Fairfax County Public Records / Fairfax County Arrest Records

Fairfax County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Fairfax County

Arrest records in Fairfax County are generally considered public information under Virginia law. Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, most government records, including arrest records, are presumed open to public inspection. However, this access is not absolute and contains important limitations.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Virginia law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.

The Fairfax County Police Department maintains arrest records and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some arrest record information may be exempt from disclosure under specific VFOIA exemptions, particularly when release might interfere with an ongoing investigation or compromise personal privacy in certain circumstances.

Law enforcement agencies in Fairfax County follow the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services guidelines regarding the maintenance and dissemination of criminal history information. These guidelines ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations governing criminal justice information.

What's in Fairfax County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Fairfax County Police Department contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
Description of alleged criminal activity
Victim information (with certain privacy protections)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Judge who signed the warrant
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond conditions
Whether bond was posted
Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Court outcomes

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained
Projected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Immigration status (when relevant)

It is important to note that pursuant to § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fairfax County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Fairfax County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary custodian of arrest records is the Central Records Section of the Fairfax County Police Department.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

Fairfax County Police Department - Central Records Section
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
703-246-2272
Fairfax County Police Department

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)

The process for obtaining arrest records typically involves the following steps:

Complete a records request form, which can be obtained in person or downloaded from the Fairfax County Police Department website.
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
Submit the completed form along with any applicable fees. Fees are established pursuant to § 2.2-3704 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and may vary based on the type and volume of records requested.
Specify the information being sought as precisely as possible, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Allow for processing time, which typically ranges from 5 to 10 business days for standard requests. Complex requests may require additional time.

For records related to individuals currently in custody, the public may also contact:

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-3227
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

Requests may also be submitted by mail to either agency, with appropriate identification documentation included. All requests are processed in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and applicable federal regulations.

How To Find Fairfax County Arrest Records Online

Fairfax County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain more limited information.

The Virginia Judiciary's Case Information system serves as a primary online resource for court records related to arrests. This system allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or hearing date across multiple courts in Fairfax County, including:

Fairfax Circuit Court
Fairfax General District Court
Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

To search for arrest-related court records online:

Visit the Virginia Judiciary Case Information website
Select "Fairfax County" from the jurisdiction menu
Choose the appropriate court type
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Charges
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Disposition (if resolved)

For information about individuals currently in custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides searchable access to custody status information.

The Fairfax County Police Department also maintains a Daily Incident Reports section on their website, which includes information about recent arrests and incidents. These reports typically include:

Date and time of incident
Location (block level, not exact address)
Nature of the incident
Case number

It should be noted that online records may not contain complete arrest information, and certain details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and investigative exemptions under § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia. For comprehensive arrest records, a formal request through the Central Records Section remains the most reliable method.

How To Search Fairfax County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Fairfax County arrest records without incurring fees. While comprehensive records may require payment of nominal processing fees, the following resources provide free access to basic arrest information:

The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System offers free public access to court records related to arrests in Fairfax County. This system allows users to search by name or case number and provides information about charges, court dates, and case dispositions without requiring payment.

The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office maintains a free Inmate Lookup service that provides information about individuals currently detained in the Adult Detention Center. This resource includes:

Inmate name
Charges
Bond information
Next court date
Expected release date (when applicable)

Local public libraries in Fairfax County provide free computer access where residents can utilize these online resources. Library staff can often provide assistance in navigating public records systems. Major branch locations include:

Fairfax County Public Library - City of Fairfax Regional Branch
10360 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-293-6227

Fairfax County Public Library - Reston Regional Branch
11925 Bowman Towne Drive
Reston, VA 20190
703-689-2700

For individuals seeking to review their own criminal history records, the Virginia State Police provides one free copy annually to each Virginia resident upon proper request and identification, pursuant to § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia.

It is important to note that while basic information may be available at no cost, requests for certified copies, extensive research, or large volumes of records may incur fees as permitted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Fairfax County

Virginia law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records under certain circumstances. There are two primary legal remedies available: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access).

Expungement in Virginia is governed by § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia. This process allows for the removal of arrest records from public access when:

The individual was acquitted of the charge
The charge was nolle prossed (formally abandoned by prosecutors)
The charge was otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction
The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit

The expungement process in Fairfax County involves the following steps:

File a petition for expungement with the Fairfax Circuit Court, located at:

Fairfax Circuit Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-7320

Pay the required filing fee (approximately $88 for most cases)
Obtain fingerprints from an authorized law enforcement agency
Submit the petition with supporting documentation, including:
- Certified copy of the final disposition of the case
- Complete set of fingerprints
- Copy of the original warrant or indictment (if available)
Serve a copy of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney
Attend the scheduled hearing (if required)

For cases involving misdemeanor charges where the individual was acquitted or the charge was dismissed, the process is relatively straightforward. For other situations, particularly those involving felony charges, the petitioner must demonstrate that the continued existence of the record causes or may cause circumstances that constitute a "manifest injustice."

