Fairfax County VA Arrest Records Search | Jail & Court
Fairfax County, Virginia · Jail custody, police records, court cases and 2026 record sealing
Trace a Fairfax County Arrest From Jail Custody to the Final Court Result
Fairfax does not use one public database for every arrest record. Current jail custody, Fairfax County Police records, General District Court and Circuit Court each answer a different question.
Use this page to locate the right record, verify charges, check warrants and bond, visit an inmate, send mail or money, find appointed counsel and handle Virginia record corrections or sealing.
FAIRFAX RECORD PIPELINE
VERIFYING
FAIRFAX ARREST CHECK
19TH DISTRICT
JAIL
POLICE
COURT
FINAL COURT RECORD
OUTCOME FOUND
CUSTODY + COURT VERIFIED
Arrest is not conviction. An arrest record shows that a person was taken into custody or charged. The prosecutor may amend or drop charges, and the court may dismiss the case or find the defendant not guilty.
Virginia record-access rules changed substantially in 2026.
Virginia’s new sealing system is now active and works alongside the state’s existing expungement law. Some qualifying misdemeanors, dismissals and convictions can be sealed automatically; other eligible records require a Circuit Court petition.
Jail information
ADC: 703-246-2100.
FCPD own history
Current local record fee: $10.
Remote visits
$0.10/minute; lobby kiosk visits are free.
GDC retention
Most criminal cases: 10 years.
Circuit copies
$0.50/page + $2 certification.
What are you actually trying to find?
ADC / VINE
Is the person in jail now?
Current custody, inmate information, release questions and local-jail notifications.
A court docket is not a live inmate roster.
FAIRFAX POLICE
What did police record?
Incident verification, local personal criminal history, arrest records and releasable investigative material.
Police criminal histories are not open name searches.
GENERAL DISTRICT
What happened to the initial charge?
Misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felony charges.
Best first court search after many Fairfax arrests.
CIRCUIT COURT
Did the felony continue?
Felony criminal cases and misdemeanor or traffic appeals.
Use eCaseSearch for free public docket information.
VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
Need Virginia-wide history?
SP-167 provides a complete Virginia criminal-history record through the state repository process.
This is different from a Fairfax-only police record.Check whether the person is currently in Fairfax jail
Fairfax County does not present its Adult Detention Center information as a simple public name-search roster on the Sheriff’s website. For time-sensitive custody questions, use the jail’s inmate-information line or Virginia VINE.
Confirm the arrest occurred in the Fairfax system
Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Herndon and Vienna cases can involve Fairfax courts and the Adult Detention Center, but an arrest in another Northern Virginia jurisdiction may use another jail.
Search Virginia VINE for local-jail custody
Enter the person’s legal name and carefully compare the available identity and custody information.
Open Virginia VINE
Do not stop at a same-name result
Match age, date of birth when displayed, facility and known arrest information.
Call the Adult Detention Center for confirmation
Dial 703-246-2100.
Choose the confinement menu
Press 4.
Choose inmate information
Press 1 for inmate-information questions.
For bond, release date or court date
Press 4 for confinement and then press 2.
Search the court case next
Custody only answers where the person is now. The court record explains the filed charges and outcome.
Fairfax County Adult Detention Center
10520 Judicial Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Main: 703-246-2100
Public parking garage: 10550 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030
10520 Judicial Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Main: 703-246-2100
Public parking garage: 10550 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030
Use the correct ADC phone option
| Need | Menu | Best information to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Directions | Press 1 | Facility name and destination. |
| Visiting | Press 2 | Inmate name/number and scheduled visit details. |
| Medical | Press 3 | Inmate identity and medication information. |
| Inmate information | Press 4, then 1 | Full legal name and date of birth when known. |
| Bond / release / court date | Press 4, then 2 | Inmate identity and criminal case number when known. |
| Property room | Press 4, then 3 | Inmate identity and specific property issue. |
| Finance | Press 4, then 4 | Inmate identity; account details are private to the inmate. |
What each Fairfax arrest record can and cannot prove
| Record | What it can establish | What it does not establish | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail custody | Whether the person is being held locally. | Final guilt or court disposition. | Search the court case. |
| Police arrest record | Police arrest information and investigative context when releasable. | What the prosecutor ultimately pursued. | Compare the charging document. |
| Incident verification | Case number, date, location, incident type and officer. | The full investigative narrative. | Use court records or lawful record request. |
| GDC docket | Misdemeanor or preliminary felony case events. | A later Circuit felony disposition. | Search Circuit Court when felony proceeds. |
| Circuit docket | Felony charges, hearings and public case status. | Every underlying police fact. | Request the actual order when proof is required. |
| VSP SP-167 | Virginia criminal-history information returned by the state repository. | A national FBI history. | Use source court records to resolve discrepancies. |
Do not confuse two people with the same name
Full legal name matches
Middle name or initial is consistent
Date of birth or age matches
Arrest date matches the known event
Arresting agency is consistent
Court locality is Fairfax
Case number follows the same event
Custody facility matches the expected jurisdiction
Do not rely on name alone. Virginia public court systems can return people with similar names. Use at least two independent identifiers before treating a record as belonging to a particular person.
