Access Fauquier County Arrest Records

Fauquier County arrest records are kept by the Sheriff's Office in Warrenton, Virginia, and are accessible through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, in-person visits to the courthouse, or formal written requests under Virginia's FOIA law. This guide explains how to find arrest records in Fauquier County, what information is public, how court records work, and what your options are if you need a certified criminal history or want to pursue expungement.

Fauquier County Sheriff's Office

The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. It handles all arrests within Fauquier County and keeps booking records at the county detention facility. The office provides arrest-related records, local criminal history checks, and background check services. Staff can tell you whether someone was arrested in the county, what charges were filed, and when the arrest occurred.

Submit records requests in person or by mail. Include the full name of the person, the approximate arrest date, and any case number you have. The office processes requests during normal business hours. Some records may need a formal written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Fees may apply for copies.

The Sheriff's Office can check whether someone is currently in custody locally. For a full statewide criminal history, you will need to use the Virginia State Police CARE system. The office can help you find the right forms if you need more than a local check.

How to Search Fauquier County Arrest Records

Start with the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. This free statewide tool covers both Circuit Court and General District Court records. Search by name or case number to see charges, court dates, and dispositions. No account or fee is needed.

For certified criminal history records, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Fill out form SP-167 and mail it with a $15 fee to VSP in Richmond. Attach notarized consent if you are requesting someone else's record. Processing takes roughly 15 business days. All instructions are at vsp.virginia.gov.

If you are looking for someone in a Virginia prison, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone in the local Fauquier County jail, call or visit the Sheriff's Office in Warrenton.

In-person searches at the courthouse are also available. Go to the Circuit Court or General District Court in Warrenton and ask the clerk to pull records. Public access terminals are available during business hours. Bring a photo ID and details about the case.

Note that sealed, expunged, and juvenile records will not appear in online searches. Active investigations may be withheld. The VSP CARE system gives the most complete statewide criminal history.

Fauquier County Court Records

Fauquier County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court, both in Warrenton. Each handles different types of criminal cases and keeps its own public records.

The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, trials, and sentencing. It also hears appeals from the General District Court. Felony arrest records are filed here. You can search Circuit Court records online through the Virginia Courts Case Information System or visit the clerk's office in person to request certified copies of court orders and judgments.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor charges, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings on felony cases. Both courts are searchable through the Virginia Judiciary case search tool. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, criminal history record information is maintained centrally through the Virginia State Police's Central Criminal Records Exchange.

For paper copies of case files, visit the clerk's office during business hours. Staff can tell you the copy fee per page and what payment methods are accepted. Most public records that are not sealed are open under Virginia law.

FOIA and Public Access in Fauquier County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives you the right to request government records including arrest records. All public records are presumed open unless an exemption applies. The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office and court clerks must respond to your request within five working days.

Put your request in writing and send it to the records custodian. You do not need to state a reason. Describe the records clearly enough for staff to locate them. Include the person's name, approximate dates, and type of record. Agencies can charge reasonable fees for copies and staff time but cannot add extra charges beyond actual cost.

The identity of arrested persons and the charges against them are public under Virginia law. Active investigations are exempt. Juvenile records are confidential. If a request is expected to cost more than $200, the office may ask for a deposit. For help with the FOIA process, contact the FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810.

A 2021 amendment expanded access to criminal investigative files after an investigation closes. Agencies may take up to 60 additional work days to fulfill those specific requests.

Expungement of Fauquier County Arrest Records

Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, certain arrest records can be expunged if you were acquitted, if the charge was dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but not charged and the record is inaccurate or misleading. An absolute pardon after wrongful conviction may also qualify.

Virginia does not generally allow expungement of convictions. New laws effective July 2025 create an automatic sealing path for some misdemeanor and felony convictions after set waiting periods. This is separate from the standard expungement process.

To petition for expungement in Fauquier County, file with the Circuit Court in Warrenton. Describe the arrest and state the legal basis for sealing. You will need to submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and can oppose. If there is opposition, the court holds a hearing. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The full statute is available at the Virginia General Assembly's code search tool.

Cities and Towns in Fauquier County

Fauquier County is in Northern Virginia, west of the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The county seat is Warrenton. Other communities include Remington, Bealeton, and The Plains. There are no independent cities within Fauquier County. All criminal cases in the area are handled through the Fauquier County court system in Warrenton.

Nearby Counties

Fauquier County borders several other Virginia counties in the Northern Virginia and Piedmont regions. Confirm which county is relevant before submitting a records request.