Shenandoah County Public Records / Shenandoah County Arrest Records

Shenandoah County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Shenandoah County in 2026

ShenandoahRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, and bond details through official government sources and third-party aggregators. Available record categories include arrest logs, criminal court filings, inmate rosters, and disposition records. Information presented through any directory or database reflects what agencies have made available and may not represent a complete or current account of any individual's legal history.

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

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining booking records and jail rosters for individuals arrested and processed through the Shenandoah County Adult Detention Center. The publicly accessible jail roster reflects current inmate status and is updated on a regular basis. Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes:

Full name and booking photograph
Date and time of arrest and booking
Charges filed at time of arrest
Bond amount and custody status
Arresting agency

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office
600 N. Main Street, Suite 100
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6100
Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Town of Woodstock maintains a police department that handles arrests within its municipal jurisdiction. Arrest information from the Woodstock Police Department may appear in press releases published on the town's official website. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the department for arrest logs and incident summaries.

Woodstock Police Department
135 N. Court Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-3extraordinarily3020
Town of Woodstock

Other incorporated towns within Shenandoah County, including Strasburg and Edinburg, maintain their own police departments. Arrest press releases and public logs from these agencies are available upon written request pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Shenandoah County are filed in the Shenandoah General District Court and the Shenandoah Circuit Court. Members of the public may search criminal case records by defendant name through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System, which provides case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information linked to individual arrests.

Shenandoah General District Court
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6150
Shenandoah General District Court

Shenandoah Circuit Court
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6150
Virginia's Judicial System

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which serves as the statewide repository for criminal history information. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Virginia State Police Criminal History Records portal. The CCRE includes arrest records, dispositions, and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth. A fee of $15.00 applies to name-based public requests. Fingerprint-based searches, which yield more complete results, are available for an additional fee.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office – Records Division
600 N. Main Street, Suite 100
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Records Division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:

Shenandoah Circuit Court Clerk's Office
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6150
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Virginia's Judicial System

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's Office. Copy fees are assessed per page as outlined under the fee schedule below.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office at 600 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, VA 22664. Each written request should include:

Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take up to ten business days depending on volume.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office Records Division may be reached at (540) 459-6100 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but will direct requestors to in-person or written channels for detailed records. The requestor should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Woodstock PD, Strasburg PD, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Shenandoah County

Arrest records in Shenandoah County are public records under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, establishes that all public records are presumed open to inspection and copying by any member of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within the category of law enforcement records that are subject to public disclosure, reflecting the Commonwealth's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in the criminal justice system.

As the Virginia Freedom of Information Act states, "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."

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer identification
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Virginia law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are protected under § 16.1-301 of the Code of Virginia
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
Participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The public's right to access arrest records is grounded in both the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects press access to government proceedings, and Article I, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia, which guarantees freedom of the press. Courts have consistently recognized that public access to arrest information serves the dual purpose of enabling community awareness and ensuring accountability in law enforcement.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers conducting background screening, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and housing providers using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs the permissible use of consumer reports including criminal history data. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities may impose additional restrictions. 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 Shenandoah County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race or ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Virginia State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where disclosed
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of arrest
Virginia Code statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court or magistrate
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (General District Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests processed through Shenandoah County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charge information. Comprehensive prior history is maintained in the Virginia CCRE and is not always reflected in a single county-level arrest record.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the officer's incident report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence inventories and investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted pursuant to Virginia law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIA exemptions during active investigations
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes the framework governing fees for public records requests. Under current law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and duplication of records. The following fee structure applies to arrest record requests in Shenandoah County:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.50 per page (actual cost)
Certified copies (Circuit Court)	$0.50 per page plus $2.00 certification fee
Electronic copies	Actual cost of duplication
Search fee (staff time exceeding 30 minutes)	Actual hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of fulfilling the request
Virginia State Police name-based criminal history	$15.00 per request
Virginia State Police fingerprint-based criminal history	$27.00 per request

Inspection of records at the Clerk's Office or Sheriff's Office Records Division is available at no charge. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested. Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or money order made payable to the applicable agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.

Fee Waivers:

Agencies may waive fees at their discretion when the requester demonstrates that the information is in the public interest and that waiver would not be contrary to the public interest. Indigent requesters may petition for fee reduction in writing. Attorneys of record in pending criminal cases may obtain certain records through discovery without standard copy fees.

What You Can Get for Free:

Online inspection of court case information through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System at no cost
In-person inspection of public court files at the Clerk's Office without charge
Review of publicly posted jail roster information through the Sheriff's Office website at no cost

How To Delete Arrest Records in Shenandoah County

Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical sealing or destruction of records, and petition-based sealing under more recent statutory reforms. These remedies are distinct in their eligibility requirements and legal effect.

Expungement under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia allows a person to petition the Circuit Court to expunge arrest records where the charge was dismissed, the person was acquitted, or the person was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit. Upon entry of an expungement order, the Circuit Court directs the Central Criminal Records Exchange and all relevant law enforcement agencies to seal the records, removing them from public access. Expunged records are not destroyed but are segregated and inaccessible to the general public; law enforcement agencies retain access under limited circumstances.

