Fairfax County Arrest Records

In Fairfax County, arrests are crucial for maintaining public safety and order. Law enforcement officers conduct arrests when they have probable cause to believe a resident or citizen has committed a crime, whether an infraction or a serious felony. The arrest process includes taking the person into custody, informing them of their rights, and specifying the charges against them. This procedure ensures the individual will appear in court to address the allegations and helps prevent further criminal activities.

Any adult arrested in Fairfax is detained at the Adult Detention Center (ADC). The ADC accommodates inmates with various security needs, ranging from minimum to maximum security. It is designed to provide a safe environment for inmates and staff, featuring different housing units such as direct supervision blocks for low-security inmates and popular supervision units for high-security inmates. Additionally, the ADC offers various programs to rehabilitate and prepare inmates for reintegration into society.

Typically, the police department that made an arrest is responsible for maintaining the corresponding record, which carries important information about the suspect, the offense, and the arrest circumstances.

Arrest records are part of public records, meaning anyone can look at them unless access restrictions exist. These records are linked to the Fairfax County court records, which provide information about the resulting court cases. Together, arrest and court records paint a complete picture of the criminal justice process, from the moment of arrest to the judicial proceedings and beyond.

Are Arrest Records Public in Fairfax County?

Yes. Arrest records are considered public information in Fairfax County per the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This state law allows residents to request and view public documents, including arrest records. However, there are notable exceptions to this rule.

Juvenile records are generally undisclosable to the public, and records sealed or expunged by a court order are also exempt from disclosure. Furthermore, sensitive information that could compromise ongoing investigations or the safety of involved individuals may be withheld.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Fairfax County contain pertinent information deemed releasable to the public under Virginia's FOIA laws. These records include the personal details of the arrested individual, such as their full name, date of birth, gender, and physical description, which may cover height, weight, eye color, and hair color.

Additionally, arrest records provide information about the arrest itself, including the arrest date and location, the arresting officer's name or badge number, and the arresting agency.

The alleged offense(s) committed by the suspect is also a significant part of the public arrest record. This section may include the arrest charge, statute, and its classification (misdemeanor or felony).

Another critical component is the suspect's booking information, which includes the booking number, mugshot (if applicable), and holding facility. Additionally, court information, such as the court case number, date and time of the first court appearance, and the court location, provides a timeline for the subsequent legal proceedings.

Bail or bond details, including the bail amount set and any release conditions, are also documented in a public arrest record. The information is crucial for understanding the terms under which an arrestee may be released from custody pending trial.

Finally, the arrest record may carry additional information, such as any executed warrants and notes or comments from the arresting officer, providing further context to the arrest.

Fairfax County Crime Rate

The 2021 Crime in Virginia Report provides insight into the types and frequencies of offenses occurring in Fairfax County in 2021. While the report's figures are grouped by reporting agency, much can be discerned about the crime rate in Fairfax by reviewing statistics from the county's primary law enforcement body, the Fairfax County Police Department, serving a population estimated at 1,104,242 in 2021.

According to the County PD, simple assault was the predominant crime against persons in 2021, with 6,678 reported incidents. Vandalism led the crime against property category, accounting for 4,135 cases, followed by shoplifting with 4,028 incidents. Meanwhile, drug/narcotic violations topped the list of crimes against society, totaling 1,631 reported incidents.

Fairfax County Arrest Statistics

Statistics extracted from the 2021 Crime in Virginia Report reveal that the Fairfax County Police Department recorded 10,408 arrests in 2021. Adults comprised most of these arrests, with 9,717 individuals taken into custody, while juvenile arrests amounted to 691. These figures underscore the arrest rate of 942.5 per 100,000 persons as of 2021.

The 2021 Crime in Virginia Report is available to anyone interested in reviewing arrest statistics from other local police departments in Fairfax County.

Find Fairfax County Arrest Records

Finding arrest records in Fairfax County requires that individuals identify the relevant police department that made a specific arrest, which could be the Fairfax County Police Department, the City of Fairfax Police Department, the Herndon Police Department, or the Vienna Police Department. Essential information such as the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and the date and place of the arrest should be gathered. Requests can be made online through the respective police department's website, in person at the department's headquarters, or by mail. A formal letter including the arrestee's details, the requester's contact information, and a self-addressed stamped envelope should be sent to the appropriate address for mail requests.

When making a request, individuals must be prepared to provide a valid photo ID and pay any associated fees, which vary by department. Some records may be confidential and only accessible to authorized individuals. Processing times can vary, with online requests offering faster access than mail or in-person requests.

In some cases, a person may have been arrested in Fairfax but transferred to state or federal custody. At the state level, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) provides an online inmate locator to search for inmates by name or inmate ID number. This tool provides information on state inmates' locations and release dates.

At the federal level, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an online inmate locator, where one can search for federal inmates by name or BOP register number to find their present location.

Free Arrest Record Search in Fairfax County

Several free resources are available to those searching for arrest records in Fairfax County. Generally, individuals can visit the Fairfax County Police Department or other relevant police departments within the county. These agencies may also provide websites dedicated to public records or services where arrest records can be accessed at no cost. Users must typically navigate to these sections and follow prompts to retrieve arrest records. Usually, the arrestee's name and date of birth must be provided.

