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  1. Arlington County Court
  2. Arlington County Arrest Records

Arlington County Arrest Records

Arlington County arrest records are official documents created by local law enforcement agencies within Arlington County, VA. These records track individuals whom the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) and other local agencies book and detain. Typically, arrest records contain:

  • Identifying information
  • Arrest event details
  • Charges and legal basis for the arrests
  • Booking and custody information
  • Case and court references
  • Release or disposition status
  • Law enforcement internal record-management elements

Title 2.2, Chapter 37 of the Code of Virginia establishes the framework for public access to Arlington County arrest records. This law mandates the release of government records to promote transparency and accountability, and by doing so, it supports:

  • Informed community awareness regarding local law enforcement activity
  • Oversight of public agencies
  • The legal rights of individuals affected by arrests
  • Public safety research.

While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act grants the public access to basic information about Arlington County arrests, Section 19.2-389 of the Virginia Code specifically regulates the dissemination of criminal offender record information (CORI). This law restricts who can receive detailed criminal history records, which often encompasses both arrest and conviction data.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Arlington, Virginia?

Yes, arrest records are generally public information in Arlington County. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act grants interested persons the right to access official documents in the custody of government agencies, including those of Arlington County. Virginia mandates public access to arrest records to ensure government transparency and accountability, including oversight of police activity. Nonetheless, access to access records is not unlimited. Under Virginia laws, while basic information about arrests is public, law enforcement agencies will withhold certain records or portions of Arlington County arrest records, particularly where disclosure would:

  • Jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation.
  • Reveal investigative techniques or strategies
  • Endanger witnesses, victims, or officers
  • Interfere with prosecution or court proceedings.

Additionally, there are statutory restrictions on public access to:

  • Juvenile arrest records
  • Sealed or expunged arrest records
  • Privacy-protected arrest information
  • Arrest records under judicial restriction.

Arlington County Arrest Search

When an arrest occurs, the data is routed into various systems depending on the nature of the crime and the status of the legal proceedings. Hence, to search for arrest information in Arlington County, information seekers may need to navigate between state-managed repositories and federal databases for specific jurisdictional crimes.

State-level access to Arlington County Arrest Records

At the state level, Arlington County arrest records may appear through criminal history reports. The Virginia State Police (VSP) Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) provides fingerprint-based criminal history reports for authorized individuals, including arrests reported statewide, charges filed, and their disposition status. Likewise, the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information about Arlington County arrestees serving sentences in Virginia state prison.

For Arlington County arrests that result in criminal trials, interested parties can access the details from criminal case files through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System.

Federal-level Access to Arlington County Arrest Records

Several resources are available to individuals searching for Arlington County arrest records at the federal level. Records of Arlington County detainees serving prison terms at federal correctional facilities are searchable in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator under inmate records. Individuals can also request a Personal Identity History Summary Check from the FBI (which also covers arrests reported to the FBI).

If an Arlington County arrest results in federal prosecution, interested parties can access details of the case as part of the federal criminal case docket through PACER (Public Access to Electronic Court Records). Record seekers can also use the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division at:

Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse

401 Courthouse Square,

Alexandria,

VA 22314

Phone: (703) 299-2100, (703) 299-2102, (703) 299-2178 (Clerk of Court).

Arlington County Inmate Locator

While state and federal resources track older Arlington County arrest records, county-run inmate locator tools offer the public faster and more reliable access to recent data. These systems update with real-time or near-real-time booking information, ensuring they remain more current than state or court databases.

The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office maintains the Inmate In Custody Search Portal, which tracks individuals currently held at the Arlington County Detention Facility (ACDF). Users can access inmate information, such as:

  • Inmate’s full legal name
  • Booking or inmate identification number
  • Date and time of arrest or booking
  • Arresting agency (often Arlington County Police Department)
  • Current custody status (in custody, released, transferred)
  • Bail or bond information (when applicable).

For individuals seeking information about recent bookings in the county, this locator is the most practical starting point.

