example, initial arrest records may contain preliminary charges that differ from formal charges later filed by a prosecutor. Additionally, some information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, especially in cases involving juveniles or certain protected categories of offenses.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Virginia in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Virginia involves several methods depending on the type of record needed and its intended use. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Virginia in 2025:

In-Person Requests

For official criminal history records, individuals can visit:

Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285-5076
Phone: (804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

To request records in person, you must:

Complete a Criminal History Record Request form (SP-167)
Provide valid government-issued photo identification
Pay the required fee
Submit fingerprints (for certain types of requests)

Mail Requests

To request records by mail:

Download and complete the Criminal History Record Request form from the Virginia State Police website
Include a check or money order for the applicable fee
Mail the completed form and payment to the Virginia State Police address listed above
For personal record requests, include a completed fingerprint card

Court Records

For case-specific information, contact the court where the case was processed:

Virginia Judicial System
Supreme Court Building
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-6455
Virginia's Judicial System

Many court records can be accessed through the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System, though complete records may require in-person visits to the specific courthouse.

Local Law Enforcement Agencies

For recent arrests or incidents, contact the arresting agency directly. Most sheriff's offices and police departments maintain records of arrests they have conducted.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Virginia

Virginia offers several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may have limitations regarding the scope and completeness of available records.

Official Government Resources

Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System provides access to court case information, including criminal cases. Users can search by name or case number to find information about charges, court dates, and case dispositions.
Virginia State Police Criminal History Record Check
The Virginia State Police offers an online portal for requesting criminal history information. While full criminal history reports require fingerprint submission, name-based checks are available for certain purposes.
Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator
The Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Search allows users to locate individuals currently incarcerated or under community supervision in the Virginia prison system.
Local Law Enforcement Websites
Many county sheriff's offices and city police departments maintain online databases of recent arrests and inmate information. These typically include basic arrest information and booking photos.

Search Tips for Online Records

When searching for arrest records online in Virginia:

Use the individual's full legal name, including middle name if known
Include date of birth when possible to distinguish between individuals with similar names
Be aware that records may be filed under maiden names or aliases
Check multiple jurisdictions if you're unsure where the arrest occurred
Note that online records may not include older cases that haven't been digitized
Verify information through official channels for complete accuracy

Limitations of Online Searches

Online arrest record searches in Virginia have several limitations:

Not all records are available online, particularly older records
Some information may be redacted or restricted
Juvenile records are generally not accessible online
Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public searches
Different jurisdictions may use different systems with varying search capabilities
Some online systems require registration or fees for access

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Virginia?

Access to arrest records in Virginia varies depending on the requesting party and the intended use of the information. Virginia law establishes different levels of access for different categories of requesters:

Public Access

Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, members of the general public can access basic arrest record information, including:

Arrest logs and police blotters
Court dockets and case information
Conviction records
Incarceration records

However, public access may be limited to certain information and may not include complete criminal history reports.

Individual Access

Individuals have the right to access their own criminal history records by submitting a request to the Virginia State Police, including:

Complete fingerprint-based criminal history
Record of all arrests, charges, and dispositions
Information that may be restricted from public view

Criminal Justice Agencies

Law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, and other criminal justice entities have the broadest access to arrest records for official purposes, including:

Complete criminal histories
Sealed and expunged records (in certain circumstances)
Juvenile records
Pending investigations

Employers and Licensing Boards

Certain employers and licensing boards have statutory authority to access criminal history information for employment screening or licensing purposes, particularly for:

Positions involving work with vulnerable populations
Security-sensitive occupations
Professional licensing requirements
Positions requiring specific background check clearance

Employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and obtain consent before conducting background checks.

Other Authorized Entities

Virginia law grants specific access rights to certain organizations and entities, including:

Housing authorities for tenant screening
Financial institutions for certain positions
Volunteer organizations working with children, elderly, or disabled individuals
Educational institutions for employee screening

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia imposes various fees for obtaining arrest records and criminal history information. These fees help cover the administrative costs associated with processing requests, maintaining records, and providing copies. The fee structure varies depending on the type of record requested, the requesting agency, and the purpose of the request.

