Chesterfield Public Records / Chesterfield County Arrest Records

Chesterfield County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chesterfield County

Arrest records in Chesterfield County are generally considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), specifically pursuant to § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia. This statute governs the disclosure of law enforcement and criminal records throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Chesterfield County.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Chesterfield County Police Department and Sheriff's Office, subject to certain statutory exemptions and limitations. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes that criminal incident information relating to felony offenses shall be public records, available to any citizen of the Commonwealth.

It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime, but do not indicate guilt
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

Under Virginia law, specifically § 2.2-3706(B), certain criminal investigative files may be withheld from public disclosure at the discretion of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, pursuant to § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, criminal history record information maintained by the Virginia State Police is subject to stricter access controls than local arrest records.

The Chesterfield County Police Records Unit maintains and processes requests for arrest records in accordance with these state laws.

What's in Chesterfield County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Chesterfield County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services requirements and generally includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address at time of arrest
Gender and race
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency (Chesterfield County Police Department or Sheriff's Office)
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed (including Virginia Code section citations)
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, or violation)
Description of alleged criminal activity
Victim information (with certain privacy protections)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date warrant was issued
Judge or magistrate who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking number or identification
Processing officer information
Property inventory taken during booking

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Whether bond was posted
Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond conditions imposed

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Chesterfield General District Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Case number assigned by the court

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history in Chesterfield County
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Special custody considerations (medical needs, suicide watch, etc.)
Immigration detainer information (if applicable)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with § 2.2-3706(B) of the Virginia Code.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Chesterfield County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Chesterfield County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:

Submit a written request to the Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit
- Complete the Police Records Request Form
- Include specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, date of incident)
- Provide valid identification when submitting the request
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Unit
Visit the Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit in person
- Records are available during regular business hours
- Staff can assist with identifying and locating specific arrest records
- Proper identification is required for all in-person requests
Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit
10001 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1268
Chesterfield County Police Records
Contact the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
- For arrests made by Sheriff's deputies or information about current inmates
- Provide specific information about the individual (full name, date of birth)
- Submit requests during regular business hours
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1261
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
Check the Chesterfield County General District Court records
- For information about pending cases resulting from arrests
- Records can be accessed through the courthouse or online
- Case information includes charges, court dates, and disposition
Chesterfield County General District Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1231
Virginia Judicial System
Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request
- Cite Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. in your request
- Be specific about the records being requested
- Agencies must respond within five working days
- Reasonable fees may be charged for search and copying

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies may make reasonable charges not to exceed the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records. Requestors will be notified in advance if fees will exceed $200.

How To Find Chesterfield County Arrest Records Online

Chesterfield County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Select "Chesterfield County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name to find case information related to arrests
- System provides case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information
- Updated daily with new case information
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Visit the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- System provides current custody status, charges, and bond information
- Information is updated in real-time as inmates are booked or released
Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator
- Access the Virginia DOC Inmate Locator
- Enter the individual's name or offender ID number
- System provides information on individuals sentenced to state custody
- Includes current location and projected release date
- Updated regularly with custody status changes
Chesterfield County Police Department Daily Incident Reports
- Visit the Chesterfield County Police Department website
- Access published daily incident reports
- Reports include information about recent arrests
- Information is typically published with a 24-48 hour delay
- Not all arrests may be included in these reports
Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry
- For specific sex offense-related arrests and convictions
- Access the Virginia Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name or geographic area within Chesterfield County
- Registry includes arrest and conviction information for registered offenders

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware that:

Some systems may require registration or the creation of a user account
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
Records may not be immediately available following an arrest
The most comprehensive records are still obtained through formal requests
Online systems may experience occasional technical difficulties or maintenance periods

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293, certain personal identifying information may be restricted from online access even when the underlying records are public.

How To Search Chesterfield County Arrest Records for Free?

