Find Hanover County Arrest Records

Hanover County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office near Hanover, Virginia, and can be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, in-person visits to the courthouse, or formal written requests under state law. This guide explains how to find arrest records in Hanover County, how the local court system works, what the public can access, and how to request expungement if you qualify under Virginia law.

Hanover County Sheriff's Office

The Hanover County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. It handles all arrests in Hanover County, maintains booking records, and operates the county jail. The office provides records request services and can do local criminal history checks. Staff can confirm whether someone was arrested, what charges were filed, and when the arrest occurred.

Submit requests in person or by mail. Include the full name of the person, the approximate arrest date, and any case number if you have one. The office handles requests during regular business hours. Some records may need a formal written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Copy fees may apply.

The Sheriff's Office can confirm whether someone is in custody at the county jail. Note that Ashland is an independent town within Hanover County with its own police department, though Hanover County courts still handle cases from that area. For a full statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system.

How to Search Hanover 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 case outcomes. 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. Include notarized consent if requesting someone else's record. Processing takes roughly 15 business days. Full details are at vsp.virginia.gov.

For someone in a state correctional facility, check the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone at the Hanover County jail, call or visit the Sheriff's Office directly.

In-person searches at the courthouse are also an option. Visit the Circuit Court or General District Court in Hanover and ask the clerk to pull records. Public access terminals are open during business hours. Bring a photo ID and any details about the case or person.

Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records won't appear in online searches. Active investigations may be withheld. The VSP CARE system gives the most complete statewide criminal history check available.

Hanover County Court Records

Hanover County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court in Hanover. Each handles different types of criminal cases and keeps its own records.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, trials, and sentencing, plus appeals from the General District Court. Felony arrest and trial records are filed here. Search these online through the Virginia Courts Case Information System or visit the clerk's office for certified copies of court orders and judgments.

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

For paper copies of specific files, go to the clerk's office in person. The clerk can explain copy fees and accepted payment methods. Most records that are not sealed or expunged are public under Virginia law.

FOIA and Public Access in Hanover 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 Hanover County Sheriff's Office and court clerks must respond to requests within five working days.

Submit a written request to the records custodian. You don't need to explain your reason. Describe the records clearly so staff can find them. Include the person's name, approximate dates, and type of record. Agencies charge actual fees for copies and staff time but cannot add extra charges beyond cost.

Under Virginia law, arrested persons' identities and charges are public. Active investigations are exempt. Juvenile records are confidential. For requests expected to cost more than $200, the office may require a deposit first. The FOIA Advisory Council can help at (804) 698-1810.

Expungement of Hanover County Arrest Records

Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, you may petition to expunge certain arrest records if you were acquitted, if charges were 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 generally does not allow expungement of convictions. New laws effective July 2025 created an automatic sealing path for certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods. That is separate from traditional expungement.

To file for expungement in Hanover County, petition the Circuit Court in Hanover. Describe the arrest and state the legal basis. Submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and may oppose. If opposed, a hearing is held. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The full statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's code search tool.

Cities and Towns Near Hanover County

Hanover County is north of Richmond in central Virginia. The county adjoins the independent city of Richmond to the south and the independent city of Ashland is an incorporated town within the county. Mechanicsville and Ashland are well-known communities in the county. All criminal cases within the county's jurisdiction go through the Hanover County court system.

Nearby Counties

Hanover County is in central Virginia north of Richmond. Check which county applies to your case before submitting a records request.