No Fairfax County arrest result? Check these possibilities
The person is still being processed
A very recent arrest may not immediately appear in downstream custody or court systems.
The arrest occurred outside Fairfax
Search Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William or the actual booking jurisdiction.
The person was released
A past arrest may no longer appear as current local custody.
The case is in General District Court
Do not search only Fairfax Circuit Court for a misdemeanor or new felony complaint.
The felony moved to Circuit Court
A General District preliminary proceeding can be followed by a separate Circuit felony case.
The local FCPD record is private criminal history
Fairfax Police will not release another person’s local criminal-history record simply because you know the name.
The record is older than General District retention
Most GDC criminal files are retained 10 years and then destroyed; certain sexual-offense conviction records have longer retention.
The record was sealed or expunged
Public systems should not display records that are legally restricted from public access.
Copy-ready custody script
I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name], date of birth [date], is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency]. Can you confirm current custody, release status, the next court date or the correct agency I should contact?
What happens after a Fairfax County arrest?
Police or deputy creates the arrest record
Fairfax County Police, Virginia State Police or another law-enforcement agency records the incident and arrest.
Adult Detention Center intake
The Sheriff takes custody, processes the person and manages jail housing and inmate services.
Magistrate review
A magistrate can issue process and set bail conditions in qualifying cases.
General District Court
Misdemeanors are decided here and felony preliminary hearings occur here.
Commonwealth’s Attorney review
Prosecutors determine how the criminal charges will proceed.
Circuit Court felony case
Felony cases that proceed are handled in Fairfax Circuit Court.
Final disposition
A charge may end in dismissal, acquittal, deferred disposition, plea or conviction.
Criminal-history reporting
Qualifying arrests and dispositions can be transmitted to Virginia’s Central Criminal Records Exchange.
Correction, sealing or expungement
A person may correct inaccurate source data or pursue available Virginia record relief.
Get your own Fairfax County Police criminal record
Fairfax County Police states that its criminal-history check is for your own record only. You cannot obtain someone else’s Fairfax Police criminal history as a normal public request.
Current fee: $10. The local check covers adult criminal charges in Fairfax County where Fairfax County Police responded and/or charged the individual.
Confirm you need the Fairfax-only history
This is narrower than a Virginia State Police SP-167 statewide check.
Prepare two approved IDs
One must contain your photograph.
Use accepted identification
Examples include U.S. driver’s license or DMV ID, passport, Social Security card, U.S. military ID or original birth certificate.
Complete PD Form 23
Fill out the requester portion before arriving when possible.
Pay the $10 charge
Central Records accepts credit card, money order or check payable to County of Fairfax.
Schedule or visit Central Records
Local residents can often obtain their own record the same day, with exceptions.
Open Fairfax Central Records
FCPD Central Records Division
Public Safety Headquarters
12099 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1400
Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: 703-246-2272
Email: FCPDPublicCentralRecords@fairfaxcounty.gov
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Public Safety Headquarters
12099 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1400
Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: 703-246-2272
Email: FCPDPublicCentralRecords@fairfaxcounty.gov
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Central Records closes at 3:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. In-person queue entry can close shortly before each service period ends.
What an involved person can obtain from Fairfax Police
An eligible involved person can request an incident verification form. It gives concise proof that a police report exists without releasing the entire investigative file.
