Gloucester County Arrest Records

In Gloucester County, an arrest can take place after an individual commits a criminal act. When someone is arrested, the arresting department creates a record of the incident. This record provides essential data about the suspect and their offense, and it is used by criminal justice agencies to charge, prosecute, and identify suspects.

Typically, Gloucester County arrest records are preserved by the Office of the Sheriff. However, arrest information may be included in other criminal justice documents, like the Gloucester County court records, which the county's criminal courts maintain. Statewide criminal records may also include arrest data that local agencies submitted to the Virginia State Police.

Are Arrest Records Public in Gloucester County?

Yes. Under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically § 2.2-3706.1, Gloucester County arrest records are designated as public records, except for specified categories of records or information deemed confidential by law or court order.

Confidential arrest records include sealed records, juvenile records, records related to ongoing investigations, and sensitive personal information.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Gloucester County typically include the following information about the offender: full name, date of birth, age, physical description, and sex. Additionally, these records provide the name of the arresting officer or agency, the location of the arrest, the date and time of the arrest, the reason for the arrest, and any bond information.

Gloucester County Arrest Statistics

The Virginia Data Analysis and Reporting Team's (DART) crime report reveals significant trends in Gloucester County arrests over the last three years.

In 2023, Gloucester County law enforcement reported 208 arrests for crimes against persons, 168 for crimes against property, and 110 for crimes against society. The county also recorded 263 Group B offense arrests, which are generally arrests for lesser violations.

In 2022, there were 138 arrests for crimes against persons, 106 for crimes against property, 75 for crimes against society, and 274 for Group B offenses. Meanwhile, the year 2021 saw 128 arrests for crimes against persons, 109 arrests for crimes against property, 86 arrests for crimes against society, and 296 for Group B offenses.

Overall, 2023 marked an increase in Gloucester County Group A arrests (crimes against persons, property, and society) compared to 2022 and 2021. Meanwhile, a slight decrease is noted among the county's Group B arrests over the three-year period.

Find Gloucester County Arrest Records

In Gloucester County, public arrest records can be obtained from the local Sheriff's Office. Some arrest information may also be obtained from the judicial system after charges are brought against a suspect. Generally, requesters will need to provide basic information about a record to enable its retrieval, such as the subject's name, incident date, or case number. They will also need to pay all charges associated with their record request.

On the state level, individuals can retrieve records about persons arrested by police agencies and incarcerated in state prisons by accessing the Inmate Locator provided by the Virginia Department of Corrections. Searches can be performed with an inmate's full name or ID.

Individuals can also request Gloucester County arrest records as part of statewide criminal records maintained by the Virginia State Police. However, only the subject of the record and parties authorized by the subject can perform statewide criminal record searches.

Free Arrest Record Search in Gloucester County

Individuals can contact or visit local authorities like the Sheriff's office to obtain Gloucester County arrest records for free. Under the Virginia FOIA, individuals may examine arrest records maintained by government departments at no cost. However, they will be expected to cover any copy charges.

Notwithstanding, there are alternative routes for individuals seeking arrest records that do not rely on official agencies. Specifically, numerous third-party websites provide online databases containing arrest records. While some sites require payment for access, several others offer free (but limited) searches to users. These third-party resources can be particularly valuable for those who prefer not to visit government offices or who are looking for a broader range of records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests are permanent fixtures on an individual's criminal history record, particularly when associated with a conviction. As a result, these records may be included in background checks. However, certain individuals may obtain record expungement or sealing under Virginia's laws to limit access to their arrest records.

Expunge Gloucester County Arrest Records

When a record is expunged in Gloucester County, it becomes inaccessible to the public but is not destroyed. The expungement of arrest and other criminal records in Gloucester is regulated by Section 19.2-392.2 of the Virginia Code.

Expungement can be applied in several situations, including cases of acquittal, dismissal, pardon, wrongful arrest, or nolle prosequi (a decision not to prosecute). Typically, individuals who were arrested but not convicted have a higher chance of having their records expunged. In contrast, individuals convicted of more serious offenses may find record expungement more challenging, as the likelihood of their arrests being removed from public view is reduced.

To obtain an expungement in Gloucester County for an acquittal or dismissal, individuals must complete and submit a completed petition to the circuit court. Once the petition is submitted, the requester will need to send a copy to the Commonwealth's attorney and provide a copy and their fingerprints to a police agency. The applicant's criminal history records will then be forwarded by the State Police (upon receiving a fingerprint card from the police agency) to the clerk of the court.

The expungement process may result in a court hearing. However, if no hearing is scheduled and the prosecuting attorney files no contest, the court will enter an order of expungement.

Gloucester County Arrest Warrants

In Gloucester County, arrest warrants are issued by the court upon a law enforcement complaint alleging a particular person to be the sole perpetrator of a crime. The warrant, which a judge issues, grants law enforcement the power to take a suspect into custody (Title 19.2, Chapter 7 of the Virginia Code).

Generally, Gloucester County arrest warrants identify an accused by name or through a clear description, list the charged offense, command the arrest of the accused, and order the accused's appearance before the issuing court. Additionally, the warrant will be signed by the issuing officer.

Do Gloucester County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Gloucester County. In other words, they remain outstanding and enforceable until the persons named therein are apprehended and held accountable for their actions.