Henrico County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Henrico County?
A search warrant in Henrico County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specified location for evidence of criminal activity. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-53, search warrants must be based on probable cause and particularly describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized.
Search warrants in Henrico County are governed by both Virginia state law and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. The warrant must be executed within 15 days of issuance according to Virginia Code § 19.2-56.
Law enforcement officers in Henrico County must adhere to strict procedural requirements when executing search warrants, including:
- Announcing their presence and purpose before entry
- Conducting the search within the scope specified in the warrant
- Providing an inventory of items seized
- Filing a return with the court documenting the execution of the warrant
The Henrico County Police Department maintains records of search warrants after they have been executed and returned to the court.
Henrico County Police Department 7721 East Parham Road Henrico, VA 23294 (804) 501-5000 Henrico County Police
Are Warrants Public Records In Henrico County?
Warrants in Henrico County are generally considered public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. However, access to warrant information may be restricted under certain circumstances as provided by law.
Active warrants may have limited public accessibility while they remain unexecuted to prevent interference with ongoing investigations. Once a warrant has been executed and returned to the court, the warrant and related documents typically become available for public inspection.
The following warrant information is generally accessible to the public:
- The name of the person for whom the warrant was issued
- The charges listed on the warrant
- The date of issuance
- The issuing court
- The status of the warrant (executed or outstanding)
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access public crime data through the Henrico County Police Department's online portal. Additionally, the Virginia Court System provides a searchable database of court records that may include warrant information.
Certain warrant information may be exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3706, particularly if disclosure would:
- Interfere with an ongoing investigation
- Jeopardize the safety of law enforcement personnel
- Compromise confidential informants
- Endanger the subject of the warrant or others
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Henrico County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Henrico County have several official methods available to them. The Henrico County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for maintaining warrant information within the county.
To inquire about possible warrants, members of the public may:
- Contact the Henrico County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly
- Utilize the online resources provided by the Virginia Court System
- Check the Henrico County Public Data portal for arrest reports
- Consult with a licensed attorney
Henrico County Sheriff's Office 4301 East Parham Road Henrico, VA 23228 (804) 501-5860 Henrico County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office Warrant Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. When contacting the office, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and a valid form of identification.
For online verification, the Virginia Court System's Case Information portal allows searches of court records that may reveal active warrants. Additionally, the Henrico County Public Data Arrest Reports may provide information about recent arrests related to warrant executions.
Individuals with reason to believe they may have an outstanding warrant are advised that appearing in person at law enforcement facilities may result in immediate arrest if an active warrant exists.
How To Check for Warrants in Henrico County for Free in 2025
Henrico County provides several no-cost resources for citizens to verify warrant status. These free services are maintained pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, which establishes the right of citizens to access public records without charge for inspection.
The following methods are available for free warrant checks in Henrico County:
- The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System provides searchable access to court records, including warrant information
- The Henrico County Police Department's Public Data Access portal offers searchable crime data that may include warrant information
- The Henrico County Public Data Arrest Reports database can be searched to identify recent arrests related to warrants
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Information is typically updated daily but may not reflect real-time status
- Name searches should include variations and possible aliases
- Some warrant information may be restricted from public view
- Technical limitations may affect search results
For the most accurate and current information, individuals may visit the Henrico County Courthouse during regular business hours to request a records search.
Henrico County Circuit Court 4301 East Parham Road Henrico, VA 23228 (804) 501-4202 Henrico County Courts
Public access terminals are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
What Types of Warrants In Henrico County
Henrico County issues several types of warrants pursuant to the Code of Virginia and applicable local ordinances. Each warrant type serves a specific legal purpose and follows distinct procedural requirements.
The primary types of warrants issued in Henrico County include:
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Arrest Warrants: Authorized by Virginia Code § 19.2-71, these warrants command law enforcement to take a person into custody based on probable cause that they have committed a criminal offense.
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Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order.
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Search Warrants: As provided in Virginia Code § 19.2-53, these authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence of criminal activity.
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Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants, these are issued for failure to appear but may also be used for failure to pay court-ordered fines or costs.
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Detention Orders: While not technically warrants, these court orders authorize temporary detention for mental health evaluations under Virginia Code § 37.2-808.
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Civil Warrants: Used in civil matters to compel appearance or compliance with court orders.
The Henrico County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining records of all types of warrants issued within the jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office website provides information about warrant procedures and enforcement.
What Warrants in Henrico County Contain
Warrants issued in Henrico County must contain specific information as required by Virginia law to be legally valid. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-72 for arrest warrants and § 19.2-54 for search warrants, these documents include standardized elements that ensure due process and proper identification.
A typical warrant in Henrico County contains:
- The name of the Commonwealth of Virginia and County of Henrico
- The name and description of the subject (for arrest warrants)
- The specific address or detailed description of the property to be searched (for search warrants)
- The alleged criminal offense, including the relevant Virginia Code section
- A statement of probable cause supporting the warrant
- The date of issuance
- The signature of the issuing judicial officer
- An expiration date or execution timeframe
- Instructions to law enforcement regarding execution
For search warrants, additional requirements include:
- A detailed inventory of items to be seized
- Limitations on when the warrant may be executed (day or night)
- Special instructions regarding forced entry if applicable
The Virginia Court System maintains records of warrants after they have been executed and returned to the court. These documents become part of the official court record and, with certain exceptions, are available for public inspection.
