How to Find REAL & Official Virginia Arrest Records (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you searched for Arrests.Org Virginia, you are probably trying to answer one simple question:

“How can I correctly find arrest records in Virginia without confusion or misinformation?”

Most websites do not explain this properly. They either:

Push third-party sites
Skip official steps
Or confuse beginners with legal language

This guide is different.

I will explain everything from zero, exactly how I would explain it to a student who has never searched arrest records before.

First, Let’s Clear the Biggest Confusion (Very Important)

What Arrests.Org Virginia REALLY Is

Arrests.org Virginia is NOT a government website.

It is a third-party data aggregation site, meaning:

It collects arrest-related information from public sources
It re-publishes that data in its own format
It does not control, update, or verify official records

Why This Matters

Many people mistakenly believe:
❌ Arrests.org = official arrest records
❌ Mugshot = guilt
❌ Listed charge = active case

All three assumptions are wrong.

That’s why you must understand the official process, not just search a name and stop there.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Virginia.Arrests.org (Exact Actions)

Below is the exact process most users follow on this site.

STEP 1: Open the Official Website

Go to:
👉 https://virginia.arrests.org

Make sure the domain is correct to avoid copy or fake sites.

STEP 2: Use the Search Bar

On the homepage, you will see a search bar.

You can usually search by:

First name
Last name
Sometimes city or county

Best Practice (Beginner Tip)

✔ Use full legal name
✔ Avoid nicknames
✔ Try different spellings if needed

Then click the Search button.

STEP 3: Browse the Search Results

After searching, the site may show:

A list of names
Arrest dates
Counties or cities
Thumbnail images (if available)

What You Should Do Here

Carefully check the location
Match the approximate age
Match the arrest date

⚠️ Do NOT assume the first result is correct.

Many people share the same name in Virginia.

STEP 4: Open an Individual Record Page

Clicking a result usually opens a profile page that may show:

Full name
Arrest date
Arresting agency
Listed charges
Mugshot (if publicly available)

Important Reminder

🔴 This information:

May be outdated
May be incomplete
May not show dismissals or case results

Virginia.Arrests.org does not control or verify official updates.

STEP 5: Understand the Limitations of Virginia.Arrests.org

Before taking any action, understand these limitations:

Arrest data may remain even if charges were dropped
Court outcomes are often missing
Expunged cases may still appear
Juvenile records are restricted and usually excluded

👉 This is why verification is required.

What to Do AFTER Using Virginia.Arrests.org (MOST IMPORTANT PART)

Using Virginia.Arrests.org is only the first step.
Now comes the real, official verification.

STEP 6: Verify Using Virginia Court Records (Official)

Why This Step Matters

Only Virginia courts can show:

Case status
Court dates
Final outcomes
Dismissals or convictions

Official Virginia Courts Website

👉 https://www.vacourts.gov

How to Verify (Beginner Steps)

Visit the Virginia Courts website
Click Online Case Information
Accept the terms
Select the appropriate court
Search by:
- First name
- Last name
Review the case details carefully

✔ This confirms whether the arrest led to a case or not.

Arrest Records in Virginia – How the System Actually Works

In Virginia, arrest records are handled at three different levels:

1️⃣ Local law enforcement (Sheriff / Police)
2️⃣ Courts (District & Circuit Courts)
3️⃣ Virginia State Police (Statewide criminal history)

If you don’t check all three, you are missing the full picture.

Request Official Criminal History (Virginia State Police)

If you need statewide confirmation, the only authority is the Virginia State Police (VSP).

Official VSP Criminal History Page

👉 https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/criminal-history-records/

This system is called CARE (Central Criminal Records Exchange).

When You Should Use This

Employment checks (personal copy)
Legal verification
Immigration or licensing
Personal record review

How It Works (Simple Explanation)

Download the SP-167 request form
Complete required details
Attach required fee
Mail to:

📌 This is the most official arrest and criminal history record available to the public in Virginia.

Check If Someone Is CURRENTLY IN CUSTODY

A. State Prison (Virginia DOC)

If the person is already sentenced:

👉 https://vadoc.virginia.gov/general-public/offender-locator/

This shows:

Prison location
Sentence status
Release information

B. Local Jail (Recent Arrests)

Recent arrests usually remain in:

County jail
City jail

Use:

Or call the jail’s records office directly.

Where Arrests.Org Virginia Fits (And Where It Does NOT)

Acceptable Use

✔ As a starting reference only
✔ To identify possible arrest events

NOT Acceptable

❌ As final proof
❌ As legal confirmation
❌ As court outcome evidence

👉 Never rely on one site alone.

Legal & Ethical Responsibility (Must Read)

Arrest records are public under Virginia FOIA
Juvenile records are restricted
Expunged cases may still appear on third-party sites
Misuse of arrest information can cause harm

Always verify before sharing or acting on arrest data.

Correct Way to Search Arrest Records in Virginia (Summary)

Follow this exact order:

1️⃣ Identify location
2️⃣ Check local sheriff / police
3️⃣ Verify in Virginia courts
4️⃣ Request VSP criminal history
5️⃣ Check jail or DOC custody

This method is:
✔ Accurate
✔ Ethical
✔ Legal
✔ Reliable

Final Advice (Plain English)

If a website makes arrest searching look easy and instant, be careful.

Real arrest verification:

Takes steps
Requires confirmation
Comes from government offices

Now you know exactly how to do it the right way.