Pulaski County Arrest Records

Pulaski County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office at 52 Court House Drive in Pulaski, Virginia, and can be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information System online, requested in person or by mail, or obtained through the Virginia State Police criminal history program. Pulaski County is in the New River Valley region of southwest Virginia and follows Virginia's public records laws, which provide free online access to court case data and a paid path for certified criminal history reports. This guide covers the key methods for finding arrest records in Pulaski County.

Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency and the starting point for arrest record requests. The office keeps booking records, incident reports, and jail logs for individuals detained at the county facility. Staff can help you find a specific arrest or guide you to other agencies depending on your needs.

You can request records in person or by mail. Include the full name of the person you are searching, the approximate date of arrest, and any case number you have. Some records may require a written FOIA request. The office handles requests during regular business hours, and copy fees may apply.

The Sheriff's Office covers only records tied to arrests made by county law enforcement. For a full statewide criminal history, the Virginia State Police CARE system is the right route. If you are unsure which path fits your needs, the Sheriff's Office can help point you in the right direction.

How to Search Pulaski County Arrest Records

The free option is the Virginia Courts Case Information System. Search by name or case number to see records from the Pulaski County Circuit Court and General District Court. You'll find charges, court dates, and case outcomes. No account or fee is needed.

For a certified criminal history record, the Virginia State Police CARE system is the official option. Fill out form SP-167 and mail it to VSP in Richmond with a $15 fee. The form and full instructions are at vsp.virginia.gov. To search another person's history, you need their notarized written consent. Processing takes about 15 business days.

Pulaski County is in the New River Valley alongside Montgomery County and Floyd County. The Town of Pulaski is within the county. If an arrest occurred in the Town of Pulaski, town police may have handled it, but the case would still go through the county courts.

For state prison inmates, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For current local jail detainees, call the Sheriff's Office directly. In-person visits to the courthouse in Pulaski are available during business hours at both court levels. Bring photo ID and relevant case details.

Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records will not show in the public online system. A formal court petition is required to access those.

Pulaski County Court Records

Pulaski County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court, both in Pulaski. The two courts handle different levels of criminal cases and both maintain public records that can be searched online or at the courthouse.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, including trials, pleas, and sentencing. It also takes appeals from the General District Court. If a person was charged with a felony in Pulaski County, the case file is at the Circuit Court clerk's office. Certified copies of orders and judgments are available for a per-page fee.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and initial hearings on felony charges. Both courts are covered by the same statewide online system. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, statewide criminal history record information is managed through the Central Criminal Records Exchange at the Virginia State Police.

FOIA and Public Access in Pulaski County

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives you the right to request government records, including arrest information, from any public agency. All records are presumed open unless a specific exemption applies. Pulaski County agencies must respond to FOIA requests within five working days.

Submit a written request describing the records you want. No reason is needed. Include the person's name, the type of record, and the relevant dates. Agencies may charge for actual copying and staff time costs. If the estimated cost is over $200, they may ask for a deposit first.

Arrest identities and charges are public under Virginia law. Active investigations are protected. Juvenile records are confidential. The Virginia FOIA Advisory Council can help if you have trouble at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.

Note: A 2021 amendment to Virginia FOIA expanded access to completed criminal investigation files. Agencies responding to those requests may take up to 60 additional work days.

Expungement of Pulaski County Arrest Records

Virginia law allows certain arrest records to be sealed through expungement. Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition if you were acquitted, if charges were dismissed or nolle prosequi, or if you were arrested but never formally charged and the record is causing harm. An absolute pardon after conviction may also make you eligible.

Most convictions are not eligible for expungement under current Virginia law. Virginia is stricter than many other states on this. Starting July 2025, new state laws may allow some misdemeanor and felony convictions to be automatically sealed after waiting periods, but only for qualifying offense types.

To file in Pulaski County, petition the Circuit Court in Pulaski. Include full case details, your legal grounds, and fingerprints submitted through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives notice and may oppose the petition. If contested, the court holds a hearing. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. The full statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.

Towns in Pulaski County

Pulaski County includes the Town of Pulaski, the county seat, and the Town of Dublin. Neither town operates an independent court. All criminal cases in the county, including those originating in either town, go through the Pulaski County Circuit Court and General District Court. The City of Radford is a separate independent city near Pulaski County and has its own court system.

Nearby Counties

Pulaski County is in the New River Valley region of southwest Virginia. Check the correct jurisdiction before submitting your records request.