Search Alexandria Arrest Records

Alexandria arrest records are maintained by the Alexandria Police Department and the city's Circuit Court clerk, both located within this independent Virginia city that operates its own court system separate from any county. You can search criminal case records for free through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, request an official criminal history from the Virginia State Police, or visit the Police Department in person to get an Alexandria-specific arrest record check.

Alexandria Police Department

The Alexandria Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency in this independent city, and it is the first place to contact when looking for a local arrest record. The department's Information Services Section handles record requests from the public. Unlike many Virginia jurisdictions, Alexandria has specific rules about who can request a local arrest record: you must currently live or work in the city to qualify for an Alexandria-only check. You also need to appear in person and bring two government-issued forms of identification, at least one with a photo.

The fee for an Alexandria-specific arrest record is $10.00, payable to the City of Alexandria Treasurer. This is a local check only and does not cover arrests from other Virginia jurisdictions. For a statewide criminal history record, you need to use the Virginia State Police CARE system instead. The Police Department staff can point you to the right forms and explain the difference between a local check and a full statewide search. These local requests are handled in person only. You cannot submit them by mail or online.

For records of incidents that occurred in Alexandria but are not part of your own personal history, you can submit a Virginia Freedom of Information Act request to the Alexandria Police Department. FOIA requests for police reports and related records go through the Office of the City Attorney, not the Police Department directly. Keep this distinction in mind when submitting your request.

FOIA Requests in Alexandria

The City of Alexandria handles Freedom of Information Act requests through the Office of the City Attorney. You can submit a request in any format the city uses, including paper, email, or through the city's online GovQA portal. The city must respond within five working days, not counting weekends or holidays. That five-day window does not include the time between sending a cost estimate to you and getting your reply.

The city may charge for actual costs involved in finding, copying, and sending records. General overhead is not included. If your estimated costs will run over $200, the city may ask for a deposit before it starts work. If you have unpaid bills from a previous FOIA request that are more than 30 days old, the city can hold off on processing your new request until the old bill is paid.

Virginia's FOIA statute, at § 2.2-3704, presumes all public records are open unless a specific exemption applies. You do not need to explain why you want a record. Arrest identities and charges are public under state law. Active investigation files and juvenile records are the main categories that agencies can withhold. The Virginia FOIA Advisory Council can answer questions about the process at (804) 698-1810.

How to Search Alexandria Court Records

The fastest free option is the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. You can search by name or case number and pull up records from Alexandria's Circuit Court and General District Court. The system shows charge details, hearing dates, and case outcomes. No account is needed. No fee applies.

Alexandria has its own Circuit Court and its own General District Court. Both are located within the city. The Circuit Court handles felony cases and Circuit Court appeals. The General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and felony preliminary hearings. Because Alexandria is an independent city, there is no county court to deal with. All criminal cases from Alexandria go through these two city courts.

For a certified statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Individuals use form SP-167, which requires a notarized signature and a $15 fee. Employers use form SP-230 for conviction-only data at $29. Mail the completed form with payment to VSP in Richmond. Full instructions and forms are at vsp.virginia.gov. Processing takes about 15 business days.

To find someone currently held in a state correctional facility, check the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone held locally in Alexandria, call the Police Department or the city jail directly. The online VADOC system only covers state prison inmates, not local detention facilities.

Note: Sealed or expunged records, juvenile cases, and protective order files will not show up in online searches. If you think a record should be there and is not, contact the court clerk directly.

Alexandria Circuit Court and General District Court

Alexandria's Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for the city. It handles felony criminal cases, civil matters above $25,000, and appeals from the General District Court. The clerk's office maintains the official case files and can provide certified copies of orders and judgments for a per-page fee. You can also review records at the public access terminals in the courthouse during business hours.

The General District Court handles the bulk of criminal cases day to day: misdemeanors, traffic charges, and preliminary hearings on felonies. It also handles civil claims up to $25,000. Both courts use the statewide case information system, so you can search both from the same online tool. If you need a certified copy of a record from either court, visit the clerk's office in person or call ahead to ask about mail-in procedures. Under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, the Circuit Court also handles expungement petitions for Alexandria residents.

Expungement in Alexandria

You can petition for expungement of an Alexandria arrest record if you were acquitted, if the charge was dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but never charged and the record is causing you harm. People who received an absolute pardon may also be eligible. Virginia's expungement statute is § 19.2-392.2.

Standard expungement does not apply to convictions. Virginia is more restrictive than most states on this point. Starting in July 2025, certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may qualify for automatic sealing under newer state law after waiting periods pass. To file in Alexandria, petition the Circuit Court here in the city. You will need to submit fingerprints through VSP for identity verification. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and can oppose the petition. A hearing may follow. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office.

Nearby Independent Cities

Alexandria sits in Northern Virginia near several other independent cities. Check the city where the arrest took place to get the right court records.