Search Sussex County Arrest Records

Sussex County arrest records are kept by the Sheriff's Office in Sussex, Virginia, and are accessible through the Virginia Courts Case Information System at no charge, by mail or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office, or as certified statewide records through the Virginia State Police. Sussex County is a small rural county in southeast Virginia and is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. This page explains how to search for arrest records in Sussex County, what information you will need to make a request, and what options exist under Virginia law for those seeking to expunge a record.

Sussex County Sheriff's Office

The Sussex County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for the county and is the primary source for local arrest record requests. The office maintains booking records, jail logs, and incident reports for arrests made within Sussex County. Staff can help you locate a specific record or point you to the right state resource if you need a broader criminal history search.

You can submit a request in person or by mail. To help staff find the right record, include the subject's full name, the approximate date of the arrest, and any case or report number you have. Some records may require a written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Copy fees are based on actual cost. If you want an estimate before proceeding, ask the office in advance.

The Sheriff's Office handles records from Sussex County incidents. For a statewide criminal history search that covers all Virginia law enforcement agencies, you will need to go through the Virginia State Police CARE system. The Sheriff's Office can direct you to that process and the correct forms.

How to Search Sussex County Arrest Records

Start with the free Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number for records from the Sussex County Circuit Court and General District Court. The tool shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. No registration or fee is needed.

For certified criminal history records, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Form SP-167 is for personal or public requests. If you are requesting records on someone else, include notarized consent. The fee is $15. Mail the completed form and payment to the Virginia State Police in Richmond. Processing takes about 15 business days. Full details and downloadable forms are available at vsp.virginia.gov.

To locate someone in state custody, the VADOC Offender Locator is a free tool for searching Virginia Department of Corrections inmates. For someone at the Sussex County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office.

You can also visit the Sussex County Courthouse in person. The Circuit Court and General District Court clerks have case files, and public access terminals may be available. Bring photo ID and any details about the case. Certified copies cost a per-page fee set by the court.

The online courts system is fastest for free case lookups. The CARE system is the right choice when you need a certified criminal history record for legal or employment purposes.

Sussex County Court Records

Sussex County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court. Both are located at the courthouse in Sussex. Each handles a different category of criminal cases and keeps its own set of public records.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, jury trials, and appeals from the lower court. Felony case records for Sussex County are on file with the Circuit Court clerk. You can search them online through the Virginia Courts portal or visit in person for certified copies. Per-page fees apply for copies of court documents.

The General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. Records for both courts are searchable through the statewide Virginia Courts system. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, the Central Criminal Records Exchange at the Virginia State Police is the official repository for statewide criminal history information.

Sussex County Sheriff's Office Records

The image below shows the Sussex County Sheriff's Office website, where you can find contact information and records request guidance.

FOIA and Public Access in Sussex County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives any person the right to request government records, including arrest records, from public agencies in Sussex County. The law assumes records are open unless a specific legal exemption applies. Agencies must respond within five working days.

To request records, write to the records custodian at the agency that holds them. You do not have to explain why you want the records. Describe them with enough detail for staff to locate them: include the subject's name, approximate dates, and the type of document you want. Agencies charge only for actual staff time and copying costs. If the estimated cost exceeds $200, a deposit may be required in advance.

The identity of arrested persons, the charges against them, and the status of those charges are public under Virginia law. Active investigations and juvenile records are exempt. For guidance on FOIA requests, the FOIA Advisory Council is available at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.

Expungement of Sussex County Arrest Records

Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition to have arrest records expunged and sealed from public access. You may be eligible if you were acquitted of the charges, if the case was dismissed or nolle prosequi, if you were arrested but not charged and the record is inaccurate or unfair, or if you received an absolute pardon following a wrongful conviction.

Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. A guilty verdict typically remains on the record. New state laws effective July 2025 may allow automatic sealing of some misdemeanor and felony convictions after set waiting periods, but those provisions are still being put in place.

To petition for expungement in Sussex County, file with the Circuit Court in Sussex. The petition must describe the arrest and the legal grounds for sealing. You need to submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police to verify identity. The Commonwealth's Attorney receives a copy and may oppose the petition. If opposed, the court holds a hearing. Filing fees apply at the clerk's office. Full details on the expungement process are at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.

Cities and Towns in Sussex County

Sussex County is a rural county in southeast Virginia. The county seat is the town of Sussex. There are no independent cities within Sussex County. The nearby independent city of Emporia borders the county but operates its own separate court system. All criminal cases from Sussex County go through the county courts in Sussex.

Nearby Counties

Sussex County is bordered by several counties in southeast Virginia. Check which county handled an incident based on its location.