Chesapeake County, Virginia Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Chesapeake County, Virginia?
Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq., warrants are generally considered public records in Chesapeake County, Virginia. The VFOIA establishes that records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to citizens of the Commonwealth, with certain statutory exceptions. This legal framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability in judicial proceedings.
Warrant records in Chesapeake County are maintained by the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court. These records remain publicly accessible unless specifically sealed by judicial order in accordance with Virginia Code § 19.2-76, which may occur in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or other circumstances where public disclosure could compromise justice or public safety.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Chesapeake Circuit Court or the Chesapeake General District Court, subject to applicable identification requirements and administrative procedures.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Chesapeake County?
Warrant records maintained by Chesapeake County authorities typically contain the following information as required by Virginia Code § 19.2-72:
- Full legal name and identifying information of the subject
- Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable)
- Nature and classification of the alleged offense(s)
- Statutory citation of violated law(s)
- Name and title of the issuing judicial officer
- Bond amount and conditions (for arrest warrants)
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Service status (executed, outstanding, or recalled)
For search warrants, additional information pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-54 includes the specific location to be searched and detailed description of items subject to seizure. All warrant documents bear the official seal of the issuing court and signature of the authorized judicial officer.
How to Check For Warrants in Chesapeake County For Free
Citizens may verify the existence of warrants in Chesapeake County through several no-cost methods established by local authorities:
In-person inquiry at the Chesapeake General District Court Chesapeake General District Court 307 Albemarle Drive, Suite 200B Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 382-3100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Official Website
Direct contact with the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office Chesapeake Sheriff's Office 401 Albemarle Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 382-6159 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Public access terminals at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Chesapeake Circuit Court 307 Albemarle Drive, Suite 300A Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 382-3000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM Official Website
Individuals conducting warrant searches must present valid government-issued identification. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, while the search itself is free, nominal fees may apply for printed copies of warrant documentation.
Chesapeake County Sheriff Warrants
The Chesapeake Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for executing warrants issued within the jurisdiction of Chesapeake County. Sheriff warrants are official court orders authorized under Virginia Code § 19.2-80 that empower law enforcement officers to take specific actions, including:
- Arrest of named individuals for criminal offenses
- Detention of persons for court appearances
- Execution of court-ordered seizures of property
- Service of civil process documents
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division that operates 24 hours per day to process and execute warrants throughout Chesapeake County. Deputies are dispatched based on priority classification, with violent felony warrants receiving immediate attention.
All warrants must be physically served by authorized law enforcement personnel. Virginia law does not permit electronic service of warrants, and individuals named in warrants must be personally served with the appropriate documentation at the time of execution.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Chesapeake County in 2025
As of 2025, individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Chesapeake County may utilize several official verification methods:
The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System provides searchable warrant status information through secure terminals located at the Chesapeake Courthouse Complex at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
Direct inquiry with the Clerk of the Chesapeake General District Court during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at (757) 382-3100.
Written request submitted to the Records Division of the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, which processes warrant verification requests within 3-5 business days pursuant to departmental policy.
Authorized legal representatives may conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients with proper documentation of representation.
Virginia Code § 19.2-390.1 requires that all warrant information be updated in state databases within 72 hours of issuance or service. Individuals should be aware that providing false identification when conducting warrant searches constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code § 18.2-186.3.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Chesapeake County
Verification of outstanding warrants in Chesapeake County requires adherence to established protocols designed to maintain judicial integrity while providing necessary public access. The following methods are available for conducting outstanding warrant searches:
In-person verification at the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 401 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Valid photo identification is required.
Electronic inquiry through the Virginia Court Case Information System, which provides limited warrant status information for cases that have been docketed.
Written request submitted to the Clerk of the Circuit Court with required identifying information and notarized signature. Processing time is approximately 7-10 business days.
Telephone inquiry to the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (757) 382-6159. Note that limited information may be provided via telephone in accordance with privacy regulations.
The Virginia Department of Corrections also maintains records of outstanding warrants for individuals under state supervision or those who have violated terms of probation or parole.
Search Warrant Records in Chesapeake County
Individuals seeking to access warrant records in Chesapeake County may utilize the following resources:
