Virginia Arrest Charges Lookup — Felony and Misdemeanor Booking Records

Virginia Arrests provides a comprehensive charges lookup tool that allows users to identify felony and misdemeanor offenses recorded during booking. By searching our database of court systems, jail records, and public arrest portals, you can verify the specific legal standing of any individual in the Commonwealth.

To access arrest charges in Virginia, users can search by name, case number, or jurisdiction to discover filed charges, booking data, custody status, and court updates for a specific individual.

It’s crucial to comprehend how Virginia categorizes felonies and misdemeanors and how these booking records relate to court proceedings and case results now that you have access to charge-related information.

How to Check Virginia Arrest Charges Details?

To check Virginia arrest charges, users enter a person’s name or case details into court databases or jail booking systems to retrieve charge descriptions, Virginia Code sections, offense classifications, and current case status linked to that arrest.

Step 1: Select the Correct Jurisdiction

• Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities
• Choose the correct court or locality (e.g., Fairfax County vs. City of Richmond)
• Selecting the wrong jurisdiction may return no results or unrelated records

Step 2: Enter Name or Case Details

• Input the individual’s full legal name in the search field
• Use correct spelling or try variations if unsure
• If available, enter case number for more accurate results

Step 3:Open the Charge Record

Once results appear:

• View the booking or court record entry
• Check listed charges filed at the time of arrest
• Review booking ID and arresting agency details

Step 4: Review Charge Information

Each arrest record typically includes:

• Charge Name: This is the offense label (e.g., Grand Larceny or Simple Assault).
• Mugshot Photograph: Captured during the intake process. You can browse the latest Virginia mugshots to view recent booking photos from local jails.
• Virginia Code Section: The specific legal statute (e.g., § 18.2-95 or § 18.2-248). These codes are used to categorize recent arrests in VA by crime type and penalty.
• Charge Class: This determines if the offense is a Misdemeanor (M1–M4) or a Felony (F1–F6).
• Case Status: Indicates whether a case is Pending, Dismissed, or Adjudicated. Use the Virginia inmate search to check current custody status or bond eligibility.

Step 5: Verify Case Status and Accuracy

• Check the disposition field for updates (dismissed, convicted, amended)
• Cross-check with court records for final case outcome
• Compare jail roster data for real-time custody status

Key Details You See in a Virginia Booking Record

Virginia Booking Record Shows:

• Charge Name — Offense label (e.g., Grand Larceny, Simple Assault)
• Virginia Code Section — Statute reference (e.g., § 18.2-95, § 18.2-248)
• Charge Class — Misdemeanor or felony level
• Offense Date — Date of alleged incident
• Case Status — Pending, Dismissed, or Adjudicated
• Booking ID — Unique arrest identifier
• Arresting Agency — Police department or sheriff office

Virginia Booking Record Does NOT Show:

• It is not a conviction record
• It does not confirm guilt — only that charges were filed at the time of booking
• It does not reflect post-arraignment developments unless you check the disposition field separately

How to Identify Felony vs Misdemeanor Charges in Virginia?

To accurately determine whether a charge is a felony or misdemeanor in Virginia, review the charge classification codes, court jurisdiction, and Virginia Code section listed in booking or court records. This helps you understand the severity of the offense, potential penalties, and case handling process.

Quick Identification Checklist:

• M1–M4 → Misdemeanor charge
• F1–F6 → Felony charge
• General District Court → Usually misdemeanor case
• Circuit Court → Felony case or serious trial stage
• Virginia Code section → Confirms exact legal classification

Virginia Misdemeanor Classes — What Booking Records Show

Class	Max Jail Time	Max Fine	Common Charge Examples
Class 1	12 months	$2,500	Simple assault (§ 18.2-57), Petit larceny (§ 18.2-96)
Class 2	6 months	$1,000	Trespassing (§ 18.2-119), Disorderly conduct (§ 18.2-415)
Class 3	None	$500	Certain criminal traffic offenses
Class 4	None	$250	Minor regulatory violations

Key Facts About Misdemeanor Charges:

• Cases are handled in Virginia General District Court
• Booking records display codes like M1, M2, M3, or M4
• Many defendants are released on summons before trial
• Class 1 misdemeanors carry the highest penalties at this level

