Find Norfolk Arrest Records

Norfolk arrest records are maintained by the Norfolk Police Department and processed through the city's independent court system. As one of Virginia's largest independent cities, Norfolk handles its own law enforcement and courts without any county involvement. Court case records are searchable free at vacourts.gov, while certified criminal history records come from the Virginia State Police CARE system.

Norfolk Police Department

The Norfolk Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city and handles all arrests, bookings, and incident reports within city limits. Because Norfolk is an independent city, no county sheriff oversees law enforcement here. The department is your starting point for local arrest record requests.

To get a local arrest record, contact the department in person or by mail. Provide the full name of the person, the approximate arrest date, and a case number if available. Some requests may need to be filed as formal FOIA requests. Staff can explain the process and tell you what fees apply. The department headquarters is on East Virginia Beach Boulevard.

For statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. The Norfolk Police Department can direct you to those forms. The Central Criminal Records Exchange at the state police is the official statewide repository for criminal history data under Virginia Code § 19.2-389.

How to Search Norfolk Criminal Records

The Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov is free and requires no account. Search by name or case number to find Norfolk Circuit Court and General District Court records. Results show charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. This is the best starting point for a quick court case lookup.

For certified criminal history, the Virginia State Police CARE program uses two main forms. Form SP-167 is for individual background checks, requiring a notarized signature and $15 fee. Form SP-230 is for employers checking job applicants and provides conviction data only. The SP-230 requires $13.75 for the VSP CARE search and $13.25 for the FBI file search, totaling $27.00. Mail your form to the VSP. Find all forms at vsp.virginia.gov.

For inmates currently in Virginia state prison, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone held in Norfolk City Jail, contact the Norfolk Police Department or Sheriff's Office directly.

You can also search in person at the Norfolk Circuit Court or General District Court. Public terminals are available. Bring photo ID and any details about the case. Certified copies from the clerk's office carry a per-page fee.

Norfolk City Court Records

Norfolk has its own Circuit Court and General District Court. All criminal cases arising in the city go through these courts, not any county court system. Norfolk also has a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court that handles cases involving minors and family matters.

The Circuit Court handles felony charges, jury trials, and sentencing. Records are kept at the clerk's office and searchable online through the Virginia Judiciary system. Certified copies carry a per-page fee.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. This court processes most criminal filings for the city. Norfolk's courts see a large volume of cases given the size of the city. The Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange compiles statewide criminal history data, including all Norfolk cases. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, two primary methods exist for accessing this data: form SP-167 for individuals and form SP-230 for employers.

Norfolk Police Department Records Portal

The screenshot below shows the Norfolk Police Department's records and criminal information page, where you can learn about arrest record request procedures.

FOIA and Public Access in Norfolk

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives you the right to request public records from Norfolk city agencies. Police reports, arrest logs, and related records are covered under this law. Agencies must respond within five working days. All records are presumed open unless an exemption applies.

Submit a written FOIA request to the Norfolk Police Department Records Division. Describe the records clearly, including 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. The city also processes requests through its FOIA coordinator at City Hall.

Arrest identities, charges, and case status are public. Active investigations and juvenile records are exempt from disclosure. For free help with FOIA, contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810.

Expungement in Norfolk

Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition for expungement if charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, or you were arrested but never charged. Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. New laws effective July 2025 allow sealing of some misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting periods. The details vary by offense type and sentencing outcome.

To file for expungement in Norfolk, petition the Norfolk Circuit Court. Describe the arrest and state your legal basis. Fingerprints through the Virginia State Police are required. Clerk fees apply when filing. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives notice and may oppose. A hearing is held if there is opposition.

Legal aid organizations serving Norfolk can help you determine if you qualify and guide you through the process. Hampton Roads Legal Aid and similar groups serve the region.

Nearby Independent Cities

Norfolk is surrounded by other independent cities in the Hampton Roads region. Each has its own separate arrest record system.