Roanoke City Arrest Records

Arrest records for the City of Roanoke are maintained by the Roanoke Police Department, the primary law enforcement agency for this independent Virginia city. Roanoke city and Roanoke County are separate jurisdictions with separate courts and police. You can search Roanoke city court cases free at vacourts.gov, or request certified criminal history through the Virginia State Police CARE system.

Roanoke Police Department

The Roanoke Police Department handles all law enforcement within the city and maintains local arrest records. Because Roanoke is an independent city, Roanoke County law enforcement has no jurisdiction inside city limits. The police department is your main contact for local arrest records, booking data, and incident reports.

To request a record, contact the department in person or by mail. Include the full name, approximate arrest date, and any case number you have. Some requests need formal FOIA submissions. Staff can explain the paperwork and fees. The department is located on Campbell Avenue in downtown Roanoke.

Be sure you are looking in the right jurisdiction. Roanoke city records are separate from Roanoke County records. If the incident happened outside city limits, you need the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office. For statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system.

How to Find Roanoke City Records

The Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov is the free starting point. Search by name or case number to find Roanoke city Circuit Court and General District Court records. You will see charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions. No account or fee is required.

For certified criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE program. Form SP-167 is for individual checks and requires a notarized signature and $15 fee. Mail the form to the VSP. Processing takes about 15 business days. Find forms at vsp.virginia.gov. Employers use form SP-230 for job applicant background checks. SP-230 costs $27 and gives conviction data only.

For state prison inmates, check the VADOC Offender Locator. For local jail information, contact the Roanoke Police Department or the Western Virginia Regional Jail.

In-person searches at the Roanoke Circuit Court or General District Court are available. Bring photo ID and case details. Public terminals are at the courthouse during business hours.

Roanoke City Court Records

Roanoke city has its own Circuit Court and General District Court, completely separate from the Roanoke County courts. Make sure you know which jurisdiction you need before searching. City cases are not found in Roanoke County court records and vice versa.

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

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Both courts are in the Roanoke Courthouse on Church Avenue. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, all criminal history records for Roanoke city are maintained by the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange as part of the statewide database.

Roanoke Police Department Records

The screenshot below shows the Roanoke Police Department's records page where you can learn about how to request arrest records and incident reports.

FOIA Requests in Roanoke

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

Submit a written FOIA request to the Roanoke Police Department. Describe the records clearly, with the subject's name, dates, and type of record. No reason needed. Fees are limited to actual costs. Deposits may apply for estimated fees over $200.

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

Expungement in Roanoke

Under § 19.2-392.2, expungement is available for dismissed charges, acquittals, and arrests without charges. Convictions are generally not eligible, but new laws effective July 2025 allow sealing of some convictions after applicable waiting periods.

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

Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley serves city residents and can assist with expungement eligibility and the filing process.

Nearby Independent Cities

Roanoke city is surrounded by Roanoke County. Nearby independent cities with their own separate arrest record systems are listed below.