Fauquier County Criminal Records
What Is Fauquier County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Fauquier County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act § 42.1-76 and serve as the official history of arrests, prosecutions, and court dispositions.
Criminal records in Fauquier County typically include:
- Arrest records documenting apprehensions by law enforcement
- Charging documents filed by prosecutors
- Court proceedings including arraignments, hearings, and trials
- Case dispositions showing outcomes (dismissed, acquitted, convicted)
- Sentencing information including incarceration, probation, or fines
- Post-conviction records such as probation/parole status
Several key distinctions exist within the criminal records system:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when someone is taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate a formal finding of guilt either through trial or plea agreement.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors carry lesser penalties typically under one year of confinement.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18+) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Virginia Code § 16.1-300 to protect minors.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain different components of criminal records in Fauquier County:
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
78 West Lee Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-347-3300
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Fauquier County Circuit Court
29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8100
Fauquier County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court maintains felony case records, trial proceedings, and final dispositions.
Fauquier County General District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8035
Fauquier County General District Court
The General District Court maintains misdemeanor case records and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Division
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
804-674-2000
Virginia State Police
The State Police maintain the central repository of criminal history information for Virginia.
Are Criminal Records Public In Fauquier County
Criminal records in Fauquier County are generally considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) § 2.2-3700, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection. The Act states that "all public records shall be open to citizens of the Commonwealth, representatives of newspapers and magazines with circulation in the Commonwealth, and representatives of radio and television stations broadcasting in or into the Commonwealth."
However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal records access:
Publicly Available Records Include:
- Court records of proceedings in adult criminal cases
- Final dispositions and sentencing information
- Conviction records for adults
- Active warrants (with some restrictions)
- Sex offender registry information
Restricted or Limited Access Records Include:
- Records of ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under § 2.2-3706)
- Juvenile records (sealed under § 16.1-300 except in specific circumstances)
- Expunged records (removed from public access pursuant to court order)
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain victim information protected by privacy laws
- Grand jury proceedings
The Virginia Code § 2.2-3706 specifically addresses law enforcement records, stating: "Criminal investigative files relating to an ongoing criminal investigation or proceeding are excluded from the mandatory disclosure provisions of this chapter." This provision protects the integrity of active investigations while generally allowing access to records of completed cases.
For court records specifically, the Virginia Code § 17.1-208 establishes that "The records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person and the clerk shall, when required, furnish copies thereof." This statutory provision ensures public access to court proceedings and their outcomes, forming a cornerstone of transparency in the criminal justice system.
Members of the public should note that while criminal records are generally accessible, practical barriers may exist, including:
- Administrative fees for copies or certified records
- Potential delays in processing requests
- Redaction of protected information before release
- Different access procedures across various agencies
The Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and can provide guidance on accessing specific criminal case information within the county's jurisdiction.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Fauquier County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Fauquier County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Circuit Court:
- Visit the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record search plus $0.50 per page for copies).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $2.00 per document).
Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8100
Fauquier County Circuit Court
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office including:
- Full name of the individual (including aliases or maiden names)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of offense or court appearance
- Your contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office address listed above.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
Criminal History Reports:
For comprehensive criminal history information (beyond Fauquier County):
- Submit a request to the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division.
- Complete form SP-167, available on the Virginia State Police website.
- Include fingerprints (taken at local law enforcement agencies).
- Pay the required fee (currently $15 for employment purposes, $8 for personal review).
- Mail to:
Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Division
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
804-674-2000
For Specific Case Types:
- Misdemeanor Cases: Contact the Fauquier County General District Court at 540-422-8035.
- Juvenile Records: These are generally sealed but may be accessed with a court order. Petitions must be filed with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court at 540-422-8040.
- Active Warrants: Contact the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office at 540-347-3300.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-389, criminal history record information may be disseminated only to authorized agencies and individuals for specified purposes. Members of the public should be prepared to state their purpose for requesting records and may be required to sign affidavits regarding the use of obtained information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Fauquier County Online?
Fauquier County offers several digital resources for accessing criminal records information online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits, though the scope of available information varies by platform.
Virginia Judiciary Case Information System:
The primary online resource for court records is the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System, which provides access to:
- Circuit Court criminal case information
- General District Court criminal and traffic cases
- Case status, hearing dates, and disposition information
To use this system:
- Select "Fauquier County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or hearing date
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Records typically update within 24-48 hours of court activity
Limitations: The system does not display complete case files, exhibits, or certain sensitive information. Some older cases may not be available electronically.
