Henry County Arrest Records Search

Henry County arrest records are kept by the Sheriff's Office in Martinsville, Virginia, and are accessible through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, or formal written requests under Virginia's public records law. This page explains how to search for arrest records in Henry County, how the local court system works, what the public can access, and how to pursue expungement if you qualify.

Henry County Sheriff's Office

The Henry County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. It handles all arrests in Henry County, maintains booking records at the jail, and provides records request services. Record seekers can request Henry County arrest records directly from the Sheriff's Office. Staff can tell you whether someone was arrested, what charges were filed, and when the arrest occurred.

Submit requests in person or by mail. Include the person's full name, the approximate arrest date, and any case number if you have one. Requests are handled 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 Martinsville is an independent city surrounded by Henry County. If an arrest occurred within Martinsville city limits, contact the Martinsville Police Department. For a complete statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system.

How to Search Henry County Arrest Records

Start with the free Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. This 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 fee or account is needed.

For certified criminal history records, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Complete 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 held in a Virginia state correctional facility, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone at the Henry County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.

In-person searches are available at the courthouse. Visit the Circuit Court or General District Court in Martinsville and ask the clerk to pull records. Public access terminals are open during business hours. Bring photo ID and any details about the case you are looking up.

Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records won't show up in online searches. Active investigations may be withheld under FOIA exemptions. For the most complete statewide criminal history, the VSP CARE system is your best option.

Henry County Court Records

Henry County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court in Martinsville. Both courts handle criminal cases and maintain public records that can be searched online or in person.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, trials, and sentencing, plus appeals from the General District Court. Felony arrest records and trial records are filed here. You can search these online or visit the clerk's office for certified copies of 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 by the Virginia State Police through the Central Criminal Records Exchange.

For paper copies, visit the clerk's office in person. Staff can explain copy fees and accepted payment methods. Most records that are not sealed are public under Virginia law.

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

Put your request in writing and send it to the records custodian. You don't need to explain why you want the records. Describe them clearly enough for staff to 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.

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

Expungement of Henry 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 Henry County, petition the Circuit Court in Martinsville. Describe the arrest and state the legal basis for sealing. Submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and may oppose. A hearing is held if contested. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The full statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's code search tool.

Cities Near Henry County

Henry County surrounds the independent city of Martinsville. Martinsville has its own police department and operates under a separate city government. If an arrest occurred within Martinsville city limits, you need to contact the Martinsville Police Department rather than the county sheriff. All arrests in the unincorporated areas of Henry County go through the county court system.

Nearby Counties

Henry County is in southern Virginia near the North Carolina border. Confirm which county applies to your case before submitting a records request.