Roanoke Public Records / Roanoke County Arrest Records

Roanoke County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Roanoke County

Arrest records in Roanoke County are considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), specifically pursuant to § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia. This statute establishes that law enforcement records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public with certain exceptions and limitations.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act operates under the principle that all government records are presumed open unless a specific exemption applies. In accordance with § 2.2-3700, the Act states that its provisions "shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government."

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest is not a determination of guilt.
Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through due process of law, either by trial or plea.

The Roanoke County Police Department maintains arrest records in compliance with the Virginia Criminal Justice Records Retention Schedule, which governs how long these records must be preserved.

While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions provided in § 2.2-3706(B), including:

Information that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation
Information that would reveal the identity of confidential informants
Personal identifying information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Information related to juveniles (governed by separate statutes)

What's in Roanoke County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Roanoke County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Virginia state law and includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Address at time of arrest
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Virginia Code section(s) violated
Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
Charge description
Charge severity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Date warrant was issued
Issuing court
Judge who signed the warrant
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Date of release if bond was posted

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearance dates
Court disposition (if available)

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Property inventory taken during booking
Medical screening information
Emergency contact information

The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with the Virginia Criminal Justice Information Systems policies and procedures.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Roanoke County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Roanoke County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest record information:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Roanoke County Police Department Records Division during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (fees vary based on document type and number of pages).

Roanoke County Police Department Records Division
5925 Cove Road
Roanoke, VA 24019
540-777-8605
Roanoke County Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Written Requests:

Submit a written request via mail to the Records Division address listed above.
Include specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records.
Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount).

Online Requests: The Roanoke County Police Department accepts police report requests through their official website for certain types of records. For arrest records specifically, requesters should:

Visit the Roanoke County government website.
Navigate to the Police Department section.
Complete the online records request form.
Submit payment for applicable fees using the online payment system.

Pursuant to § 2.2-3704 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, agencies must respond to records requests within five working days. The response may include:

Providing the requested records
Notifying that the records will be provided with an estimated cost
Denying the request with specific exemption citations
Requesting additional time to fulfill the request

How To Find Roanoke County Arrest Records Online

Roanoke County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems allow for efficient searches without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

The primary online resources for locating arrest records in Roanoke County include:

Roanoke County Inmate Inquiry System
The Roanoke County Inmate Search portal provides real-time information about individuals currently detained in the Roanoke County Jail. Users may search by:
- Name (last name, first name)
- Global Subject Number
- Booking Number
This system displays current inmates' booking information, charges, bond amounts, and next court dates.
Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
The Virginia Judicial System maintains a searchable database of court cases, including criminal proceedings resulting from arrests. To search:
- Select "Roanoke County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Choose either "Criminal" or "Traffic" case type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review results for case status, charges, and court dates
Roanoke County Outstanding Warrants List
The Roanoke County Police Department maintains an Outstanding Warrants page listing individuals with active warrants. This resource:
- Lists individuals wanted by Roanoke County law enforcement
- Provides warrant information and charges
- Is updated regularly to reflect current warrant status
Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator
For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides custody information, including:
- Current location
- Sentence information
- Projected release date
- Offense information

When utilizing these online systems, users should note that:

Information is provided for informational purposes only
Some records may be subject to restrictions or redactions
The most complete records are typically available through formal requests
Online systems may not include older records that have not been digitized

How To Search Roanoke County Arrest Records for Free?

Roanoke County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide cost-free access to arrest-related information:

Public Access Terminals: The Roanoke County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors may search court records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:

Roanoke County Courthouse
305 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
540-387-6205
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Free Online Resources:

Roanoke County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry
The Roanoke County Inmate Search portal is available at no cost and provides current detention information.
Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information
The Virginia court system offers free online case searches for criminal and traffic cases in Roanoke County.
Roanoke County Police Department Outstanding Warrants List
The outstanding warrants list is publicly accessible at no charge on the county website.
Virginia Sex Offender Registry
The Virginia Sex Offender Registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Roanoke County.

