Manassas County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Manassas County, Virginia, provide a detailed account of incidents where individuals were apprehended by law enforcement. These records typically include the suspect's personal details, the alleged offense, the arresting agency, and the location of the incident. They form a crucial part of the County's legal documentation and often connect to other judiciary resources such as Manassas County court records. These records are integral for understanding individuals' involvement in the criminal justice system.

Arrests in Manassas County occur under the following circumstances.

• When law enforcement officers find reasonable evidence suggesting a crime has been committed, they may arrest such a person. Probable Cause may stem from eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, or suspicious behavior observed by officers.
• Violations such as failure to comply with restraining orders, probation terms, or failure to appear in court may also cause a person to be arrested.
• Judges issue arrest warrants when there is sufficient evidence to support criminal charges. These warrants authorize officers to detain the named individual, typically at their residence, workplace, or public locations.
• Immediate arrests are often necessary if an individual poses a danger to themselves, others, or public property.

Upon arrest, individuals are processed at the Manassas Adult Detention Center. This involves Identification: The arrested individual's personal details, including name, date of birth, and address, are recorded.

1. Photographs and Fingerprints: Mugshots are taken, and fingerprints are collected for entry into state and federal databases.
2. Medical Screening: Arrested individuals undergo a medical evaluation to assess their health and identify any immediate concerns.
3. Charges Documentation: The specific charges are recorded, and the suspect is informed of their rights and the allegations against them.
4. Property Inventory: Any personal belongings are confiscated, logged, and stored.
5. Placement in Holding: Post booking, individuals are typically released if they meet the conditions or remanded in custody at:

Manassas Adult Detention Center
9320 Lee Ave
Manassas, VA20110

The Manassas Police Department and Prince William County Sheriff's Office are the primary agencies involved in generating arrest records. These records also tie into other Public Records, such as court files and state criminal history databases, creating a cohesive system for tracking criminal activities.

Are Arrest Records Public in Manassas County?

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) makes most arrest records accessible to the public. However, there are limitations to ensuring privacy and the integrity of legal proceedings, such as listed below.

• Arrest records involving minors or sensitive cases, such as sexual offenses, are often withheld.
• Law enforcement may restrict access to records related to active investigations.
• Individuals who have successfully petitioned for expungement will have their arrest records removed from public access.

For public access, residents may visit or contact the Prince William County Sheriff's Office at:

9311 Lee Ave
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: (703) 792-6070

Manassas County Arrest Statistics

Virginia witnessed a significant decrease in the number of incarcerated persons between 2015 and 2022. Twenty-seven thousand one hundred sixty-two persons were in state or federal prisons in Virginia in 2022 as opposed to 38,403 persons in the peak of 2015, accounting for a 29.3% drop. With its incarceration rate of 749 per 100,000 persons, Virginia surpassed the US incarceration rate. Number of arrested individuals is 2,177. Among them, adults are 2057, while juvenile arrests account for 120 persons.

Find Manassas County Arrest Records

Residents seeking arrest records have multiple avenues for obtaining this information through:

• Manassas Police Department requests for recent arrests may be made in person or through online portals where available.
• The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Offers access to statewide arrest and criminal history records for authorized users.
• National Databases: the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) provides detailed records for law enforcement and judicial purposes.

Manassas County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records only document an individual's detention and the charges at the time of arrest. They do not indicate whether the individual was found guilty or innocent. They just record information pertaining to the arrest only, which usually contains details of the person, charges filed, fingerprints and mugshots, and the conditions for bail, if applicable. Other details include the details of the arrest, as well as the arresting agency and officer.

Criminal Records are comprehensive records detailing an individual's complete history within the criminal justice system, including arrests, court proceedings, convictions, and sentences.

While arrest records are a component of criminal records, they do not provide the full context of an Individual's legal history.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Virginia, arrest records remain on file indefinitely unless expunged. Virginia law allows for the expungement of arrest records under specific conditions such as:

• Dismissed charges: If the court dismisses the case or the individual is acquitted.
• No conviction: Arrest records for charges that did not result in conviction may be expunged upon request.
• Pardoned offenses: Individuals granted a gubernatorial pardon may petition for expungement.

Expungement removes records from public access, ensuring they do not appear in the background checks.

Manassas County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants in Manassas County are judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to detain a specific individual. These are issued based on sworn affidavits demonstrating probable cause. The elements in an arrest warrant include the following:

• Identification: Name, address, and physical description of the suspect.
• Charges: Specific offenses alleged against the individual.
• Issuing Authority: The judge or magistrate’s signature and court seal.
• Execution Instructions: Guidelines for carrying out the arrest.

Warrants ensure that Arrests adhere to constitutional protections and are not conducted arbitrarily.

Do Manassas County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In general, arrest warrants in Manassas County do not expire. However, their enforceability depends on factors such as:

• The severity of the offense: Warrants for serious crimes remain active indefinitely.
• Statute of Limitations: Minor offenses may be subject to time limits, beyond which prosecution is barred.
• Court Actions: A judge may recall or quash a warrant under specific circumstances.

Individuals with outstanding warrants are to consult legal counsel and resolve the matter promptly to avoid complications.