Petersburg County Public Records / Petersburg County Arrest Records

Petersburg County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Petersburg County in 2026

PetersburgRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Petersburg County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case references, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case numbers, and charge classifications.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Petersburg City Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals held at the local detention facility. The roster reflects current custody status and is updated on a regular basis. Members of the public may search by name to locate an individual's booking number, charges, and bond status. The Sheriff's Office arrest log reflects arrests processed through the local facility and is accessible through the city's official web portal.

2. Local Police Departments

The Petersburg Bureau of Police publishes press releases and public notices that include arrest information for significant cases. The Bureau of Police serves the independent city of Petersburg, Virginia, which functions as a county-equivalent jurisdiction. Arrest logs and press releases are accessible through the department's official page and may include the name of the arrested individual, charges, and arresting officer information.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (OCIS) allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by name. Searching an individual's name returns associated court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Court cases are directly linked to underlying arrests and provide a secondary avenue for locating arrest-related information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Virginia State Police Criminal History Records system maintains a statewide repository of criminal history information, including arrests processed by all law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth. Members of the public may submit a name-based or fingerprint-based request for criminal history records. A processing fee applies to name-based requests. The repository includes arrest dates, charges, and disposition information where available.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Petersburg City Sheriff's Office
135 N. Union Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2361
Petersburg City Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply per page for printed records. The Records Division is accessible during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Police Departments:

Petersburg Bureau of Police
35 E. Tabb Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 732-4222
Petersburg Bureau of Police

Records requests submitted to the Bureau of Police must be made in writing and should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the incident. Copy fees are assessed per page. The Records Division processes requests during regular business hours.

Clerk of Court:

Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Petersburg Circuit Court

The Clerk's Office maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed through the Circuit Court. Members of the public may inspect case files during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, § 2.2-3704.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Sheriff's Office should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of birth
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees

Mail requests should be directed to the Petersburg City Sheriff's Office, 135 N. Union Street, Petersburg, VA 23803. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the five-business-day response period established under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

By Phone:

Petersburg City Sheriff's Office: (804) 733-2361
Petersburg Bureau of Police Records Division: (804) 732-4222

Telephone inquiries are limited in scope. Staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide a booking number, but detailed arrest record information requires a written or in-person request. Callers should have the subject's full legal name and date of birth available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. Defense counsel may obtain police reports, witness statements, and evidence inventories through the discovery process governed by the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest

Are Arrest Records Public in Petersburg County

Arrest records in Petersburg County are public records subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), § 2.2-3700, which establishes that all public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person. The Commonwealth of Virginia operates under a presumption of openness, meaning that records held by government agencies are accessible unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As the Virginia General Assembly has stated, "the affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government."

Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Virginia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participant information is not publicly accessible

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Virginia Constitution, Article I, Section 12, protects freedom of the press and the public's right to access government information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific statutory exemptions within VFOIA. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution further supports press access to court proceedings and public records. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities have adopted fair chance hiring policies. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute proof of guilt.

What's in Petersburg County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Police, Virginia State Police, or another law enforcement entity
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Virginia Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History, where included:

Previous arrests processed in the county
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the booking record
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Petersburg County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest and court records at no charge during regular business hours at the applicable government office. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, § 2.2-3704, agencies may charge reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost of responding to the request.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.50 per page (varies by office)
Certified copies	$2.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Search fee	No statutory search fee; actual staff time may apply for extensive requests
Booking photograph	Varies by agency

Virginia State Police Criminal History Records:

Name-based search: $15.00 per request
Fingerprint-based search: $27.00 per request
Fees are payable by check or money order to the Virginia State Police

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to the applicable agency
Credit or debit card (where accepted by the office)

Fee Waivers:

Agencies may waive fees for requests that are in the public interest and where the requester demonstrates that the primary purpose of the request is not commercial. Indigent requesters may petition the court for a fee waiver in connection with expungement proceedings.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public records at the Clerk's Office or Sheriff's Records Division
Online case searches through the Virginia Judiciary OCIS
Online inmate locator through the Virginia Department of Corrections

How To Delete Arrest Records in Petersburg County

Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the physical sealing or destruction of records, and petition-based sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the Circuit Court for expungement of police and court records relating to the charge.

Eligibility for Expungement in Virginia:

Charges that were nolle prossed (dismissed by the prosecutor)
Charges that were dismissed by the court
Acquittals following trial
Arrests where no charges were filed
Convictions for certain offenses under Virginia's deferred disposition programs
Absolute pardons issued by the Governor

Individuals who were convicted of the charge are not eligible for expungement under current Virginia law, with limited exceptions for certain first-offense deferred dispositions.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the Virginia Courts Self-Help Resource Center
File the petition with the Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 7 Courthouse Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803
Pay the filing fee, currently $86.00 for Circuit Court civil filings
Serve a copy of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Petersburg
Attend the scheduled hearing before the Circuit Court judge
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all agencies holding the records to seal or destroy them

Processing Time:

Expungement proceedings in Virginia take approximately 3 to 6 months from the date of filing, depending on court scheduling and whether the Commonwealth's Attorney objects to the petition.