Virginia State Police Criminal History Record Fees

The Virginia State Police charges the following fees for criminal history record checks:

Name-based criminal history check - $15.00 Fingerprint-based criminal history check - $27.00 Certified copy of criminal history record - $25.00 Expedited processing (when available) - Additional $10.00

Court Record Fees

Virginia courts charge fees for copies of court records related to arrests and criminal cases:

Copies of court documents: $0.50 per page
Certified court documents: $3.00 per document plus copy fees
Record search fee (if staff assistance is required): $10.00 per name

Local Law Enforcement Agency Fees

Local police departments and sheriff's offices may charge their own fees for providing copies of arrest reports and related documents:

Incident/arrest reports: $5.00-$25.00 (varies by jurisdiction)
Booking photos: $5.00-$15.00 (varies by jurisdiction)
Specialized reports: Fees vary based on complexity and length

Fee Waivers

In certain circumstances, fees may be reduced or waived:

Indigent individuals may qualify for fee waivers with proper documentation
Criminal justice agencies typically access records without fees for official purposes
Certain non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced fees
Individuals seeking records for employment may have fees paid by prospective employers

All fees are subject to change based on legislative updates or agency policies. It's advisable to check with the specific agency before requesting records to confirm current fee schedules.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Virginia

Virginia maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the outcome of the case. These retention policies are governed by the Virginia Public Records Act and regulations established by the Library of Virginia.

General Retention Periods

Felony Arrest Records: Maintained permanently in the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) operated by the Virginia State Police.
Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Generally kept for 10-20 years, depending on the offense category. Some serious misdemeanors may be retained permanently.
Traffic Violations: Typically maintained for 3-10 years, with DUI and reckless driving records kept longer than minor infractions.
Juvenile Records: Usually sealed when the individual reaches 19 years of age if five years have passed since the last hearing in the case, though records for serious offenses may be retained longer or treated as adult records.

Record Retention by Agency Type

Different agencies maintain arrest records for varying periods:

Virginia State Police: Maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange indefinitely for most adult criminal records.
Local Law Enforcement: Generally follows state guidelines but may have supplemental policies for retention of arrest reports, booking information, and investigative files.
Court Records: The Virginia Court System maintains records according to the following general schedule:
- Circuit Court criminal case records: Permanently maintained
- General District Court records: 10 years for most cases
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court: Variable retention based on case type
Department of Corrections: Maintains records of incarcerated individuals permanently, with detailed information about their sentences, behavior during incarceration, and release conditions.

Even when physical records might be destroyed according to retention schedules, digital records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, private background check companies may retain information in their databases even after official records have been expunged or destroyed.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Virginia Arrest Records?

Virginia law requires certain information to be redacted or restricted from public arrest records to protect privacy, maintain the integrity of investigations, and comply with state and federal regulations. The following categories of information are typically redacted or restricted in Virginia arrest records:

Personal Identifying Information

Social Security Numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Date of birth (may be partially redacted, showing only year)
Home addresses of certain protected individuals
Phone numbers and email addresses
Medical and health information

Protected Individual Information

Records related to the following individuals often have enhanced privacy protections:

Victims of crimes, particularly victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence
Witnesses who may face safety concerns
Undercover law enforcement officers
Individuals in witness protection programs
Juveniles (under 18 years of age)

Case-Specific Sensitive Information

Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
Grand jury proceedings and testimony
Information sealed by court order
Details that could reveal confidential informants
Certain plea negotiations before final disposition
Information protected by attorney-client privilege

Juvenile Records

Under Code of Virginia § 16.1-301, juvenile arrest records are subject to strict confidentiality provisions:

Law enforcement records concerning juveniles are generally not open to public inspection
Access is limited to specific authorized individuals and agencies
Records may be disclosed only under limited circumstances defined by statute
Even court records for juvenile proceedings have restricted access

Expunged or Sealed Records

Information from records that have been legally expunged or sealed pursuant to court order is not available in public arrest records. This includes:

Records expunged under Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2
Records sealed under various statutory provisions
Records subject to automatic sealing under recent criminal justice reform legislation

Mental Health Information

Details regarding mental health evaluations, treatment, or conditions are typically redacted from public arrest records, though they may be maintained in confidential sections of criminal justice records.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Virginia

Virginia law provides several pathways for individuals to seal or expunge arrest records under specific circumstances. The process varies depending on the case outcome, the nature of the offense, and recent legislative changes to Virginia's expungement laws.

Expungement Process for Dismissed Charges

Under Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2, individuals may petition for expungement when:

They were acquitted of the charge
The charge was nolle prossed (formally abandoned by prosecutors)
The charge was otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction

To petition for expungement in these cases:

File a petition in the circuit court where the case was handled
Include a copy of the warrant or indictment with the petition
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $88 as of 2025)
Submit fingerprints to the law enforcement agency
Attend the scheduled hearing if the Commonwealth's Attorney objects

Automatic Sealing Under Recent Reforms

Virginia's 2021 criminal record sealing reforms (effective July 1, 2025) provide for automatic sealing of certain records:

Certain misdemeanor convictions after 7 years without subsequent convictions
Deferred and dismissed charges
Underage alcohol and marijuana possession charges
Certain non-violent felony convictions after 10 years without subsequent convictions

This automatic process does not require filing a petition but is implemented systematically by the court system.

