Roanoke County Arrest Records

Roanoke County arrest records are maintained by the County Police Department and can be accessed through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, requested by mail or in person, or obtained through the Virginia State Police criminal history program. Roanoke County surrounds but does not include the independent City of Roanoke, which is a separate jurisdiction. The county's Records Division handles record requests and the Police Department operates the county jail. This page explains how to find arrest records in Roanoke County through each available channel.

Roanoke County Police Department

Roanoke County operates a Police Department rather than relying solely on a Sheriff's Office for patrol and arrest functions. The department is at 5914 Cove Road and handles day-to-day law enforcement across the county. It makes arrests, maintains incident reports, and manages the county jail. The Records Division at 5925 Cove Road is the place to submit records requests.

Records requests can be submitted in person at the Records Division or by mail. Include the full name of the person, the approximate date of arrest, and any case number you have. Some requests may require a written FOIA request. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Fees may apply for copies.

Roanoke County also has an inmate lookup tool available through the Sheriff's Office website for checking current jail detainees. The department covers only county jurisdiction. The City of Roanoke, City of Salem, and Town of Vinton are separate jurisdictions with their own law enforcement and records.

How to Search Roanoke County Arrest Records

The free Virginia Courts Case Information System lets you search by name or case number without any registration or fee. It covers both the Roanoke County Circuit Court and General District Court. Results show charges, court dates, and case outcomes. This is the best starting point for most searches.

For a certified criminal history record, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Complete form SP-167 and mail it to VSP in Richmond with a $15 fee. Instructions and the form are at vsp.virginia.gov. To search another person's history, they must provide notarized written consent. Processing takes about 15 business days.

Keep in mind that Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke are completely separate jurisdictions. If an arrest occurred within the city limits of Roanoke, you need to contact Roanoke city agencies. The City of Salem is also independent. And the Town of Vinton, while within the county, has its own police department. Arrests by Vinton police still go through the county court system.

For state prison inmates, use the VADOC Offender Locator. For current county jail detainees, use the online inmate lookup tool available through the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office website. In-person courthouse visits are available during business hours at both court levels. Bring photo ID and relevant case details.

Records that have been sealed, expunged, or involve juvenile matters will not appear in the public online system. Those require a formal court petition.

Roanoke County Court Records

Roanoke County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court. The courthouse is in the City of Salem, which serves as the county seat area even though it is a separate independent city. This can be a point of confusion. Roanoke County cases are filed in the county courts, which happen to be located within the city of Salem's boundaries.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, including trials, pleas, and sentencing. It also hears appeals from the General District Court. Felony case records for Roanoke County are at the Circuit Court clerk's office. Certified copies of orders and judgments cost a per-page fee set by state law.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and initial hearings on felony charges. Both courts are searchable through the Virginia Courts Case Information System. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, statewide criminal history data is managed through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange.

FOIA and Public Access in Roanoke County

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

Write a request to the records custodian at the relevant agency. No reason is required. Include the person's name, type of record, and relevant dates. Agencies may charge only actual copying and staff time costs. If estimated costs exceed $200, they may require a deposit.

Virginia law makes arrested persons' identities and charges public information. Active investigations are protected. Juvenile records are confidential. The Virginia FOIA Advisory Council can help at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.

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

Expungement of Roanoke County Arrest Records

Virginia law allows some arrest records to be sealed. 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 charged and the record is causing harm. An absolute pardon after conviction may also qualify you.

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

To seek expungement for a Roanoke County case, file a petition with the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Include full case details and your legal grounds. You must submit fingerprints 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. Read the full statute at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.

Cities and Towns Near Roanoke County

Roanoke County is surrounded by several independent Virginia cities and towns. The City of Roanoke, the City of Salem, and the Town of Vinton are all distinct jurisdictions. The City of Roanoke and City of Salem have their own police departments, courts, and records systems. The Town of Vinton has its own police department, but criminal cases from Vinton go through the Roanoke County courts. If you need records from the City of Roanoke or City of Salem, contact those cities directly.

Nearby Counties

Roanoke County is in the Roanoke Valley region of southwest Virginia. Confirm the correct jurisdiction before submitting your request.