Staunton County Arrest Records

In Staunton County, Virginia, an arrest refers to the process of bringing an individual into custody on suspicion of committing a crime. It is considered a restriction on the person’s freedom. Staunton County law enforcement officers typically make arrests with or without a warrant. After the arrest, the individual is taken to jail for the booking process, during which relevant details are collected and automatically uploaded to a state database accessible by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Agencies such as the Circuit Court can access and incorporate this information into the individual's official record. As a result, arrest details often appear in Staunton County court records and are relevant during the prosecution process.

Are Arrest Records Public in Staunton County?

Yes, The Virginia Public Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act authorize access to public records. Therefore, anyone can submit a request to inspect or copy arrest records in the custody of the Staunton County Sheriff’s Office or Police Department. However, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act excludes the following information from public disclosure:

• Arrest records of minors
• Sex offenders' arrest records
• Medical records of arrested persons
• Arrest records containing investigative techniques or procedures
• Criminal investigative files associated with a criminal prosecution or investigation.
• Arrest information revealing the identity of a victim, witness, or undercover officer.
• Any arrest record whose release would jeopardize a law enforcement officer’s safety or security.
• Arrest reports submitted confidentially to law enforcement agencies, investigators, and police departments of public universities.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

According to Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, public arrest records kept by Staunton County law enforcement agencies contain the following information:

• Adult arrestee mugshot taken during the booking process
• The arrestee’s identifying information and charge
• The status of the charge and arrest

Staunton County Arrest Statistics

According to reports published by the Staunton County Police Department, about 1,875 arrests were made in 2023. About 97% (1,820) of those arrested were adults, and 3% (55) were juveniles. That same year, Group A arrests totaled 464, while Group B arrests totaled 1,411.

Find Staunton County Arrest Records

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) attends to arrest records requests made by members of the public at any of its facilities. Requests to the department may be made in person or via mail to the VADOC also provides free information on arrests in Staunton County through its Inmate Locator. The basic way to view these records is by entering a name or inmate ID number in the search box.

Federal law enforcement agencies also issue Staunton County arrest records upon request. Some agencies open their records to all, while others restrict them to a select few. For example, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) makes arrest records publicly available through its online portal and mail. For mail requests, send a completed Request Form to the address below:

United States Capitol Police
Reports Processing Section
119 D Street, Ne
Washington, DC 20510

Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers free access to its records through the Inmate Locator. A search can be conducted by number (DCDC number, BOP register number, FBI number, or INS number) or name (first, middle, or last). Record seekers can also visit any BOP’s facilities nationwide to obtain copies of arrest records. Conversely, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) limits access to its arrest records to only subjects of the records. Individuals can submit their requests by mail, online, or through approved channelers for $18 per copy. Customers can pay by money order, credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form, or certified check. Mail requesters would need to complete an Applicant Information Form and send it alongside the appropriate fees to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

Free Arrest Record Search in Staunton County

Individuals may access arrest records for free at the Staunton County Police Department. They can submit their requests by phone at (540) 332-3856 or by email at PoliceRecords@ci.staunton.va.us. Phone customers should make their calls from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The processing time for email requests is between 3 and 5 workdays. Regardless of the request method, the staff will respond by email.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Staunton County residents should expect their arrest information to remain on record forever. However, those whose record meets certain eligibility criteria can expunge them from the public eye. Virginia law supports the deletion of some arrest records after a given period. The Library of Virginia Retention and Disposition Schedule provides access to the retention period of such records. For example, law enforcement agencies can keep adult arrest files for 100 years and juvenile arrest records for 23 years after birth. Additionally, an arrestee’s personal property inventory and records of properties seized during arrests are kept for three (3) years.

Expunge Staunton County Arrest Records

An expungement places a person’s arrest records under seal and makes them inaccessible to the public when any of the following occurred:

• The arrested person was acquitted.
• The charge against the arrestee was dismissed.
• The arrestee has received a pardon for their offense
• The person is a victim of identity theft

Eligible individuals must file a Petition for Expungement Form (Acquittal/Dismissal or Absolute Pardon) in person with the Staunton County Circuit Court Clerk. All filings can be made from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The petition must also deliver a copy of the petition to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The Attorney has 21 days to either object to or approve the petition. The judge will sign the expungement order if all statutory requirements have been met.

Staunton County Arrest Warrants

A judge or clerk in Staunton County typically issues an arrest warrant when a complaint shows probable cause to believe a person has committed an offense (Virginia Code § 19.2-72). After establishing probable cause, the judge will sign the warrant and direct it to an appropriate officer. The warrant usually contains the following information:

• The name of the defendant (if known) or a description that will help in identifying them
• A specific description of the offense charged in the complaint.
• A command that the accused be arrested and brought before a court in the county, city, or town where the offense occurred.

According to Virginia Code § 19.2-76, a law enforcement officer may execute a Staunton County arrest warrant anywhere in Virginia. Arrest warrants are usually executed by arresting the defendant. The officer executing the arrest warrant must endorse the date of execution on it before returning it to a judicial officer.

Do Staunton County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Unlike other types of warrants, Staunton County arrest warrants do not expire. They remain active until the defendant is arrested or the issuing judge recalls them. Individuals who know a warrant has been issued for their arrest should consult a licensed attorney on the best course of action.