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Orange County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Orange County in 2026

OrangeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Orange County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and warrant records. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable state law.

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. Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Orange County Adult Detention Center. Members of the public may access current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and custody status, through the Sheriff's Office website. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainee information. Searches may be conducted by name or booking number.

2. Local Police Departments

Orange County, Virginia, is served primarily by the Orange County Sheriff's Office for unincorporated areas, with the Town of Orange Police Department serving the incorporated town. The Town of Orange Police Department may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information for incidents occurring within town limits. Press releases with arrest information are periodically posted to the department's official website and may include the name of the arrested individual, charges, and arresting officer information.

3. Orange County Circuit Court Case Search

Members of the public may search criminal court cases linked to arrests through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System. Searches may be conducted by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition. Court case records reflect proceedings initiated following an arrest and are maintained by the Orange County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

4. Virginia State Police Criminal History Database

The Virginia State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). A fee of $15.00 applies to name-based searches for personal record requests. Fingerprint-based searches are available for a fee of $27.00 and provide a more comprehensive result.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Orange County Sheriff's Office
110 West Main Street
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-1200
Orange County Sheriff's Office

  • Records Division is located at the main office address above
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
  • Specific information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate date of arrest, should be provided
  • Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Town of Orange Police Department
112 West Main Street
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-3200
Town of Orange Police Department

  • Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
  • Requestors should provide the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and case number if known
  • Copy fees are consistent with Virginia public records fee schedules

Clerk of Court:

Orange County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
110 North Madison Road
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-4030
Orange County Circuit Court

  • Criminal records division handles requests for court case files associated with arrests
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Case file inspection is available during business hours at no charge
  • Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies are $2.00 per document

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Orange County Sheriff's Office at 110 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960. Requests should include the following:

  • Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
  • Date of arrest, if known
  • Booking number, if known
  • Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
  • Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Orange County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

  • Sheriff's Office: (540) 672-1200
  • Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
  • Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
  • Detailed record information may require an in-person visit or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through discovery in legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.

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, Town of Orange Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Orange County

Arrest records in Orange County, Virginia, are public records subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. The Act establishes a presumption of openness for all public records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies, and requires that records be made available to any citizen of the Commonwealth upon request. As stated in the Act, "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 are maintained as public records for several reasons:

  • Government transparency and accountability
  • Public safety and community awareness
  • Support for journalism and academic research
  • Facilitation of background screening processes
  • Use in legal proceedings and civil litigation

What Arrest Information Is Public:

  • Arrestee name and known aliases
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges filed at the 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 under Virginia law and are not subject to general public disclosure
  • Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
  • Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information related to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
  • Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt from disclosure
  • Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving certain offenses
  • Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs is not subject to public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Virginia Constitution, Article I, Section 12, protects freedom of the press, which courts have interpreted to include access to government records including arrest information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the exemptions enumerated in § 2.2-3705.2 of the Code of Virginia, which identifies specific categories of law enforcement records that may be withheld. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the current status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • Members of the general public
  • Media organizations and journalists
  • Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
  • Licensing agencies and professional boards
  • Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using background check reports must comply with FCRA adverse action procedures. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities may have adopted fair chance hiring policies. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

What's in Orange 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, including scars and tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)

Arrest Details:

  • Arrest date and time
  • Location of arrest (street address or general area)
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Virginia State Police, or other)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number (included in some records)
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges
  • Virginia Code statute numbers violated
  • Charge descriptions
  • Classification (felony class or misdemeanor 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 (collected during booking but not included in public records)
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond type:
    • Cash bond
    • Surety bond
    • Personal recognizance (PR bond)
    • No bond
  • Release date and time, if released
  • Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned
  • Court jurisdiction (General District Court or Circuit Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

  • Previous arrests processed through Orange County
  • Previous booking numbers
  • Historical charges associated with prior arrests

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected during the investigation
  • Investigative techniques and methods
  • Medical information
  • Mental health status
  • Substance abuse 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, witness accounts, and investigative findings not included in booking records
  • Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
  • Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and credit history

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Orange County is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and applicable local fee schedules. Under § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of providing records, including the cost of duplication, but may not charge for the time spent reviewing records to determine what is subject to disclosure.