Virginia Felony Classes — What Booking Records Show

Class	Prison Range	Civil Rights Impact	Common Charge Examples
Class 1	Life or Death	Full loss	Capital murder (§ 18.2-31)
Class 2	20 years – Life	Full loss	Aggravated murder (§ 18.2-32)
Class 3	5 – 20 years	Full loss	Malicious wounding (§ 18.2-51)
Class 4	2 – 10 years	Full loss	Embezzlement (§ 18.2-111)
Class 5	1 – 10 years OR 12 months	Full loss	Grand larceny (§ 18.2-95)
Class 6	1 – 5 years OR 12 months	Full loss	Drug distribution (§ 18.2-248)

Key Facts About Felony Charges

1. Felony cases move to Virginia Circuit Court after initial hearing
2. Booking records show codes like F1 through F6
3. Defendants are more likely to be held without bond
4. Convictions may result in loss of voting rights, firearm rights, and jury eligibility
5. Class 5 and Class 6 felonies may allow jail or prison sentencing (“wobblers”)

What “Unclassified Felony” Means in Virginia Records?

• Some offenses do not fall under standard Class 1–6 categories
• Common examples include DUI-related felonies and certain drug trafficking charges
• The booking record may display “Unclassified Felony” instead of a class code
• You must check the Virginia Code section to determine actual sentencing range

How to Confirm Charge Classification Accurately?

• Check the charge code (M or F) in the case record
• Verify the court type handling the case
• Review the statute number for legal classification
• Cross-check both court records and jail booking data for accuracy

How to Check the Virginia Clean Slate Act’s Impact on Arrest Records?

The Virginia Clean Slate Act (effective July 1, 2026) introduces automatic sealing of eligible misdemeanor arrest records and certain case outcomes. To determine whether a record has been sealed, you must verify it through Virginia court case search systems (OCIS), case status details, and cross-referenced data sources.

Step-by-Step Process to Check If a Record Is Sealed

Step 1 — Search the Record in OCIS

• Enter the person’s full name in the Virginia court case search system (OCIS)
• Select the correct jurisdiction (county or independent city)
• If no result appears, the record may be sealed under the Clean Slate Act

Step 2 — Verify Case Status

Check whether the case shows:

• Dismissed (nolle prosequi)
• Not guilty (acquittal)
• Completed sentence

These statuses determine eligibility for automatic sealing

Step 3 — Cross-Check Jail and Third-Party Records

To confirm accuracy, search additional sources:

• County jail roster (custody status)
• Third-party platforms (e.g., booking databases)

If a record appears on one platform but not in OCIS, it is likely sealed but not yet removed from external databases.

Step 4 — Confirm Record Visibility Status

• If visible in OCIS → Record is still public
• If missing in OCIS but previously existed → Likely sealed
• If still visible on third-party sites → Platform delay, not legal status

What Records Are Automatically Sealed Under the Clean Slate Act?

Eligible Records Include:

• Class 1 misdemeanors (e.g., Petit Larceny § 18.2-96, Disorderly Conduct § 18.2-415) after a 7-year crime-free period
• Acquittals — sealed immediately after court entry
• Nolle prosequi dismissals — sealed after a short waiting period
• Deferred dispositions — sealed after successful completion
• Certain Class 2, 3, and 4 misdemeanors — sealed faster than Class 1 offenses

What Records Are NOT Automatically Sealed?

Not Eligible for Automatic Sealing:

• Class 5 and Class 6 felony convictions — require court petition
• Class 1–4 felony convictions — not eligible
• Pending charges — remain visible until resolved
• DUI convictions — permanently public
• Sex offender registry-related offenses — excluded by law

Why Arrest Records May Disappear After July 2026?

• Records are automatically sealed, not deleted
• OCIS removes public visibility once eligibility is met
• Third-party sites may still display outdated data temporarily
• Sealed records remain accessible only to law enforcement and authorized agencies

How to Confirm If a Record Has Been Sealed?

Verification Checklist:

• Re-run the search in OCIS using correct jurisdiction
• Compare with previous records or saved case details
• Check if the case meets Clean Slate eligibility criteria
• Understand that sealed ≠ expunged — the record still exists internally

Difference Between Expungement and Automatic Sealing in 2026?

Factor	Automatic Sealing (Clean Slate)	Expungement
Requires a court petition?	No — triggered automatically	Yes — you must file in Circuit Court
Who qualifies?	Specific misdemeanors + acquittals	Dismissed charges and acquittals
Law enforcement access retained?	Yes	Yes
Public database visibility removed?	Yes	Yes
Timeline to take effect	Automatic after waiting period	Months after petition approval
Cost to the individual	None	Court filing fees apply

Where to Look Up Virginia Arrest Charges: Official vs. Aggregated Data

You locate Virginia arrest charge records through three primary channels — the Virginia Judiciary OCIS portal, the VSP Criminal History Records Exchange (CCRE), and third-party aggregator databases — each serving a different search purpose and returning a different depth of charge data.

