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Find Virginia Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Virginia?

Yes, criminal records in Virginia are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). However, some documents may be restricted by law. To access these records, requesters must typically provide the following information:

The subject's full name
The subject's last known location, such as city, county, or state

If a criminal record has been sealed or expunged by the court, it will no longer be accessible to the public. Third-party websites may also provide access to these records, but they are not government-sponsored and availability may vary.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Virginia?

A criminal record in Virginia is an official document detailing an individual's criminal activities. These records include arrest, prosecution, and conviction data from criminal justice agencies, such as the courts and correctional facilities. They provide comprehensive information about felonies and misdemeanors committed by the subject, including arrest, indictment, and conviction histories.

What Information Is Included in Virginia Criminal Record?

Full name and known aliases
Birthdate, gender, race, and other identifying personal data
A set of fingerprints and a mugshot
Past and outstanding warrants and arrest history
Details of past criminal offenses, indictments, and convictions
Post-conviction status

How To Check Criminal Records in Virginia

The Virginia State Police is the primary custodian of criminal records and provides access to statewide criminal history record checks. Interested public requesters must complete an SP-167 request form and prepare a money order or certified check payable to the Virginia State Police. The application packet should be mailed in a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Virginia State Police.

The cost for processing a criminal record request varies, and the agency typically takes fifteen days to process the request. There is no expedited service available, so requesters should submit their requests as early as possible.

Are Arrest Records Public in Virginia?

Yes, arrest records in Virginia are public under the VFOIA. These records are usually maintained by the county sheriff or the chief of police. To access arrest records, requesters can contact the state police or the department of public safety. While some records may be available for free, usual copy and certification fees may apply.

Arrest records can be obtained through various law enforcement agencies. Requesters may need to provide specific information, such as the name and last known location of the subject, to facilitate the search.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Virginia?

A Virginia arrest warrant is an official court document that authorizes law enforcement officers to detain an individual. Judges or magistrate judges must approve arrest warrants, and they are issued based on probable cause. The details in an arrest warrant include:

Name and personal data of the subject
Alleged offense
Possible time and location for the arrest
Expiration date (if applicable)
Name of the issuing judge and date of issue

How To Lookup Mugshots in Virginia

Mugshots are photographic captures of individuals taken by law enforcement during an arrest. They are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Mugshots are stored in online databases managed by criminal justice agencies. To find mugshots, one can search these databases, ensuring compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

How To Search Inmate Records in Virginia

Inmate records in Virginia are publicly available and are managed by the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). These records can be accessed using the Offender Locator tool on the VADOC website. Additional information can be requested from the regional office or correctional facility where the inmate is held.

How To Find Virginia Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal history records in Virginia provide an overview of an individual's interactions with law enforcement. These records include:

Arrests, convictions, incarceration sentences, and parole violations
Dismissals and court verdicts
Personal data such as height, eye color, weight, fingerprint classification, race, and social identification numbers

Criminal history records are available from law enforcement agencies, primarily the Virginia State Police. Requesters must complete an SP-167 request form and may be eligible for a fee waiver under certain conditions, such as financial hardship.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Virginia?

Juvenile criminal records in Virginia detail crimes committed by individuals under 18. These records are not public and are overseen by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Access is restricted to former juveniles over 18, their parents, and their attorneys. Third-party requests require a completed Authorization for Release of Records and Information form.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Virginia

Sex offender records in Virginia document registered sex offenders living in the state. These records are public and managed by the Virginia State Police, which maintains a central registry. To find a registered sex offender, use the Sex Offender Registry Search on the Virginia State Police website.

Are Police Records Public Information in Virginia?

Yes, police records in Virginia are public under the VFOIA. These records are developed, received, or maintained by law enforcement agencies for crime detection, prevention, investigation, reporting, or prosecution. They include:

Complaints, traffic reports, crime reports, audio & video recordings
Warrants, investigative reports, crime statistics, and department releases

Certain records may be restricted if they threaten an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals.

Virginia Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Virginia are crimes punishable by up to 12 months in a local jail. There are four classes:

Class 1: Up to 12 months in jail, a maximum fine of $2,500, or both (e.g., petit larceny, domestic violence)
Class 2: Up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fine, or both (e.g., possession of a Schedule drug)
Class 3: Fines up to $500
Class 4: Fines up to $250 (e.g., first-offense public intoxication)

Virginia Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony laws in Virginia classify crimes punishable by death or more than one year in state prison. There are six classes:

Class 1: Life imprisonment or death, fines up to $100,000 (e.g., murder)
Class 2: 20 years in prison, fines up to $100,000 (e.g., aggravated malicious assault)
Class 3: 5-20 years in prison, fines up to $100,000 (e.g., burglary)
Class 4: 2-10 years in prison, fines up to $100,000 (e.g., forgery)
Class 5: 1-10 years in prison, fines up to $100,000 (e.g., battery by a prisoner)
Class 6: 1-5 years in prison, fines up to $100,000 (e.g., donating blood infected with HIV)

Overview of Virginia DUI Laws

In Virginia, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious traffic violation. The law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 or above. Punishments for DWI include:

Suspension of license
Requirement to complete a driver improvement clinic
Notifying offenders’ insurance company

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles uses a point system to penalize offenders.

Are Virginia Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Virginia detail the sentencing and supervised releases of individuals serving their sentences outside detention facilities. These records are not public and are managed by the Virginia Parole and Probation Board. Access is restricted to authorized individuals, such as probation officers and legal representatives.

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