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Warrant Search

Virginia Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Virginia

Warrants are public record in Virginia pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that all records maintained by public bodies should be open to inspection by Virginia residents, with certain statutory exceptions. The accessibility of warrant records upholds the Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency and public safety.

The Supreme Court of Virginia has consistently affirmed that court records, including warrants, are presumptively open to public inspection. This principle is further supported by Virginia Code § 17.1-208, which states that records maintained by clerks of court shall be open to inspection by any person. However, certain limitations apply in accordance with Virginia Code § 19.2-54, which may temporarily seal search warrant affidavits during ongoing investigations.

Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through:

  • Circuit Court clerk's offices in the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued
  • General District Courts for misdemeanor and traffic-related warrants
  • Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts for family-related matters

The Virginia Court System maintains an online case information system that allows for statewide searches of criminal case information, including active warrants. This system provides a convenient method for accessing public warrant information without requiring in-person visits to courthouse facilities.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Virginia?

Warrant records in Virginia typically contain specific information as prescribed by Virginia Code § 19.2-72 for arrest warrants and § 19.2-53 for search warrants. Standard information included in Virginia warrant records comprises:

  • Full legal name and identifying information of the subject
  • Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable)
  • Nature of the alleged offense, including Virginia Code section violated
  • Jurisdiction where the warrant was issued and can be executed
  • Name and title of the judicial officer who authorized the warrant
  • Case number assigned by the court
  • Bond information, including amount and conditions if specified
  • Return information documenting execution of the warrant (for search warrants)

For search warrants specifically, Virginia Code § 19.2-54 requires a detailed inventory of items seized during execution. This inventory becomes part of the public record after the warrant is returned to the court, unless temporarily sealed by judicial order.

The Virginia Department of Corrections maintains records related to individuals with outstanding warrants who may be under supervision or have previously been incarcerated. These records can be accessed through the Virginia Department of Corrections website or by contacting their central office.

How to Check For Warrants in Virginia For Free

Virginia residents may verify warrant status without cost through several official channels established by the Commonwealth. The Virginia Code § 17.1-208 guarantees public access to court records with minimal restrictions. Free warrant verification methods include:

  • Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
    Supreme Court of Virginia
    100 North Ninth Street
    Richmond, VA 23219
    (804) 786-6455
    Access through the Virginia Courts Online Services
    Hours: Available 24/7 for online searches

  • Local Sheriff's Offices
    Many county sheriff departments maintain public terminals for warrant searches. For example:
    Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
    4110 Chain Bridge Road
    Fairfax, VA 22030
    (703) 246-3227
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Circuit Court Clerk's Offices
    Each county and independent city maintains records at their respective courthouses. For instance:
    Richmond City Circuit Court Clerk
    John Marshall Courts Building
    400 North 9th Street
    Richmond, VA 23219
    (804) 646-6505
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Several localities also publish outstanding warrant lists on their official websites as a public service. These resources are regularly updated and searchable by name, providing immediate access to warrant information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Virginia in 2025

To determine warrant status in Virginia in 2025, individuals may utilize several official verification methods established by the Commonwealth. Virginia Code § 19.2-390 requires the maintenance of criminal history record information, including active warrants. Citizens seeking to verify their warrant status may:

  • Contact the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division
    P.O. Box 27472
    Richmond, VA 23261
    (804) 674-2000
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Individuals must provide proper identification and may be required to submit fingerprints for positive identification.

  • Visit the Local Magistrate's Office
    Magistrate offices operate 24/7 in all jurisdictions and can verify warrant status. For example:
    Henrico County Magistrate's Office
    4301 E. Parham Road
    Henrico, VA 23228
    (804) 501-5285
    Hours: Open 24 hours daily

  • Utilize the Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System
    This system provides access to statewide case information, including active warrants. The system is updated regularly to reflect current judicial records.

  • Contact a Defense Attorney
    Legal counsel can conduct confidential warrant searches through professional channels and provide guidance on appropriate responses to active warrants.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-76, individuals with active warrants may be arrested at any time. Therefore, addressing potential warrants promptly through proper legal channels is advisable.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Virginia

Virginia residents seeking information about outstanding warrants may access this information through several official channels. Virginia Code § 15.2-1722 requires law enforcement agencies to maintain records of all warrants issued within their jurisdiction. Methods for checking outstanding warrants include:

  • Local Police Department Records Divisions
    Most departments provide public access terminals for warrant searches. For example:
    Virginia Beach Police Department Records Unit
    2509 Princess Anne Road
    Virginia Beach, VA 23456
    (757) 385-4101
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • County Sheriff's Office Warrant Divisions
    Sheriff's offices maintain comprehensive warrant databases. For instance:
    Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office
    9500 Courthouse Road
    Chesterfield, VA 23832
    (804) 748-1261
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Municipal Websites with Active Warrant Lists
    Several Virginia localities maintain active outstanding warrant databases on their official websites. These resources are regularly updated and searchable by name.

  • Norfolk Police Department Open Data Portal
    The City of Norfolk maintains a searchable database of active warrants as part of their commitment to transparency in law enforcement operations.

Individuals with outstanding warrants should be aware that Virginia Code § 19.2-80 authorizes law enforcement officers to execute warrants at any time of day or night. Addressing outstanding warrants through proper legal channels is strongly advised.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants differ from state warrants in jurisdiction and scope, operating under the authority of the United States District Courts rather than Commonwealth courts. Federal warrants are issued for violations of federal law as codified in Title 18 of the United States Code. To search for federal warrants in Virginia:

  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
    Walter E. Hoffman United States Courthouse
    600 Granby Street
    Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 222-7000
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
    210 Franklin Road SW, Room 540
    Roanoke, VA 24011
    (540) 857-5100
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation - Richmond Field Office
    1970 E. Parham Road
    Richmond, VA 23228
    (804) 261-1044
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

  • United States Marshals Service - Eastern District of Virginia
    401 Courthouse Square
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    (703) 837-5500
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal warrant information may be more restricted than state warrant data due to national security concerns and ongoing investigations. Pursuant to 28 CFR § 50.3, certain federal warrant information may be withheld if disclosure could compromise law enforcement operations.

The Colonial Heights Sheriff's Office provides assistance with federal warrant inquiries and can direct individuals to appropriate federal resources for warrant verification.

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