Chesapeake Arrest Records

Chesapeake arrest records are maintained by the Chesapeake Police Department's Central Records Unit and the city's own Circuit Court, since Chesapeake is an independent Virginia city with its own court system. You can search criminal cases at no cost through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, or contact the Central Records Unit directly at (757) 382-6815 for local booking and incident records.

Chesapeake Police Department Central Records Unit

The Chesapeake Police Department Central Records Unit is where you go for local arrest records and police reports. The unit handles public records requests for incidents that occurred within Chesapeake city limits. Staff can tell you what records are available, what you need to bring or submit, and how long the process takes. For detailed questions about a specific request, call (757) 382-6815 before you come in.

Chesapeake is one of Virginia's largest independent cities by area and population. It was created in 1963 when Norfolk County and South Norfolk merged. As an independent city, it runs its own courts and has no county affiliation. All criminal cases from within Chesapeake go through the Chesapeake Circuit Court and General District Court, not any county court.

For Freedom of Information Act requests, submit a written request to the department's FOIA officer. Describe the records you want clearly: include the person's name, approximate date, and type of record. The city must respond within five working days. Fees for actual copying and search time may apply, but the city cannot charge general overhead. If your estimated costs exceed $200, the city may ask for a deposit first.

How to Search Chesapeake Arrest Records

The free online tool is the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number to find Chesapeake Circuit Court and General District Court records. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. No login. No fee.

Chesapeake has its own Circuit Court and General District Court. The Circuit Court handles felony cases and appeals. The General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and felony preliminary hearings. Both are city courts. Online records are searchable through the same statewide tool. For physical copies, visit the clerk's office in person.

For a statewide certified criminal history through the Virginia State Police CARE system, use form SP-167 for individuals or third-party checks. The fee is $15 and a notarized signature is required. Employers use form SP-230 at $29 for conviction-only data. Forms and instructions are available at vsp.virginia.gov. Mail your completed form with payment to VSP in Richmond and allow about 15 business days.

To search for someone in a state correctional facility, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For local jail inquiries in Chesapeake, call the Police Department or the city's Correctional Center. VADOC only covers state facilities.

Note: Sealed and expunged records, juvenile cases, and some protective order files are excluded from online searches. If a record is missing, contact the court clerk.

Chesapeake Court Records

The Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters above the General District Court threshold, and appeals. The clerk's office maintains official court files and provides certified copies for a fee. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse during business hours for free searches. The Circuit Court also handles expungement petitions for Chesapeake residents.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings on felonies. It processes the bulk of criminal cases day to day. Records from both courts are in the statewide Virginia Courts Case Information System. To review case files in person or get certified copies, visit the clerk's office with photo ID and any case details you have. Under § 19.2-389 of the Virginia Code, the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange maintains the comprehensive statewide criminal history database.

FOIA and Public Access in Chesapeake

Virginia's FOIA law at § 2.2-3704 presumes all government records are public unless a specific exemption applies. You do not need to explain why you want a record. Arrest names, charges, and charge status are public. Active investigations and juvenile records are the primary exceptions. The agency must cite a legal basis for any denial. For FOIA assistance, contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810.

Expungement of Chesapeake Arrest Records

You can petition for expungement in Chesapeake's Circuit Court under § 19.2-392.2 if you were acquitted, if your charge was dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but never charged and the record causes you harm. People who received an absolute pardon may also qualify.

Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. That rule is firm for most cases. Starting in July 2025, new state law may allow automatic sealing of some misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting periods expire. To file in Chesapeake, petition the Circuit Court, submit fingerprints through VSP for identity verification, and serve the Commonwealth's Attorney. Filing fees apply. A hearing may be scheduled if the Commonwealth's Attorney opposes the petition.

Nearby Independent Cities

Chesapeake is in the Hampton Roads region. Several other independent cities are nearby in the same metro area.