Powhatan County Arrest Records

Powhatan County arrest records are official documents created by the Powhatan County Sheriff's Department and other local law enforcement agencies to detail instances where they arrest and detain individuals for arrestable offenses. Arrests become necessary if law enforcement deems it essential to ensure public safety, enforce federal, state, and local laws, or prevent criminal acts.

The Powhatan County Jail is the main detention facility in Powhatan County; it houses individuals awaiting trials, sentencing, or serving short-term sentences.
Powhatan County arrest records provide evidence during criminal trials within the Powhatan County Circuit, General District, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts. Hence, these documents may be accessible as part of Powhatan County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Powhatan County?

Yes, arrest records are publicly accessible in Powhatan County. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees public access to Powhatan County arrest records and other official documents in the possession of government agencies and their employees. However, not all Powhatan County arrests are open to public scrutiny. Per the FOIA, the following Powhatan County arrest records and information are exempt from public access:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Sealed or expunged arrest records
• Arrest records relating to ongoing investigations
• Identities of confidential informants
• Personal identifying information, such as Social Security Numbers and financial account information
• Medical and mental health histories
• Victims identities
• Information on law enforcement tactics.

Requesters should note that only the owners of the records and authorized entities may access the exempted Powhatan County arrest records. For additional information about specific Powhatan County arrest records, reach out to the Powhatan County Sheriff's Department at:

3880 Old Buckingham Road, Suite A,
Powhatan,
VA 23139.

Powhatan County Arrest Statistics

Arrest reports from the Powhatan County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police show that over 1,100 individuals were taken into custody for various offenses within the county from January 1, 2021, to January 31, 2025. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) database, this total includes 789 males and 313 females. During this period, larcenies were the most common offenses, accounting for over 21% of arrests within the county. Simple assaults and DUI offenses were the next common arrest incidents. The table below shows the number of arrests for various incidents within Powhatan County between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2025.

Data source: UCR database.

Find Powhatan County Arrest Records

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes public rights to Powhatan County arrest records and other government documents. Individuals seeking access to Powhatan County arrest records should make an Open Records Request through the Powhatan County Request a Public Record Portal or request access to Powhatan County arrest records through writings, mail, email, or in-person visits to:

The Powhatan County FOIA Officer
3834 Old Buckingham Road, Suite A,
Powhatan,
VA 23139
Phone: (804) 598-5612
Fax: (804) 598-7835
Email: foia@powhatanva.gov.

Alternatively, searchers should send mail requests to access arrest records or visit the Powhatan County Sheriff's Office at:

3880 Old Buckingham Road, Suite A,
Powhatan,
VA 23139.

Powhatan County arrest records may also be accessible through criminal case records. Inquirers should log into the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (OCIS) and use the search tools to look for Powhatan County criminal case-related arrest records.

Requesters may also contact local police departments within Powhatan County and request access to their arrest records.

Powhatan County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Powhatan arrest and criminal records serve different purposes; also, they have separate legal frameworks.

Powhatan County arrest records are law enforcement documents detailing arrests and detentions. These documents outline the reasons for arrests within Powhatan County and the conditions for releasing the arrestees. Powhatan County arrest records contain personal information, booking details, and information that describes arrest processes. Generally, arrest records may not have significant legal impacts if the underlying crimes do not result in criminal convictions.

In contrast to arrest records, Powhatan County criminal records are official confirmations of criminal convictions and may significantly impact employment opportunities, social status, and housing. Powhatan County criminal records offer more comprehensive details of their owners' interactions with the criminal justice system; they encompass Powhatan County arrest records and other documents relating to criminal trials within the various courts in Powhatan County. Also, unlike Powhatan County arrest records, Powhatan County criminal records are court-generated documents.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest information may stay publicly accessible indefinitely unless the court seals or removes them. According to the Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, owners of arrest records in Powhatan County may petition the Powhatan County Circuit Court to seal or expunge their arrest information if:

• The arrest results in a dismissal
• There is a nolle prosequi
• The arrest is due to mistaken identity.

Powhatan County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are court documents that authorize law enforcement to arrest individuals. In Powhatan County, these documents are issued by the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts if law enforcement or prosecutors prove probable cause. The court may also issue arrest warrants if a person disobeys court orders or if there is a Grand Jury indictment.
A Powhatan County arrest warrant includes the following details:

• Identifying information such as the full name, known aliases, and physical description of the subject
• Charges and sections of Virginia laws allegedly violated
• A statement confirming probable cause for the arrest
• Name, title, and signature of the issuing judge/magistrate
• Date and time of issuance of the warrant
• Authorization for law enforcement to arrest the subject
• Instructions on how law enforcement should execute the warrant
• Warrant number.

Do Powhatan County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Powhatan County, once a judge/magistrate issues an arrest warrant, it remains active and enforceable until law enforcement executes the arrest warrant. However, factors such as proper issuance by a judicial officer, probable cause, accurate information, jurisdiction, lawful service by a law enforcement officer, and false or misleading information may affect the validity of Powhatan County arrest warrants. Additionally, the prosecutor must secure an arrest warrant within the stipulated time frame if a crime has a statute of limitations, as the court will not issue one after the limitation period expires.