Danville County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Danville County, Virginia, document the circumstances under which individuals are taken into custody by law enforcement. These records play a vital role in the criminal justice system and are often closely tied to Danville County Court Records, which provide information on legal proceedings, criminal charges, and case outcomes related to arrests.

Arrests in Danville County become necessary when law enforcement has probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime, as mandated by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Virginia Code § 19.2-81. Arrest may also occur when a court issues a warrant under Virginia Code § 19.2-71.

Once an individual is arrested in Danville County, they undergo the booking process, which is the formal registration of the arrest into the county's criminal justice system. The booking process typically includes.

• Personal information collection: The individual's name, date of birth, address, and date of birth are recorded. Law enforcement also collects information about any aliases or identifying marks.
• Photograph (mugshot). A mugshot of the arrested individual is taken. The photograph becomes part of the public record unless sealed or expunged.
• Fingerprinting: Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases such as those maintained by the Virginia State Police and the FBI's integrated Automated fingerprint identification system.
• Documentation of charges: The alleged offenses are documented, and arresting officers prepare a detailed report summarizing the circumstances of the arrest.
• Medical and Safety check: The individual is assessed for any medical conditions or safety concerns to ensure appropriate care while in custody.
• Search and Property Confiscation: The individual is searched, and any personal items such as wallets, phones, or jewelry are cataloged and stored.
• The arrested person is then placed in a holding cell or jail facility pending arraignment or bond hearing.

Following booking, the individual may be eligible for release on bond or bail, depending on the nature of the charges. The court determines bail based on factors like the severity of the crime, the individual's criminal history, and flight risk.

Inmates arrested in Danville County are typically held at the Danville City Jail, managed by the Danville County Sheriff's Office. This agency generates arrest records and maintains custody logs. Arrest records are often shared with other public records, such as court filings and criminal history databases, to ensure a cohesive legal process.

Are Arrest Records Public in Danville County?

Under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700), arrest records are generally considered public. However, certain information may be exempt from disclosure, such as:

• Ongoing investigations: Records related to active criminal investigations, per Virginia Code.
• Juvenile Records: Arrests involving minors are typically confidential under Virginia Code § 16.1-301.
• Protected Information: Records that could jeopardize public safety or reveal personal data, such as Social Security numbers, are excluded from public access.

Eligibility to access public arrest records often requires submitting a request to the Danville County Sheriff's Office or the Virginia State Police. Fees may apply for obtaining copies of these records.

Danville County Arrest Statistics

Danville County has a property crime rate of 58.9, compared to the US average of 35.4. Property crime includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. With a violent crime rate of 30.3, it exceeds the national average of 22.7. Between the years 2013 and 2021, 36,198 arrests were made in the county, with 25,091 belonging to non-violent and low-level offenses. The county also has an incarceration rate of 679 per 100,000 people, including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile facilities.

Find Danville County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking Danville County arrest records may use the following resources:

• Danville County Sheriff's Office: Maintains local arrest records and jail rosters. These may often be accessed online or by visiting the office in person.
• Virginia State Police: Offers criminal history record checks under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, which include arrest data.
• Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC): Provides an inmate locator tool to search for individuals incarcerated in state correctional facilities.

These records are linked to Danville County Court Records, which provide comprehensive details on Judicial outcomes of arrests.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records in Virginia generally remain on an individual's criminal history indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2. Eligibility for expungement depends on the case outcome:

• Non-Convictions: Arrest records may be expunged if charges are dismissed or if the individual is found not guilty.
• Convictions: Expungement is not typically available for convictions in Virginia.

Individuals must file a petition in court and demonstrate that the continued presence of the arrest record causes harm or undue hardship.

Danville County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal order issued by a judge or magistrate in Danville County authorizing law enforcement to take an individual into custody. Arrest warrants are governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-71 and must include the following details:

• The suspect’s name or a detailed description.
• The alleged offense and statutory reference.
• Probable cause evidence presented by law enforcement.
• The signature of the issuing judicial officer.

Warrants are typically issued for reasons such as failure to appear in court, suspected criminal activity, or probation violations. The Danville County Sheriff's Office executes these warrants within its jurisdiction.

Do Danville County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Danville County do not expire. They remain active until executed or formally quashed by a court. However, factors such as the statute of limitations, outlined in Virginia Code § 19.2-8, may impact the enforceability of the underlying charges, rendering the warrant less actionable over time.

For instance:

• Misdemeanor charges may be subject to a one-year limitations period, after which charges cannot be pursued even if a warrant remains active.
• Felony charges, such as murder, typically have no statute of limitations in Virginia, meaning that warrants for these offenses remain enforceable indefinitely.