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Dinwiddie County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dinwiddie County in 2026

DinwiddieRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal history details. Record categories available through public channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, and Virginia state criminal history records. Information presented reflects what law enforcement and court agencies have made available under applicable public access laws and may not reflect the most current case status.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, the Dinwiddie County General District Court, online state databases, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The sections below outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster that reflects current and recent detainee information. Members of the public may access the Virginia Inmate Locator maintained by the Virginia Department of Corrections to search for individuals held in state custody. The jail roster is updated as bookings and releases occur and includes the detainee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Searches may be conducted by full name or booking number.

2. Local Police Departments

Dinwiddie County is served primarily by the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, which functions as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Town of McKenney and the Town of Dinwiddie do not maintain separate municipal police departments. Arrest-related press releases and public safety notices are periodically published on the Sheriff's Office official website and through local media outlets, providing supplemental arrest information to the public.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings accessible through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings in the Dinwiddie County General District Court or Circuit Court. Court case records include charge descriptions, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information where applicable.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which serves as the statewide repository for criminal history information. Members of the public may submit a request for a Virginia criminal history record through the Virginia State Police. The CCRE includes arrest records, disposition data, and conviction history from jurisdictions across the Commonwealth. A processing fee applies to name-based criminal history requests submitted by the general public, currently set at $15.00 per request for non-fingerprint-based searches.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office

  • Records division is located at the main office address above.
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification.
  • Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, assists staff in locating records.
  • Copy fees apply per page as described in the fee section below.

Clerk of Court:

Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road, P.O. Box 63
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4540
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court

  • Criminal records division handles requests for court case files associated with arrests.
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Case file inspection is available during regular business hours.
  • Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office at 14008 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, VA 23841. Requests should include the following:

  • Full legal name of the subject
  • Date of arrest, if known
  • Booking number, if known
  • Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
  • Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the statutory response period established under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, which requires a response within five working days of receipt.

By Phone:

  • Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office: (804) 469-4550
  • Automated arrest information systems are not currently available for Dinwiddie County.
  • Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
  • Detailed record information is not released by telephone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors may access records through the court's discovery process as governed by the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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, State Police, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Dinwiddie County

Arrest records in Dinwiddie County are public records subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. The VFOIA establishes that all public records are presumed open unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As the Virginia General Assembly has stated, "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 made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

  • Government transparency and accountability
  • Public safety awareness
  • Community notification
  • Journalism and investigative research
  • Employment and tenant background screening
  • 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 or 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 or sealed under Virginia law
  • Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
  • Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information related to active investigations may be withheld
  • Undercover officer identities are protected from disclosure
  • Confidential informant information is exempt from public release
  • Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
  • Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Virginia Constitution, Article I, Section 12, protects freedom of the press, which courts have interpreted to include reasonable access to government records including arrest information. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the VFOIA's exemption framework, which permits agencies to withhold specific categories of sensitive information while releasing the remainder of a responsive record. 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 housing discrimination laws
  • Professional licensing agencies
  • Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities have adopted fair chance hiring policies. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Dinwiddie County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office and associated court agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and throughout the pretrial process.

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Eye color and hair color
  • Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest by street address or general area
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, etc.)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges as filed
  • Virginia Code statute numbers violated
  • Charge descriptions
  • Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
  • Number of counts for each charge
  • Domestic violence designation, where applicable
  • Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

  • Booking facility name and location
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

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

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned upon filing
  • Court jurisdiction (General District Court or Circuit Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment or hearing date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, where available in public case records

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected during the investigation
  • Investigative techniques or methods
  • Medical or mental health information
  • Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
  • Bank account or financial information
  • Detailed residential address in certain circumstances

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

  • Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
  • Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
  • Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
  • Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Dinwiddie County is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and applicable local fee schedules. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies may charge reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records.

Current Fee Structure:

Record TypeFee
Paper copies (black and white)$0.10–$0.50 per page (actual cost)
Certified copies (Circuit Court)$2.00 per document
Electronic recordsActual cost of duplication
Search feeActual staff time, if search exceeds 30 minutes
Virginia criminal history (VSP)$15.00 per name-based request
  • Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours.
  • Copy fees are assessed per page and reflect the actual cost of duplication.
  • Certification fees apply when a document must bear an official court seal.
  • Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of producing records in digital form.
  • Search fees may be assessed when a request requires staff time exceeding a reasonable threshold, as permitted under the VFOIA.

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Cash
  • Check or money order made payable to the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
  • Credit and debit card acceptance varies by office; requestors should confirm with the relevant agency prior to submitting payment

Fee Waivers:

The VFOIA does not mandate fee waivers for any category of requestor; however, public bodies retain discretion to waive or reduce fees. Indigent individuals, members of the media, and nonprofit organizations may request fee consideration, though approval is not guaranteed.

What Is Available at No Cost:

How To Delete Arrest Records in Dinwiddie County

Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical sealing or destruction of records, and petition-based sealing under more recent statutory reforms. Expungement under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 results in the removal of arrest records from public access and directs law enforcement agencies and the Central Criminal Records Exchange to seal the subject record. Sealing restricts public access but may preserve the record for law enforcement purposes.

