Westmoreland County Arrest Records

Westmoreland County arrest records are held by the Sheriff's Office in Montross, Virginia, and can be accessed through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, by requesting records in person or by mail from the Sheriff's Office, or through the Virginia State Police for a certified statewide criminal history report. Westmoreland County is a rural Northern Neck county and is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit. This page explains how to find and request arrest records in Westmoreland County, what information to include, and how Virginia's expungement law applies.

Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office

The Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office is the county's primary law enforcement agency and the first place to contact for local arrest record requests. The office keeps booking records, jail logs, and incident reports for arrests that occurred in Westmoreland County. Staff can help you find a specific record or direct you to the Virginia State Police if you need a statewide criminal history search.

You can submit a records request in person or by mail. To help staff locate the record, include the full name of the subject, the approximate date of the arrest, and any case or report number you have. A written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act may be required for some types of records. Fees for copies are based on actual cost. Call the office ahead of time if you want a cost estimate.

The Sheriff's Office covers Westmoreland County records. For a statewide criminal history check covering all Virginia agencies, the Virginia State Police CARE system is the proper tool. The fee is $15 per check, and processing typically takes 15 business days by mail. The Sheriff's Office staff can help you find the right form.

How to Search Westmoreland County Arrest Records

The Virginia Courts Case Information System at vacourts.gov is the free tool for looking up court case records. Search by name or case number for Westmoreland County Circuit Court and General District Court cases. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. No fee or registration is needed.

For a certified criminal history record, use the Virginia State Police CARE system. Form SP-167 covers standard public and personal requests. If you are asking for someone else's records, you must include a notarized authorization with the form. The fee is $15. Mail the completed form and payment to the Virginia State Police in Richmond. Processing takes about 15 business days. Complete instructions and downloadable forms are at vsp.virginia.gov.

To find someone in state custody, the VADOC Offender Locator is free and available online. For someone held at the local Westmoreland County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.

In-person visits to the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Montross are another option. The Circuit Court clerk and General District Court clerk both maintain case records, and public terminals may be available. Bring photo ID and details about the case. Certified copies of court documents are available for a per-page fee.

The Virginia Courts online tool works best for fast, free case history lookups. Use the CARE system when you need a certified criminal history record for legal, employment, or licensing purposes.

Westmoreland County Court Records

Westmoreland County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court, both located in Montross at the county courthouse. Each handles different types of criminal cases and keeps its own public records.

The Circuit Court handles felony cases, jury trials, and appeals from the General District Court. Felony case records for Westmoreland County are on file with the Circuit Court clerk. Records can be searched through the Virginia Courts online tool or found in person. Certified copies of orders and judgments carry a per-page fee.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Records from both courts are searchable through the statewide online portal. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, the Central Criminal Records Exchange at the Virginia State Police serves as the official statewide repository for criminal history data.

FOIA and Public Access in Westmoreland County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 gives every person the right to request public records from Westmoreland County agencies, including arrest records from the Sheriff's Office and courts. The law presumes all records are open unless a specific exemption applies. Agencies must respond within five working days.

Write your request to the records custodian at the agency that holds the records. You do not need to explain why you want them. Describe the records clearly: include the subject's name, approximate dates, and the type of document. Agencies charge only for actual copying costs and staff time. A deposit may be required before work begins if the estimated cost exceeds $200.

Virginia law requires the release of the identity of arrested persons, the charges against them, and the status of those charges. Active investigations and juvenile records are exempt. The FOIA Advisory Council can answer questions at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.

Expungement of Westmoreland County Arrest Records

Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition to have certain arrest records expunged and sealed from public access. Eligibility includes acquittal, dismissal or nolle prosequi of charges, arrest without charges where the record is inaccurate or harmful, and receiving an absolute pardon after a wrongful conviction.

Virginia generally does not allow expungement of convictions. A finding of guilt typically stays on the public record. New laws effective July 2025 may allow some misdemeanor and felony convictions to be automatically sealed after waiting periods, but those provisions are still being implemented.

To petition for expungement in Westmoreland County, file with the Circuit Court in Montross. The petition must describe the arrest and state the legal grounds for sealing. You must submit fingerprints through the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth's Attorney gets a copy and may oppose the petition. If opposed, the court holds a hearing. Filing fees apply. The full statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.

Cities and Towns in Westmoreland County

Westmoreland County is on the Northern Neck peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. The county seat is Montross. There are no independent cities within the county. All criminal cases from Westmoreland County go through the county courts in Montross.

Nearby Counties

Westmoreland County is on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Check which county has jurisdiction based on where an incident occurred.