The verification can show
FCPD case number
Incident date
Incident location
Type of incident
Officer’s name
Written verification that a report was filed
Who may request it?
Crime victim
Property owner
Person directly involved in the incident
Complainant who reported the incident
Wait until the associated case is closed when required
Central Records notes that reports cannot be processed or disseminated while the related case is not eligible for release.
Prepare the case number
It speeds up matching.
Bring valid photo identification
Identification is required for many Central Records services.
Request in person or in writing
Mark a mailed request clearly as an incident verification request.
Pay the current $10 fee
Mail requests must use check or money order.
Full police reports are different. Fairfax Police states that full copies generally are released only to law-enforcement officers or by subpoena. A limited exception can apply to a victim requesting a redacted report when the only offense is domestic assault and battery.
Request releasable Fairfax Police arrest or investigative records
Confirm FCPD has the record
Fairfax Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police and other police agencies maintain their own records.
Identify an existing record
Examples include an arrest report, incident report, body-worn-camera video or cruiser recording.
Give your name and legal address
Virginia FOIA requires these requester details.
Describe the record with reasonable specificity
Include the case number, arrest date, location, subject name and exact record type.
Ask for a cost estimate
Select the estimate option before authorizing broad research or redaction work.
Submit the online request
The Police Department identifies online filing as the preferred method.
Submit FCPD VFOIA request
FCPD FOIA Compliance Division
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: 703-246-4561
Email: FCPDFOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: 703-246-4561
Email: FCPDFOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov
Cost and response rules
| Issue | Current rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative work | $40.6039 per hour | FCPD publishes this rate for research, redaction, quality review and production. |
| Initial response | 5 business days | The agency may provide, deny, partially provide, report no records or issue an extension. |
| Ordinary extension | 7 additional business days | Can extend the ordinary response period to 12 business days. |
| Certain criminal investigative files | Up to 60 work days where authorized | Criminal investigative requests can follow a longer statutory timetable. |
Copy-ready focused request
I request the releasable records concerning the arrest or incident involving [full legal name] on [date] at [location]. The Fairfax County Police case number is [number], if known. I specifically request [arrest report / identified incident record / body-worn-camera segment / cruiser video]. Please provide electronic copies where available and a written cost estimate before charges exceed $[amount].
Verify misdemeanor charges and preliminary felony proceedings
General District Court decides misdemeanor criminal cases and conducts preliminary hearings for felony charges.
Open Virginia Case Status and Information
Use the statewide or General District Court case-search option.
Open Virginia court case search
Select Fairfax County General District Court
Do not accidentally select Fairfax City or another Northern Virginia locality when the charging court is Fairfax County.
Search by case number when possible
This reduces same-name errors.
Otherwise search the defendant’s name
Compare hearing dates and charge information before using a result.
Read every charge separately
One count may be dismissed while another continues.
For felony complaints, look for preliminary-hearing disposition
A felony can move into Fairfax Circuit Court.
Check the newest docket entry
This is especially important for warrants, bond changes and missed court dates.
Fairfax County General District Court – Criminal Division
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 204
Fairfax, VA 22030
Criminal Division: 703-246-3305
Automated case/payment information: 703-246-3764
Clerk hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 204
Fairfax, VA 22030
Criminal Division: 703-246-3305
Automated case/payment information: 703-246-3764
Clerk hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Current criminal docket times
Regular criminal docket
Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.
Prisoner advisements
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.
Preliminary hearings
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
Bond reduction motions
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Attorney/pro-se motions
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.
Criminal sentencing docket
Second and third Thursday, 2:00 p.m.
Search felony records with Fairfax eCaseSearch
Fairfax Circuit Court provides free 24/7 public access to non-confidential criminal case information through eCaseSearch.
Open Fairfax eCaseSearch
Search Fairfax Circuit criminal cases
Select Criminal
The system also contains civil information, so select the correct case type.
Choose name or case-number search
Case number is safer when known.
For name search, enter at least two letters of the surname
Add the first name to narrow common results.
Open the correct FE or MI case
Fairfax eCaseSearch includes public criminal case categories such as FE and MI.
Read charges and hearing activity
Compare the indictment and final docket activity with the original arrest.