Cases Eligible for Expungement or Sealing:

  • Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
  • Acquittals following trial (not guilty verdicts)
  • Arrests where no charges were filed
  • Certain deferred disposition cases where the defendant completed required conditions
  • Convictions for certain offenses under Virginia's expanded expungement law effective July 1, 2025, which broadened eligibility for petition-based sealing

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
  2. Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the Virginia Courts Self-Help Resource Center.
  3. File the petition in the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court along with the applicable filing fee.
  4. Serve a copy of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for Dinwiddie County.
  5. Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted.
  6. If granted, the court issues an order directing the Sheriff's Office, State Police, and CCRE to seal the subject records.

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road, P.O. Box 63
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4540
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court

Dinwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Government

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Virginia attorney, as the procedural requirements and eligibility criteria are subject to change under ongoing legislative reform.

What Happens After Arrest in Dinwiddie County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Dinwiddie County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office complex. 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 the investigation requires additional processing.

Dinwiddie County Jail
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated and typically requires one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

  • Personal information is recorded in the jail management system
  • Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
  • A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
  • Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the CCRE
  • A criminal history check is conducted
  • Outstanding warrants are verified
  • Personal property is inventoried and stored
  • Jail-issued clothing is provided
  • Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
  • Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than the next day following arrest for most offenses. The initial appearance serves the following purposes:

  • Formal notification of charges
  • Appointment of a public defender for indigent defendants
  • Bond or bail determination
  • Advisement of constitutional rights

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. Court schedules are available through the Virginia Courts Case Information System.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. Bond amounts are set by the magistrate or judge based on the nature of the charges and the defendant's history.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount under Virginia law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all 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 defendant is held without bond when the charges involve serious violent offenses, when the defendant presents a danger to the community, when a probation or parole violation is alleged, when an immigration hold is placed, or when an out-of-state warrant is active.

Conditions of Release:

  • Scheduled check-in with pretrial services
  • Travel restrictions
  • No-contact orders
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • GPS monitoring
  • Pretrial supervision reporting requirements

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives 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, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.

Dinwiddie County Public Defender's Office
The Dinwiddie County area is served by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission through the regional public defender system.
Phone: (804) 469-4540 (Circuit Court Clerk for referral)
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed Virginia attorneys. Attorney visits at the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Dinwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with 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, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in Virginia are guilty, not guilty, and no contest (nolo contendere) in certain circumstances. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, which includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address procedural issues. Pretrial conferences allow counsel and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.

Case Resolution Options:

  • Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process. A dismissal may support a 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 in exchange for a recommended sentence or reduced charges.
  • Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict results in acquittal; a guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these sanctions. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction to the Virginia Court of Appeals.

Timeline Overview:

  • Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours for most offenses
  • First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
  • Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
  • Misdemeanors: Resolved within three to twelve months in most cases
  • Felonies: Resolved within six to eighteen months in most cases
  • The right to a speedy trial in Virginia is governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-243, which establishes specific time limits within which trial must commence following arrest

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:

Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office

Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road, P.O. Box 63
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4540
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court

Dinwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Government

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
1604 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: (804) 662-7249
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers.
  2. Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances.
  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 other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney.
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements.
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
  8. Comply with all conditions of release if bond is granted.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dinwiddie County?

Records Retention Overview:

Arrest record retention in Dinwiddie County is governed by the Library of Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for local government agencies, as well as applicable state and federal law. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the associated criminal case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retention is permanent across all maintaining agencies.
  • Records are maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Virginia State Police CCRE, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Court records are retained permanently in most cases.
  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of ten years under standard retention schedules.
  • State repository records are maintained permanently.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to seven years depending on the offense category.
  • Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order.
  • State repository records remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement.

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

  • Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years.
  • Court records are retained permanently unless sealed or expunged.
  • State repository records remain subject to expungement petition.

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years.
  • Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of three years.
  • These records are among the most eligible for expungement under Virginia law.

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

  • Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years.
  • These cases are eligible for expungement under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable Library of Virginia schedule, minimum three to seven years.
  • Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently at the state repository.
  • Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record.

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years.
  • Records management system data: Often retained permanently.
  • Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy.
  • Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office

  • Booking records: Minimum three to seven years depending on offense classification.
  • Arrest reports: Minimum three to seven years.
  • Investigative files: Minimum three years for misdemeanors; longer for felonies.

Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road, P.O. Box 63
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4540
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court

  • Felony case files: Retained permanently.
  • Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years.
  • Traffic case files: Retained for a minimum of three years.
  • Electronic records: Retained permanently.

Virginia State Police – Central Criminal Records Exchange
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
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 remain until expunged by court order.

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 records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and federal licensing.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

  • Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
  • Dismissal: Records remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
  • Expungement: Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
  • No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and are among the most readily eligible for expungement.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

  • Recent arrests are available online through the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System and the Virginia Inmate Locator.
  • Arrests from five or more years ago may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court.
  • Very old arrests may exist only in paper form in archival storage and may require additional processing time and fees for retrieval.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Virginia does not currently impose a statewide time limit on reporting convictions. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agencies, though this restriction does not apply to all background check contexts.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Records Division at (804) 469-4550 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the VFOIA may be required to obtain formal confirmation. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Dinwiddie County