Campbell County Arrest Records

Campbell County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Rustburg, Virginia, and can be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information System online, by visiting the courthouse in person, or by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office. This south-central Virginia county borders the independent City of Lynchburg and follows the same statewide public records rules as all Virginia counties, giving access to booking records, court case data, and certified criminal history reports through the Virginia State Police.

Campbell County Sheriff's Office

The Campbell County Sheriff's Office provides comprehensive law enforcement services including patrol, investigations, and jail operations. The office maintains all arrest records and booking information for incidents in Campbell County. Staff can help you find a specific arrest record or direct you to the right state agency for a certified criminal history report.

Records requests can be submitted in person or by mail. Include the full name of the person, the approximate date of the arrest, and any case number available. The office handles requests during normal business hours. Some records may require a formal written FOIA request. Fees apply for copies made by staff.

Campbell County surrounds but does not include the independent City of Lynchburg. Cases that originate inside Lynchburg city limits go through Lynchburg city courts, not Campbell County courts. The Sheriff's Office serves only the unincorporated areas of the county. If you are unsure which jurisdiction handled a case, use the name search at vacourts.gov to find records from all Virginia jurisdictions in one step.

How to Search Campbell County Arrest Records

Start with the free Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number across Circuit Court and General District Court records. The tool shows charge details, hearing dates, and case outcomes. No account or payment is required.

For a certified official criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. File form SP-167 with notarized signatures from both the requester and the subject. The fee is $15. Mail the completed form with payment to the VSP CARE office in Richmond. Processing takes about 15 business days. Forms and instructions are at vsp.virginia.gov.

To look up a state prison inmate, use the VADOC Offender Locator by name or DOC number. That tool does not show local jail holds. For someone held at the Campbell County jail, call the Sheriff's Office directly.

In-person searches at the Campbell County courthouse in Rustburg are another option. Both the Circuit Court clerk's office and the General District Court have public terminals during business hours. Bring photo ID and any case details. Certified copies carry a per-page fee. Staff can pull older records not in the online system.

Note: Online case records may not show sealed or expunged records, juvenile cases, or certain protective orders. For precise case information, contact the court clerk directly.

Campbell County Court Records

Campbell County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court in Rustburg. Each handles different types of criminal cases and maintains public records you can search online or at the courthouse.

The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, trials, sentencing, and appeals from the General District Court. Felony records from Campbell County are at the Circuit Court. Search online via vacourts.gov or visit the clerk's office. Certified copies carry a per-page fee.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Both courts' records are searchable through the state system. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, the Central Criminal Records Exchange at the Virginia State Police is the official statewide repository for criminal history records. Local court records are public, but certified statewide history reports require the VSP CARE process.

Because Campbell County wraps around Lynchburg on three sides, residents near the city line sometimes need to check both the county and city court records. The quickest way is to use the name search at vacourts.gov, which searches all Virginia jurisdictions at once and shows which court filed each case.

FOIA and Public Access in Campbell County

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives citizens the right to request government records, including arrest records. All public records are open by default unless a specific exemption applies. The Campbell County Sheriff's Office and court clerks must respond to your request within five working days.

Write to the records custodian at the agency that holds the records you need. You do not have to explain your reason. Describe the records clearly enough for staff to find them. Include the person's name, approximate dates, and the type of record. Fees must reflect actual cost for copies and staff time. If a request will likely cost over $200, the agency can require a deposit first.

Virginia law requires that the identity of arrested persons, the charges, and the status of those charges be released on request. Active investigations and juvenile records are exempt. Need FOIA help? The FOIA Advisory Council offers free guidance at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.

Expungement of Campbell County Arrest Records

Virginia allows certain arrest records to be expunged under § 19.2-392.2. You may petition if you were acquitted, if the charge was dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but never charged and the record is harmful or inaccurate. Those who received an absolute pardon after conviction may also qualify.

Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. If found guilty, the record stays. Starting in July 2025, certain misdemeanor and some felony convictions may qualify for automatic sealing under new state law after required waiting periods pass.

To petition in Campbell County, file with the Circuit Court in Rustburg. Include arrest details and the legal grounds. You must submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives a copy and may oppose it. If opposed, the court holds a hearing. Clerk filing fees apply. Read the full statute at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.

Cities Near Campbell County

Campbell County surrounds the independent City of Lynchburg, which operates its own courts and police department. Cases that occur inside Lynchburg city limits are filed in Lynchburg city courts. The Campbell County Sheriff's Office and courts handle only cases from unincorporated county territory.

Nearby Counties

Campbell County is in south-central Virginia near the Blue Ridge foothills. If the arrest or case may have occurred near county lines, check these adjacent counties.