Remember that eCaseSearch does not provide the case documents
Request the actual filing or order from the Criminal Division when proof is required.
eCaseSearch currently provides available case information from October 18, 2004 forward. Searches are limited to the first 100 results, so narrow common-name searches.
Fairfax Circuit Court – Criminal Division
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 409
Fairfax, VA 22030
Criminal Division: 703-246-2228
Criminal Division public hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 409
Fairfax, VA 22030
Criminal Division: 703-246-2228
Criminal Division public hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Get the actual criminal order when a docket summary is not enough
General District Court
- Provide the case number when available.
- Without it, provide defendant full name and date of birth.
- Most criminal files are retained 10 years.
- Older stored files can take 2–3 business days to retrieve.
- A destruction letter can be provided after a file ages out.
Circuit Court
- Review current criminal files in Suite 409.
- Request specific filings or orders.
- Ordinary copies: $0.50 per page.
- Certification: additional $2 per document.
- Online copy requests receive a response within about two business days.
Circuit Court can generally make an in-person request of up to 10 pages while you are there. Larger requests may be prepared for later pickup.
Check Fairfax County warrants through the case—not a private warrant site
Identify the likely court
General District Court is often the first place to check misdemeanor and initial felony criminal matters.
Search the Virginia court docket
Look for warrant-related and failure-to-appear entries.
Search Virginia criminal cases
Read entries chronologically
A warrant issued on one date can later be served, recalled or otherwise resolved.
For Circuit felony matters, check eCaseSearch
Search Fairfax Circuit Court
Confirm current status directly
Contact the court clerk, Magistrate’s Office or appropriate law-enforcement agency before acting.
An adult criminal warrant can be requested from the appropriate Fairfax court clerk even by a person who is not a party to the case, subject to identification and legal-access rules.
Safety rule: Do not approach or attempt to detain another person because of an online warrant entry.
Scam warning: Fairfax Sheriff’s Office has warned residents about sophisticated scams using fake documents. Independently call the court, Sheriff or police before paying any unexpected warrant or arrest demand.
Confirm the Fairfax bond before paying anyone
Fairfax magistrates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Adult Detention Center and can conduct bail hearings and set bail conditions where authorized.
Confirm current custody
Verify that the person remains at the Fairfax ADC.
Call ADC bond information
Dial 703-246-2100, press 4 and then 2.
List every criminal case and hold
A bond on one charge may not clear another warrant or detainer.
Confirm the current magistrate or court order
Do not rely on an old docket screenshot.
Call the Magistrate’s Office when appropriate
703-246-2178.
Use the court for a bond reduction
Fairfax GDC currently hears bond-reduction motions Monday–Friday at 8:30 a.m.
Verify the bondsman independently
Never rely only on a payment link, unsolicited caller or text message.
Fairfax Magistrate’s Office
Adult Detention Center
10520 Judicial Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-246-2178
Available 24/7 at the ADC
Adult Detention Center
10520 Judicial Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-246-2178
Available 24/7 at the ADC
An inmate may authorize release of money from the inmate finance account to another person, a bonding company or the Magistrate’s Office by completing the jail’s release-of-funds form.
How to get a lawyer when the defendant cannot afford one
A defendant charged with a crime for which jail may be imposed can request a court-appointed attorney if unable to afford private counsel.
Request appointed counsel from the court
The defendant must ask for counsel rather than assume one was automatically assigned.
Complete the financial eligibility interview
Fairfax determines whether the defendant qualifies financially.
Wait for the attorney assignment
Fairfax states that an assignment is normally sent within two business days.
If the defendant is in jail
The attorney-assignment notice is mailed to the defendant at the Adult Detention Center.
Determine whether the lawyer is a Public Defender or private appointee
Fairfax uses both.
If assigned a Public Defender, call the office
Use 703-934-5600 to determine which Public Defender has the case.
Maintain communication with the assigned attorney
The defendant is responsible for staying in contact.
If the defendant is found not guilty, court-appointed attorney fees are paid by Virginia or Fairfax County. If found guilty or the case is deferred for later dismissal, attorney fees and court costs can be assessed with the case.
Get court, custody and victim-rights assistance
Fairfax County Police Victim Services can help qualifying victims with rights information, court preparation, notifications, protective-order assistance, Virginia Victims Fund claims and victim-impact statements.