Active Warrant Search in Arlington County

An arrest warrant is a formal court order authorizing law enforcement to take a specific person into custody. Judges of the Arlington County Circuit and General District Courts, including Virginia magistrates serving in Arlington County, issue these documents when law enforcement provides evidence that a named individual committed a criminal act or disobeyed court orders.

In Arlington County, the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for serving arrest warrants issued by Arlington courts. In addition, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office:

  • Logs active warrants into law-enforcement databases
  • Maintains warrant status for individuals processed through county custody
  • Coordinates with the Virginia State Police and other agencies to enforce warrants.

The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office does not issue or publish a comprehensive public list of active warrants. However, interested individuals can contact the office and inquire about active Arlington County-issued arrest warrants at:

1425 N Courthouse Rd, Suite 9100

Arlington,

VA 22201

Phone: (703) 228-4460

Email: sheriff@arlingtonva.us.

Inquirers can also contact the Arlington County Circuit and General District Courts clerk’s offices at the following addresses.

Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk of Court

1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 6700,

Arlington,

VA 22201

Phone: (703) 228-7010

Email: circuitcourt@arlingtonva.us

Arlington County General District Court Clerk of Court

1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400 (2nd Floor),

Arlington,

VA 22201

Phone: (703) 228-7900.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Arlington

It is possible to access Arlington County arrest records for free. However, no-cost access comes with limits. For free access to information about arrests that result in jail custody, log in to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Inmate In Custody Search Portal. This online tool allows free searches of Arlington County arrest information via inmate records. Users can look for Arlington County arrest details using names and booking numbers as search criteria. For free information about Arlington County arrests that result in criminal charges, log in to the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System and view these details as part of criminal case records.

To obtain Arlington County arrest information in person at no cost, visit the Arlington County Police Department and request to view the records. Alternatively, visit the clerk’s office at the Arlington County General District Court and request a free review of criminal court records.

Information seekers should note that free access covers only limited details and often excludes older records, police reports, affidavits, and narratives. Furthermore:

  • Redactions are common for sensitive information
  • Results exclude expunged or sealed arrest records
  • There may be posting delays, which can range from hours to days
  • Certain inquiries may still require identity verification, even for no-cost access.

Arlington Arrest Report

In legal and practical contexts, Arlington County arrest records and arrest reports are distinct documents. Although both are law enforcement documents, they serve different purposes. Arlington County arrest records are high-level, administrative entries created by the Arlington County Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies when they take individuals into custody or formally charge them for criminal actions. Arrest details feature in jail, court, or law enforcement databases as summaries of the arrest events. Typically, arrest records contain information, such as:

  • Name of the arrested person
  • Date and time of arrest or booking
  • Arresting agency (e.g., Arlington County Police Department)
  • Charge(s) at booking
  • Booking or case number
  • Custody status (held, released, bonded)
  • Court assignment or next appearance.

In contrast, an Arlington County arrest report is a detailed written narrative of events leading to a specific arrest. This document contains:

  • Date, time, and location of the arrest incident
  • Statements from witnesses or the suspect
  • Description of alleged conduct
  • Evidence collected or observed
  • Legal basis for probable cause
  • References to related reports or charges.

The table summarizes common differences between Arlington County’s arrest records and arrest reports.

Feature

Arlington County Arrest Records

Arlington County Arrest Reports

Created when

At booking or charge

After the arresting officer’s investigation

Level of details

Basic summary

Detailed narrative

Contains evidence & statements

No

Yes

Public availability

Accessible but often limited

Restricted or redacted

Online access

Sometimes

Rarely

Requires a FOIA request to access

No

Yes.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Arlington

Expungement refers to the legal process that removes criminal records (including arrest information) from public access. Under Virginia laws, several scenarios can qualify arrest records for expungement. An Arlington County arrest record qualifies for automatic expunction if:

  • A competent court dismisses the underlying charges with prejudice or returns a guilty verdict
  • The Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney declines to proceed with the prosecution (nolle prosequi)
  • No charges filed after arrest (in some cases).