Virginia Judiciary OCIS — The Gold Standard for Charge-Level Data

• Visit eapps.courts.state.va.us to access the Online Case Information System
• Select the court type first: General District Court (misdemeanors), Circuit Court (felonies), or Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
• Select the locality: Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities — you must pick the exact jurisdiction or results will not appear, even if a valid record exists
• Enter the defendant’s full legal name or the case number if you have it
• OCIS returns: case number, scheduled hearing dates, charge descriptions, Virginia Code sections, and final dispositions
• Limitation: OCIS does not display booking photos or real-time jail custody status — it is a court-filing record, not a jail intake record

VSP Criminal History Records Exchange (CCRE) — Full Background Check Source

• Access via vsp.virginia.gov under the Criminal History Records section
• Returns a complete statewide criminal history, not just a single case or jurisdiction
• Requires notarized request forms for most civilian inquiries — not suitable for casual or real-time lookups
• Used primarily by employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards conducting official pre-screening
• Returns arrests, convictions, and dispositions across all Virginia jurisdictions in a single report
• Not appropriate for a quick public name search — use OCIS for that purpose

Arrests.org — Aggregated Real-Time Booking Data

• Pulls booking photos and charge listings directly from county sheriff office intake systems
• Displays records before they reach the Virginia Judiciary portal — often within 24–48 hours of the arrest event
• Useful for viewing the original charge at time of booking, which frequently differs from what OCIS later shows after prosecutorial review or charge amendments
• Limitation: Does not automatically reflect charge reductions, dismissals, or final case outcomes — always cross-reference with OCIS for current legal status

Where to Check Sealed Records and Arrest Details in Virginia?

Your Goal	Best Source to Use	Why This Source?
Check if a record was sealed	OCIS (eapps.courts.state.va.us)	If the record was there in June but is gone in July/October, it was likely sealed.
Verify exact charge codes	OCIS Case Details	Needed to check if your misdemeanor (e.g., § 18.2-96) is on the “Automatic” list.
Run a full personal history	VSP CCRE (vsp.virginia.gov)	Use Form SP-167. This shows your unredacted history, including “Sealed” markers.
See current custody status	Virginia VINE (vavine.org)	The fastest way to see if a person is still in a local jail or on bond.
Check for “Data Lag”	Arrests.org / Third-Party Sites	To see if private sites are still illegally showing records that the state has already sealed.

How to Access Free Virginia Arrest Records via the Judiciary Portal

You access free Virginia arrest charge data through the Virginia Judiciary OCIS portal at no cost for name-based case searches — no account, no fee, and no notarization required for basic public case lookups.

What is free to access on OCIS:

• All adult case filings in General District Court and Circuit Court
• Charge names, Virginia Code sections, and hearing dates
• Case status (Pending, Continued, Disposed)
• Final dispositions once the case closes
• Defendant name, date of birth, and locality of the filing court

What is NOT free or requires additional steps:

• VSP CCRE full background checks — require notarized forms and processing fees
• Certified copies of court records — require a fee paid to the clerk’s office of the filing court
• Juvenile court records — not publicly accessible regardless of payment
• Sealed or expunged records — inaccessible to the public through any fee-based or free channel

Step-by-step to run a free OCIS name search:

• Visit eapps.courts.state.va.us
• Select “Case Search” from the main navigation
• Choose the correct court type for the charge level you are searching
• Select the locality where the arrest or charge was filed
• Enter the defendant’s first and last name — use exact legal spelling for best results
• Review the list of matching cases and select the correct record by cross-checking date of birth and charge date
• Open the case detail to view the full charge listing, Virginia Code sections, and current status

Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Virginia Arrest Record Search by Name

To run a name-based Virginia arrest charges lookup, you identify the correct jurisdiction, enter the defendant’s legal name in the appropriate court portal or booking database, verify the charge statute, and confirm the current case status and disposition.

