Henrico County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Henrico County
Yes, arrest records in Henrico County are public information. Under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, these records are accessible to anyone who requests them. The Henrico County Police Department maintains these records and makes them available through various channels.
The county provides online access to arrest reports through their official website. This transparency allows citizens to stay informed about law enforcement activities in their community. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy.
For comprehensive access to arrest records, you can contact the Henrico County Police Department directly. Henrico County Police Department, 7721 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294
What's in Henrico County Arrest Records
Henrico County arrest records typically contain detailed information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records include:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Mugshot (booking photograph)
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Charges filed
- Case number
- Arresting officer information
- Booking details
- Bond information (if applicable)
These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. They do not, however, indicate guilt, as all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Henrico County in 2025
In 2025, Henrico County offers several methods to access arrest records:
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Online Database: The county maintains a searchable database through the Police Public Data Access portal, where you can search by name, date, or case number.
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In-Person Requests: Visit the Records Unit at the Henrico County Police Department. Records Unit, Henrico County Police Department, 7721 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294
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Written Requests: Submit a written request using the General Information Request form available on the county website.
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FOIA Requests: For more detailed information, file a Freedom of Information Act request with the Police Department.
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Court Records: Check with the Henrico County Circuit Court for related court documents. Henrico County Circuit Court, 4301 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
For the most current information, it's recommended to start with the online database, as it's updated regularly and provides immediate access.
How To Find Henrico County Arrest Records Online
Finding Henrico County arrest records online is straightforward through these steps:
- Visit the Henrico County Police Public Data Access portal at ppd.henrico.gov
- Select "Search Arrest Reports" from the available options
- Enter search criteria such as name, date range, or case number
- Review the results, which will display basic arrest information
- For more detailed records, follow the instructions for requesting complete reports
The county also provides access through their main website at henrico.gov/public-data/arrest-reports, where additional public safety information is available.
For those seeking historical records that may not be in the online system, contact the Records Unit directly. Records Unit, Henrico County Police Department, 7721 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294
Can You Search Henrico County Arrest Records for Free?
Yes, you can search Henrico County arrest records for free. The county provides several no-cost options:
- The Police Public Data Access portal (ppd.henrico.gov) offers free basic searches
- Public terminals at the Police Department headquarters are available for free searches
- The county's main website provides free access to recent arrest reports
While basic searches are free, there may be fees for:
- Printed copies of reports (typically $5-15 per report)
- Certified copies for legal purposes
- Extensive research requests requiring staff time
For fee information regarding specific requests, contact the Records Unit. Records Unit, Henrico County Police Department, 7721 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294
How To Delete Arrest Records in Henrico County
Deleting arrest records in Henrico County requires a legal process called expungement. Here's how to pursue this:
- Determine eligibility - generally, cases resulting in dismissal, nolle prosequi, or acquittal may qualify
- File a petition for expungement with the Henrico County Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $88 as of 2025)
- Provide fingerprints at the Police Department
- Attend the scheduled court hearing
- If granted, the court will order all public agencies to seal the records
This process can be complex, and many individuals seek legal assistance. The Virginia Legal Aid Society or private attorneys can provide guidance.
For expungement information, contact: Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 4301 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
What Happens After Arrest in Henrico County?
After an arrest in Henrico County, the following process typically occurs:
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Booking: The arrested person is transported to the Henrico County Jail where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Henrico County Jail, 4301 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
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Initial Appearance: Within 24-48 hours, the individual appears before a magistrate who determines if there was probable cause for the arrest.
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Bail Determination: The magistrate decides whether to set bail and in what amount, based on flight risk and public safety considerations.
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Arraignment: The defendant is formally charged and enters a plea before a judge at the Henrico County General District Court. Henrico County General District Court, 4301 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
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Preliminary Proceedings: For felonies, a preliminary hearing may be held to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed.
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Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to trial unless a plea agreement is reached.
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Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate sentence according to Virginia law.
Throughout this process, the individual has the right to legal representation. Those who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for a public defender. Henrico Public Defender's Office, 4323 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Henrico County?
Arrest records in Henrico County are typically maintained permanently unless expunged through court order. The retention schedule follows Virginia state guidelines:
- Basic arrest information: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for felonies: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanors: Minimum 10-year retention
- Juvenile records: Generally sealed at age 19 or after 5 years from last contact
- Digital mugshots: Permanent retention in law enforcement databases
Even after court proceedings conclude, the arrest record itself remains on file with the Henrico County Police Department and may be accessible through background checks.
For questions about record retention policies, contact: Records Management Division, Henrico County Police Department, 7721 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294
How to Find Mugshots in Henrico County
Finding mugshots in Henrico County requires following specific procedures:
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Online Search: Unlike some jurisdictions, Henrico County does not publish mugshots on their public data portal for privacy reasons.
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Records Request: Submit a General Information Request form to the Police Department specifically requesting the booking photograph. Records Unit, Henrico County Police Department, 7721 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294
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FOIA Request: For denied requests, you may need to file a formal Freedom of Information Act request detailing why access is needed.
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Media Sources: Local news outlets sometimes publish mugshots for high-profile cases.
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Third-Party Websites: Commercial websites may aggregate mugshots, but these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
It's important to note that Virginia law allows law enforcement agencies discretion in releasing mugshots. The Henrico County Police Department evaluates requests on a case-by-case basis, considering privacy concerns and the public interest.
Lookup Arrest Records in Henrico County
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Arrest Reports - Henrico County, Virginia - Access Henrico County's arrest reports through the official county website.
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Arrest Charge Report Search - Henrico - Search for specific arrest charge reports with detailed information on crimes and arrests.
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Police Reports, Records and Freedom of Information Act - Learn how to request police reports and records, including FOIA procedures.
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Public Crime Data Access - Access public crime data including incident reports and service calls.
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Police Public Data Access Information - Search capabilities for publicly available police data including arrest and incident reports.
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General Information Request Form - Download the form needed to request general information from Henrico Police.
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Freedom of Information Act Request Form - Access the official FOIA request form for obtaining records from Henrico Police.