Call Fairfax Victim Services
Use 703-246-2141.
Give the police and court identifiers
Have the case number, defendant name and next court date when known.
Request court-date notification
Ask the assigned specialist about the case-specific notification process.
Register for local-jail notifications through VINE
VINE provides local Virginia jail custody notification.
Register with Virginia VINE
If the person later enters Virginia state corrections
State-prison victim notifications use VADOC’s NAAVI system rather than local-jail VINE.
Rights information
Crisis intervention
Court advocacy and accompaniment
Protective-order assistance
Confidentiality requests
Custody notification assistance
Virginia Victims Fund assistance
Victim Impact Statement assistance
Schedule a Fairfax jail video visit correctly
Personal visitation has moved to video. Authorized inmates may receive one video visit per day in 15- or 30-minute increments.
| Visit type | Cost | Duration | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote video | $0.10/minute | 15 or 30 minutes | Schedule and pay through Smart Communications. |
| ADC lobby kiosk | Free | 15 or 30 minutes | Still uses the Smart visit system. |
| Frequency | Depends on visit type | One visit per day | Only for inmates authorized for visitation. |
Published visit windows
Morning
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Afternoon
12:30–4:00 p.m.
Evening
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Create or access the Smart Communications account
Open Smart Communications
Locate the correct Fairfax inmate
Confirm the inmate number before paying.
Choose a 15- or 30-minute visit
Select an available window.
Schedule at least 24 hours in advance
Otherwise the inmate may not receive enough notice of the visit.
For remote visits, use good front lighting
Keep the face clearly visible to the camera.
Keep your face in view
The video feed can go blank if face detection fails.
Do not click End Visit accidentally
Once ended, the visitor cannot rejoin that session.
Use the correct Fairfax jail address for each type of mail
Personal correspondence
Smart Communications/FXCOADCInmate Name/Inmate Number
P.O. 9128
Seminole, FL 33775-9128
Letters, ordinary pictures, greeting cards and children’s drawings go through the scanning vendor.
Legal mail
Inmate Full Name / NumberFairfax County Adult Detention Center
10520 Judicial Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Must be clearly identified as legal mail and come through an authorized legal source.
Smart Communications will not process
Mail missing the inmate number
Mail addressed to Sheriff’s staff
Mail addressed to JPAY
Cash, personal checks or money orders
Mail bound so it cannot be scanned
USPS-damaged mail
Legal mail sent to scanning vendor
Books, magazines or newspapers
Bulk mail
Personal mail can take approximately 6–8 days to reach the inmate after processing.
Photograph limit
Personal mail is limited to 10 photographs per mailing. If more than 10 photos are included, the entire mailing can be denied. Nudity, explicit sexual material and depictions of violence are prohibited.
Books, magazines and newspapers
Order from the publisher or third-party retailer
Personal shipments are not accepted as publications.
Address the publication directly to the ADC
Use the inmate full name and number at 10520 Judicial Drive.
Use soft-cover material where applicable
Publications are inspected before delivery.
Avoid prohibited visual material
Publications containing nudity or inadequately clothed people can be denied.
Do not send personalized photo books
Customized products such as Shutterfly or Snapfish photo books are prohibited.
Deposit money at the ADC without sending prohibited cash by mail
Lobby kiosk
Accepts cash and credit cards.
ADC lobby money safe
Accepts money orders and cashier’s checks. Do not place the instrument inside an envelope.
Write the inmate’s full name as payee
Use the correct legal booking name.
Add the inmate number
This helps finance post the money to the correct account.
Add your name and address
Include sender information as required.
Do not include correspondence
Money deposits and personal mail follow different processes.
Do not use a personal check
The ADC does not accept personal checks for this purpose.
What an inmate can buy
Snacks
Toiletries
Over-the-counter medication
Medical and dental services
Haircuts and beard trims
Notary services
Stationery
Approved personal clothing items
Commissary is normally available twice per week. When a holiday occurs during the week, the Sheriff states that commissary may be available once that week.
Finance account balances and purchase information are private to the inmate. The jail will not disclose them to friends or family members, including the person who deposited the money.
Set up Fairfax ADC phone calls through Smart Communications
Understand that inmates cannot receive ordinary incoming calls
Only verified emergency messages are delivered.
