Prince Edward County Arrest Records

Chapter 7 of the Virginia Criminal Procedure Code explains that an officer of the law may make lawful arrests with or without a warrant throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Prince Edward County Sheriff, their deputy, and any member of the state or county police force are authorized to make arrests without a warrant in Prince Edward County (§ 19.2-81). An arrest becomes necessary when the officer witnesses a felony or misdemeanor or has probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed and the individual (s) committed it. A correctional officer or prison ward may also arrest an inmate for attempting or assisting in an escape or for delivering contraband to another inmate (§ 19.2-81.1).

Persons arrested and taken into custody in Prince Edward County are typically held in the Piedmont Regional Jail. After a person is arrested, the arresting agency documents the arrest details and records the arrestee's biodata and other personal and identification information, including the date and location of the arrest, charges filed, and the identity of the arresting officer. This document is called an arrest record. These arrest records are necessary documentation that informs subsequent Virginia State criminal history records and Prince Edward County Court Records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Prince Edward County?

Yes. In line with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, arrest records, as well as other records in the custody of a public body or its officers and employees, must be readily accessible to all members of the public. The custodian of all such records must provide reasonable means for interested persons to inspect and copy records of public agencies upon request. Individuals must not be denied access to any public record unless such a record is specifically made exempt pursuant to the FOIA or any other provision of the law. Where a requester is denied access to any record, the custodian must inform them of the reason for the denial in writing.

Records that are excluded from mandatory disclosure under the law are not public records. Under § 2.2-3705.1 of the Virginia FOIA, the following are examples of records excluded from the general application of the law:

• Communications and documents required to be kept confidential
• Identity of a victim obtained by staff in a rape crisis center it a program for battered spouses
• Health and social services records
• Records of active investigations, investigative notes, and correspondence
• Information that may compromise the safety and security of another
• Juvenile records.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Prince Edward County may contain the following information:

• The arrestee's personal information: full name, age, and date of birth.
• The arrestee's physical description: gender, race, ethnicity, weight, height, scars, tattoos, hair, and eye color.
• The date, time, and location of the arrest
• The name of the arresting officer(s) and agency.
• Previous arrests/outstanding warrant
• Brief description of the charge(s)
• Incidence report
• Bail Information, bond amount, and release conditions.
• Place of incarceration.

Prince Edward County Arrest Statistics

According to arrest data retrieved from the FBI Crime Data Explorer for 2023, law enforcement agencies made a total of 135 arrests in the Prince Edward County area. Further categorized by sex, 105 arrestees were male offenders, and the other 30 were female offenders. The most popular crimes in Prince Edward County in 2023 were simple assault, driving under the influence, aggravated assault, and burglary.

Find Prince Edward County Arrest Records

Members of the public can find inmate information in Prince Edward County using the Virginia Department of Corrections' Inmate Locator. It allows users to search for an inmate's location, sentencing information, and release dates. To perform a search, one must provide either the inmate's first name, last name, inmate ID, age range, race, sex, and location of arrest. The Department of Corrections also has an online Most Wanted (fugitives) list for individuals who have warrants issued for their arrest.

For information on persons arrested by city and county law enforcement agencies in Prince Edward County, contact the Prince Edward County Sheriff's Office to access their arrest records or jail roster. Information on federal inmates may be retrieved from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Prince Edward Sheriff's Office
124 North Main Street, 1st Floor
Farmville, VA 23901
P.O. Box 25
Farmville, VA 23901
Fax: (434) 392-6730
Email: sheriff@co.prince-edward.va.us

Free Arrest Record Search in Prince Edward County

Searchers can access Prince Edward County arrest records for free at the Prince Edward County Sheriff's Office. Another alternative to consider is third-party aggregate public record search sites. Third-party sites compile arrest information from multiple jurisdictions in a single database. They offer easier and more convenient search options.

However, access to their data is not free. Some of these websites offer subscription and pay-per-search plans that may be affordable for the searcher. Some disadvantages to note are that records obtained from private databases are not updated and may contain mistakes or inaccuracies.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Per Virginia Law, records of arrest remain public information indefinitely by default. However, individuals may petition the court to have records of their arrest and prosecution expunged if they meet the conditions as stated in the law.

Expunge Prince Edward County Arrest Records

Where a person is arrested and charged with the commission of a criminal or civil offense and is thereafter acquitted, a nolle prosequi is taken, or the charge is otherwise dismissed, such a person may file a petition stating the outcome of the case and requesting the expungement of police records and the court records relating to the charge. Likewise, any person who has been arrested or is named as a criminal as a result of mistaken identity or fraudulent and intentional misrepresentation by the criminal may file a petition with the court to expunge the records and dismiss the charge.

A petition for expungement of arrest records and other related court records must be filed alongside a copy of the warrant, summons, and indictment in the circuit court of the county or city where the case or charge was disposed of or dismissed or the person was acquitted (§ 19.2-392.2). The petition must state the criminal charge or offense to be expunged, the petitioner's full name, date of birth at the time of the arrest, and the final disposition of the charge.

On receiving the petition and criminal history information of the applicant, the court shall have a hearing to determine if the continued existence of the record prejudices the petitioner. If so, the court shall enter an order requiring all public agencies in custody of the arrest and court records relating to the charge to expunge it. If the court does not find that the record causes injustice, it shall deny the petition.

Prince Edward County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a written order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding the County Sheriff or other law enforcement officer to arrest the defendant named in the warrant. A validly issued warrant in the state of Virginia must be signed by a judge or clerk of any circuit court, general district court, juvenile and domestic relations district court, or magistrate. It must describe the charges, state the name of the accused, or include a description by which he can be identified with reasonable certainty. It must also direct the executing officer to arrest and bring the defendant before a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the county where the offense was committed (Code of Virginia § 19.2-71).

Do Prince Edward County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants issued in North Carolina do not expire. They remain outstanding until the suspect is arrested or the warrant is recalled, quashed, or resolved. An arrest warrant can also be executed outside the state or jurisdiction where it was issued.

It is not possible to wait out a warrant. If an individual knows or suspects that a warrant has been issued for their arrest, they should contact a public defender or attorney to guide them through the next steps. They may also turn themselves into the police, as this displays willingness to cooperate with law enforcement. They sometimes may help the defendant get reduced penalties or sentences.