Fairfax County arrest records are official documents that show when someone was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records include names, charges, booking dates, mugshots, and case outcomes. Anyone can request them because Virginia law says most arrest data is public. You can get these records from the Fairfax County Police Department, Circuit Court, or Sheriff’s Office. Each agency keeps different parts of the information, so you may need to contact more than one place. The process is free or low-cost, and many records are online. This page gives you the latest, most accurate details on how to find, read, and use Fairfax County arrest records.
What Are Fairfax County Arrest Records?
Fairfax County arrest records are government files that list people who were arrested in the county. They show the date, time, location, and reason for the arrest. The records also include the person’s name, age, address, and photo (mugshot). Some files show if the person was released, held in jail, or went to court. These records do not mean someone is guilty—only that they were arrested. In Virginia, arrest records are public unless a judge seals them. This helps keep the community informed and holds police accountable.
Types of Arrest Records Available
- Booking Reports: Show when a person was taken into custody and basic details.
- Incident Summaries: Describe what happened during the arrest.
- Mugshots: Photos taken at the jail after booking.
- Warrant Lists: Show active arrest warrants issued by courts.
- Disposition Records: Tell if charges were dropped, dismissed, or led to a conviction.
Where to Find Fairfax County Arrest Records
You can get Fairfax County arrest records from three main sources: the Police Department, the Circuit Court, and the Sheriff’s Office. Each has its own system and rules. Some records are free online, while others require an in-person visit or a small fee. Always use official county websites to avoid scams or outdated info.
Fairfax County Police Department – Central Records
The Central Records Section handles most arrest reports. It is located at 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 703-691-2131 for questions. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, use TTY 711. You can also email through the county’s secure portal. The staff provides arrest reports, incident summaries, and citation copies. All requests are logged in the department’s electronic system.
For mail-in requests, send a completed Central Records Request Form, a copy of your photo ID, and a prepaid envelope. Processing takes about 10 business days. Results are mailed via USPS. Walk-in requests may take longer during busy times.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/reports/arrest-data
Fairfax County Circuit Court – Criminal and Civil Records
The Circuit Court keeps long-term arrest and court records. There are two locations: Herndon and Vienna. The Herndon courthouse at 765 Lynn Street handles criminal cases. Call (703) 246-3305 for criminal matters or (703) 246-2815 for traffic cases. The Vienna courthouse at 127 Center Street South deals with civil and family law. Both sites let the public search case files and request records. Archives go back to the early 1990s. You can view dockets, motions, and final judgments. Some records are online, but older files may require an in-person visit.
https://virginia.staterecords.org/fairfax
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office – Jail and Warrant Info
The Sheriff’s Office runs the Adult Detention Center and manages inmate records. Call 703-246-3260 to check if someone is currently in jail or was recently booked. The office also posts active warrant lists and provides civil process services. Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid has led the office since 2020. The jail houses about 800 inmates and offers education and job training programs. Community outreach includes safety workshops with local volunteer groups.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/sheriff/
How to Search for Arrest Records Online
Fairfax County offers free online tools to search arrest records. The county portal combines data from police, courts, and the sheriff. You can search by name, date, or charge. Results show booking photos, bond amounts, and case status. The database includes over 120,000 entries from 2005 to today. It updates every night to stay current. You can export results to a CSV file for your records. All third-party sites linked by the county follow Virginia public record laws.
https://www.countyoffice.org/va-fairfax-city-arrest-records/
Step-by-Step: Using the Online Search Tool
- Go to the official Fairfax County arrest records portal.
- Type the person’s full name or case number.
- Pick a date range if you know when the arrest happened.
- Click “Search” and review the results.
- Download or print the PDF report if needed.
Requesting Records in Person or by Mail
If you can’t find what you need online, visit one of the county offices. Bring two forms of ID, including one with a photo like a driver’s license. For criminal history checks, the General District Court charges $10.00 per request. You must apply in person between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Results usually come within 24 hours if submitted electronically. Mail requests take up to 10 business days.