Record sealing, which restricts but does not completely remove records, may be available in certain juvenile cases under § 16.1-306 of the Code of Virginia.

It is important to note that expungement in Virginia is not available for conviction records except in very limited circumstances involving absolute pardons or identity theft. Individuals with convictions may seek restoration of rights through the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, but this does not remove the record from public access.

What Happens After Arrest in Fairfax County?

Following an arrest in Fairfax County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

Initial Booking and Processing: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, operated by the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. During booking, the following occurs:

Fingerprinting and photographing
Collection of personal information
Medical screening
Property inventory
Criminal history check

Magistrate Hearing: Within hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate who:

Reviews probable cause for the arrest
Sets initial bail or bond conditions
Provides information about charges
Determines whether the individual will be released or detained

Arraignment: The first formal court appearance typically occurs within 72 hours of arrest at the Fairfax General District Court for misdemeanors and most preliminary felony proceedings. During arraignment:

Formal charges are read
Rights are explained
Legal representation is addressed
Plea options are presented
Future court dates are scheduled

Pre-Trial Proceedings: For cases that proceed beyond arraignment:

Discovery process begins (exchange of evidence)
Pre-trial motions may be filed
Plea negotiations may occur
Bond status may be reviewed

Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases are resolved through:

Guilty plea agreements
Bench trials (judge only)
Jury trials (for eligible cases)
Dismissal of charges

Sentencing: If convicted:

Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
Sentencing hearing is scheduled
Judge imposes sentence, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Treatment programs

Post-Conviction: Following conviction:

Appeal rights are explained
Sentence is implemented
Probation supervision begins (if applicable)
Restitution payments commence (if ordered)

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff's Office, Commonwealth's Attorney, and the court system. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are subject to the access and retention policies discussed elsewhere in this document.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fairfax County?

Arrest records in Fairfax County are subject to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of § 42.1-85 of the Code of Virginia. These schedules mandate minimum periods for which different types of records must be maintained.

For law enforcement agencies in Fairfax County, including the Police Department and Sheriff's Office, arrest records are typically retained according to the following guidelines:

Felony Arrest Records: Permanent retention for serious felonies (murder, rape, etc.); 75 years for other felonies
Misdemeanor Arrest Records: 10 years after case closure
Juvenile Arrest Records: Until the individual reaches 29 years of age, unless the charge would be a felony if committed by an adult
Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: 3 years from date of arrest

Court records related to arrests follow separate retention schedules:

Circuit Court Criminal Case Records: 20 years after final disposition for most cases; permanent retention for certain serious felonies
General District Court Criminal Records: 10 years after final disposition
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Records: Varies based on case type and outcome

The Fairfax County General District Court maintains records according to these schedules, with some records eventually transferred to the Library of Virginia for archival purposes.

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements. For example, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, Adult Detention Center, and Probation and Parole offices each maintain their own records with specific retention periods.

These retention periods serve several important purposes:

Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Documentation for background checks and security clearances
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
Historical documentation and research
Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

It is important to note that even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices or summary information may be maintained for longer periods or permanently.

How to Find Mugshots in Fairfax County

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. In Fairfax County, these images are created and maintained as part of the official arrest record.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of an arrested individual. These photographs serve to document the appearance of the individual at the time of arrest and are used for identification purposes throughout the criminal justice process.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Fairfax County, mugshots are primarily maintained by two agencies:

The Fairfax County Police Department - Central Records Section
The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office for individuals processed at the Adult Detention Center

Finding Mugshots: Unlike some jurisdictions, Fairfax County does not maintain a public online database specifically for mugshots. To obtain a mugshot, interested parties must submit a formal records request to the appropriate agency.

For mugshots related to arrests made by the Fairfax County Police Department, requests should be directed to:

Fairfax County Police Department - Central Records Section
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
703-246-2272

For mugshots of individuals currently or recently incarcerated in the Adult Detention Center, inquiries should be directed to:

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-3227

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Fairfax County government agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online. However, some third-party websites may collect and publish mugshots obtained through public records requests. The accuracy and currency of information on such sites cannot be verified by county agencies.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To request a mugshot through official channels:

Submit a Virginia Freedom of Information Act request specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
Pay any applicable fees, which typically include:
- Search and retrieval costs
- Reproduction costs
- Delivery costs (if applicable)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:

Active investigations where release might compromise law enforcement efforts
Juvenile arrests (protected under § 16.1-301 of the Code of Virginia)
Expunged records
Certain sensitive cases involving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking

Requests for mugshots are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and other applicable laws governing criminal justice records.