Create a Smart Communications account
Open Smart inmate communications
Select the account type that fits the call
Available account structures include Pre-paid Collect, PIN Debit and Direct Bill.
Use the service for local, in-state, out-of-state or eligible international calls
Review the current provider charges before adding money.
Do not discuss sensitive case strategy on personal calls
Ordinary correctional phone communications should not be treated as privileged attorney-client discussions.
After classification, inmates can make certain free local official calls to attorneys, probation/parole officers, bonding agents and some community agencies.
Bring prescription medication only under the ADC’s medical rule
Prescription medication may be dropped into the medical prescription safe in the ADC lobby for an inmate confined there.
Medication must be in the original container
Container must show the inmate’s name
Supply is limited to 10 days
Use the medical prescription safe in the lobby
Ordinary property cannot be dropped off at Fairfax jail
The ADC permits a narrow clothing exception: one suit or one set of clothing for a Circuit Court or federal court appearance.
Confirm the appearance is Circuit or federal court
Ordinary General District appearances do not create the same clothing drop-off exception.
The inmate must first request release of stored clothing
The inmate submits the property release form.
Submit that release at least 24 hours before exchange
The exchange cannot be treated as an unscheduled ordinary property drop.
Exchange the court clothing
The new set replaces clothing held in the inmate’s property.
Do not bring unrelated items
The Sheriff states that no other personal items can simply be left for the inmate.
Report sexual abuse or harassment involving an ADC inmate
A family member or friend can make a PREA report on an inmate’s behalf when the inmate is not comfortable reporting directly to a Sheriff’s Office employee.
Include these facts when known
Brief description of what occurred
Location inside the facility
Date and approximate time
Names of involved people
Names/contact details of possible witnesses
Your contact information if you choose to provide it
Use SP-167 when a Fairfax-only check is not enough
Fairfax Police’s $10 record is local. A Virginia State Police SP-167 returns a Virginia criminal-history record through the state’s Central Criminal Records Exchange process.
Generate the SP-167 request
Use the Virginia State Police criminal-background system.
Start Virginia SP-167 instructions
Enter the subject’s identifying information accurately
A name-based history is only as accurate as the information submitted.
Print the generated form
SP-167 requests are mailed for processing.
Have Section 1 signed and notarized
The person whose Virginia history is being searched must complete the required authorization.
If another person or agency receives the result
The recipient portion also requires the required signature and notarization.
Use one form per request
Do not combine several people onto one SP-167.
Pay the amount generated for the selected request
VSP’s current FAQ refers to $15 and $20 criminal-history request types. Follow the amount printed on the generated request.
Allow approximately 15 business days after receipt
VSP states there is no expedited or same-day service.
Virginia State Police currently offers an optional Remote Online Notary workflow for an additional $25 on eligible name-search requests. It is not a substitute for fingerprint-based procedures.
Virginia State Police – CARE
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Email: Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Email: Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov
Fix the source record before arguing with a background-check website
Identify exactly which government record is wrong
Compare FCPD, General District Court, Circuit Court and the Virginia State Police history.
Save the case number and incorrect field
Examples include wrong identity, missing dismissal or incorrect charge disposition.
Get the controlling official document
Obtain the dismissal order, sentencing order, certified court copy or corrected police record.
Correct a police-originated error with the arresting agency
Virginia State Police specifically tells people with incorrect criminal-history information to contact the arresting agency.
Correct a court disposition with the court
Use General District or Circuit Court depending on where the case ended.
Recheck the Virginia history after correction
A source correction should be verified in the downstream criminal-history record.
Copy-ready correction request
I am requesting review of a possible error in the criminal record for [full legal name], case number [number], arrest date [date]. The record currently shows [incorrect information], while the attached official [court order / disposition / agency record] shows [correct information]. Please advise the procedure for correcting the source record and transmitting the corrected disposition to the appropriate state repository.
Check automatic sealing before filing a petition
Virginia’s newer sealing law is now active. Sealing is not the same as deleting every trace of a case. It generally prevents public access while preserving access for purposes specifically authorized by law.
Automatic sealing of specified convictions
For qualifying offense dates on or after January 1, 1986, Virginia provides automatic sealing for specified lower-level convictions after 7 years when the statutory requirements are met.
