Arlington County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Arlington County
Arrest records in Arlington County are considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act ([VFOIA] § 2.2-3700 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Law enforcement agencies in Arlington County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally accessible to members of the public upon proper request.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Virginia law, both types of records are considered public, though certain exemptions may apply.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services maintains specific policies regarding the dissemination of criminal history information pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-126. While arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:
- Interfere with an ongoing investigation
- Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose the identity of a confidential source
- Disclose law enforcement techniques or procedures
Arlington County law enforcement agencies follow these state guidelines when responding to public records requests for arrest information.
What's in Arlington County Arrest Records
Arlington County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the case circumstances. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3706.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Arlington County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Arlington County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The primary agencies maintaining these records are the Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington County Sheriff's Office. Requesters should follow these steps:
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Determine which agency holds the records of interest. The Police Department maintains arrest reports and incident documentation, while the Sheriff's Office manages detention records.
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Submit a formal request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically.
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Provide specific information to facilitate record location, including:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Complete any required forms. The Arlington County Police Department offers a FOIA request form on their official website.
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Pay applicable fees. Arlington County charges reasonable fees for record retrieval and duplication in accordance with VFOIA § 2.2-3704(F).
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Allow time for processing. By law, agencies must respond to FOIA requests within five working days, though complex requests may require additional time.
For in-person requests, visit:
Arlington County Police Department
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-4171
Arlington County Police Department
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
1435 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 9100
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-4460
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
Both agencies maintain public service counters that are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
How To Find Arlington County Arrest Records Online
Arlington County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. To find arrest records online:
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Visit the Arlington County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry System. This database allows searches for individuals currently in custody or recently released. Users may search by name, booking number, or other identifiers.
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Access the Arlington County Court Case Information System. This resource provides information about criminal cases, including arrest details, charges, and court proceedings.
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Utilize the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System, which includes Arlington County court records. This statewide database contains information about criminal cases resulting from arrests.
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Check the Arlington County Police Department's Daily Crime Report, which lists recent arrests and incidents. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic information about recent law enforcement activity.
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Submit an electronic FOIA request through the Arlington County government portal. This system allows for formal requests for specific arrest records not available through other online resources.
When using these online systems, requesters should note that:
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete arrest records may require a formal FOIA request
- Online systems may require registration or contain usage limitations
The Arlington County Sheriff's Office maintains an Inmate In Custody Search system that provides real-time information about individuals currently detained in county facilities.
How To Search Arlington County Arrest Records for Free?
Arlington County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free resources:
- Visit the Arlington County Courthouse Law Library, which provides public access terminals for searching court records related to arrests. The library is located at:
Arlington County Courthouse Law Library
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 2400
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-7010
Arlington County Law Library
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Utilize the Arlington County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system. This free resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including arrest date, charges, and next court appearance.
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Review the Daily Police Reports published on the Arlington County Police Department website. These reports list recent arrests and incidents without charge.
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Attend public court proceedings. Court calendars are posted at the courthouse and online, allowing interested parties to observe arraignments and other proceedings where arrest information is discussed.
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Submit a FOIA request with a fee waiver request. Under VFOIA § 2.2-3704(H), agencies may waive fees if the request is in the public interest or the requester demonstrates financial hardship.
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Check the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator system, which includes information about individuals arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Arlington County.
When using these free resources, requesters should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to complete records
- Some systems may have usage restrictions or time limits
- High-volume requests may not qualify for fee waivers
- Certain sensitive information will be redacted even in free records
How To Delete Arrest Records in Arlington County
In Virginia, including Arlington County, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. Expungement refers to the legal process of removing arrest records from public view, while sealing restricts access to these records without completely removing them from government databases.
Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- The prosecution was dismissed with prejudice
- The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
- The individual's name was used without consent by another person charged with a crime
Additionally, Virginia's 2021 expungement reform legislation expanded eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions and created a process for automatic sealing of certain records.