Who Issues Warrants In Henrico County
In Henrico County, warrants are issued by judicial officers with proper jurisdiction as established by the Code of Virginia. The authority to issue warrants is specifically delegated to maintain constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The following judicial officers are authorized to issue warrants in Henrico County:
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Circuit Court Judges: Have broad authority to issue all types of warrants throughout the county.
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General District Court Judges: May issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants for cases within their jurisdiction.
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Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judges: Authorized to issue warrants related to juvenile matters and domestic cases.
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Magistrates: Judicial officers available 24 hours a day who frequently issue arrest and search warrants based on sworn statements from law enforcement or citizens.
The Henrico County Magistrate's Office operates continuously to review warrant applications and make probable cause determinations.
Henrico County Magistrate's Office 4301 East Parham Road Henrico, VA 23228 (804) 501-5285
Law enforcement officers seeking warrants must present sufficient evidence establishing probable cause to the issuing judicial officer. Citizens may also request warrants by appearing before a magistrate and providing sworn testimony, though such requests are subject to thorough review.
The Henrico County Sheriff's Office works closely with the courts to process and serve warrants once they have been issued.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Henrico County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Henrico County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The process is governed by Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, which addresses public access to law enforcement records.
To locate information about outstanding warrants, members of the public may:
- Search the Virginia Court System's online case information portal, which provides access to court records including warrant status
- Review Henrico County's Public Data Arrest Reports for recent warrant-related arrests
- Contact the Henrico County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly
- Submit a written request to the Henrico County Police Department Records Division
Henrico County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division 4301 East Parham Road Henrico, VA 23228 (804) 501-4581 Henrico County Sheriff's Office
Henrico County Police Department Records Division 7721 East Parham Road Henrico, VA 23294 (804) 501-4800 Henrico County Police
When searching for warrant information, requestors should provide:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Any known aliases
- Case numbers if available
Certain warrant information may be restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Henrico County
Federal warrants differ from state and local warrants and are issued by United States District Courts rather than county courts. These warrants are typically executed by federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals Service, or other federal officers.
To check for federal warrants that may be active in Henrico County, individuals should:
- Contact the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- Consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation Richmond Field Office
- Reach out to the United States Marshals Service
United States District Court - Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) 701 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 916-2200 U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Virginia
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Richmond Field Office 1970 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 261-1044 FBI Richmond
United States Marshals Service - Eastern District of Virginia 701 East Broad Street, Suite 1500 Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 545-8501 U.S. Marshals Service
Federal warrant information is not typically accessible through Henrico County's local public data portals or the Virginia Court System. Federal agencies maintain separate record systems and have different disclosure policies than local jurisdictions.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Henrico County?
Warrants issued in Henrico County remain valid until they are executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise terminated through legal proceedings. Unlike some jurisdictions, Virginia law does not establish automatic expiration dates for most types of warrants.
The duration of different warrant types in Henrico County is as follows:
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Arrest Warrants: Remain active indefinitely until executed or recalled by the court.
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Bench Warrants: Valid until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn.
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Search Warrants: Must be executed within 15 days of issuance pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-56. After this period, a new warrant must be obtained.
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Capias Warrants: Like arrest warrants, these remain active until executed or recalled.
Warrants may cross jurisdictional boundaries and remain valid throughout:
- The entire Commonwealth of Virginia for most warrants
- Neighboring states if entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
- The entire United States for federal warrants
The Henrico County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants and coordinates with other agencies for execution. Individuals with long-standing warrants should be aware that these do not expire with the passage of time and may result in arrest many years after issuance.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Henrico County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Henrico County varies based on several factors, including the urgency of the situation, the complexity of the case, and the availability of judicial officers. The process is governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-54 and constitutional requirements for establishing probable cause.
Under normal circumstances, the process for obtaining a search warrant includes:
- Preparation of the warrant application and supporting affidavit by law enforcement (1-3 hours)
- Review by a supervisor or commonwealth's attorney (1-2 hours)
- Presentation to a magistrate or judge for review and approval (30 minutes to 2 hours)
- Issuance of the warrant if probable cause is established (immediate upon approval)
In emergency situations, this process may be expedited, with warrants potentially being issued within 1-2 hours of the initial request. Virginia law also permits electronic submission of search warrant applications in certain circumstances, which can further reduce processing time.
For complex investigations, particularly those involving multiple locations or specialized evidence, the preparation of warrant applications may take significantly longer, potentially several days to ensure legal sufficiency.
Once issued, search warrants in Henrico County must be executed within 15 days according to Virginia Code § 19.2-56. The Henrico County Police Department coordinates the execution of search warrants within their jurisdiction.