>James City County Warrant Search Online

James City County, Virginia Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in James City County, Virginia?

Warrants are public records in James City County, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. Under VFOIA, public records are defined as documents prepared, owned, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. Warrants, which are issued by judicial authorities within the county, fall within this definition and are maintained as part of the public record system to ensure transparency and accountability within the legal system.

The accessibility of warrant records serves multiple public interests, including allowing residents and interested parties to stay informed about legal proceedings and law enforcement activities. By maintaining these records as public documents, James City County upholds the principles of open government established in Virginia law. Citizens may verify the issuance and execution of warrants and understand the legal actions being undertaken within their community, consistent with the Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency.

Warrant information may be accessed through the Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court or the Sheriff's Office, subject to certain exemptions that may apply under VFOIA § 2.2-3705 for ongoing investigations or matters of public safety.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in James City County?

Warrant records in James City County typically contain the following information as required by Virginia law:

The full legal name and identifying information of the individual subject to the warrant
The type of warrant issued (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant)
Date and time of issuance
The issuing judicial authority or court
Case number and docket information
Details of the alleged offense or reason for the warrant, including applicable Virginia Code sections
Any specific conditions or instructions for execution of the warrant
Return information documenting service or execution of the warrant
Bond information, if applicable
Signatures of the issuing judge or magistrate

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 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 specify the offense charged as required by Virginia Code § 19.2-72.

How to Check For Warrants in James City County For Free

Members of the public may conduct free searches for warrant records in James City County through several official channels:

Visit the Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court Clerk's Office located at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Contact the James City County Sheriff's Office at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 8, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Telephone: (757) 564-2220.
Access public terminals available at the courthouse during regular business hours for self-service searches.
Review the James City County's Most Wanted page for information on individuals with active warrants.

Individuals seeking information should be prepared to provide proper identification and specific information about the person for whom they are searching. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, clerks of court shall make records available for public inspection during regular office hours.

James City County Sheriff Warrants

The Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for executing warrants within the jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are legal documents issued by the Williamsburg/James City County courts authorizing law enforcement to perform specific actions, such as making an arrest or conducting a search of premises.

These warrants contain information required by Virginia Code § 19.2-72 for arrest warrants and § 19.2-54 for search warrants, including the individual's name, the nature of the alleged crime, and specific instructions for law enforcement officers. The Sheriff's Office maintains procedures for warrant execution that comply with constitutional requirements and Virginia law.

The Sheriff's Office is located at:

Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff's Office
5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 8
Williamsburg, VA 23188
(757) 564-2220
Official Sheriff's Office Website

Office hours for public inquiries regarding warrants are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in James City County in 2025

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in James City County in 2025 may utilize several official methods. Pursuant to Virginia public records laws, warrant information is accessible through the following channels:

Visit the Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court in person at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Operating hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Contact the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 1, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Telephone: (757) 564-2400.
Utilize public access computers available at the courthouse to search court records databases.
Call the Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff's Office at (757) 564-2220 during business hours to inquire about warrant status.

Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification, including full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information. Virginia Code § 19.2-390.3 governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in James City County

Searches for outstanding warrants in James City County may be conducted through multiple official channels in accordance with Virginia public records laws:

Visit the Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Hours of operation are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Contact the Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff's Office at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 8, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Telephone: (757) 564-2220.
Access the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court records at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 1, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Telephone: (757) 564-2400. Court hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Review the James City County's Most Wanted page for information on individuals with active warrants.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, these records are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Individuals conducting searches should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the person for whom they are searching.