Current standard fees are as follows:

Record TypeFee
Standard paper copies$0.50 per page
Certified copies (Circuit Court)$2.00 per document
Virginia State Police name-based criminal history$15.00 per request
Virginia State Police fingerprint-based criminal history$27.00 per request
Electronic records (where available)Actual cost of duplication
Inspection of records (in-person review)No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Payment should be made payable to the specific agency receiving the request.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the disclosure is determined to be in the public interest. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court case files in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Online access to court case information through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System is available at no charge for basic case searches.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Orange County

In Virginia, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement, which involves the physical destruction or sealing of records held by law enforcement agencies and the courts. Expungement is distinct from sealing: expungement results in the destruction of the record, while sealing restricts public access but preserves the record for law enforcement purposes. Virginia law governs both processes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, a person may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

  • The charge was dismissed
  • The person was acquitted (found not guilty)
  • The charge was nolle prossed (prosecution declined)
  • The person was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
  • The person was convicted of a misdemeanor and has remained crime-free for a specified period (subject to eligibility requirements under Virginia's expanded expungement law effective July 1, 2021)
  • The person was convicted of certain felonies and meets eligibility criteria under Virginia's expanded expungement statute

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Orange County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
  2. Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available from the Virginia Courts website
  3. File the petition in the Orange County Circuit Court, along with a copy of the arrest record and a set of fingerprints
  4. Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $86.00 for Circuit Court civil filing)
  5. Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for Orange County
  6. Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
  7. If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order directing the Virginia State Police and all relevant law enforcement agencies to expunge the record

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Orange County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
110 North Madison Road
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-4030
Orange County Circuit Court

Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
110 North Madison Road, Suite 200
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-2422
Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney

Orange County Public Defender's Office
(Serves the 16th Judicial District)
Phone: (540) 672-2500

Individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel may be eligible for representation through the public defender's office. The Virginia Legal Aid Society also provides assistance to eligible low-income individuals seeking expungement.

What Happens After Arrest in Orange County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Orange County, the arrested individual is transported to the Orange 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 if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

Orange County Adult Detention Center
18510 Constitution Highway
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-1200
Orange County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately 1–4 hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

  • Recording of personal identification information
  • Administration of Miranda rights advisement
  • Photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Virginia State Police CCRE
  • Criminal history check conducted
  • Outstanding warrants check conducted
  • Personal property inventoried and stored
  • Clothing exchanged for jail-issued uniform
  • Medical screening completed
  • Brief mental health screening conducted
  • Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within a reasonable time following arrest, and a bond hearing must be conducted. The first appearance before a judicial officer occurs within 24–72 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

  • The individual is formally notified of the charges
  • The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
  • Bond or bail is determined
  • Rights are formally advisement
  • The hearing may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

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

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is 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 requirements 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 1–8 hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. 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, receives a housing assignment, completes inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation privileges.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

16th Judicial District Public Defender's Office
Orange County Courthouse
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-2500

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. The application process is initiated at the first appearance before a judicial officer. The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission oversees public defender services statewide.

Private Attorney:

The individual has the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at the detention facility are confidential and may be arranged through the facility's visitation scheduling process.

Charging Decision:

The Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The Commonwealth's Attorney may:

  • File formal charges by information
  • Request additional investigation
  • Decline to prosecute (nolle prosequi)
  • File different or additional charges from those listed at booking

For felony offenses, a preliminary hearing may be held in General District Court to determine whether probable cause exists to certify the case to the Circuit Court. A grand jury may also be convened to return an indictment.

