Warrant records in Westmoreland County, Virginia are considered public records 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 government documents, including warrant information, with certain statutory exceptions for privacy, ongoing investigations, and public safety concerns.
The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains that public access to warrant records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes:
Members of the public seeking warrant information should note that while these records are generally accessible, certain restrictions may apply in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, particularly for records pertaining to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
Warrant records maintained by Westmoreland County authorities typically contain the following information as prescribed by Virginia judicial procedures:
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-54, search warrant records must be filed with the circuit court clerk within seven days after execution. These records become publicly accessible after filing unless sealed by judicial order.
Residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by Westmoreland County authorities:
The Westmoreland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains public terminals for records searches at:
Westmoreland County Circuit Court
175 Polk Street
PO Box 307
Montross, VA 22520
(804) 493-0108
Westmoreland Circuit Court
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays
The Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office provides limited warrant information by telephone at (804) 493-8066 during regular business hours. For in-person inquiries, visit:
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
175 Polk Street
PO Box 305
Montross, VA 22520-0305
Non-emergency: (804) 493-8066
Individuals may also utilize the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System for certain warrant information, though this system may not include all active warrants.
The Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Westmoreland County fall into several categories as defined by Virginia law:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division that coordinates with other jurisdictions to locate and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants. Deputies are authorized to execute warrants 24 hours per day, though non-emergency warrants are typically served during daylight hours.
Per Virginia Code § 19.2-76, warrants remain in effect until executed or recalled by judicial authority. There is no statutory expiration date for most criminal warrants in Virginia.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Westmoreland County may utilize the following official channels:
Contact the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (804) 493-8066. Staff can verify warrant status with proper identification information.
Visit the Westmoreland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person with government-issued photo identification to request a records search:
Westmoreland County Circuit Court
175 Polk Street
PO Box 307
Montross, VA 22520
(804) 493-0108
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
175 Polk Street
PO Box 305
Montross, VA 22520-0305
Written requests must include the requestor's full legal name, date of birth, current address, and a copy of government-issued identification.
The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator service may also provide information if a warrant has resulted in incarceration within the state correctional system.
Pursuant to Virginia public records statutes, several methods exist for conducting searches for outstanding warrants in Westmoreland County:
For general public searches:
Westmoreland County General District Court
175 Polk Street
PO Box 305
Montross, VA 22520
(804) 493-0105
The Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office provides limited warrant verification services by telephone at (804) 493-8066 or in person at their headquarters.
The Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System provides access to certain court records, though not all warrant information may be available through this system.
For third-party searches:
Individuals seeking information about another person's warrant status must submit a formal request citing the specific purpose for the inquiry. Such requests are evaluated according to Virginia Code § 2.2-3706 provisions regarding law enforcement records.
Employers, landlords, and other entities conducting background checks should note that using warrant information for hiring or housing decisions must comply with applicable federal and state fair housing and employment laws.