Accomack County Arrest Records

Arrest records are official documents created by law enforcement agencies following an individual's arrest. In Accomack County, Virginia, the primary law enforcement body is the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, which collaborates with the Virginia State Police to enforce laws and maintain public safety. Both agencies perform arrests and are responsible for creating the resulting records.

Upon an individual's arrest in Accomack County, the arrested individual undergoes a booking process and is detained in the county jail managed by the Sheriff's Office. During the booking process, arrest information is assembled for collation into law enforcement's database.

If charges are filed, the individual may proceed to face trial in court. All proceedings, including hearings and depositions, are documented and become part of Accomack County's court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Accomack County?

Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), residents have the right to access public records, including arrest records, with certain exceptions. According to § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, law enforcement agencies are required to disclose specific information, such as adult arrestee photographs taken during the initial intake following the arrest and as part of the routine booking procedure, unless such disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation.

However, certain records are exempt from disclosure to protect individual privacy and the integrity of ongoing investigations. Some of these records include:

• Records pertaining to individuals under 18
• An arrestee's medical or mental health details are protected.
• Sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers
• Records related to active criminal investigations may be exempt to prevent compromising the case.
• The identities of confidential informants are protected to ensure their safety.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Accomack County provide detailed information about individuals taken into custody by law enforcement. These records generally include the following details:

• The personal information of the arrestee, such as their name and biodata
• Arrest details
• Charges
• Booking information
• Bail information

Accomack County Arrest Statistics

Arrest data in Accomack County offers insights into local crime trends and enforcement efforts. While Accomack-specific statistics may vary, crime data is typically categorized into two groups, as seen in other parts of Virginia:

• Group A Offenses: Include crimes against persons, property, and society. Examples are assault, burglary, and drug violations.
• Group B Offenses: Include lesser offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) and disorderly conduct.

In similar counties, assaults and property-related crimes tend to dominate Group A arrests, while DUI and public intoxication are common in Group B offenses. Accomack County-specific arrest statistics can be accessed via the Virginia State Police's Crime in Virginia reports or through the Data Analysis and Reporting Team (DART) Public Reporting Site.

Find Accomack County Arrest Records

Accomack County arrest records are primarily managed and disseminated by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police.

Those seeking Accomack County arrest records may proceed by determining which agency generated the arrest record. Requests to either office may be made in person, via mail, or online. The requesting party will need to provide information regarding the record holder, including the arrestee's full name, the date/location of the arrest, and the detention facility. For queries to the state police, inquirers may consult the Virginia State Police Directory for the nearest location. However, requests to the county Sheriff's office may be addressed thus:

23323 Wise Court
P.O. Box 149
Accomac, VA 23301
Phone: (757) 787-1131
Fax: (757) 787-2310

If the individual is or was detained in the Accomack County Jail, the Sheriff's Office maintains related records, including booking information, charges, and bail conditions.

For cases involving state or federal incarceration, inquirers may utilize the Virginia Inmate Locator provided by the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). Users may use the portal to search for inmates by name, ID, or other details. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) operates an Inmate Locator tool with which inquirers can look up or locate federal inmates.

Free Arrest Record Search in Accomack County

While official sites offer limited options for free arrest record searches, several third-party websites may offer free searches in Accomack County for basic arrest record information. These sites often operate independently of official government resources and may provide limited details. However, fees may be required for comprehensive records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records in Accomack County are retained indefinitely unless expunged by court order. Expungement eligibility in Virginia is governed by specific statutory requirements under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Expunge Accomack County Arrest Records

In Accomack County, Virginia, arrest records can be expunged per the provisions of Title 19.2, Chapter 23.1 of the Code of Virginia, specifically outlined in Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-392.2. Expungement removes an arrest record from public access, ensuring it does not appear in background checks or other public databases. This is a legal remedy available for individuals who meet certain conditions.

A person may petition the court for expungement of an arrest record in Accomack County if:

• They were acquitted of their charge(s).
• The prosecutor decided not to pursue the charges.
• The charges were dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction.
• The individual was a victim of mistaken identity or identity theft.

To initiate an expungement, the petitioner must file a petition in the Circuit Court of Accomack County. A copy of the original charging document, details of the arrest, and the arrestee's fingerprints may be required to file the petition.

If the petition is granted, the court orders the record expunged. This restricts public access to the record, though certain law enforcement and government agencies may still retain limited access for official purposes.

Accomack County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant grants law enforcement the legal authority to apprehend an individual suspected of committing a crime. In Accomack County, warrants are issued by a magistrate, district court clerk, circuit court clerk, or judge.

The following rules apply to the issuance of arrest warrants in Accomack County:

• A judicial officer must determine that probable cause exists before issuing a warrant.
• Complaints from private citizens must be submitted in writing.
• For felony complaints initiated by private citizens, the magistrate must seek authorization from the Virginia Commonwealth's Attorney or law enforcement before issuing the warrant.

A valid arrest warrant must identify or describe the accused with reasonable certainty, detail the offense charged, and be signed by the issuing officer.

Residents seeking information about arrest records or warrants in Accomack County can contact the following:

Accomack County Sheriff's Office
23323 Wise Court
P.O. Box 149
Accomac, VA 23301
Phone: (757) 787-1131

Clerk of Circuit Court
23296 Courthouse Ave,
Suite 203
P.O. Box 388
Accomac, VA 23301
Phone: (757) 787-5700

Do Accomack County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Virginia, including Accomack County, arrest warrants do not expire. However, unexecuted warrants may be reviewed for potential quashing or destruction: