How do I request a Richmond Police report by mail?

Complete the Richmond Police Records Request Form and mail it with a 5 dollar money order payable to the City of Richmond and a self-addressed stamped envelope to RPD Records Unit, 200 West Grace Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220. Include the incident number when known.

Where do I search a Richmond criminal court case?

Use the Virginia Judicial System's Online Case Information System. Richmond City General District Court handles misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings, while Richmond Circuit Court handles felony trials and other matters within circuit court jurisdiction.

How do Richmond City Justice Center video visits work?

The Richmond Sheriff's Office currently publishes family and friend video visitation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through its GTL or GettingOut communication system. Visit availability and account requirements should be confirmed through the approved provider before the scheduled session.

How do I send money to someone in the Richmond City Justice Center?

The Richmond Sheriff's Office directs family and friends to ConnectNetwork GTL for inmate deposits. Deposits can be made online or by telephone at 800-483-8314 using supported debit or credit cards.

Where is the Richmond Public Defender?

The Richmond Public Defender serves the City of Richmond and is located at 701 East Franklin Street, Suite 600, Richmond, Virginia 23219. The published telephone number is 804-225-4330.

How do I get a Virginia criminal history record?

The general public can use Virginia State Police Form SP-167. The form must be generated, printed, signed and notarized, then submitted with the required payment. Virginia State Police states that normal processing is approximately 15 business days and there is no same-day or expedited service.

Can a Richmond VA arrest or criminal record be sealed in 2026?

Yes, some records may qualify. Virginia's expanded criminal-record sealing laws took effect July 1, 2026. They include automatic sealing for certain records and petition-based sealing for eligible misdemeanors, some Class 5 and Class 6 felonies and certain larceny offenses. A Richmond petition is generally filed in Richmond Circuit Court when the underlying case was concluded in Richmond.

Richmond VA Arrest Records Search | Police & Court Richmond VA Arrest Records Search

Q: How do I search Richmond VA arrest records?

Start with the Richmond City Sheriff's Office inmate search when the person may be in the Richmond City Justice Center. For the police incident or arrest report, use Richmond Police records. Then search Virginia Court Case Information for the Richmond City General District Court and Richmond Circuit Court to verify the filed charges and final disposition.

Q: How do I find someone in Richmond City Jail?

Use the official Richmond City inmate search linked by the Richmond City Sheriff's Office. Confirm the person's full name and available custody information before using the result for visits, deposits or other jail services.

Q: How much does a Richmond Police report cost?

Richmond Police currently charges 5 dollars for a police report. In-person requests are handled at Window 4 in the Richmond Police Headquarters lobby at 200 West Grace Street. Cash or a money order is accepted in person; personal checks and credit or debit cards are not accepted.

Richmond, Virginia · Police records, city jail custody and criminal court cases

Trace a Richmond Arrest From Police Records to the Final Court Outcome

A Richmond arrest can create separate police, jail and court records. Richmond Police maintains the incident and arrest report, the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office maintains Justice Center custody, and Virginia courts show what prosecutors actually filed.

This guide also covers report fees, current custody, warrants, bail, jail communication, video visits, public defenders, victim services, statewide criminal histories, corrections and Virginia’s new 2026 sealing process.

Search Richmond jail custody Search Virginia court cases Get the police report

RICHMOND RECORD ROUTER VERIFYING

STEP 1 · REPORT RICHMOND POLICE

STEP 2 · CUSTODY CITY JUSTICE CENTER

STEP 3 · OUTCOME RICHMOND COURTS

CASE MATCH

ARREST + DISPOSITION VERIFIED

Arrest does not equal conviction. Richmond Police also warns that public incident information can be preliminary, incomplete or later reclassified. Verify identity and the final court disposition before treating an arrest allegation as a proven offense.

Virginia record-sealing law changed July 1, 2026 Virginia now has expanded automatic and petition-based sealing. Eligible records can include certain non-convictions, specified misdemeanors, some Class 5 and Class 6 felonies and related records. Detailed Richmond filing steps appear below.

Live custody

Use the Richmond Sheriff inmate search.

Police report

Current basic report fee: $5.

Misdemeanor court

Richmond City General District Court.

Felony trial court

Richmond Circuit Court.

2026 sealing

Expanded rules took effect July 1.

Start here

Which Richmond arrest record answers your question?

RICHMOND SHERIFF Is the person in jail?

Use the Richmond inmate search for current Justice Center custody.

Best for custody, booking and jail-service routing.

RICHMOND POLICE What did police report?

Order the police report or request body-camera and other police records.

Best for incident narrative and police-created evidence.