Chesterfield County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without incurring fees through several official channels. The following methods provide cost-free access to arrest information:

Visit the Chesterfield County Courthouse Public Access Terminals
- Public terminals are available during regular court hours
- No fee is charged for searching records on these terminals
- Staff can provide basic assistance with navigating the system
- Printing fees may apply if copies are needed
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1241
Chesterfield Circuit Court
Use the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Access is completely free of charge
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
- Provides case status, hearing dates, and charge information
- No registration or account required
Review Public Police Blotters and Incident Reports
- Available at the Chesterfield County Police Department
- Updated regularly with recent arrest information
- Can be viewed in person at no cost
- Some information may also be published on the department website
Attend Public Court Proceedings
- Court sessions are open to the public at no charge
- Arraignments and other proceedings provide information about recent arrests
- Court dockets are posted daily at the courthouse
- Provides firsthand information about arrest cases
Contact the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
- Basic information about current inmates is provided at no charge
- Call the main information line during business hours
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Information is limited to current custody status and charges
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1261
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
Submit a Targeted FOIA Request
- Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(F), agencies may waive fees
- Narrow requests requiring minimal staff time are more likely to be processed without charge
- Clearly state that you are requesting a fee waiver
- Explain why the request serves the public interest, if applicable

While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:

Certified copies of records
Extensive searches requiring significant staff time
Records that require substantial redaction before release
Multiple or voluminous record requests
Specialized reports or data compilations

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(H), public bodies may not charge extraneous fees designed to discourage requesters from exercising their rights under FOIA.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Chesterfield County

In Chesterfield County, as throughout Virginia, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. These legal processes are governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 and related statutes.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement in Virginia refers to the removal of records from public view and the prohibition of their dissemination. The records are not physically destroyed but are segregated and access is strictly limited.
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them within the system for certain authorized users such as law enforcement and the courts.

Eligibility for Expungement in Chesterfield County

Under current Virginia law, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Acquittals - Cases where the individual was found not guilty at trial
Nolle Prosequi - Cases dismissed by the prosecutor
Dismissals - Cases formally dismissed by the court
Identity Theft - Arrests resulting from another person using the petitioner's identity
Absolute Pardons - Cases where the Governor has granted an absolute pardon

Notably, Virginia law has historically been more restrictive than many states regarding expungement of conviction records. However, recent legislative changes have expanded eligibility in certain circumstances.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Chesterfield County

Obtain certified copies of case disposition documents
- Request from the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
- Include case numbers and dates of arrest
Complete the expungement petition form
- Use form CC-1473, "Petition for Expungement Filed in a Circuit Court"
- Available from the Virginia Judicial System
File the petition with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $88)
- Include all supporting documentation
- File in the county where the case was concluded
Chesterfield County Circuit Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1241
Chesterfield Circuit Court
Fingerprinting requirement
- Petitioner must be fingerprinted by law enforcement
- Fingerprints are compared to the arrest record
- Verification confirms identity of the petitioner
Commonwealth's Attorney review
- The Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews all petitions
- May consent to or oppose the expungement
- Court hearing is scheduled if petition is contested
Court hearing (if required)
- Present evidence supporting the need for expungement
- Judge makes final determination based on statutory criteria
- Court considers "manifest injustice" standard in certain cases
Implementation of expungement order
- If granted, court issues order to all relevant agencies
- Records are removed from public access
- Process may take several months to complete

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2(F), individuals with expunged records may legally respond to questions about the arrest as if it never occurred, except in specific circumstances outlined in the statute.

What Happens After Arrest in Chesterfield County?

Following an arrest in Chesterfield County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Virginia state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to the Chesterfield County Jail
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial criminal history check is performed
Magistrate Appearance
- Occurs within hours of arrest
- Magistrate reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Formal charges are filed based on officer statements
- Determination is made regarding pretrial release
Bond Determination
- Magistrate sets bond based on:
  - Nature and severity of charges
  - Criminal history of defendant
  - Community ties and flight risk
  - Public safety considerations
- Types of bond may include:
  - Personal recognizance (release on promise to appear)
  - Secured bond (requiring payment or collateral)
  - Unsecured bond (promise to pay if fail to appear)
  - No bond (detention until court appearance)
Arraignment
- First formal court appearance before a judge
- Typically occurs within 72 hours of arrest for jailed defendants
- Charges are formally read to the defendant
- Rights are explained, including right to counsel
- Plea is not typically entered at this stage
- Future court dates are established
Appointment of Counsel (if applicable)
- Public defender eligibility is determined
- Financial affidavit may be required
- Court-appointed attorney is assigned if qualified
- Private counsel may be retained at any point
Chesterfield Public Defender's Office
9501 Lucy Corr Circle
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1461
Preliminary Hearing (felony cases)
- Held in Chesterfield General District Court
- Prosecution must establish probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and witness testimony
- Judge determines if case proceeds to Circuit Court
- Typically occurs within 30-45 days of arrest
Grand Jury Indictment (felony cases)
- Grand jury reviews evidence in closed session
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists for trial
- Issues indictment if "true bill" is found
- Case is formally transferred to Circuit Court
Discovery Process
- Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Governed by Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia
- May include police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence
- Motion hearings may address evidence issues
Plea Negotiations
- Discussions between defense counsel and prosecutor
- May result in reduced charges or sentencing recommendations
- Any agreement must be approved by the court
- Defendant must voluntarily accept terms
Trial
- Misdemeanors tried in General District Court
- Felonies tried in Chesterfield Circuit Court
- Bench trial (judge only) or jury trial options
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Verdict determined by unanimous jury or judge
Sentencing (if convicted)
- May occur immediately or at later hearing
- Pre-sentence investigation often ordered
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence within statutory guidelines
- Potential penalties include incarceration, probation, fines
Appeal Process
- Right to appeal within specified timeframe
- Misdemeanor appeals heard in Circuit Court
- Felony appeals directed to Virginia Court of Appeals
- Based on legal errors rather than factual disputes