Step 1 — Determine the Correct Jurisdiction Before You Search

• Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities — independent cities are legally separate from any county
• Richmond City and Henrico County are entirely separate jurisdictions with separate court systems, separate jail rosters, and separate charge records
• A charge filed in Fairfax City will not appear when you search Fairfax County — confirm which locality handled the case before opening OCIS
• Use any prior court notice, bond paperwork, or local news report to confirm the correct locality name

Step 2 — Select the Correct Court Type in OCIS

• Select General District Court for all misdemeanor charges (Classes 1–4)
• Select Circuit Court for all felony charges (Classes 1–6) and any misdemeanor that was appealed from district court
• Select Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court for domestic violence charges or any case involving a juvenile defendant
• Selecting the wrong court type returns zero results even when a valid record exists in another court division

Step 3 — Enter the Defendant’s Full Legal Name

• Use the legal name exactly as it appears on a government-issued ID — not a nickname, alias, or shortened version
• Try alternate spellings if the first search returns no matching cases
• Use a partial last name to broaden results when the exact spelling is uncertain or when the name has common spelling variants

Step 4 — Verify the Virginia Code Section on the Charge Record

• Every charge entry in OCIS lists a § code — look this section up directly at lis.virginia.gov to confirm the exact legal definition and sentencing range
• This step is critical for distinguishing between charges with similar names — for example, § 18.2-95 (Grand Larceny, a felony) vs. § 18.2-96 (Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor) look nearly identical in a basic name search

Step 5 — Check Custody and Bond Status

• Cross-reference OCIS with the county or city sheriff inmate lookup to confirm real-time custody status
• Common custody statuses you will encounter on booking records:
  • In Custody — defendant is currently held at the detention facility
  • Released on Personal Recognizance — released without bond, based on a promise to appear
  • Released on Bond — a bail amount was set and paid
  • Released on Summons — issued a court date without formal booking into jail
  • Transferred — moved to a different facility or jurisdiction

Step 6 — Review the Final Disposition for Charge Amendments

• Open the Disposition field in the OCIS case detail — this is the most important field for understanding the actual legal outcome
• Common disposition entries and what they mean:
  • Convicted as Charged — guilty verdict or guilty plea entered on the original charge
  • Amended — charge was reduced during plea negotiations (e.g., a Class 5 Felony reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor)
  • Nolle Prosequi (Nolle Prossed) — prosecution declined to proceed; case is effectively closed
  • Dismissed — judge dismissed the charge; not a conviction
  • Continued — case is still active with no final outcome entered yet
  • Acquitted — defendant was found not guilty at trial

Common Virginia Felony Charge Codes and Their Meanings

Virginia felony charge codes appear as Virginia Code sections on every booking record — each section number maps to a specific offense, sentence range, and charge class that determines how serious the case is.

Frequently appearing Virginia felony charge codes on booking records:

Virginia Code Section	Charge Name	Felony Class	Prison Range
§ 18.2-31	Capital murder	Class 1	Life or Death
§ 18.2-32	First-degree murder	Class 2	20 years – Life
§ 18.2-51	Malicious wounding	Class 3	5 – 20 years
§ 18.2-58	Robbery	Class 5	1 – 10 years
§ 18.2-61	Rape	Class 5	1 – 10 years (mandatory minimum applies)
§ 18.2-91	Statutory burglary	Class 5	1 – 10 years
§ 18.2-95	Grand larceny	Class 5	1 – 10 years
§ 18.2-108	Receiving stolen property	Class 5	1 – 10 years
§ 18.2-111	Embezzlement over $1,000	Class 4	2 – 10 years
§ 18.2-248	Possession with intent to distribute	Class 5	1 – 10 years
§ 18.2-250	Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance	Class 5	1 – 10 years
§ 18.2-308.2	Possession of firearm by convicted felon	Class 6	1 – 5 years

How to read a Virginia felony code section on a booking record:

• The prefix § 18.2 identifies the charge as falling under Title 18.2 — Virginia’s primary criminal code title
• The number following the dash identifies the specific offense within that title
• Cross-reference the section at lis.virginia.gov to read the exact statutory language, including any mandatory minimum sentences that apply

Understanding Virginia Misdemeanor Classes and Sentencing Guidelines

Virginia misdemeanor charge classes on booking records range from Class 1 (most serious, up to 12 months jail) to Class 4 (least serious, fine only) — and the class code on the booking record determines how the defendant is processed, whether they are jailed, and what court handles the case.