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Petersburg Circuit Court

Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Petersburg
7 Courthouse Avenue, Suite 200
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2301
City of Petersburg Commonwealth's Attorney

Virginia Legal Aid Society (for individuals who cannot afford private counsel):
912 W. Washington Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 862-1100
Virginia Legal Aid Society

What Happens After Arrest in Petersburg County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Petersburg, the arrested individual is transported to the Riverside Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the City of Petersburg.

Riverside Regional Jail
2300 Riverside Drive
Prince George, VA 23875
Phone: (804) 733-1600
Riverside Regional Jail

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the investigation is completed.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standard intake process that takes approximately 1 to 4 hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within a reasonable time, and a bond hearing is conducted within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. The first appearance serves to:

Formally notify the individual of the charges
Determine bond or bail
Advise the individual of the right to counsel
Appoint a public defender if the individual is indigent and cannot afford private counsel

First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount in Virginia. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without a monetary requirement. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that the defendant be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release may include:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately 1 to 8 hours. The released individual receives personal property, a written notice of the court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:

Petersburg Public Defender's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue, Suite 300
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 862-6100
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who cannot afford private counsel must complete an application at the time of the first appearance.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys in the relevant practice area.

Charging Decision:

The Petersburg Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the Commonwealth may proceed by grand jury indictment or by information filed directly with the Circuit Court. The arraignment, at which the defendant enters a formal plea, is scheduled within a timeframe consistent with Virginia's speedy trial requirements.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal of charges for insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal defects
Diversion programs including drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, where completion results in dismissal
Plea agreement to a reduced charge or agreed sentence
Jury trial or bench trial resulting in a verdict

Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24 to 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within 3 to 6 months in most cases
Felonies: Resolved within 6 to 18 months in most cases
Virginia's speedy trial statute requires trial within 5 months for misdemeanors and 9 months for felonies from the date of arrest or indictment

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Riverside Regional Jail
2300 Riverside Drive
Prince George, VA 23875
Phone: (804) 733-1600
Riverside Regional Jail

Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Petersburg Circuit Court

Petersburg Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue, Suite 200
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2301
City of Petersburg Commonwealth's Attorney

Petersburg Public Defender's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue, Suite 300
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 862-6100
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Petersburg County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Virginia is governed by the Library of Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for local government agencies, as well as applicable provisions of the Virginia Code. Records are retained based on the outcome of the associated case and the type of record involved.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Virginia State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history and are not subject to destruction

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in the Virginia State Police criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of 10 years under the General Schedule for law enforcement agencies
Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently in electronic form

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of 3 to 10 years depending on the charge classification
Court records are retained permanently in electronic form
State repository records remain unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Records may remain in third-party databases unless expunged

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of 3 years
Court records are retained permanently
State repository records remain unless expunged

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of 3 years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of 3 years
These records may be eligible for expungement under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of 3 years
These records are eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum 3 to 10 years depending on charge type
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently in the state repository
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum 3 years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party operator
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Riverside Regional Jail
2300 Riverside Drive
Prince George, VA 23875
Phone: (804) 733-1600
Riverside Regional Jail

Booking records and associated documentation are retained in accordance with the Library of Virginia General Schedule GS-21 for law enforcement agencies.

Petersburg Bureau of Police
35 E. Tabb Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 732-4222
Petersburg Bureau of Police

Arrest records and incident reports are retained for a minimum of 3 to 10 years depending on the classification of the offense. Records associated with felony cases are retained for longer periods.

Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Petersburg Circuit Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained permanently in electronic form. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of 10 years.

Virginia State Police Criminal History Repository:

The Virginia State Police maintains the central criminal history repository for the Commonwealth, which includes arrest records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Virginia. Retention in the state repository is permanent for conviction records and remains in place for non-conviction records unless an expungement order is received.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records that are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent. These records are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal security clearances and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.

Expungement: Following a court order, local law enforcement and court records are sealed or destroyed, and the Virginia State Police repository is updated. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all systems following an expungement order is approximately 60 to 90 days.

No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after 3 years. Immediate expungement may be requested under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (within the last 3 years): Available online through the Virginia Judiciary OCIS and the Sheriff's Office booking system.

Older Arrests (3 to 10 years ago): May require an in-person request at the Records Division of the applicable agency. A retrieval fee may apply, and processing time is longer than for current records.

Very Old Arrests (more than 10 years ago): Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form in agency archives. Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the Library of Virginia retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of 7 years for positions with an annual salary below $75,000. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of salary threshold. Virginia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records, though the FCRA requires that reported information be accurate and current.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Petersburg City Sheriff's Office Records Division at (804) 733-2361 or the Petersburg Bureau of Police Records Division at (804) 732-4222 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain a formal response.

Lookup Arrest Records in Petersburg County

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate & Supervisee Locator — Search for an inmate's current location and release date if they are under the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections.