City of Fairfax Arrest Records

City of Fairfax arrest records are kept by the Fairfax City Police Department and the city's own Circuit Court, as the City of Fairfax is a Virginia independent city entirely separate from Fairfax County despite sharing a name. Search criminal cases for free through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, or call the Police Department at (703) 385-7924 for local record requests.

City of Fairfax Police Department

The City of Fairfax Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for this independent city in Northern Virginia. The department maintains arrest records, booking records, and incident reports for all activity within city limits. For local record requests, the Police Department charges $10 per arrest record request. Staff can help you identify the right record type and process for your specific need.

The City of Fairfax and Fairfax County are two different jurisdictions. They share a name but they are legally separate. The city is an enclave completely surrounded by Fairfax County. Criminal cases from within the City of Fairfax go through the City of Fairfax Circuit Court and General District Court. Cases from Fairfax County go through different courts. Do not confuse the two when searching records online.

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 has five working days to respond. Fees for actual costs may apply. If your estimated costs exceed $200, the city may ask for a deposit before proceeding.

How to Search City of Fairfax Arrest Records

Start with the free Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number to find records from the City of Fairfax Circuit Court and General District Court. When searching, make sure to select or note that you are searching City of Fairfax, not Fairfax County. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes.

The City of Fairfax has its own Circuit Court and General District Court. The Circuit Court handles felonies, higher civil cases, and appeals. The General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony hearings. All criminal cases from within city limits run through these city courts exclusively.

For a certified statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Form SP-167 covers personal and authorized third-party checks at $15 with a notarized signature. Employers use form SP-230 for conviction-only data at $29. Get both forms at vsp.virginia.gov. Mail with payment to VSP in Richmond. Processing takes about 15 business days.

For state prison inmates, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For local jail inquiries, call the Police Department. VADOC covers state facilities only.

Note: Sealed records, expunged files, juvenile cases, and certain protective order matters do not appear online. Contact the court clerk if a record seems to be missing.

City of Fairfax Court Records

The City of Fairfax Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters above the General District Court's limit, and appeals. The clerk's office maintains official case files and provides certified copies for a fee. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you search at no charge during business hours.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and felony preliminary hearings. Both courts are in the Virginia Courts Case Information System online. For physical copies or file reviews, visit the appropriate clerk's office in person with photo ID. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange is the central statewide repository for criminal history data.

FOIA and Public Access

Virginia FOIA at § 2.2-3704 gives the public the right to request government records. Records are presumed open unless an exemption applies. You do not need to say why you want them. Arrest names and charges are public. Active investigations and juvenile records are the key exceptions. For questions or help with a denial, contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810.

Expungement of City of Fairfax Arrest Records

Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition the City of Fairfax Circuit Court for expungement of an 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 causes harm. Absolute pardon recipients may also qualify.

Convictions are generally not expungeable in Virginia. Starting July 2025, certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for automatic sealing under new state law after waiting periods expire. To file in Fairfax City, petition the Circuit Court, submit fingerprints through VSP, and serve the Commonwealth's Attorney. Filing fees apply. A hearing may be scheduled if there is opposition.

Nearby Independent Cities

The City of Fairfax is in Northern Virginia. Nearby independent cities include Alexandria and Falls Church.