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides:
- Current custody status of individuals
- Booking information and charges
- Bond information
- Expected release dates (when available)
Virginia Sex Offender Registry:
The Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry maintained by the Virginia State Police allows searches for:
- Registered sex offenders residing in Fauquier County
- Detailed offender information including photos
- Address mapping features
- Email notification options for updates
Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator:
For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides:
- Current location and custody status
- Scheduled release dates
- Basic demographic information
Virginia State Police Criminal History Records:
For official criminal history reports (rap sheets), the Virginia State Police offers an online request system:
- Requires registration and identity verification
- Fees apply (currently $15-$38 depending on purpose)
- Results delivered electronically or by mail
- Authorized purposes only, pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-389
Important Considerations for Online Searches:
- Information accuracy should be verified through official sources
- Some records may contain errors or omissions
- Recent cases may experience posting delays
- Certain sensitive or sealed records will not appear in online systems
- Official certified copies still require in-person or mail requests
Users should note that pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-293, certain personal identifying information is restricted from online access even when the underlying records are public. This includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain other sensitive data.
Can You Search Fauquier County Criminal Records for Free?
Fauquier County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though certain limitations apply. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes the right to inspect public records during normal business hours at no charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, the following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:
Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Case files may be viewed on public access terminals
- Staff assistance is available for locating records
- No charge for viewing records; fees apply only for copies
- Photo ID required for certain sensitive records
Fauquier County General District Court
6 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8035
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Misdemeanor and traffic case records available for inspection
- Public terminals available for self-service searching
- No appointment necessary for general inquiries
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Virginia Judiciary Case Information System (https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis/search)
- Free access to basic case information
- No registration required
- Searchable by name or case number
- Includes hearing dates, charges, and disposition information
-
Virginia Sex Offender Registry (https://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/)
- Free public access to registered sex offender information
- Searchable by name, location, or zip code
- Includes photographs and offense information
-
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office Website (https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments-h-z/sheriff-s-office)
- Current inmate information
- Recent arrest data (when available)
- No registration or fees required
Limitations of Free Access:
While basic record inspection is available without charge, users should be aware of these limitations:
- Copy fees apply ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies incur additional charges ($2.00 per document)
- Extensive research requests may incur staff time charges
- Certain specialized searches require payment
- Complete criminal history reports from the Virginia State Police require fees
The Virginia Code § 17.1-275 authorizes clerks to assess reasonable fees for copies and certain services, though these fees must be uniformly applied and publicly posted. Individuals with financial hardship may petition the court for waiver of certain fees through an affidavit of indigency.
What's Included in a Fauquier County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Fauquier County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (may differ from final charges)
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Property/evidence seized during arrest
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and jurisdiction
- Filing date and court division
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications
- Felony or misdemeanor designation
- Plea information
- Attorney of record (defense counsel)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Dismissed or amended charges
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Post-conviction modifications
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history and restrictions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Firearms restrictions
- Court-ordered treatment programs
- Probation/parole officer contact information
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-310.2, DNA samples are collected from individuals convicted of felonies, and this information may be noted in criminal records. Additionally, under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, information about expungement proceedings may appear in certain administrative records, though expunged cases themselves are removed from public access.
Criminal records in Fauquier County are maintained in compliance with the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) standards and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) requirements for accuracy and completeness.
How Long Does Fauquier County Keep Criminal Records?
Fauquier County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia Records Management Division pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense, ensuring proper documentation while balancing administrative needs with privacy considerations.
Circuit Court Criminal Records:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained for cases resulting in conviction, pursuant to General Schedule No. 6 for Circuit Courts
- Capital Felony Cases: Permanently maintained regardless of outcome
- Non-Capital Felony Cases (No Conviction): Maintained for 10 years after final order
- Misdemeanor and Traffic Cases: Maintained for 10 years after final disposition
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access immediately upon court order, physically destroyed after the retention period specified in the expungement order
General District Court Records:
- Misdemeanor Conviction Records: Maintained for 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic Case Records: Maintained for 10 years after final disposition
- Dismissed Cases: Maintained for 3 years after dismissal
- Preliminary Felony Hearings: Maintained for 10 years (though felony cases transferred to Circuit Court become part of those permanent records)
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest Reports: Maintained for 75 years from date of creation
- Criminal Investigation Files (Felonies):
- Homicide cases: Permanently maintained
- Other felonies: 30 years after case closure
- Criminal Investigation Files (Misdemeanors): 5 years after case closure
- Incident Reports: 10 years from date of creation
Corrections and Jail Records:
- Inmate Files: 5 years after release from custody
- Booking Records: 75 years from date of creation
- Jail Visitor Logs: 3 years from date of creation
These retention periods are established under Virginia Code § 42.1-85, which authorizes the Library of Virginia to establish records retention and disposition schedules for all public records. The schedules are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in law and administrative needs.
It is important to note that while records may be maintained for the periods specified above, access to these records may be restricted by other provisions of law, including expungement orders, sealing orders, and privacy protections for certain categories of information.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage methods differ. The county maintains backup systems and disaster recovery protocols to ensure the preservation of electronic criminal records throughout their required retention periods.