Search Petersburg Arrest Records

Arrest records for the City of Petersburg are maintained by the Petersburg Police Department, the primary law enforcement agency for this independent Virginia city. Petersburg operates its own courts separate from Dinwiddie, Prince George, or any other surrounding county. You can search court records free at vacourts.gov, or request certified criminal history through the Virginia State Police CARE system.

Petersburg Police Department

The Petersburg Police Department handles all law enforcement within the city and is the main source for local arrest records. Because Petersburg is an independent city, no county sheriff operates within city limits. The department maintains booking records, incident reports, and related documents for all arrests made in the city.

To request an arrest record, contact the department by phone or in person. Provide the full name, approximate date of arrest, and any case number you have. Requests beyond basic information may need to be formal FOIA submissions. Department staff can explain the forms and fees. The main office is located in downtown Petersburg.

For statewide criminal history checks covering all of Virginia, go through the Virginia State Police CARE system. The local department can help direct you to the right forms and resources.

How to Find Petersburg Criminal Records

The Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov is the free option for court case lookups. Search by name or case number to find Petersburg Circuit Court and General District Court records. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. No account or fee is needed.

For certified criminal history, the Virginia State Police CARE system is the official source. Submit form SP-167 with a notarized signature and $15 fee by mail. Processing takes about 15 business days. Employers can use form SP-230 for background checks on job applicants. The SP-230 covers conviction data only and costs $27. Find forms at vsp.virginia.gov.

To check on someone in state prison, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For local jail information, contact the Petersburg Police Department directly.

You can also search court records in person at the Petersburg Circuit Court or General District Court. Bring photo ID and case details. Public terminals are available during business hours.

Petersburg Court Records

Petersburg has its own Circuit Court and General District Court. All criminal cases from the city go through these courts, not Dinwiddie County courts or any other surrounding jurisdiction.

The Circuit Court handles felony charges, trials, and sentencing. Felony case records are 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. Both courts can be searched at vacourts.gov. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, the Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange, which includes all Petersburg criminal history as part of the statewide database.

FOIA and Public Records in Petersburg

Virginia's FOIA law at § 2.2-3704 gives you the right to request public records from Petersburg agencies. Police incident reports, arrest logs, and other documents are covered. Agencies must respond within five working days. Records are presumed open unless an exemption applies.

Write a FOIA request identifying the records clearly. Include the subject's name, dates, and type of record. You do not need to state a reason. Fees are limited to actual costs. Deposits may apply if estimated fees exceed $200. Send your request to the Petersburg Police Department Records Division.

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

Expungement in Petersburg

Under § 19.2-392.2, expungement is available for dismissed charges, acquittals, and arrests that never led to charges. Convictions are generally not eligible, but new laws effective July 2025 allow sealing of some misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods.

File your expungement petition at the Petersburg Circuit Court. Include arrest details and your legal basis. Fingerprints via the Virginia State Police are required. Filing fees apply. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives notice. A hearing is scheduled if there is opposition.

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society serves the Petersburg area and can assist with expungement eligibility and paperwork.

Nearby Independent Cities

Petersburg is in the Tri-Cities region of central Virginia. Other nearby independent cities with separate arrest record systems are below.