GENERAL DISTRICT COURT Misdemeanor or felony start?

General District Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary felony proceedings.

Best for arraignment, bond and many initial criminal proceedings.

CIRCUIT COURT Felony trial or final circuit record?

Richmond Circuit Court maintains circuit-level criminal case files.

Best for felony trial records and certified circuit documents.

Richmond City Justice Center

How to find someone arrested and jailed in Richmond

Open the official Richmond inmate search The City Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff direct users to Richmond’s official custody lookup. Search Richmond inmates

Search the legal name Try the surname first if a middle name, suffix or spelling is uncertain.

Open every plausible match Do not identify a person from a common name alone.

Save the jail identifier Keep the booking or inmate information displayed by the system.

Confirm the person is at the Richmond City Justice Center A person arrested in the Richmond area can also be held by another county, regional jail, state facility, federal facility or immigration authority.

Search the court case separately Jail custody does not show the complete prosecution history or final disposition.

Richmond City Sheriff’s Office / Richmond City Justice Center
1701 Fairfield Way
Richmond, VA 23223
General Information: 804-646-4464
Records Department: 804-646-0204

Open the official Richmond Sheriff hub Check VINE custody notifications

Richmond Police public data

Use Crime Incident Information without confusing it with a jail roster

Richmond Police’s Crime Incident Information system contains founded crimes reported after December 31, 1999 and entered under Incident Based Reporting rules. Arrest information can appear within the public incident data.

Open the Crime Incident Information page Read and accept the official disclaimer before entering the query system. Open Richmond crime incident data

Search the incident rather than relying on name alone Use known dates, locations and incident details.

Record the incident number This is extremely useful when ordering the actual police report.

Treat classifications as preliminary RPD states that classifications may later change after investigation.

Do not treat incident data as the court outcome Continue to Virginia Court Case Information.

RPD warns that public crime data can contain unverified information, attempted or reported crime, preliminary classifications and mechanical or human error. The data should not be used as proof that a particular person committed an offense.

Record decoder

Understand what each Richmond record proves

Police, jail and court records serve different purposes
Record	What it shows	What it does not prove	Next step
RPD incident information	Reported founded-crime information and incident details.	Final investigation or conviction.	Order the police report and check court.
Police report	Police narrative and releasable incident information.	Final prosecutor or judge decision.	Search the criminal case.
Justice Center custody	Current Richmond jail custody information.	That the person has been convicted.	Find the associated court case.
Arrest warrant	Judicial authorization for an arrest when active.	Guilt or final disposition.	Confirm current status through the court or lawyer.
General District Court case	Misdemeanor case or felony preliminary proceedings.	That a felony necessarily remained in GDC.	Check Circuit Court for indicted/certified felony proceedings.
Circuit Court case	Circuit-level criminal filings, orders and disposition.	Current jail status.	Request certified disposition when needed.
VSP criminal history	Virginia criminal-history information maintained by CCRE.	The complete police narrative.	Correct errors through the originating agency.

Identity safeguard

Verify the correct person before using an arrest result

Full legal name is consistent

Middle name, suffix or alias matches

Date of birth or age is consistent

Arrest or incident date matches

Richmond Police was actually the arresting agency

Jail information matches the same person

Court case follows the same event

Final disposition has been checked

Minimum standard: Confirm at least two independent identifiers. Never treat a same-name record or photograph as enough by itself.

No-result troubleshooting

No Richmond arrest record found? Check these causes

The arrest is extremely recent Booking or court data may not yet be entered.

The person was released by police Not every police arrest produces a long Richmond Justice Center stay.

Another agency made the arrest Virginia State Police, Henrico, Chesterfield, federal officers or another jurisdiction may maintain the record.

The name differs Try aliases, maiden names, suffixes and alternate spellings.

The felony moved to Circuit Court A felony can begin in General District Court and later proceed in Richmond Circuit Court.

The court information is restricted Juvenile, sealed and confidential information may not appear publicly.

The person was transferred Check Virginia DOC, another jail, federal custody or other relevant systems.

The record was sealed or expunged Public access can disappear after qualifying legal relief.

Missing-custody call script

I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name], date of birth [date], was booked into the Richmond City Justice Center after an arrest on [date]. I have incident or case number [number if known]. Can you tell me whether the person is currently held, released, transferred or listed under a different identifier?

Full arrest lifecycle

What happens after a Richmond Police arrest?

Police incident and arrest Richmond Police can create an incident report, arrest paperwork, evidence records, photographs, body-camera footage and related materials.

Magistrate review Virginia magistrates can issue warrants and conduct initial bail hearings.

Justice Center booking The Richmond Sheriff’s Office creates the local custody record when the person is admitted.

General District Court Misdemeanors are tried there, and felony cases can begin there with preliminary proceedings.

Prosecutor decision The Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney can prosecute felony and misdemeanor crimes occurring in the city.

Felony Circuit Court proceedings A qualifying felony case can proceed to Richmond Circuit Court.

Final disposition The charge can end through dismissal, acquittal, plea, conviction, judgment or another court order.

Correction, expungement or sealing Inaccurate information can be corrected, while qualifying accurate records may be legally restricted.

Richmond Police report

Get a copy of a Richmond Police report for $5

Richmond Police Department Headquarters
200 W. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Central Records: 804-646-6715
Headquarters: 804-646-0400

Request in person

Go to Window 4 in the RPD Headquarters lobby.
Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed on holidays.
Fee: $5.
Pay by cash or money order.
Money order must be payable to City of Richmond.
No personal checks.
No credit or debit cards.

Request by mail

Complete the Police Records Request Form.
Include a $5 money order payable to City of Richmond.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Include the incident number when known.
Mail everything to the RPD Records Unit.

Mailing address

RPD Records Unit
200 W. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220

If RPD cannot locate the requested report, the department states that the payment is returned with an explanation.

Get the official Police Records Request Form

Bodycam and other records

Use RPD FOIA for records beyond the basic police report

Richmond Police FOIA
Email: RPD.FOIA@rva.gov
Phone: 804-646-5147

Do not send police-record requests to 911 dispatch Richmond’s emergency communications department specifically states that it does not release Richmond Police reports or body-camera footage.

Identify the exact record State whether you need body-camera footage, photographs, a supplemental report or another police record.

Provide the incident number Include the date, time and exact location too.

Describe the officer or unit when known This can help identify responsive records.

Request an estimate before expensive processing Video review and redaction can require staff time.

Ask for the legal basis for withheld material Active investigations, privacy rules and statutory exemptions can limit release.

Copy-ready RPD FOIA request

I request an electronic copy of the releasable Richmond Police records concerning incident number [number] on [date] at [location], including [identify arrest report, supplemental reports, body-worn-camera footage, photographs or other specific record]. Please provide an estimate before processing if the cost will exceed $[amount], and identify the legal basis for any material withheld or redacted.

911 and dispatch

Request emergency-call records from the correct department

Richmond DECPR maintains printed call-for-service summaries and chronologies from September 11, 2007 forward. Audio recordings of 911 calls and radio traffic are retained for the past 180 days according to the city’s current public guidance.

Use DECPR only for communications records Police reports and body-camera footage belong with Richmond Police.

Provide exact date and time Richmond advises that this is necessary to locate communications records efficiently.

Provide the incident address Include the Richmond location where responders were dispatched.

Provide the calling telephone number when known This can help locate a 911 call.

Do not request by person’s name alone DECPR says its system cannot locate records using names of involved individuals or responders.

Ask for a cost estimate Charges can include staff search time and materials.

DECPR FOIA: foia911@rva.gov
Business line: 804-646-5911

Virginia court search

Verify what happened after the Richmond arrest

Start with Virginia OCIS 2.0 The statewide system provides public adult criminal case information in participating Virginia courts. Open Virginia OCIS 2.0

Select Richmond City Do not select Richmond County; Richmond City and Richmond County are separate Virginia jurisdictions.

Search by case number when possible It reduces same-name confusion.

Otherwise search the full legal name Compare the charge, hearing date and court location.

Search General District Court first for many new cases Misdemeanors and felony preliminary matters commonly appear there.

Search Circuit Court for felony proceedings A felony may move from General District Court to Circuit Court.

Read every charge separately One charge can be dismissed while another remains pending or results in conviction.

Locate the final disposition Look for dismissal, acquittal, conviction, plea, sentencing or another terminating order.

Richmond City is not Richmond County. Selecting the wrong locality is one of the easiest ways to miss a court case.

13th Judicial District

Richmond City General District Court criminal schedule

John Marshall Courts Building
400 N. 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Criminal/Traffic: 804-646-6431
Clerk hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Current Richmond General District Court criminal schedule
Proceeding	Published time	Why it matters
In-custody arraignments	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.	Initial court proceedings for people held in custody.
Bond motions	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.	Court review of pretrial release conditions.
Criminal docket	Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.	Regular criminal-case proceedings.
Walk-in arraignments	Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.	Applicable arraignment matters.
Traffic docket	Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.	Traffic matters at John Marshall.