Also, several third-party websites aggregate public arrest records from various regions in Fairfax and beyond. These sites may provide free access to basic information such as an offender's holding facility, arresting agency, and mugshot. However, users may be asked to subscribe or pay to access a detailed report. While third-party sites can be useful, verifying the information through official channels is always a good idea when possible.

Get Fairfax County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Fairfax County refer to a compilation of information about an individual's interactions with criminal justice agencies and beyond. These records document arrests, charges, convictions, and any related dispositions.

One way to find criminal records in Fairfax County is to review local court records. For example, the Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and one can access records through its Criminal Division. For in-person requests, inquirers should visit the Criminal Division at the Fairfax County Courthouse:

4110 Chain Bridge Road
Suite 409
Fairfax, VA 22030

In Fairfax, many criminal cases originate in the General District Court (minor misdemeanors) and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The former court retains criminal case records for ten years from the date of judgment or conviction. Individuals can visit the General District Court at the Fairfax County Courthouse for in-person requests. Online access is also available through the Virginia Judicial System's case information system.

Alternatively, requesters can search for criminal case information online through the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information System, which accepts searches by name and court type.

Another method to find criminal records in Fairfax is to query local police departments, which provide local criminal background checks. For example, for specific inquiries regarding adult charges where the Fairfax County Police Department responded or filed charges, individuals should contact the Central Records Office of the Fairfax County Police Department.

In-person requests can be made during business hours at 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, or submitted by mail to the Central Records Office. Mail processing typically takes about 10 business days. Notably, records produced from such requests are non-public, meaning access is restricted to authorized parties such as legal representatives or those with a legitimate need for the information.

When requesting criminal records, it is important to have accurate information about the record being sought, such as a full name or date of birth. One must also be aware that fees may be charged to retrieve copies of documents, and valid identification may be necessary.

Fairfax County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records document when individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement. They include the arrest date, alleged offense, and any accompanying fingerprints or mugshots. These records are important for noting an individual's interactions with law enforcement but do not serve as evidence of guilt or confirmation of a criminal conviction.

On the other hand, criminal records in Fairfax County provide a more comprehensive account of an individual's criminal history. They include information about arrests, convictions, sentences, and any history of probation or parole. Such records offer a detailed view of a person's involvement with the criminal justice system and can significantly affect various aspects of their life, such as employment and housing opportunities.

It is crucial to recognize that while arrest records are considered public information and may be provided to anyone, there are more stringent regulations directing who can access a criminal record and for what reasons.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Fairfax County, arrests generally stay on a person's record indefinitely unless the individual takes specific legal actions to have the record sealed or expunged. Currently, Virginia law does not provide for automatic expungement of arrest records. However, starting July 1, 2025, some records may qualify for automatic sealing or expungement.

Expunge Fairfax County Arrest Records

In Fairfax, an expungement refers to the removal of arrest records from public access; the process does not physically destroy records. Per the Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, individuals are eligible for expungement if they were acquitted, had their charges dismissed, or if a nolle prosequi (no prosecution) was entered. Additionally, those whose identities were stolen and used by another person charged or arrested, or those who received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit, may qualify. Furthermore, individuals convicted of marijuana possession might be eligible for expungement.

An expungement process in Fairfax County begins with obtaining certified copies of the case's final disposition from the court where the case was heard. After this, a Petition for Expungement must be filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court. This petition must include the individual's fingerprints used for a criminal history check. A filing fee is also needed for this process, although victims of identity theft are exempt from this fee.

Once the petition is filed, it will be examined by the Commonwealth's Attorney. A court hearing will be scheduled if the Commonwealth's Attorney does not endorse the proposed expungement order. During this hearing, the court has the discretion to grant or deny the expungement based on the presented evidence and arguments.

If the court approves the expungement, the records are not destroyed but placed in a physically sealed, separate file. These records can only be accessed by court order, ensuring that the individual's past arrest does not impact their future opportunities.

Fairfax County Arrest Warrants

A Fairfax County arrest warrant is a legal document that allows police to arrest someone suspected of committing a crime in the county. Issued by a magistrate or judge, an arrest warrant demands probable cause, meaning there must be sufficient evidence to believe that a person has committed a crime. Typically, a judge or magistrate must review evidence or testimony from law enforcement or witnesses to determine if probable cause exists.

Arrest warrants are issued for serious crimes like felonies but can also be issued for misdemeanors. Additionally, a warrant for their arrest can be approved if someone fails to appear in court as required.

Any arrest warrant issued in Fairfax includes details such as the full name of the person to be arrested, the alleged crime, the date and place where the warrant was issued, and the judge or magistrate's signature.

Once an arrest warrant is released, any law enforcement officer within their jurisdiction can execute it. This means they can arrest the subject and bring them before a judge for a bail hearing.

Fairfax County Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals seeking to determine if an arrest warrant has been issued in their name in Fairfax County can obtain this information by contacting the county's Warrant Desk. By calling (703) 246-4231, they can speak directly with a representative who can provide the necessary details about any active warrants.

Do Fairfax County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Fairfax County arrest warrants generally do not expire. This implies that a person can be arrested if stopped by the police or having any other interaction. Warrant subjects can also voluntarily surrender to the authorities to complete the legal process and mitigate potential repercussions.

Notably, the court can quash or recall an arrest warrant, often due to new evidence, a suspect's death, an administrative error, or any other legal reason warranting a withdrawal.