Throughout this process, arrest records are updated to reflect the current status of the case, including court appearances, bond modifications, and ultimate disposition.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Chesterfield County?

Arrest records in Chesterfield County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia pursuant to Virginia Code § 42.1-85. These schedules mandate specific timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

Adult Arrest Records
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention required
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 10-year retention after case closure
- Non-criminal arrests (protective custody): 3 years after incident
- Arrest records resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
Juvenile Arrest Records
- Generally maintained until individual reaches age 19
- Serious offenses (equivalent to adult felonies): Maintained until age 29
- Records may be destroyed earlier if court-ordered
- Governed by Virginia Code § 16.1-306
Booking Records and Photographs
- Digital booking information: Permanent retention
- Physical booking cards: 75 years after creation
- Mugshot photographs: Maintained with corresponding arrest records
- Fingerprint records: Permanent retention
Investigative Records Related to Arrests
- Felony investigations: 75 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor investigations: 10 years after case closure
- Unfounded allegations: 3 years after investigation conclusion
Jail Records
- Inmate files: 3 years after release from custody
- Commitment records: 10 years after inmate release
- Visitor logs: 3 years after last entry
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release

The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office and Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state requirements. Records retention serves several critical purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
Protects the rights of both the accused and victims

It is important to note that even after physical or electronic records reach their retention limit, information about arrests may persist in various databases and systems. Court records related to arrests typically have separate retention schedules and may be maintained indefinitely, particularly for felony cases.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-134, the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) maintained by the Virginia State Police preserves criminal history information indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court.

How to Find Mugshots in Chesterfield County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest and booking process. In Chesterfield County, these photographs are captured as part of standard booking procedures at the Chesterfield County Jail. Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Chesterfield County are primarily maintained by:

The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county jail and booking facilities
The Chesterfield County Police Department Records Division, which maintains comprehensive arrest records
The Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange for serious offenses

These photographs are stored in secure law enforcement databases with controlled access protocols in accordance with Virginia law enforcement standards.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Chesterfield County must follow established procedures:

Submit a formal request to the Chesterfield County Police Records Unit
- Complete the Police Records Request Form
- Provide specific information about the individual (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Include proper identification with your request
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction (currently $5 per photograph)
Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit
10001 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1268
Chesterfield County Police Records
Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request
- Cite Virginia Code § 2.2-3706 regarding law enforcement records
- Clearly specify that booking photographs are being requested
- Provide detailed information to identify the specific records
- Agencies must respond within five working days

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Chesterfield County does not maintain an official online database of mugshots accessible to the public. However, mugshots may appear online through:

Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
Media outlets reporting on significant arrests
Virginia Department of Corrections offender database (for convicted individuals)

It is important to note that these unofficial sources may contain outdated or inaccurate information and should not be considered authoritative.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot information is through official channels:

In-person requests at the Police Records Unit
Written requests submitted by mail
Email requests to the designated records contact
Requests through an attorney with proper authorization

All requests must comply with Virginia public records laws and departmental procedures.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Chesterfield County is subject to several important limitations:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not available to the public pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-301
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be withheld under FOIA exemptions
Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are not available for public inspection
Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under Virginia law
Records may be withheld if release would compromise public safety

The Chesterfield County Police Department and Sheriff's Office evaluate each request for mugshots individually to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protection of privacy interests where legally required.

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