Petition-Based Sealing for Convictions

For records not eligible for automatic sealing, individuals may petition for sealing of certain conviction records:

File a petition in the circuit court where the conviction occurred
Demonstrate eligibility based on offense type and waiting period
Pay required filing fees
Attend a hearing where the court will consider:
- The severity and nature of the offense
- The individual's criminal history
- The length of time since the offense
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Potential public safety concerns

Juvenile Records

Juvenile records in Virginia are automatically sealed when:

The individual reaches 19 years of age
At least five years have passed since the last hearing in the case
The individual has no subsequent criminal convictions

For juvenile records not automatically sealed, a petition may be filed under Code of Virginia § 16.1-306.

Legal Assistance

Due to the complexity of Virginia's record sealing laws, individuals seeking to seal or expunge records are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney. Legal aid organizations and expungement clinics throughout Virginia offer assistance to eligible individuals.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Virginia?

Virginia law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These restrictions aim to balance public safety concerns with fairness toward individuals with criminal records.

Employment Limitations

Under Virginia law and federal regulations:

Employers with more than 15 employees cannot ask about arrests that did not result in conviction on initial job applications (Virginia's "Ban the Box" policy for public employment)
Private employers are encouraged but not required to follow "Ban the Box" practices
Employers must obtain written consent before conducting criminal background checks
Employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when using third-party background check services
Employers cannot consider expunged or sealed records in employment decisions
Blanket policies rejecting all applicants with criminal records may violate federal anti-discrimination laws

Housing Limitations

Restrictions on the use of arrest records in housing decisions include:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines regarding the consideration of criminal records
Landlords cannot implement blanket bans on all individuals with criminal records
Housing providers must conduct individualized assessments considering:
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Time elapsed since the criminal conduct
- Evidence of rehabilitation

Licensing and Certification

Virginia has reformed many occupational licensing restrictions through:

The requirement that licensing restrictions be "directly related" to the occupation
Prohibition of vague "moral character" requirements in many licensing contexts
Provisions allowing individuals to obtain preliminary determinations about whether their record would disqualify them before investing in education or training

Commercial Use Restrictions

Virginia law restricts how arrest records can be used commercially:

Data brokers and background check companies must ensure accuracy of records
Companies cannot report expunged or sealed records
Records must be updated to reflect dismissals, acquittals, or other favorable dispositions
Arrest records without dispositions generally cannot be reported after seven years

Educational Institution Limitations

Virginia educational institutions face restrictions on using arrest records:

Public colleges and universities generally follow "Ban the Box" principles
Institutions must provide individualized consideration of criminal records
Sealed juvenile records cannot be considered in admissions decisions

Penalties for Misuse

Misuse of arrest records can result in:

Civil liability under various state and federal laws
Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
Potential criminal charges for intentional misuse of criminal justice information

Lookup Arrest Records in Virginia

Various agencies in Virginia maintain and provide access to arrest records. Below is a comprehensive list of the primary agencies where you can lookup arrest records in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Virginia State Police - Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE)
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285-5076
Phone: (804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police

State Department of Corrections

Virginia Department of Corrections
6900 Atmore Drive
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 674-3000
Virginia Department of Corrections

State Court System

Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-6455
Virginia's Judicial System

State Supreme Court

Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-2251
Supreme Court of Virginia

State Appellate Courts

Court of Appeals of Virginia
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-5651
Court of Appeals of Virginia

Attorney General's Office

Office of the Attorney General
202 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-2071
Virginia Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (703) 246-3227
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
803 Sycolin Road SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: (703) 777-0407
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Henrico County Sheriff's Office
4301 E. Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 501-4571
Henrico County Sheriff's Office
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1261
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 228-4460
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
Prince William County Sheriff's Office
9311 Lee Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: (703) 792-6070
Prince William County Sheriff's Office
Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
2501 James Madison Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 385-4555
Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
1225 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: (540) 658-4400
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
9119 Dean Ridings Lane
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 582-7115
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
Hanover County Sheriff's Office
7522 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
Phone: (804) 365-6140
Hanover County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

Richmond Police Department
200 W. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 646-5100
Richmond Police Department
Virginia Beach Police Department
2509 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 385-4141
Virginia Beach Police Department
Norfolk Police Department
100 Brooke Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 664-3277
Norfolk Police Department
Chesapeake Police Department
304 Albemarle Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 382-6161
Chesapeake Police Department
Alexandria Police Department
3600 Wheeler Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: (703) 746-4444
Alexandria Police Department

State Archives

Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 692-3500
Library of Virginia

Federal Agencies Operating in Virginia

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Richmond Field Office
1970 E. Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 261-1044
FBI Richmond

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Virginia
401 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 837-5500
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Mid-Atlantic Regional Office
302 Sentinel Drive
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
Phone: (301) 317-3100
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. Courts – PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Online access to federal court records
Phone: (800) 676-6856
PACER