Sealing of Conviction Records became available in Virginia following the enactment of legislation effective July 1, 2025, which permits individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors and lower-level felonies to petition for sealing after a specified waiting period and upon meeting eligibility criteria. Sealed conviction records are removed from public databases but are retained by the CCRE and accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Charges that were nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to proceed)
Charges that were dismissed by the court
Acquittals following trial
Absolute pardons issued by the Governor

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Shenandoah Circuit Court Clerk's Office
File a Petition for Expungement in the Shenandoah Circuit Court, accompanied by a copy of the relevant arrest record and a set of the petitioner's fingerprints
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $86.00 for Circuit Court civil filing)
Serve the Commonwealth's Attorney for Shenandoah County with a copy of the petition
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
If the order is granted, the court transmits the order to the CCRE and all relevant agencies

Shenandoah Circuit Court Clerk's Office
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6150
Virginia's Judicial System

Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6190

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing are advised to consult with a licensed Virginia attorney, as eligibility determinations involve a review of the complete case history and applicable statutory criteria.

What Happens After Arrest in Shenandoah County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Shenandoah County, the arrested individual is transported to the Shenandoah County Adult Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

Shenandoah County Adult Detention Center
600 N. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6100
Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded in the jail management system
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the CCRE
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks are conducted
Personal property is inventoried and secured
Jail-issued clothing is provided
Medical and brief mental health screenings are administered
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than the next day on which the court is in session. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally advised of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined by the magistrate or judge
Rights are explained

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility. The Shenandoah General District Court handles initial criminal proceedings for the county.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees
Amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on charge severity, criminal history, and flight risk

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant or family pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's court appearances

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration detainers, and outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Shenandoah County Adult Detention Center
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants charged with offenses that may result in incarceration are entitled to appointed counsel. The Shenandoah County area is served by the Office of the Public Defender for the 26th Judicial District.

Office of the Public Defender – 26th Judicial District
165 S. Main Street, Suite 201
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-5074

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed Virginia attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the detention center, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. The Commonwealth's Attorney may file a formal information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file charges different from those noted at arrest.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Virginia may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds sufficient cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in Virginia are guilty, not guilty, and no contest (nolo contendere). The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial.

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 or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.

Plea negotiations may result in an agreement to plead guilty to reduced charges or with a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea pursuant to a negotiated agreement. A sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A verdict of not guilty results in immediate release; a guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, and mandatory treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial (misdemeanor)	Typically 30–90 days
Arraignment to trial (felony)	Several months to over one year
Right to speedy trial (Virginia)	Within five months for misdemeanors; within five months for felonies after indictment under § 19.2-243

Rights Throughout the Process:

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

Important Contacts:

Shenandoah County Adult Detention Center
600 N. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6100
Inmate Information: (540) 459-6100
Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

Shenandoah Circuit Court Clerk's Office
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6150
Virginia's Judicial System

Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney
112 S. Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-6190

Office of the Public Defender – 26th Judicial District
165 S. Main Street, Suite 201
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (540) 459-5074

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
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 Shenandoah County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Shenandoah County is governed by the Virginia Public Records Act, the Library of Virginia's General Schedules for local government records, and applicable federal law. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.

As the Library of Virginia states in its records retention guidance, "public records must be retained for the minimum period specified in the applicable retention schedule and may not be destroyed without authorization."

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Virginia CCRE
Maintained indefinitely in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the Virginia CCRE
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of ten years under the Library of Virginia's General Schedule GS-21 for law enforcement agencies

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years following case closure
Court records are retained permanently in the electronic case management system
Records remain in the CCRE unless expunged by court order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement petition following acquittal

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement petition in most circumstances

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum three years for non-conviction cases; permanent for conviction cases
Photographs: Retained consistent with the underlying case disposition schedule

Digital Records:

Records management system entries: Retained consistent with the applicable schedule; conviction records are permanent
Court electronic records: Permanent retention in the Virginia case management system
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Virginia retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregator websites may retain arrest records beyond the periods maintained by government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records to reflect expungements or dismissals. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy of reported information.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum three years (non-conviction); permanent (conviction)
Arrest reports: Minimum three years
Investigative files: Minimum five years or until case closure, whichever is later
Contact: (540) 459-6100

Clerk of Court:

Criminal case files: Permanent retention for felony cases; minimum ten years for misdemeanor cases
Electronic records: Permanent
Traffic cases: Minimum three years

Virginia CCRE (State Repository):

The Virginia State Police maintains the CCRE as the statewide criminal history repository
Arrest records are retained until expunged by court order
Conviction records are retained permanently
Virginia State Police Criminal Records

FBI Database:

The NCIC and III maintain records accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Federal retention is permanent for conviction records
Expungement orders submitted to the CCRE are forwarded to the FBI, which updates its records accordingly, though the process may take several months

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Public Access	Retention
Conviction	Permanent public record	Permanent
Dismissal	Public unless expunged	Minimum 3 years locally; permanent in court system
Acquittal	Public unless expunged	Minimum 3 years locally; permanent in court system
No charges filed	Public unless expunged	Minimum 3 years locally
Expungement granted	Sealed from public	Retained by agencies in sealed status

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

Available online through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

May require in-person request at the Clerk's Office or Sheriff's Records Division
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be extended for archived materials

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Contact the Shenandoah Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (540) 459-6150 or the Sheriff's Records Division at (540) 459-6100 for availability
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most consumer reporting agencies limit reporting of non-conviction arrest records to seven years from the date of arrest. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Virginia does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions under state law. Individuals who have obtained expungements should monitor their background check results, as third-party databases may not reflect the expungement immediately.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (540) 459-6100 or submit a written FOIA request to inquire about the retention status