Arlington County Criminal Records
What Is Arlington County Criminal Records
Arlington County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Arlington County, Virginia. These records are maintained pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and serve as the official history of arrests, prosecutions, and court dispositions. Criminal records in Arlington County encompass several distinct categories of information.
Arrest records differ substantially from conviction records. Arrest records document when law enforcement takes a person into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a specific offense. Under § 19.2-389 of the Virginia Code, both types of records are maintained, though with different levels of accessibility.
The Virginia criminal justice system distinguishes between:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to twelve months in jail
Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (individuals under 18) are sealed pursuant to § 16.1-301 of the Virginia Code, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Arlington County:
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 9100
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-4460
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
Arlington County Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington County Circuit Court
Arlington General District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7900
Arlington General District Court
Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
(804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police
Arlington County criminal records typically include information about charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole status. These records form a comprehensive documentation of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Arlington County
Criminal records in Arlington County are generally public documents subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act states: "The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government." This statutory language underscores the Commonwealth's commitment to transparency in government operations, including criminal justice proceedings.
Public criminal records in Arlington County typically include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under § 2.2-3706)
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for violent offenses)
- Records where disclosure would compromise public safety
- Records that would interfere with a defendant's right to a fair trial
The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) maintains comprehensive criminal history information, but access is restricted to authorized criminal justice agencies. Members of the public seeking criminal record information must typically request it through appropriate channels, such as the courts or the Virginia State Police.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the methods of access and specific restrictions may vary depending on the type of record sought and the maintaining agency. Arlington County adheres to both state and federal privacy laws that may limit disclosure in certain circumstances.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Arlington County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Arlington County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains a structured system for public access to criminal justice information.
To conduct an in-person search for criminal records:
- Visit the Arlington County Courthouse during regular business hours.
Arlington County Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Arlington County Circuit Court
- Request access to public terminals for searching court records.
- Provide the name of the individual whose records you seek.
- Pay applicable search or copying fees (currently $5.00 for record search, $0.50 per page for copies).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
For written requests by mail:
- Submit a formal written request to the Clerk of Court.
- Include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- Specify the time period for which records are sought.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and the required search fee.
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing.
For criminal history reports from the Virginia State Police:
- Complete a Criminal History Record Request form (SP-167).
- Include a set of fingerprints (required for complete criminal history).
- Submit the $15.00 processing fee (subject to change).
- Mail the completed package to:
Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
(804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police
Pursuant to § 19.2-389 of the Virginia Code, individuals may also request their own criminal history record by submitting a notarized application with fingerprints and the required fee.
For active warrants or current inmate information, contact:
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 9100
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-4460
Arlington County Sheriff's Office
How To Find Criminal Records in Arlington County Online?
Arlington County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These electronic resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person searches at government offices.
The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System serves as the primary portal for accessing court records electronically:
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System Case Information website.
- Select "Arlington County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu.
- Choose either Circuit Court, General District Court, or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or hearing date).
- Review the results, which typically include case status, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information.
For information about current inmates in Arlington County:
- Access the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator system.
- Enter the individual's name or inmate identification number.
- Review custody status, facility location, and projected release date if applicable.
The Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry provides public access to information about registered sex offenders:
- Visit the Virginia Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Virginia State Police.
- Search by name, zip code, or address to locate registered offenders in Arlington County.
- View offender details, including photograph, address, and conviction information.
For electronic access to criminal history records:
- The Virginia State Police offers an online criminal history request portal.
- Users must register for an account and pay the required fee.
- Results are typically available within 15 business days.
- Note that fingerprint-based searches are not available online and require in-person or mail submission.
Some limitations apply to online record searches:
- Certain case details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Juvenile records are generally not available online
- Cases under seal or subject to expungement will not appear
- Historical records predating digital conversion may require in-person research
Online access to court records is provided pursuant to the Virginia Code § 17.1-293, which establishes guidelines for electronic access to court records while protecting sensitive information.
Can You Search Arlington County Criminal Records for Free?
Arlington County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records information, in accordance with Virginia's commitment to government transparency. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3704.1) establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Arlington County Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Arlington County Circuit Court
Arlington General District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Arlington General District Court
At these locations, members of the public may:
- Use public access terminals to search court records
- Review case files in non-confidential matters
- Observe public court proceedings
- Examine daily court dockets
Online resources available without charge include:
-
The Virginia Judicial System Case Information website provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Hearing dates
- Case status and disposition
-
The Arlington County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that can be accessed without fee.
-
The Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry offers complimentary searches for registered offenders in Arlington County.
While basic record inspection is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($5.00 per document)
- Criminal history reports from the Virginia State Police ($15.00)
- Expedited processing
- Records requiring extensive staff research time
The Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Arlington General District Court Clerk's Office can provide current fee schedules for specialized record requests.
What's Included in a Arlington County Criminal Record?
Arlington County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Public Records Act and typically include several categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and jurisdiction
- Court of record (Circuit, General District, or Juvenile & Domestic Relations)
- Filing date and case status
- Specific charges with Virginia Code citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class 1-6 or misdemeanor class 1-4)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor assigned
- Judge presiding over the case
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, nolle prosequi, dismissed)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history and restrictions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary depending on the maintaining agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Arlington County Circuit Court typically contain the most detailed information for felony cases and serious misdemeanors, while the Arlington General District Court maintains records for lesser offenses and preliminary hearings.
Pursuant to § 19.2-389 of the Virginia Code, the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) maintains the official criminal history record information for the Commonwealth, incorporating data from all local jurisdictions including Arlington County.
How Long Does Arlington County Keep Criminal Records?
Arlington County maintains criminal records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of the Virginia Public Records Act. These schedules prescribe specific timeframes for preserving various categories of criminal justice records.
Felony case records in Arlington County Circuit Court are retained permanently, as mandated by the Library of Virginia's General Schedule No. 6. This includes:
- Capital murder cases
- Class 1-6 felony case files
- Related exhibits and evidence documentation
- Grand jury indictments
- Trial transcripts
Misdemeanor case records are subject to the following retention periods:
- Class 1-2 misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
- Class 3-4 misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Arrest records maintained by the Arlington County Sheriff's Office are typically retained for:
- Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 3 years from date of arrest
Court orders regarding expungement, sealing, or destruction of records supersede standard retention schedules. Pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 of the Virginia Code, individuals may petition for expungement of records under specific circumstances, particularly when charges did not result in conviction.
Digital court records in the case management system are maintained according to the same schedules as physical records. However, once records are transferred to the Library of Virginia for archival purposes, they become permanent historical documents.
Sex offender registration information is maintained for:
- Violent sexual offenders: Lifetime registration
- All other sex offenders: Minimum of 15 years, with potential extensions
- Juvenile sex offenders: Until age 21, unless ordered otherwise by the court
The Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange maintains criminal history information indefinitely, though non-conviction data may be removed after a period of time pursuant to state and federal regulations.
Lookup Criminal Records in Arlington County
Arlington General District Court