Public Records Request Limitations: While initial FOIA requests are free to submit, requesters should be aware that:

Reproduction fees may apply if copies are requested (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
Search time exceeding 30 minutes may incur reasonable charges for staff time
Electronic records may be provided at no cost if readily available

Pursuant to § 2.2-3704(F) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, agencies must inform requesters of any estimated charges exceeding $200 before proceeding with the request. Requesters may ask for a breakdown of estimated charges and may narrow their request to reduce costs.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Roanoke County

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Roanoke County, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement refers to the complete removal of records from public view and, in some cases, physical destruction of records. When a record is expunged, it is as if the arrest never occurred from a legal perspective.
Sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for certain governmental or law enforcement purposes. Sealed records are not visible in standard background checks but remain accessible to authorized agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement in Roanoke County

Under current Virginia law, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Acquittals - Cases where the individual was found not guilty at trial
Nolle Prosequi - Cases where charges were formally dropped by the prosecutor
Dismissals - Cases dismissed by the court
Identity Theft/Mistaken Identity - Cases of wrongful arrest due to identity theft or mistaken identity
Absolute Pardons - Cases where the Governor has granted an absolute pardon

It is important to note that Virginia has historically had more restrictive expungement laws than many other states. Convictions, including guilty pleas and findings of guilt, have traditionally not been eligible for expungement. However, recent legislative changes have expanded eligibility in certain circumstances.

Expungement Process in Roanoke County

File a Petition - Complete and file a "Petition for Expungement of Police and Court Records" with the Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

Roanoke County Circuit Court
305 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
540-387-6205
Roanoke County Circuit Court
Pay Filing Fee - Submit the required filing fee (approximately $88 for most cases).
Fingerprinting - Obtain fingerprints from the Roanoke County Police Department.
State Police Review - The petition is forwarded to the Virginia State Police for a criminal history review.
Commonwealth's Attorney Review - The Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the petition and may contest or support it.
Court Hearing - A hearing is scheduled where a judge determines whether the continued existence of the record would constitute a manifest injustice to the petitioner.
Court Order - If approved, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge their records.

Recent Changes to Virginia Expungement Law

The Virginia General Assembly has recently enacted significant changes to expungement law through the Virginia Clean Slate Act, which will implement a more comprehensive record sealing system. These changes are being phased in gradually and will eventually allow for automatic sealing of certain records and petition-based sealing for others.

Individuals seeking expungement are strongly advised to consult with a qualified attorney, as the process is complex and the laws continue to evolve.

What Happens After Arrest in Roanoke County?

Following an arrest in Roanoke County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Virginia state law. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

1. Arrest and Booking When law enforcement officers take an individual into custody, they transport the arrestee to the Roanoke County Jail for processing. During booking:

Personal information is recorded
Fingerprints and photographs are taken
Personal property is inventoried and secured
Initial health screening is conducted
Arrestee is placed in holding cell or general population

2. Magistrate Hearing Shortly after booking, the arrestee appears before a magistrate who:

Reviews probable cause for the arrest
Sets initial bail or bond conditions
Issues formal charges
Schedules the first court appearance

3. Bond Determination The magistrate determines whether the arrestee may be released pending trial by:

Evaluating flight risk and public safety concerns
Setting appropriate bond type and amount
Establishing any special conditions of release
Ordering detention for those who pose significant risks

4. Arraignment The first formal court appearance typically occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) at the Roanoke County General District Court. During arraignment:

Charges are formally read
Constitutional rights are explained
Legal representation is addressed (appointment of public defender if needed)
Plea options are presented
Next court date is scheduled

5. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases) For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held to:

Determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
Allow prosecution to present basic evidence
Permit defense to challenge probable cause
Decide whether to certify the case to the grand jury

6. Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases) Felony cases that pass the preliminary hearing stage proceed to the grand jury, which:

Reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor
Determines if probable cause exists for formal charges
Issues indictments for cases with sufficient evidence
Sends the case to Circuit Court for trial

7. Pre-Trial Proceedings Before trial, several proceedings may occur:

Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
Pre-trial motions addressing evidence and procedure
Plea negotiations
Case management conferences

8. Trial Cases that do not resolve through plea agreements proceed to trial:

Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court
Felony trials take place in Roanoke County Circuit Court
Defendants may choose bench trial (judge only) or jury trial
Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt

9. Sentencing Following conviction (either by plea or trial verdict):

Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
Sentencing hearing is scheduled
Judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines
Penalties may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions

10. Post-Conviction After sentencing, individuals may:

File appeals challenging legal errors
Serve jail or prison sentences
Complete probation requirements
Pay court-ordered fines and restitution

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to due process under the law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Roanoke County?

Arrest records in Roanoke County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia, which serves as the Commonwealth's records management authority. These retention periods are mandated by state law, specifically § 42.1-86.1 of the Code of Virginia, which establishes the legal framework for public records retention.

Standard Retention Periods for Arrest Records

Different categories of arrest-related records are subject to varying retention requirements:

Arrest Reports and Incident Documentation: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of arrest.
Felony Arrest Records: Permanently retained when related to serious offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, and kidnapping.
Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Generally retained for 3 years after case conclusion, though retention may be extended to 10 years for certain offenses.
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions and typically sealed when the individual reaches 19 years of age, unless the offense would be a felony if committed by an adult.
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records: Maintained by the Virginia State Police in the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) permanently, unless expunged by court order.
Booking Photographs (Mugshots): Retained according to the same schedule as the corresponding arrest records.

Agency-Specific Retention Requirements

Different agencies within Roanoke County maintain arrest records for varying periods:

Roanoke County Police Department: Follows the General Schedule for Law Enforcement Records, which establishes minimum retention periods for various record types.
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office: Maintains booking and jail records according to detention facility standards, typically for a minimum of 3 years after release.
Roanoke County Circuit Court: Maintains felony case records permanently and misdemeanor case records for 10 years after case conclusion.
Roanoke County General District Court: Retains criminal case records for 10 years after final disposition.

Purpose of Records Retention

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public functions:

Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for potential appeals or post-conviction relief
Provides information for background checks authorized by law
Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

It is important to note that even after physical records may have been destroyed pursuant to retention schedules, electronic indices and database entries may remain accessible indefinitely, particularly for serious offenses.

How to Find Mugshots in Roanoke County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some jurisdictions)
Booking information board showing the date and case number
Height measurement markers in the background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Roanoke County, booking photographs are officially maintained by:

Roanoke County Sheriff's Office
401 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
540-283-3102
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office

As official records, mugshots are subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) and the records retention policies established by the Library of Virginia for law enforcement records.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Roanoke County have several potential avenues:

Submit a FOIA Request: File a formal request with the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office or Police Department, specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division: Request mugshots in person during regular business hours. Be prepared to:
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Check Court Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court case files, which can be accessed through the Clerk of Court's office.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Roanoke County government agencies do not currently publish mugshots on their official websites as a standard practice. However, mugshots may be available online through:

Third-party websites that aggregate public records
Local news media that may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests
The Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator for individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody

It is important to note that information on non-government websites may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a direct request to the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office. When making such requests:

Be specific about the record being sought
Expect to pay reproduction fees (typically $5-10 per photograph)
Allow 5-7 business days for processing as required by VFOIA

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile records are generally confidential under Virginia law
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Certain sensitive cases may have records sealed by court order
Expunged records are removed from public access

Additionally, Virginia has enacted legislation (§ 8.01-40.3) that restricts commercial websites from publishing mugshots and charging fees for their removal, though enforcement challenges remain.

Lookup Arrest Records in Roanoke County

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