Rockbridge County Arrest Records

The Code of Virginia § 15.2-1722. B defines "arrest records" as the documentation made and maintained by law enforcement agencies for every instance of an arrest or brief detention. Each record identifies the involved individual, describes the circumstances surrounding the arrest or detention, and notes any charges filed.

They help initiate criminal proceedings and offer insight into an individual's criminal history. Additionally, they often connect with other public records held by local and state entities. For example, record seekers might find arrest information within Rockbridge County Court Records and the criminal history files managed by the Virginia State Police.

Are Arrest Records Public in Rockbridge County?

Yes. The Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 empowers all Virginia residents and accredited media to obtain arrest records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The statute advances government transparency by opening law enforcement files, such as arrest records, to public inspection. Consequently, any person may submit a request to a Rockbridge County law enforcement agency for access to its arrest records.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, however, carves out exceptions in § 2.2-3706 to shield sensitive material. It withholds from disclosure:

• Criminal investigative files (including photographs, notes, maps, witness statements, court orders, and evidence),
• Reports provided in confidence to law enforcement agencies,
• Records concerning individuals under pretrial, probation, or parole supervision,
• Information that could jeopardize an active investigation or endanger witnesses or other persons,
• Descriptions of investigative techniques,
• Juvenile identifying data,
• Any detail likely to prejudice a fair trial,
• Officers' personal analyses, recommendations, or conclusions,
• Medical or similar private records, and
• The identities of anonymous crime informants.

Even though these exemptions block the public from seeing some parts of an arrest record, certain individuals still have access to the restricted material. This includes the person arrested, their lawyer, or government agencies needing it for official reasons.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Law enforcement agencies in Rockbridge County compile public arrest records under the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3706, including:

• Full name and date of birth of the individual taken into custody
• Physical characteristics of the arrestee
• Details of the arrest
• Booking data
• A narrative of the circumstances that led to the arrest
• The list of current charges
• Any active parole or probation holds and outstanding warrants
• The manner of release or the current detention site

Juvenile arrest records generally remain sealed in Rockbridge County. However, when a suspect aged 14 or older faces a serious felony, agencies may disclose the minor's name and alleged offense in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 16.1-301.

Rockbridge County Arrest Statistics

The Virginia State Police compiles and publishes annual arrest statistics for each county through their "Crime in Virginia" report. This report is available on their Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Data Analysis and Reporting Team page. The report provides detailed data on arrests and crimes committed across towns, cities, and counties throughout the Commonwealth, using Incident-Based Reporting (IBR) data collected since 1994 and fully implemented by 2000.

According to the most recent report, published in 2023, law enforcement agencies within the County made 890 arrests. Of these, drug/narcotic violations were the most recurring arrest offenses, accounting for 80 arrests (8.9%). Shoplifting followed as the next most frequent county arrest that year, with 70 arrests (7.8%). Simple assaults came in next with 66 arrests (7.4%), and driving under the influence with 42 arrests (4.7%).

Find Rockbridge County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking to access arrest records in Rockbridge County can request a Virginia criminal history record check through the Virginia State Police. The process begins when an applicant completes and mails the SP-167 form, which remains available to the general public, private entities, and out-of-state agencies. This form requires notarization and offers the option to designate another recipient for the results. The Virginia State Police typically processes these requests within approximately 15 business days. Arrest records obtained through this method include name-based criminal history information, as authorized under the Code of Virginia § 19.2-389.

For organizations screening individuals who may work with vulnerable populations, such as children or the elderly, a fingerprint-based background check is also available through the National Child Protection Act. These checks necessitate coordination with the State Police and incur an additional fee.

Applicants should mail completed SP-167 forms to:

Virginia State Police
Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE)
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235

The Virginia State Police does not provide same-day service, and juvenile records remain confidential unless permitted by Code of Virginia § 19.2-389.1.

Free Arrest Record Search in Rockbridge County

Under the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700, members of the public can request arrest records from local law enforcement agencies, and inspection of records is typically free, though copying fees may apply. The Rockbridge Regional Jail's online inmate roster is a free resource for checking current inmates, requiring only the inmate's name for a search.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Virginia, arrest records remain on an individual's criminal history indefinitely unless expunged. However, different agencies have a retention and disposal schedule as issued by the Library of Virginia. The Virginia State Police, according to the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule No. 156-050, retains criminal records until the subject reaches 120 years of age, as part of the state's comprehensive criminal history database.

Expunge Rockbridge County Arrest Records

The Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2 permits individuals to expunge their arrest records under certain conditions. The law authorizes the Courts to grant expungement when a person:

• Secures an acquittal
• Successfully have the charge against them dismissed
• Proves that someone else used their name or identity without permission in connection with the arrest or charge

Petitioners start the expungement process by submitting a sworn request to the circuit court that handled the case. The filing must specify the arrest date, arresting authority, precise offense charged, date of final disposition, and the petitioner's full name and age at the time of arrest. The petitioner then serves the Commonwealth's Attorney, who has 21 days to object or waive objection. Next, the petitioner asks the Central Criminal Records Exchange to send the individual's Virginia criminal history record to the court. If the court requires, the petitioner appears at a hearing, where the judge assesses whether the record's continued existence amounts to manifest injustice.

When the court approves expungement, it issues an order sealing and removing the records from public view. The clerk forwards that order to the Virginia State Police to complete the expungement. Filing fees under the Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 remain the petitioner's responsibility, although the court may refund those costs if it grants the petition.

Rockbridge County Arrest Warrants

A magistrate or judge in Rockbridge County issues an arrest warrant, a written order directing a peace officer to apprehend a suspect. The Code of Virginia § 19.2-81 authorizes law enforcement to make arrests with or without a warrant. Officers execute warrantless arrests when probable cause exists, such as witnessing a crime. To obtain a warrant, officers submit an affidavit to a magistrate or judge, demonstrating probable cause. The Code of Virginia § 19.2-72 specifies that a Rockbridge County arrest warrant includes:

• The suspect's full name
• The date and time of issuance
• The city or county of issuance
• A description of the offense
• The signature and title of the issuing judge or magistrate
• The issuing court or agency
• The bail amount, if applicable

Individuals seeking information on active arrest warrants can contact the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office at (540) 463-7329 or visit in person with a photo ID

Do Rockbridge County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Rockbridge County arrest warrants remain in effect indefinitely. Once a magistrate issues a warrant, it stays active until the individual surrenders, deputies make the arrest, or the court officially recalls or quashes the order.