Access Martinsville Arrest Records

Martinsville arrest records are maintained by the Martinsville Police Department, the sole law enforcement agency for this independent Virginia city. Martinsville operates its own courts and is not part of Henry County. You can search criminal court cases at no cost through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, or request certified criminal history through the Virginia State Police CARE system.

Martinsville Police Department

The Martinsville Police Department handles all law enforcement within city limits and maintains local arrest records. As an independent city, Martinsville does not rely on a county sheriff. The police department is the right agency to contact for local arrest records, booking information, and incident reports.

To request an arrest record, contact the department in person or by mail. Include the full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if you have it. More involved requests may need to be submitted as FOIA requests. Staff can explain the process and any applicable fees. The department is located in downtown Martinsville.

Martinsville and Henry County share a judicial circuit. That means the same judges may hear cases in both jurisdictions, but court records for each are filed separately. For statewide criminal history, you need the Virginia State Police CARE system.

How to Find Criminal Records in Martinsville

Start with the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number to find Martinsville court records. The system is free, requires no account, and shows charges, hearing dates, and dispositions for both Circuit Court and General District Court.

For certified criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Submit form SP-167 with a notarized signature and $15 fee by mail to the VSP. Forms and addresses are at vsp.virginia.gov. Processing time is roughly 15 business days. This search covers all of Virginia, including Martinsville.

Employers use form SP-230 for job applicant background checks. This form gives conviction data only and is less expensive to process than a full criminal history check. Always check the current VSP fee schedule before submitting any form.

In-person searches at the Martinsville Circuit Court or General District Court are also an option. Bring photo ID and any case details you have. Clerks at the courthouse can assist you. Public access terminals are available during business hours.

Martinsville City Court Records

Martinsville has its own Circuit Court and General District Court, separate from Henry County's court system. All criminal cases arising in the city go through these city courts, not the Henry County courts.

The Circuit Court handles felony charges, jury trials, and appeals from the General District Court. Felony case records are kept here. You can search online or visit the clerk in person for certified copies. Certified documents carry a per-page fee.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic matters, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. It sees most of the city's day-to-day criminal caseload. Both courts are searchable through the Virginia Judiciary's online case information system. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, criminal history records for Martinsville are part of the statewide Central Criminal Records Exchange maintained by the Virginia State Police.

FOIA Requests in Martinsville

Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, you have the right to request public records from Martinsville city agencies. This includes police reports, arrest logs, and other law enforcement documents. Agencies must respond within five working days. Records are presumed open unless an exemption applies.

Submit a written FOIA request to the Martinsville Police Department. Describe the records with the subject's name, dates, and record type. You do not need to state a reason. Fees are limited to actual costs. If estimated fees exceed $200, a deposit may be required before work starts.

Arrest identities and charges are public information. Active investigations are exempt. Juvenile records are confidential. Contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810 if you need guidance on the process.

Expungement in Martinsville

Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 allows expungement when charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, or you were arrested but never charged. Convictions are generally not eligible, but new laws effective July 2025 allow sealing of certain convictions after waiting periods.

To petition for expungement in Martinsville, file with the Martinsville Circuit Court. Include details about the arrest and your legal basis. Fingerprints through the Virginia State Police are required. Filing fees apply. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives notice and may oppose the petition. A hearing follows if there is an objection.

For advice on whether your record qualifies, contact a private attorney or a legal aid office serving the Southside Virginia region.

Nearby Independent Cities

Martinsville is in southern Virginia near the North Carolina border. Other independent Virginia cities with separate records systems are listed below.