Arraignment:

Arraignment occurs in the appropriate court (General District Court for misdemeanors; Circuit Court for felonies) within a timeframe consistent with Virginia's speedy trial requirements. At arraignment:

  • Charges are formally read
  • The defendant enters a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest)
  • Court dates are set for subsequent proceedings

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

  • Discovery: Exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings
  • Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and other pretrial matters are heard and decided
  • Pretrial conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to address case management and potential resolution
  • Plea negotiations: The Commonwealth's Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation

Case Resolution Options:

  • Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; the defendant may petition for expungement
  • Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
  • Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges; a sentencing hearing is scheduled
  • Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present their respective cases; a verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

  • Incarceration in jail or prison
  • Probation
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution to victims
  • Community service
  • Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
  • A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

StageTimeframe
Arrest to first appearance24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignmentDays to weeks
Arraignment to trial/resolution (misdemeanor)2–6 months
Arraignment to trial/resolution (felony)6–18 months
Right to speedy trial (Virginia)Within 5 months for misdemeanors; within 9 months for felonies (§ 19.2-243)

Rights Throughout 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:

Orange County Adult Detention Center (Sheriff's Office)
18510 Constitution Highway
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-1200
Orange County Sheriff's Office

Orange County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
110 North Madison Road
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-4030
Orange County Circuit Court

Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
110 North Madison Road, Suite 200
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-2422
Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney

16th Judicial District Public Defender's Office
Orange County Courthouse
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-2500
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Politely invoke the right to remain silent
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
  5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, including other inmates
  6. Contact family members or friends who may assist with bail
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Orange County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Orange County is governed by the Virginia Public Records Act, codified at § 42.1-76 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, and by the records retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia. These schedules set minimum retention periods for records maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and other public bodies. As stated by the Library of Virginia, "public records are the property of the Commonwealth and shall be managed, preserved, and made accessible in accordance with applicable law."

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

  • Felony Convictions: Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Virginia State Police CCRE, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
  • Misdemeanor Convictions: Retained permanently by the Circuit Court; local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of 10 years; the Virginia State Police CCRE retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

  • Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of 3 years; court records are retained permanently unless expunged; records may remain in the state repository unless expungement is ordered
  • Acquittals (Not Guilty): Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of 3 years; court records are often retained permanently; records may be eligible for expungement under Virginia law
  • Charges Not Filed: Booking records are retained for a minimum of 3 years; records may be eligible for expungement
  • No-Information (Prosecutor Declined): Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of 3 years; records are eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

  • Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Library of Virginia's records retention schedule for law enforcement agencies
  • Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of 3 years; records management system entries are often retained permanently; court electronic records are retained permanently
  • Mugshot Databases: Retention varies; commercial mugshot websites are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain images indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party data aggregators may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are required under the FCRA to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of reported information and to update records when notified of expungements or other changes in record status.

Retention by Agency:

Orange County Sheriff's Office
18510 Constitution Highway
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-1200
Orange County Sheriff's Office

  • Booking records: Minimum 3 years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for felony convictions
  • Arrest reports: Minimum 3 years; longer for serious offenses
  • Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome

Orange County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
110 North Madison Road
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-4030
Orange County Circuit Court

  • Felony case files: Permanent
  • Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
  • Traffic cases: Minimum 3 years
  • Electronic records: Permanent

Virginia State Police – Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE)
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261-5076
Phone: (804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police Criminal Records

  • Maintains arrest and disposition records from all Virginia jurisdictions
  • Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records are retained unless expungement is ordered

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by Virginia law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

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 expungement is obtained; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
  • Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level; the Virginia State Police CCRE updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement; removal from all databases takes approximately 60–90 days following entry of the expungement order
  • No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

  • Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System; updated on a regular basis
  • Older arrests (3–10 years ago): May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk's Office; possible retrieval fee applies; processing time is approximately 5–10 business days
  • Very old arrests (10+ years ago): Records may not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; records destroyed pursuant to the retention schedule may no longer be available

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's records 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 FCRA, most employment background checks cover a period of 7 years for non-conviction arrest records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Virginia law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrests, though the use of such records in employment decisions is subject to anti-discrimination requirements. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and individuals should monitor their records following the entry of an expungement order.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Orange County Sheriff's Records Division at (540) 672-1200 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain specific information. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Orange County