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Virginia Beach, Virginia Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Warrant records are public in Virginia Beach, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access records maintained by state and local government agencies, including the Virginia Beach judicial system. The VFOIA serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records.

Warrants issued by Virginia Beach courts constitute judicial records and are generally accessible to the public. These documents typically contain information regarding the individual named in the warrant, the nature of the alleged offense, and the judicial authority that issued the warrant. The public nature of these records supports the constitutional principles of open government and judicial transparency.

Certain exceptions may apply to warrant accessibility, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or situations where disclosure might compromise public safety. These exceptions are specifically enumerated in § 2.2-3705.1 through § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia.

Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Virginia Beach?

Members of the public seeking warrant information in Virginia Beach may utilize several online resources:

Virginia Judicial System Case Information: The Virginia Court System maintains an online portal where individuals may search for case information, including active warrants. This service is accessible through the Virginia Court System website.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court Records: The Circuit Court maintains records of warrants issued within its jurisdiction. Limited information may be available through the court's online system.
Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office may provide information regarding outstanding warrants through their official website or by telephone inquiry.

Virginia Beach Circuit Court
2425 Nimmo Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4181
Virginia Beach Circuit Court

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

Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Virginia Beach may employ several methods:

Online Case Information System: The Virginia Judicial System maintains a searchable database of court records, including warrant information. This system is accessible 24 hours per day and provides basic case information.
Contact the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of outstanding warrants and can provide information upon request.

Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
2501 James Madison Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4555
Consult with Legal Counsel: Licensed attorneys can conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients and provide legal advice regarding any outstanding warrants.
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court: In-person inquiries may be made during regular business hours.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-76, warrants must be executed by law enforcement officers. Individuals with knowledge of an outstanding warrant are advised to address the matter promptly through proper legal channels.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach residents and interested parties may verify the existence of outstanding warrants through several official channels:

Virginia Court Case Information System: This online resource provides public access to court records, including information about outstanding warrants. Users may search by name to determine if warrants have been issued.
Virginia Beach Police Department Records Unit:
Municipal Center, Building 11
2509 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4101
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virginia Beach Magistrate's Office:
2501 James Madison Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4880
Hours of Operation: 24 hours daily

When conducting a warrant search, individuals must provide proper identification. Searches may be conducted for oneself or for third parties, as warrant information constitutes public record under Virginia law, subject to certain statutory exceptions.

Contents of a Virginia Beach Warrant Records

Warrant records in Virginia Beach typically contain the following information pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-72:

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.
Offense Details: Specific statutory violation(s) alleged, including the Code of Virginia section number and description of the offense.
Case Information: Court case number, date of alleged offense, and date of warrant issuance.
Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate, establishing the legal authority for the warrant.
Bond Information: Details regarding bail or bond requirements, if applicable.
Service Instructions: Specific directives for law enforcement regarding the execution of the warrant.
Return Information: Documentation regarding the service or attempted service of the warrant.

Warrant records are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Public Records Act, Code of Virginia § 42.1-76 et seq., which establishes retention schedules for judicial documents. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk serves as the custodian of these records.

Types of Warrants in Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach judicial system issues several types of warrants pursuant to the Code of Virginia:

Arrest Warrants: Issued under § 19.2-71 when probable cause exists to believe an individual has committed a criminal offense. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named individual into custody.
Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates a court order. These are authorized under § 19.2-80.2.
Search Warrants: Issued pursuant to § 19.2-52 when probable cause exists to believe evidence of criminal activity may be found at a specific location. These warrants authorize law enforcement to search designated premises.
Capias Warrants: Special forms of arrest warrants typically issued for failure to comply with court orders, including non-payment of fines or child support.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Virginia law and must be supported by sworn statements establishing probable cause.