Lexington Arrest Records

Arrest records for the City of Lexington, Virginia are maintained by the Lexington Police Department and processed through the state court system. Lexington is an independent city, meaning it operates its own courts and law enforcement separate from any county. You can search criminal cases through the Virginia Courts Case Information System free of charge, or request a certified criminal history record through the Virginia State Police CARE system.

Lexington Police Department

The Lexington Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city and the first place to start when looking for local arrest records. The department handles booking, incident reports, and jail records for the city. Because Lexington is an independent city in Virginia, there is no county sheriff overseeing city arrests. All law enforcement within city limits goes through the police department.

To request an arrest record from the Lexington Police Department, contact the department in person or by mail. You should include the full name of the person, approximate date of the arrest, and any case number if you have it. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and explain what forms you need to fill out. Some requests may fall under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and require a written FOIA request. Fees may apply for copies of records.

For statewide criminal history checks, the department can direct you to the Virginia State Police CARE system. A local Lexington arrest record only covers incidents in the city. The state system covers all of Virginia.

How to Search Lexington Arrest Records

The free starting point for most searches is the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. This tool lets you search by name or case number across Circuit Court and General District Court records statewide. Lexington city court records are included. You will see charge details, hearing dates, and case dispositions without paying a fee or creating an account.

For a certified criminal history record, the Virginia State Police runs the Civil and Applicant Records Exchange, known as CARE. Individuals use form SP-167 to request their own records or another person's records with proper notarized authorization. The fee is $15 per check. Mail the completed form and payment to the Virginia State Police. Processing takes about 15 business days. You can find forms at vsp.virginia.gov.

Employers who need to check a job applicant's background can use form SP-230. This form provides conviction data only and does not require notarization. The SP-230 costs more than the SP-167. Check the VSP website for current fee schedules.

If you want to know if someone is in state prison, check the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone held at a local jail, contact the Lexington Police Department or the regional jail directly.

In-person searches at the court clerk's office are another option. Visit the Lexington Circuit Court or General District Court and ask staff to pull records. Public access terminals are usually available during business hours. Bring photo ID and the identifying details you have.

Lexington City Court Records

Lexington has both a Circuit Court and a General District Court. As an independent city, these courts handle all criminal matters for the city. There is no county court that shares jurisdiction over city residents.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases and appeals from the General District Court. Felony charges, trials, and sentencing all take place here. Court records from the Circuit Court can be searched online through the Virginia Judiciary case system or accessed in person at the clerk's office. The clerk can provide certified copies of court orders for a per-page fee.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings on felony charges. This court processes the most day-to-day criminal matters. You can look up General District Court records by name or case number through the same online portal. Under Virginia law at § 19.2-389, criminal history record information is centrally maintained by the Virginia State Police through the Central Criminal Records Exchange.

Both courts are located in the city of Lexington. The Rockbridge County courts share a judicial circuit with Lexington city courts, which affects how some cases are administered, though city and county cases remain separate.

FOIA Requests in Lexington

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives you the right to request government records, including police records and arrest logs, from city agencies. The law assumes all public records are open unless a specific exemption applies. Lexington city agencies must respond to your FOIA request within five working days.

To file a FOIA request, send a written request to the records custodian at the Lexington Police Department or the applicable city office. Describe the records you need with enough detail to allow staff to find them. Include the name of the person, the dates involved, and the type of record. You do not have to explain why you want the records. Fees may apply for staff time and copying, but agencies can only charge actual costs. If estimated costs exceed $200, the agency may ask for a deposit before starting work.

Arrest identities, charges, and charge status are public under Virginia law. Active investigation files are exempt from disclosure. Juvenile records are confidential. If you need help, the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council can answer questions at (804) 698-1810.

Expungement in Lexington

Virginia law allows some arrest records to be expunged under § 19.2-392.2. You may qualify if you were acquitted, if the charge was dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but never charged. Expungement generally does not apply to convictions in Virginia. This makes Virginia more restrictive than many other states when it comes to sealing criminal records.

Starting in July 2025, Virginia expanded its sealing laws to cover certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods. This is a significant change from prior law. Check with a local attorney for the most current rules, since the specifics of the new law affect which cases qualify and how long you must wait.

To petition for expungement in Lexington, file with the Lexington Circuit Court. You must include details about the arrest and the legal basis for your request. Fingerprints through the Virginia State Police are required to confirm your identity. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and can oppose the petition. If opposed, the court sets a hearing.

Nearby Independent Cities

Lexington is a small independent city in the Shenandoah Valley region. The cities listed here are other Virginia independent cities with their own arrest record systems.