Virginia misdemeanor sentencing breakdown by class:

Class	Jail Exposure	Fine Exposure	Court	Bond Likelihood
Class 1	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	General District Court	Summons or low bond
Class 2	Up to 6 months	Up to $1,000	General District Court	Typically summons
Class 3	None	Up to $500	General District Court	Summons only
Class 4	None	Up to $250	General District Court	Summons only

Frequently appearing Virginia misdemeanor charge codes on booking records:

Virginia Code Section	Charge Name	Class
§ 18.2-57	Simple assault	Class 1
§ 18.2-96	Petit larceny (under $1,000)	Class 1
§ 18.2-119	Trespassing	Class 1
§ 18.2-415	Disorderly conduct	Class 1
§ 18.2-388	Public intoxication	Class 4
§ 46.2-301	Driving on suspended license	Class 1
§ 18.2-250.1	Possession of marijuana (prior law)	Class 1

What misdemeanor class codes tell you on a booking record:

• A charge coded “M1” means the defendant faces up to a year in jail — treat this as a serious charge despite the misdemeanor label
• A charge coded “M3” or “M4” means the defendant faces no jail time at all — only a fine
• Many Class 1 misdemeanors under Clean Slate Act (July 2026) become eligible for automatic sealing after 7 crime-free years — track this when reviewing older booking records

How Virginia’s City and County System Impacts Arrest Records

Virginia’s legal system is unique—its 38 independent cities operate separately from surrounding counties. This means arrest records, jail bookings, and inmate data are stored by the specific jurisdiction where the arrest occurred, not nearby areas.

For example, if an arrest happens in the City of Alexandria, searching the Arlington County jail roster will return no results—even though they are geographically close. To perform an accurate Virginia arrest records search, you must first identify the correct city or county jurisdiction.

How to Select the Correct Jurisdiction for Your Search

Follow these steps to find accurate Virginia booking records, mugshots, and inmate information:

1. Verify the Arresting Agency

• Identify which police department or sheriff’s office made the arrest
• Example: Richmond Police Department vs. Henrico County Police
• Records are maintained by the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred

2. Use a Jurisdiction Lookup Guide

• Check the official county or city sheriff’s office website
• Each locality has its own jail roster or booking portal
• Using the correct source prevents missing or incorrect search results

3. Cross-Reference with Virginia OCIS

• After locating a booking record, verify it in the Virginia Online Case Information System (OCIS)
• OCIS provides court-level case status, charges, and final disposition
• This ensures accuracy between jail records and court records

Major Virginia Jurisdictions & Booking Record Sources

Jurisdiction	Facility Type	Primary Booking Source
Fairfax County	Adult Detention Center	Sheriff’s Office Portal
Virginia Beach	Correctional Center	City Sheriff Website
Prince William	Adult Detention Center	County Sheriff Portal
Richmond City	Richmond Justice Center	City Sheriff Portal
Henrico County	Sheriff’s Office Jail	County Website
Norfolk City	City Jail	Sheriff Portal
Arlington County	Detention Facility	County Sheriff Portal
Chesterfield	County Jail	Sheriff Website
Loudoun County	Adult Detention Center	County Sheriff Portal

Privacy Rights and Public Access to VA Booking Records

Virginia arrest charge records are public documents under Virginia FOIA (§ 2.2-3706), which means adult booking information, charge listings, and custody status are accessible to any member of the public through official portals and third-party databases — with specific statutory exceptions that restrict certain record categories.

What is legally public under Virginia FOIA § 2.2-3706:

• Adult arrest records and all associated booking details
• Charge names, Virginia Code sections, and offense dates
• Court case filings in General District Court and Circuit Court
• Final dispositions including convictions, dismissals, and acquittals
• Custody and bond status at time of booking and during case progression

What is legally protected and NOT publicly accessible:

• Virginia juvenile arrest records — all records involving individuals under 18 are sealed by default under § 16.1-301; these do not appear in OCIS public searches or on any booking database
• Social Security Numbers — redacted from all public-facing records by statute; never visible in OCIS or on sheriff booking rosters
• Active felony investigation details — withheld while the investigation is ongoing to protect case integrity
• Victim identities in sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking cases — protected regardless of adult/juvenile status
• Records automatically sealed under the Clean Slate Act — restricted from all public databases after sealing triggers on July 1, 2026
• Court-expunged records — permanently removed from all public-facing systems after expungement order is granted and processed

What FOIA does NOT require agencies to do:

• Remove records from third-party aggregator platforms — FOIA governs government agencies, not private websites
• Update aggregator databases when charges are amended or dismissed — private platforms operate independently
• Provide records in real time — agencies have processing windows for FOIA requests

FAQ’s