Find Arrest Records in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County arrest records are maintained by the Chesterfield County Police Department and Sheriff's Office, and can be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information System online, through the county's Public Records Request Portal, or by contacting the Police Department directly. One of Virginia's most populous counties, Chesterfield has a robust set of online tools for records access, including an active warrants list and a comprehensive FOIA request portal, making it easier to find arrest records and booking information than in many other Virginia counties.
Chesterfield County Overview
Chesterfield County Police Department
The Chesterfield County Police Department provides comprehensive law enforcement services and maintains detailed arrest records for the county. The department maintains an active warrants list that is periodically updated and available online. That list includes names, charges, and other identifying information for wanted individuals. The department notes that the information can change quickly and makes no guarantee of completeness at any given moment.
The department also provides a Public Records Request Portal for submitting and tracking FOIA requests online. You can submit a request, check its status, download records, and browse frequently asked questions through the portal. This is the most efficient way to request police reports and arrest records from the department.
| Office | Chesterfield County Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832 |
| Phone | (804) 748-1251 |
The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail and maintains booking records for all county inmates. The Sheriff's Office also serves warrants and provides courthouse security. For questions about someone currently held in the county jail, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
| Office | Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832 |
| Phone | (804) 748-1261 |
How to Search Chesterfield County Arrest Records
The free online option is the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number across Circuit Court and General District Court records. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions. No account or fee is required.
Chesterfield County also provides a Public Records Request Portal at chesterfield.gov for FOIA submissions. This online portal lets you submit requests, track status, and download completed records. For arrest records specifically, submit your request to the Police Department through this portal or mail a written request to the FOIA office at P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
For a certified official criminal history statewide, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. File form SP-167 with notarized signatures. The fee is $15. Mail the form and payment to the VSP CARE office in Richmond. Processing takes about 15 business days. Instructions at vsp.virginia.gov.
For state prison inmates, the VADOC Offender Locator searches by name or DOC number. For someone held at the Chesterfield County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office at (804) 748-1261.
Note: Online case records may not show sealed or expunged records, juvenile cases, or active investigations. The active warrants list on the county website is not a complete criminal history and is for informational purposes only.
Chesterfield County Court Records
Chesterfield County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court. Both are located at the Chesterfield Justice Center on Courthouse Road. Each handles different types of criminal cases and keeps public records you can search online or in person.
The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, jury trials, sentencing, and appeals from the General District Court. Felony records for Chesterfield County are at the Circuit Court. Search records at vacourts.gov or visit the clerk's office. Certified copies of orders and judgments carry a per-page fee.
The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Chesterfield County is one of the most active court jurisdictions in Virginia given the county's large population. Records from both courts 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.
Chesterfield County borders the independent cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg. Cases originating inside those city limits go through their respective city court systems. If you are searching for a case and are not sure which jurisdiction filed it, use the name search at vacourts.gov to search all Virginia courts at once.
FOIA and Public Access in Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield County must respond to your request within five working days.
Chesterfield County provides a centralized Public Records Request Portal at chesterfield.gov/3683/Freedom-of-Information-Act-Requests. Submit requests through that portal or mail them to Chesterfield County Administration, P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, VA 23832. You do not need to state a reason. Fees must reflect actual cost for copies and staff time. If a request is expected to cost over $200, the county may ask for 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. For FOIA guidance, the FOIA Advisory Council provides free help at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.
Note: Virginia's 2021 FOIA amendment expanded access to closed criminal investigative files. Agencies may take up to 60 additional work days to respond to those specific requests.Expungement of Chesterfield County Arrest Records
Virginia allows certain arrest records to be expunged under § 19.2-392.2. You can 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 inaccurate or harmful. Those who received an absolute pardon after conviction may also qualify in some cases.
Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. If found guilty, the record stays public in most cases. 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 Chesterfield County, file with the Circuit Court at the Chesterfield Justice Center. Include arrest details and the legal grounds for your request. You must submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives a copy and may oppose it. If opposed, the court schedules a hearing. Clerk filing fees apply. Read the full statute at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.
Cities Near Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County borders several independent Virginia cities. The City of Richmond is to the north. Colonial Heights and Petersburg are to the east and southeast. Each city has its own police department and court system. Cases originating inside those city boundaries go through the respective city courts. The county courts in Chesterfield handle only cases from within county jurisdiction.
Nearby Counties
Chesterfield County is a large suburban county south of Richmond. If the arrest or case may have occurred near county lines, check these adjacent counties.