To pursue expungement in Arlington County, individuals must:
- Obtain a complete set of criminal history records from the Virginia State Police
- File a petition for expungement with the Arlington County Circuit Court
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $88)
- Provide fingerprints at the Arlington County Sheriff's Office
- Attend a hearing before a circuit court judge (if required)
- If granted, ensure the expungement order is properly executed
The process typically takes several months to complete. Legal representation is strongly recommended but not required. The Arlington County Circuit Court is located at:
Arlington County Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-7010
Arlington County Circuit Court
It is important to note that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain government entities for specific purposes, even after being removed from public view.
What Happens After Arrest in Arlington County?
Following an arrest in Arlington County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Virginia law. This process typically includes:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Arlington County Detention Facility where they undergo booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and initial health screening.
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Magistrate Appearance: Within hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Sets initial bail or bond conditions
- Issues formal charges
- Determines whether the individual will be released or detained pending further proceedings
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Arraignment: The first formal court appearance occurs in Arlington County General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, depending on the nature of the charges. During arraignment:
- Charges are formally read
- The defendant is advised of their rights
- Legal representation is established
- A plea may be entered
- Future court dates are scheduled
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Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to send the case to the grand jury. This hearing typically occurs within 10 days for jailed defendants or 30 days for those released on bond.
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Grand Jury: Felony cases proceed to the Arlington County grand jury, which determines whether to issue an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public.
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Circuit Court Proceedings: Felony cases and appeals from lower courts are handled by the Arlington County Circuit Court, where:
- Pre-trial motions are heard
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Trial by judge or jury is conducted
- Sentencing occurs following conviction
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in Arlington County Detention Facility or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Serve the imposed sentence
- Apply for early release programs if eligible
- Eventually seek expungement or record sealing if qualified
Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained and updated by various agencies, including the Arlington County Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and court system. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Arlington County?
Arrest records in Arlington County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under authority granted by Virginia Code § 42.1-76 et seq., the Virginia Public Records Act. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.
For arrest records specifically:
- Arrest reports and supporting documentation must be retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of arrest
- Booking records and photographs must be maintained for at least 75 years
- Fingerprint cards and digital fingerprint records are permanently retained
- Incident reports resulting in arrest are kept for 30 years
- Arrest warrants must be retained for 20 years after execution or recall
Different agencies within Arlington County maintain separate but overlapping record systems:
- The Arlington County Police Department maintains original arrest reports, incident documentation, and investigation files
- The Arlington County Sheriff's Office retains booking records, custody information, and jail records
- The Arlington County Circuit Court preserves case files, including arrest warrants and related court documents
- The Virginia State Police maintains a central repository of arrest fingerprints and criminal history information
These extended retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Historical and research value
- Accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations
It is important to note that even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital information about arrests may persist in various databases indefinitely. Additionally, once arrest information has been lawfully disclosed to third parties, government agencies cannot control subsequent retention or dissemination of that information by private entities.
How to Find Mugshots in Arlington County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and document the physical appearance of arrested individuals. In Arlington County, these photographs are considered part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual, often with identifying information such as a booking number and date. These photographs serve both administrative and investigative purposes, allowing for visual identification of individuals in custody.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Arlington County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The Arlington County Sheriff's Office, which manages the booking process at the Arlington County Detention Facility
- The Arlington County Police Department, which may retain copies of booking photographs for investigative purposes
- The Virginia State Police, which maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including mugshots
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots from Arlington County agencies:
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Submit a FOIA request to the Arlington County Sheriff's Office, specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction. Fees are assessed in accordance with actual costs incurred by the agency.
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Allow time for processing and potential redaction of certain information.
Can They Be Found Online
Arlington County does not currently maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, the county does not publish booking photographs on its website or through social media channels. This policy reflects concerns about privacy and the potential impact of such publications on individuals who may not ultimately be convicted.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official purposes, such as law enforcement investigations or court proceedings, mugshots may be obtained through formal channels:
- Law enforcement agencies may request mugshots through inter-agency information sharing systems
- Prosecutors and defense attorneys may obtain mugshots through discovery processes
- Court officials may access mugshots as part of official court records
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Arlington County is subject to certain restrictions:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images may be redacted to protect sensitive information
- Commercial use of mugshots obtained through FOIA may be restricted
These restrictions balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the presumption of innocence.