Warrants are public records in Alexandria, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes that records maintained by public bodies, officials, and employees are open to inspection by citizens of the Commonwealth to promote governmental transparency and accountability. Warrant records fall under this provision unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
The Alexandria judicial system maintains warrant records as part of its official documentation. These records typically contain information regarding the nature of the alleged offense, the issuing judicial authority, and the date of issuance. Public access to warrant information serves the dual purpose of keeping citizens informed about legal proceedings and enabling public oversight of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or restricted from public view during active investigations, pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3706, which provides exemptions for records related to ongoing criminal investigations. Once a warrant has been executed or is no longer active in an investigation, the information generally becomes available through standard public record channels.
Alexandria residents seeking warrant information online may utilize several official resources:
Virginia Judicial System: The official court system website provides a case information system where users can search for case status information, including active warrants. The system is updated regularly but may not include the most recent warrant issuances.
Alexandria Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of outstanding warrants and may provide limited information through their online portal. The Sheriff's Office is located at 2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314, and can be reached at (703) 746-4114.
Alexandria Police Department: The department's Information Services Division provides access to certain public records, including limited warrant information. The Police Department headquarters is located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304, with a non-emergency contact number of (703) 746-4444.
Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's Office: The Clerk maintains court records, including warrant information for cases within their jurisdiction. The office is located at 520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314, and can be contacted at (703) 746-4044.
Members of the public should note that online systems may not contain comprehensive warrant information, and certain details may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate agency.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Alexandria may employ several methods to obtain this information:
Online Court Records: The Alexandria General District Court provides online access to case information through the Virginia Judicial System website. Users may search by name to identify active cases, including those with outstanding warrants. The court is located at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, and can be reached at (703) 746-4021 for criminal/traffic matters or (703) 746-4041 for civil cases.
Direct Agency Contact: Individuals may contact the Alexandria Police Department's Information Services at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304, or by calling (703) 746-6277 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Staff can verify warrant status with proper identification.
Legal Representation: Consulting with an attorney licensed to practice in Virginia can provide a secure method of determining warrant status. Attorneys have access to court systems and can make inquiries while maintaining attorney-client privilege.
In-Person Court Inquiry: Visiting the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314, during operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) allows individuals to request a search of public records for warrant information.
Pursuant to Virginia law, individuals seeking warrant information about themselves must provide proper identification. Third-party requests for warrant information are subject to public records laws and may have limitations regarding personal identifying information.
Alexandria residents and interested parties may verify the existence of outstanding warrants through several official channels:
Judicial System Online Search: The Virginia Judicial System provides a searchable database of court records. Users can search by name to identify cases with outstanding warrants. This system is accessible 24 hours a day, though it may not reflect real-time updates.
Sheriff's Office Inquiry: The Alexandria Sheriff's Office maintains records of outstanding warrants and can provide verification upon request. Inquiries can be made in person at 2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314, or by telephone at (703) 746-4114 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Police Department Records: The Alexandria Police Department Information Services Division can verify warrant status. Requests can be submitted in person at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304, or by calling (703) 746-6277. Valid identification is required for all inquiries.
Court Clerk's Office: The Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314, maintains official court records and can provide warrant information during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Individuals should be aware that pursuant to Code of Virginia § 19.2-76, law enforcement officers are authorized to execute warrants upon contact with the named individual. Therefore, if a person believes they may have an outstanding warrant, they may wish to resolve the matter promptly through proper legal channels.
Alexandria warrant records contain specific information as required by Virginia law and judicial procedures. Standard elements included in these records are:
Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual for whom the warrant is issued, along with identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address when available.
Offense Details: Description of the alleged violation, including the specific statute or ordinance cited, classification of the offense (felony or misdemeanor), and the date and location of the alleged offense.
Judicial Authorization: Name and title of the issuing judicial officer (judge or magistrate), court of jurisdiction, and official signature authorizing the warrant.
Issuance Information: Date and time the warrant was issued, case number assigned by the court, and any special instructions for execution.
Bond Information: When applicable, the warrant will specify bail amount or indicate if the subject is to be held without bond pending a court appearance.
Return Documentation: Space for the executing officer to record details of service, including date, time, and location of execution, and the name of the arresting officer.
Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 19.2-54, search warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Similarly, arrest warrants must clearly identify the individual to be apprehended and the specific charges, as required by Code of Virginia § 19.2-72.
The Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary repository for warrant records in the jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the following methods:
Online Case Information System: The Alexandria Judicial Information System provides limited case information, including warrant status for cases that have been filed with the court.
In-Person Record Request: Individuals may visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to request access to public warrant records. A valid form of identification is required, and standard copying fees apply pursuant to Code of Virginia § 17.1-275.
Written Request: Written requests for warrant information may be submitted to the Clerk's Office with appropriate identifying information. Requests should include the subject's full name, case number if known, and specific information sought.
Law Enforcement Agencies: The Alexandria Police Department and Sheriff's Office maintain records of active warrants and may provide public information upon request, subject to exemptions for ongoing investigations.
Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, certain information within warrant records may be redacted to protect personal identifying information, details of ongoing investigations, or information specifically exempted by statute. Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as established by local ordinance and state law.