Misdemeanor petit larceny under §18.2-96
Misdemeanor shoplifting/concealment under §18.2-103
Trespass under §18.2-119
Trespass after forbidden under §18.2-120
Specified trespass-related offense under §18.2-134
Specified misdemeanor marijuana conviction under current transitional law
Disorderly conduct under §18.2-415
Automatic conviction sealing requires seven years since conviction without a new reportable criminal conviction during that period, excluding ordinary traffic infractions. A same-date conviction for another offense that is not automatically eligible can also block automatic sealing.
Automatic sealing after dismissal or acquittal
| Case result | 2026 rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor acquittal | Court orders automatic sealing, excluding Title 46.2 traffic infractions, unless defendant objects. | Verify the court’s sealing status after disposition. |
| Misdemeanor dismissed with prejudice | Automatic sealing unless defendant objects. | Confirm the dismissal was with prejudice. |
| Felony acquittal | Defendant may orally request sealing immediately; Commonwealth concurrence is required for this automatic route. | Make the request at disposition when eligible. |
| Felony dismissed with prejudice | Same immediate oral-request process may apply with Commonwealth concurrence. | Ask counsel/court before leaving the hearing. |
Petition-based sealing under §19.2-392.12
Petition sealing can cover an eligible misdemeanor, Class 5 or 6 felony, or specified felony larceny offense when the offense date is on or after January 1, 1986 and all statutory conditions are satisfied.
| Issue | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | No court fee or cost for filing the sealing petition under §19.2-392.12. |
| Misdemeanor waiting period | 7 crime-free years measured from the latest statutory triggering event. |
| Felony waiting period | 10 crime-free years measured from the latest statutory triggering event. |
| Restitution | Court-ordered restitution connected to the record must be paid in full. |
| Lifetime petition limit | A person may have only two petitions granted under this section. |
| Different transactions | One petition generally cannot combine unrelated transactions or occurrences. |
| Manifest injustice | The court must make the required statutory finding regarding continued dissemination. |
Get the final Fairfax disposition
Do not apply using only the arrest charge.
Check whether automatic sealing already applies
Avoid filing an unnecessary petition.
Check whether the offense is petition-eligible
Many serious, violent, sexual, domestic-violence, DWI, protective-order and other listed offenses are excluded.
Use current Virginia Circuit Court sealing forms
CC-1201 and related forms are available through the Virginia Judicial System.
Open 2026 Virginia sealing forms
File in the Circuit Court for the locality where the case was disposed
For an eligible Fairfax matter, that generally means Fairfax Circuit Court.
Include the arrest and court identifiers
Date of arrest, arresting agency, case number, final disposition and other required identity fields should be included when reasonably available.
Serve the Commonwealth’s Attorney
The Commonwealth is made a party to the petition.
Allow the Commonwealth’s 30-day response period
The prosecutor may object, answer or state no objection.
Request CCRE to send your Virginia and national criminal history to the court
This is part of the statutory petition procedure.
Attend the hearing if one is required
The court applies the statutory eligibility findings.
Examples of records excluded from the ordinary petition route include DWI, specified domestic-violence offenses, protective-order violations, registrable sex offenses, listed violent felonies and various other offenses specifically named by Virginia law. Always check the exact code section.
Non-conviction expungement remains a separate remedy
Important date: December 1, 2026.
Virginia’s expungement statute has one version effective through November 30, 2026 and revised wording beginning December 1, 2026. The current filing must follow the version in force on the filing date.
Current rule through November 30, 2026
A person may petition for expungement when charged and then acquitted, when a nolle prosequi is entered or when the charge is otherwise dismissed under the qualifying statute. There is no court filing fee for this petition.
Obtain the final disposition
Confirm that the case ended in a result eligible for expungement rather than a conviction.
File in the Circuit Court where the case was disposed
A Fairfax case is filed through Fairfax Circuit Court.
Include the charging document when reasonably available
Attach the warrant, summons or indictment when available.
Include the arrest details
Provide the arrest date, arresting agency, charge, disposition date, birth date and name used at arrest.
Serve the Commonwealth’s Attorney
Under the current expungement procedure, the Commonwealth generally receives 21 days to object, answer or state no objection.
