Northampton County Arrest Records

Northampton County arrest records are held by the Sheriff's Office in Eastville, Virginia, and can be accessed through the Virginia Courts Case Information System online, by visiting the county courthouse, or by submitting a written records request by mail. Virginia's public records laws give you free access to court case details through the state judiciary website, and certified criminal history records are available from the Virginia State Police for $15 per search.

Northampton County Sheriff's Office

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county and maintains arrest records, booking records, and jail records for the county detention facility. Located in Eastville on Virginia's Eastern Shore, the Sheriff's Office is where to start if you are looking for a specific arrest record or need to check local custody status.

Records requests can be submitted 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 processes requests during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Some records may require a formal FOIA request, and fees may apply for copies. Staff can also help you access the statewide Virginia State Police records system for broader searches.

Local criminal history checks are available for arrests made within Northampton County. For a complete statewide record covering all Virginia agencies, use the Virginia State Police CARE system with the SP-167 form and a $15 fee. The Sheriff's Office can point you to the right process and forms.

How to Search Northampton County Arrest Records

The free 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 statewide. You can see charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. No fee or account is required.

For certified criminal history records, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Complete form SP-167, have it notarized, and mail it with a $15 fee to VSP in Richmond. Standard processing takes about 15 business days. Get forms and instructions at vsp.virginia.gov.

For state prison inmates, the VADOC Offender Locator is free to use. For local jail inquiries, call the Northampton County Sheriff's Office at (757) 678-0458.

The Virginia Sex Offender Registry is searchable by name or zip code at no charge on the VSP website. Results include photos, conviction information, and registration status for all registered offenders statewide.

In-person searches at the Circuit Court or General District Court clerk's office in Eastville are available during business hours. Bring photo ID and any case details you have. Public access terminals are usually available at the courthouse.

Northampton County Court Records

Northampton County has both a Circuit Court and a General District Court. Both maintain public records you can search online or access in person at the courthouse in Eastville.

The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, trials, and sentencing, plus appeals from the General District Court. Felony case records from Northampton County are at the Circuit Court. Search them at no cost through the Virginia Judiciary online case search, or visit the clerk's office for certified copies. Per-page fees apply for certified documents.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, all criminal history records are maintained statewide through the Central Criminal Records Exchange. Both court levels in Northampton County are searchable through the same statewide system. If you need older records not available online, a visit to the courthouse clerk's office is the best approach.

FOIA and Public Access in Northampton County

Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, citizens have the right to request government records including arrest records. Public records are presumed open unless a specific exemption applies. The Northampton County Sheriff's Office and court clerks must respond to FOIA requests within five working days.

To make a FOIA request, write to the records custodian at the agency. You don't need to explain why. Describe the records clearly so the agency can locate them. Include the name, approximate dates, and type of record. Fees are capped at actual cost. If the request exceeds $200, the agency may ask for a deposit before proceeding.

Virginia law requires disclosure of the identity of arrested persons, the charges against them, and the status of those charges. Active investigations are exempt. Juvenile records are confidential. For FOIA questions, contact the FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.

Expungement of Northampton County Arrest Records

Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, you can petition for expungement if you were acquitted, if the charge was dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but never formally charged and the record is misleading. An absolute pardon may also qualify in certain circumstances.

Virginia expungement does not generally cover convictions. If you were found guilty, that record stays in place. Starting in July 2025, new state laws will allow certain misdemeanor and some felony convictions to be automatically sealed after applicable waiting periods pass. This is a significant change for people with older conviction records.

To file for expungement in Northampton County, petition the Circuit Court in Eastville. Include arrest details and the legal basis for your request. You will also need to submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives notice and can oppose the petition. A hearing follows if there is a dispute. Filing fees apply at the Circuit Court clerk's office. Use the Virginia General Assembly Code search to read the full statute.

Cities and Towns in Northampton County

Northampton County is located on the southern portion of Virginia's Eastern Shore peninsula, with the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county seat is Eastville. There are no independent cities within Northampton County that meet the qualifying population threshold for separate city pages. All criminal cases from Northampton County are handled through the county court system in Eastville.

Nearby Counties

Northampton County is at the southern end of the Eastern Shore peninsula. Accomack County is to the north, and the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel-Bridge connects the peninsula to mainland Virginia.