For civil records, go to the Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Fairfax, VA 22030. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Copies cost $0.25 per page for standard records and $0.75 for certified copies. Staff can help you find docket numbers and explain fees.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/generaldistrict/criminal/records
Fees, ID Requirements, and Processing Times
Most arrest record requests are low-cost or free. Here’s a quick guide:
| Service | Cost | ID Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal History Check | $10.00 | Two IDs, one with photo | 24 hours (electronic) |
| Arrest Report Copy | Free or $0.25/page | Photo ID | 10 business days (mail) |
| Certified Court Record | $0.75/page | Photo ID | 15 minutes (in person) |
Arrest Statistics and Trends in Fairfax County
Fairfax County has higher arrest rates than the national average. In 2017, there were 1,234 arrests per 100,000 people—67% higher than the U.S. average of 739. From 2020 to 2022, there were 1,960 total arrests. Most were for property crimes (1,108 cases) and traffic violations (762 cases). Violent crimes like assault and robbery made up 52 arrests in 2017. These numbers come from verified sources and help show crime patterns over time.
https://infotracer.com/arrest-records/virginia/fairfax-county/
Common Charges in Recent Arrests
- Theft and shoplifting
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Domestic violence
- Drug possession
- Traffic violations
Privacy, Expungement, and Your Rights
Even though arrest records are public, you have rights. If charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you can ask to have your record expunged. This removes the arrest from public view. The process starts with a petition to the Circuit Court. You’ll need a lawyer or legal aid to file correctly. Expungement is not automatic—you must prove the arrest harmed your reputation or job chances.
Employers and landlords can see arrest records, but they cannot discriminate based on arrests alone. Virginia law says hiring decisions must be based on convictions, not arrests. If you see incorrect info, contact the agency that created the record. They must correct errors within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax County Arrest Records
Many people have similar questions about how to get, read, or fix arrest records. Below are the most common ones with clear, helpful answers. These cover online access, fees, privacy, and legal rights. If you don’t see your question here, call the Central Records Unit at 703-246-2272 during business hours.
Can I get someone’s arrest record without their permission?
Yes. In Virginia, arrest records are public unless sealed by a judge. You don’t need the person’s permission to request their record. However, you must follow the correct process and provide valid ID. Some details, like juvenile records or ongoing investigations, may be restricted. Always use official county sources to avoid fake sites that charge high fees.
How long do arrests stay on record in Fairfax County?
Arrest records stay public forever unless expunged. Even if charges are dropped, the arrest remains in databases. Only a court order can remove it. The county keeps electronic records from 2005 onward. Older paper files are stored in archives and may take longer to retrieve. If you were arrested before 2005, contact the Circuit Court for help.
What if my arrest record has wrong information?
If your record is wrong, contact the agency that created it—usually the Police Department or Court. Send a written request with proof, like a court dismissal letter. The agency must review and fix errors within 30 days. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council. Keep copies of all letters and receipts.
Can employers see my arrest if I wasn’t convicted?
Yes, employers can see arrests even without convictions. But Virginia law says they should not make hiring decisions based only on arrests. They must consider the job role and whether the arrest relates to the work. For example, a theft arrest may matter for a cashier job. If you feel discriminated against, contact the Virginia Division of Human Rights.
How do I get a copy of my own arrest record?
You can get your own record for free or a small fee. Go to the Central Records Section at 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. Bring two IDs, one with a photo. You can also mail a request with a completed form and prepaid envelope. Processing takes up to 10 days. Online searches may show recent arrests, but official copies come from the county.
Are mugshots public in Fairfax County?
Yes, mugshots are public records in Fairfax County. They are taken when someone is booked into jail and posted online by the Sheriff’s Office. Some third-party sites republish them for profit. You cannot remove a mugshot from the official county site, but you can request expungement if the case was dismissed. Be careful with personal info online—scammers sometimes use mugshots to blackmail people.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record shows you were taken into custody. A criminal record shows convictions, fines, or jail time. You can be arrested without being convicted. Only convictions go on your permanent criminal history. Employers and landlords often check both. If you have an arrest but no conviction, you may still need to explain it on job applications.
Contact Information for Official Requests
For the most accurate and up-to-date Fairfax County arrest records, use these official contacts:
- Fairfax County Police Department – Central Records
Address: 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: 703-691-2131 | TTY: 711
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. - Fairfax County Circuit Court – Criminal Division
Address: 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 204, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-246-3305 | TTY: 711
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. - Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 10550 Judicial Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-246-3260
Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/sheriff
Related Search Terms and Resources
If you’re looking for similar records in other areas, these links may help:
Jasper County Detention Center Inmate Search
Montgomery Sheriff Department
Harris County Jail Inmates Inquiry
Are Criminal Records Public In Utah
Akron Common Pleas Court Records