Owners of Arlington County arrest records can also follow the traditional route and file for expungement at the Arlington Clerk of the Circuit Court if the record results from mistaken identity or wrongful arrest, or the owner of the arrest record completes a deferred disposition or first-offender program.

To expunge an arrest record in Arlington County:

  • Confirm if the specific arrest record is eligible for expungement. If the record is eligible for automatic expunction, the court will initiate the process. Otherwise, the owner of the record must initiate the expungement process.
  • Obtain the case disposition records. This includes:
  • Final dismissal order, acquittal order, or nolle prosequi entry
  • Case number(s)
  • Arrest date and charge information
  • Prepare a Petition for Expungement addressed to the Arlington County Circuit Court. This should include:
  • Full legal name and identifiers
  • Arrest date and arresting agency
  • Charges and case number
  • Final disposition
  • Statement explaining why the court should expunge the record
  • Obtain fingerprints through an authorized law enforcement agency and attach the fingerprint card to your petition; Virginia requires fingerprints for expungement petitions
  • Submit the petition for expungement, the disposition documents, a fingerprint card, and filing fee (or fee waiver request) to the Arlington County Circuit Court. The Clerk will open the case, assign a judge, and send copies to the Commonwealth’s Attorney and law enforcement agencies
  • Wait for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s response. The prosecutor may consent to the expungement, object to the request, or request a hearing
  • If the court schedules a hearing, attend to present a case for the petition
  • Wait for the judge to review the petition and come to a decision
  • If the court grants expungement, the judge will issue a written Order of Expungement, and the Clerk of Court will send the order to the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, and other government agencies holding the record
  • Allow time for the relevant agencies to remove the record from their databases. Depending on the agency, removing the arrest record after its expunction may take up to 3 months or longer.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records From the Internet?

Notwithstanding the expunction of an Arlington arrest record, its removal from this internet may require extra steps. While an expungement order removes the record from local and state repositories, it may still be accessible online through federal databases and private websites. The following steps outline how to remove internet-published arrest information.

  • Obtain an expungement order from the Arlington County Circuit Court; this provides the legal backing for all removal requests
  • Locate every website publishing the arrest record. Common sources include:
  • Mugshot and arrest aggregation websites
  • Commercial background check platforms
  • Data brokers and people-search sites
  • News articles or police blotters
  • Cached search engine results
  • Ensure that the record is no longer accessible through official platforms. If a government website still publishes the information after expungement:
  • Contact the agency’s records division
  • Request correction or removal
  • Provide proof of disposition if necessary
  • Request removal from mugshots, arrest, Background check, and data broker websites. This process may require locating the site’s removal or opt-out page, and involves submitting:
  • Full name and URL of the page
  • Proof of dismissal, acquittal, or expungement
  • Identity verification (ID upload is common)
  • Request de-indexing of the arrest information from Google, Bing, and other search engines
  • News websites consider arrest stories as lawful reporting, and most do not remove articles. However, they may:
  • Update their articles to reflect dismissals or acquittals
  • Add a clarification or editor’s notes
  • Remove mugshots while keeping texts.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Virginia laws mandate public access to arrest records, unless there are specific exemptions. However, while there are restrictions on sensitive details, a typical Arlington County arrest record may contain the following categories of public-facing information:

Basic identifying details

  • Full name of the arrestee
  • Age or date of birth
  • Gender
  • General physical descriptors (for instance, height and weight)
  • Booking or arrest number

Arrest details

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency (local police department or sheriff’s office)
  • Type of arrest (warrant or on-view arrest)

Charges filed at the time of the arrest

  • The criminal offense(s) alleged
  • Classification of the charge (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Relevant statutory citation under the Virginia Code

Custody and booking information

  • Booking date and time
  • The facility where the individual was held
  • Bond or bail amount (if set)
  • Release status (released, transferred, held without bond)

Court information

  • Court of jurisdiction (Arlington County General District Court or Circuit Court)
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court date

Mugshots (if public).