Request CCRE to transmit your Virginia criminal history to the court
The history is handled under seal for the proceeding.
Attend the hearing when required
The court applies the manifest-injustice standard and other statutory rules.
Keep the final expungement order
The clerk sends the order to Virginia State Police for implementation.
Beginning December 1, 2026, the revised expungement language expressly covers a person arrested, charged, summonsed or indicted who is not ultimately convicted, provided the specified guilty-facts/deferred-adjudication exclusions do not apply.
Use VADOC only when the person moves into state corrections
Use VADOC locator for
- People under Virginia Department of Corrections custody.
- DOC ID searches.
- State prison location.
- Probation or parole supervision shown in the state locator.
Do not use it as
- A replacement for recent Fairfax ADC custody.
- A complete Fairfax arrest-history search.
- The official criminal court disposition.
- A substitute for the Virginia State Police background check.
Fairfax County jail, police and court contacts
Adult Detention Center
10520 Judicial Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax Sheriff’s Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax, VA 22030
FCPD Central Records
12099 Government Center Pkwy., Suite 1400
Fairfax, VA 22035
Fairfax, VA 22035
FCPD FOIA
General District Criminal Division
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 204
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax, VA 22030
Circuit Court Criminal Division
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 409
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax, VA 22030
Magistrate’s Office
Available 24/7 at the ADC.
Public Defender
Call after appointment to identify assigned attorney.
Fairfax Victim Services
Rights, notification and court support.
Commonwealth’s Attorney
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 114
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fairfax Adult Detention Center map
Fairfax County Courthouse map
Before traveling: Verify current custody, office hours, courtroom location, identification requirements, appointment needs and courthouse security rules.
What this page brings together for the user
Recent custody
ADC call routing, VINE search, bond/release menu and current facility contact.
Police records
$10 personal history, incident verification limits, FOIA costs, deadlines and request fields.
Court verification
General District misdemeanor/felony workflow, Circuit eCaseSearch, record retention and copy costs.
Family support
Video visits, mail addresses, photograph limits, money, commissary, phone and medication rules.
Legal and victim help
Bond, Magistrate, court-appointed counsel, Public Defender and Victim Services procedures.
2026 record relief
Automatic sealing, petition sealing, 7/10-year rules and the December 1, 2026 expungement change.
Fairfax County arrest-record questions answered
How do I search Fairfax County arrest records?
Check current Fairfax Adult Detention Center custody through the jail or Virginia VINE, then use Fairfax General District Court and Fairfax Circuit Court to verify the criminal case.
Is there a public Fairfax County inmate search?
For local custody, use Virginia VINE or call the Adult Detention Center at 703-246-2100. The Virginia DOC locator is intended for people under state corrections authority and is not a replacement for recent Fairfax jail custody.
Can I get another person’s Fairfax Police criminal history?
No. Fairfax County Police states that its local criminal-history check is available only to the person whose record it is.
How much is my Fairfax County Police criminal record?
The current Fairfax Police local criminal-history fee is $10. Two approved forms of identification are required, with at least one photo ID.
How do I find the final result of a Fairfax arrest?
Search General District Court first for a misdemeanor or preliminary felony matter, then Fairfax Circuit Court eCaseSearch if the felony proceeded to Circuit Court.
How do I get a Fairfax police incident record?
Eligible involved parties may request a $10 incident verification from Central Records. Other releasable police records can be requested through the FCPD VFOIA process.
How do Fairfax jail video visits work?
Authorized inmates may have one visit daily in 15- or 30-minute increments. Remote visits currently cost $0.10 per minute and on-site lobby kiosk visits are free. Schedule at least 24 hours ahead.
How do I check bond for a Fairfax inmate?
Call 703-246-2100, press 4 and then 2. Magistrates are available 24/7 at the Adult Detention Center for qualifying bail matters.
Can a Fairfax arrest record be sealed?
Some Virginia records now qualify for automatic sealing, while others require a petition in Circuit Court. Eligibility depends on the exact offense, disposition, criminal history and waiting period.
Can a dismissed Fairfax charge be expunged?
Potentially. Virginia maintains an expungement procedure for qualifying non-conviction cases. The statute has revised wording effective December 1, 2026, so use the version in force when filing.
