Highland County Arrest Records

Highland County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Monterey, 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 guide explains how to find arrest records in Highland County, what courts handle criminal cases here, what the public can access, and how to pursue expungement under Virginia law if you qualify.

Highland County Sheriff's Office

The Highland County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. It handles all arrests in Highland County and maintains booking records at the county jail. Staff can confirm whether someone was arrested, what charges were filed, and when the arrest occurred. This is the right place to start for local arrest information.

Submit requests in person or by mail. Include the person's full name, the approximate arrest date, and any case number you have. 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.

Highland County is the least populous county in Virginia and one of the most rural. The Sheriff's Office handles all law enforcement in the county. For a full statewide criminal history, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. The office can help direct you to the right forms if needed.

How to Search Highland 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 for someone else's record. Processing takes roughly 15 business days. Full details are at vsp.virginia.gov.

For someone in a state correctional facility, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For someone at the Highland County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office in Monterey directly by phone.

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

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

Highland County Court Records

Highland County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court in Monterey. Both courts handle criminal cases and keep public records that can be searched online or in person. Given the county's small size, the courts handle a much lower volume of cases than most Virginia counties.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, trials, and sentencing, plus appeals from the General District Court. Felony arrest records are filed here. Search these online through the Virginia Courts Case Information System or visit the clerk's office in Monterey 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 through the Virginia State Police's Central Criminal Records Exchange.

For paper copies of case files, visit the clerk's office in Monterey. Staff can explain the copy fee schedule and accepted payment methods. Most records that are not sealed or expunged are public under Virginia law.

FOIA and Public Access in Highland 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 Highland 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 say 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 ask for a deposit. The FOIA Advisory Council can help at (804) 698-1810.

Because Highland County is very rural and has a small staff, response times and procedures may be less formal than in larger counties. It is worth calling the Sheriff's Office first to discuss your request before sending a formal FOIA letter.

Expungement of Highland 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 a separate process from traditional expungement.

To file for expungement in Highland County, petition the Circuit Court in Monterey. 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 opposed. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The full statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's code search tool.

Highland County Sheriff's Office

Cities and Towns in Highland County

Highland County is the least populated county in Virginia. The county seat is Monterey, a small community in the Allegheny Highlands. There are no incorporated cities or towns within the county. All criminal cases in Highland County go through the county court system in Monterey.

Nearby Counties

Highland County is in the western mountains of Virginia, bordering both Virginia counties and West Virginia. Make sure you're searching in the correct jurisdiction for your case.