Find Arrest Records in Washington County
Washington County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Abingdon, Virginia, and can be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, requested from the Sheriff's Office directly, or obtained as certified statewide criminal history records through the Virginia State Police. Washington County is in the far southwest corner of Virginia and is part of the 28th Judicial Circuit. This guide covers how to find arrest records for Washington County, what contact information you need, and how the expungement process works under Virginia law.
Washington County Overview
Washington County Sheriff's Office
The Washington County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for the county and serves as the primary source for local arrest record requests. The office keeps booking records, jail logs, and incident reports for criminal matters that occurred in Washington County. If you need a specific arrest record from the county, the Sheriff's Office is the right place to start. Staff can help locate records or point you to the appropriate state-level resource for a broader criminal history search.
Records requests can be submitted in person or by mail. When contacting the office, include the full name of the person, the approximate date of the arrest, and any case number or incident number you have. Some types of records may require a formal written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Fees for copies are based on actual cost, and the office can provide an estimate before pulling records if you ask.
| Office | Washington County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 1000, Abingdon, VA 24212 |
| Phone | (276) 525-1300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Sheriff's Office handles records for Washington County, Virginia. For a comprehensive statewide criminal history check, the Virginia State Police CARE system is the right path. It covers all Virginia law enforcement agencies. The fee is $15, and processing takes about 15 business days. The office can direct you to the proper form.
How to Search Washington County Arrest Records
The free option is the Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov. Search by name or case number for records from the Washington County Circuit Court and General District Court. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. No login or fee is required.
For certified criminal history records, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Submit form SP-167 for standard public or personal requests. If you are asking for another person's records, you must include notarized authorization. The fee is $15. Mail the form with payment to the Virginia State Police in Richmond. Processing takes about 15 business days. Full instructions and forms are at vsp.virginia.gov.
To check if someone is in a Virginia state prison, the VADOC Offender Locator is free online. For someone at the local Washington County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
In-person visits to the Washington County Courthouse in Abingdon are also an option. Both the Circuit Court clerk and General District Court clerk keep case records on file. Public terminals may be available during business hours. Bring photo ID and any details about the case. Certified copies of court documents carry a per-page fee.
Use the online courts tool for quick, free lookups of case history. Use the CARE system when you need a certified criminal history report for employment, housing, or legal purposes.
Note: Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records do not appear in public online case searches.Washington County Court Records
Washington County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court, both located in Abingdon at the county courthouse. The two courts handle different categories of criminal cases and maintain separate public records.
The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, jury trials, and appeals from the lower court. Felony cases from Washington County are on file with the Circuit Court clerk. You can search them through the Virginia Courts online portal or visit in person for certified copies. Per-page fees apply for copies of orders and judgments.
The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. Records for both courts are searchable through the statewide online tool. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, criminal history records are maintained statewide at the Central Criminal Records Exchange operated by the Virginia State Police.
Washington County Sheriff's Office Records
The image below shows the Washington County Sheriff's Office website, which provides contact information and guidance on how to request records.
FOIA and Public Access in Washington County
Under § 2.2-3704 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, any person can request public records from Washington County agencies, including arrest records from the Sheriff's Office and courts. The law presumes all 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 relevant agency. You do not need to state a reason for your request. Describe the records clearly: include the subject's name, approximate dates, and the type of record. Agencies can only charge for actual staff time and copying costs. A deposit may be required before work begins if the estimated cost exceeds $200.
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 the FOIA process, contact the FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.
Note: A 2021 change expanded access to criminal investigative files once an investigation closes. Agencies may take up to 60 additional work days to respond to those requests.Expungement of Washington County Arrest Records
Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition to have arrest records expunged and sealed from public view if you were acquitted, if the case was dismissed or nolle prosequi, if you were arrested but not charged and the record is inaccurate or harmful, or if you received an absolute pardon following a wrongful conviction.
Virginia does not generally allow expungement of convictions. A finding of guilt typically stays on the record. New state laws taking effect in July 2025 may allow some misdemeanor and felony convictions to be sealed automatically after waiting periods, though those provisions are still being put in place.
To file for expungement in Washington County, petition the Circuit Court in Abingdon. The petition must describe the arrest and the legal basis for sealing the record. Fingerprints must be submitted through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and may oppose the petition. If opposed, the court holds a hearing. Clerk filing fees apply. The full text of the expungement statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.
Cities Near Washington County
Washington County surrounds the independent cities of Bristol and Abingdon. Bristol straddles the Virginia-Tennessee state line and is a separate jurisdiction with its own court. Abingdon is an independent town that serves as the county seat. All criminal cases from Washington County are handled through the county courts in Abingdon.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in the far southwest of Virginia near the Tennessee border. Check which county handled a case based on where the incident took place.