York County Arrest Records
York County arrest records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Yorktown, Virginia, and can be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information System, requested from the Sheriff's Office by phone or in person, or obtained as certified statewide criminal history reports through the Virginia State Police. York County is on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads region and is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit. The dissemination of criminal records in York County is governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-389. This guide covers how to find and request arrest records for York County and what legal options exist for those seeking to seal a record.
York County Overview
York County Sheriff's Office
The York County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county and the main contact point for local arrest record requests. The office maintains booking records, jail logs, and incident reports for arrests that occurred in York County. Staff can help you locate a specific record, confirm custody status, or direct you to the right state resource for a comprehensive background check. The office also offers online resources for accessing recent records.
Records requests can be submitted in person or by mail. When submitting a request, include the full name of the person involved, the approximate date of the arrest, and any case number or report number you have. Written requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act may be required for certain types of records. Copy fees are based on actual cost. Call or visit the office if you want a cost estimate before your request is processed.
| Office | York County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 159 Goodwin Neck Road, Yorktown, VA 23692 |
| Phone | (757) 890-3630 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Sheriff's Office handles records for incidents in York County. For a statewide criminal history search that covers all Virginia agencies, go through the Virginia State Police CARE system. The standard fee is $15, and processing takes about 15 business days by mail.
How to Search York 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 York County Circuit Court and General District Court. The system shows charges, court dates, and case outcomes. No account or fee is required.
York County criminal records contain information about arrests, convictions, and warrants in the county. The dissemination of these records is governed by VA Code § 19.2-389. For certified criminal history records, the Virginia State Police CARE system is the official source. Several fee options apply depending on the type of check you need:
- Criminal history record check (SP-167 or SP-230): $15.00
- Combined criminal history and sex offender registry: $20.00
- Sex offender search only (SP-266): $15.00
- Non-profit combined check: $16.00
- Non-profit sex offender search: $8.00
Mail completed forms with payment to the Virginia State Police in Richmond. Form SP-167 is for individual or public requests. Form SP-230 is for employers. Full instructions are at vsp.virginia.gov. Expect about 15 business days for processing.
To find someone in state custody, the VADOC Offender Locator is free online. For the local York County jail, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
In-person visits to the York County Courthouse in Yorktown are an option as well. The Circuit Court and General District Court clerks both keep case records, and public terminals may be available. Bring photo ID and details about the case. Certified copies of court documents carry a per-page fee.
Note: Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records do not appear in public online case searches.York County Court Records
York County has a Circuit Court and a General District Court, both located in Yorktown. Each handles a different category of criminal cases and keeps its own set of public records accessible through the Virginia Courts online portal.
The Circuit Court handles felony cases, jury trials, and appeals from the General District Court. Felony cases from York County are on file with the Circuit Court clerk in Yorktown. Records can be searched online or found in person. Certified copies of court orders and judgments are available for a per-page fee.
The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. This court handles a high volume of cases given York County's suburban population. Records for both courts are searchable through the Virginia Courts system. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, the Central Criminal Records Exchange at the Virginia State Police maintains criminal history records for the entire state.
York County Criminal Records Information
The image below shows the York County criminal records information page, which explains how to access records and the applicable fees for background checks.
FOIA and Public Access in York County
Under § 2.2-3704 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, anyone can request public records from York 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 of receiving a request.
Write your request to the records custodian at the relevant agency. You do not need to state a reason. Describe the records with enough detail to locate them: include the subject's name, approximate dates, and the type of document you need. Agencies can only charge for actual staff time and copy costs. If the estimated cost exceeds $200, a deposit may be required before work begins.
Virginia law requires agencies to release the identity of arrested persons, the charges against them, and the status of those charges. Active investigations and juvenile records are not subject to public release. For help with the FOIA process, contact the FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810 or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov.
Note: A 2021 change expanded access to closed criminal investigative files. Agencies may take up to 60 additional work days to respond to those requests.Expungement of York County Arrest Records
Under § 19.2-392.2, you may petition to have arrest records expunged and sealed from public access 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 harmful, or if you received an absolute pardon following a wrongful conviction.
Virginia generally does not permit 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 file for expungement in York County, petition the Circuit Court in Yorktown. The petition must describe the arrest and the legal grounds for sealing. Fingerprints must be submitted 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. The full text of the statute is at the Virginia General Assembly's Code search tool.
Cities Near York County
York County is surrounded by several independent cities in the Hampton Roads region. Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, and Poquoson are nearby but each has its own court system separate from York County. The county courthouse is in Yorktown. Criminal cases from York County go through the county courts, not the city courts in the surrounding independent cities.
Nearby Counties
York County is on the Virginia Peninsula between the York River and James River. Check the correct county or city based on where an arrest or incident took place.