Marsh Manchester Courts Building
920 Hull Street
Richmond, VA 23224
Published in-custody arraignments/bond motions: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Published criminal docket: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.

Virginia General District Courts hear misdemeanors and conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases. A felony can therefore have a General District Court record and later a Circuit Court record.

13th Judicial Circuit

Find the Richmond Circuit Court criminal record

Richmond Circuit Court
John Marshall Courts Building
400 N. 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
General: 804-646-6505
Criminal Section: 804-646-6553
Clerk hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Check whether the felony moved from GDC Use the defendant name and case information from the earlier court.

Search Virginia court information Search Richmond City, not Richmond County.

Review the charging instrument The indictment or other circuit filing can differ from the original police allegation.

Read orders chronologically Track motions, plea, trial, conviction, dismissal and sentencing.

Request the actual file when online detail is insufficient Most Clerk-held public court records can be inspected during regular office hours.

Court copy fees

Get a Richmond Circuit Court record or certified copy

Published Richmond Circuit Court record fees
Service	Fee	Use
Public inspection	Available during regular office hours	Review the court file before ordering copies.
Ordinary copy	$0.50 per page	Personal reference or ordinary documentation.
Certification	$2 additional	When the receiving agency requires certified proof.
Written request	Applicable copy fees must be enclosed	Ordering records without visiting.

Richmond Circuit Court states that copy charges must be collected in advance. Contact the Clerk first when you need to know a document’s page count.

Warrant verification

Check a possible Richmond warrant without relying on rumors

Richmond does not publish one simple official public name-search page that can conclusively prove whether every possible city warrant is active.

Search the relevant Richmond court case Look for warrant-related entries and later court action.

Check both court levels when felony proceedings are involved A case may move from General District Court to Circuit Court.

Identify the issuing authority Virginia magistrates can issue arrest warrants and other criminal process.

Read the newest entry An older warrant entry may later be served, recalled or otherwise resolved.

If the warrant may be yours, contact counsel A lawyer can help verify the case and explain safe appearance or surrender procedures.

Richmond Magistrate: 804-646-6689

Never confront or attempt to arrest another person based on an online court entry.

Bail and pretrial release

Understand the Richmond bail process before paying anyone

Virginia magistrates conduct bail hearings after arrest in applicable cases. Richmond General District Court also publishes in-custody arraignments and bond motions at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Confirm the correct defendant Use full legal name, DOB and case information.

Identify every active case More than one warrant or charge can affect release.

Determine what the magistrate ordered The initial release decision can include conditions or continued detention.

Check for a later judge’s order General District Court can review release and bond through a bond motion.

Do not send money based only on a caller’s demand Verify payment requirements with the court or Richmond City Justice Center.

Keep all receipts and court paperwork Record the case number, amount, payee and transaction information.

Scam warning: Never pay an unexpected “warrant” or “bond” demand using gift cards, cryptocurrency or a QR-code link without independently verifying the case.

Defense representation

Contact the Richmond Public Defender

Richmond Public Defender
701 E. Franklin Street, Suite 600
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-225-4330
Fax: 804-371-4908

Ask for counsel at the first court proceeding Indigent defendants facing qualifying criminal charges may be eligible for court-appointed representation.

Complete the required financial eligibility process The court determines whether appointed counsel requirements are satisfied.

Have the case number ready Also provide the defendant’s legal name, DOB and next court date.

Do not discuss case facts on ordinary jail communications Personal calls can lack attorney-client confidentiality.

Open Virginia Public Defender offices

Victim Witness Services

Get Richmond court notifications and victim assistance

Richmond Victim Witness Services
Phone: 804-646-7665

Court information

Help with court dates, criminal justice procedures and case disposition information.

Custody information

Assistance obtaining prisoner-status information and notification resources.

Victim compensation

Help completing eligible Virginia victim compensation applications.

Rights information

Explanation of rights available under Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.

Counseling referral

Specialized counseling assistance or referral to appropriate services.

Protective-order resources

Guidance toward Virginia protective-order information and court resources.

Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney — John Marshall
400 N. 9th Street, Room 100
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-646-3500

Open Richmond Victim Witness Services Register for VINE alerts

Justice Center visits

Connect with someone held in Richmond City custody

Richmond Sheriff’s current GTL information publishes family-and-friend video visitation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Search current custody first Confirm the person remains in the Richmond City Justice Center.

Create the approved communication account Richmond Sheriff uses GTL/GettingOut for family and friend communication. Open GettingOut

Add the correct incarcerated person Match the legal name and available inmate information.

Select video visitation Follow the provider’s Richmond facility options.

Choose an available session within published hours Sheriff information currently lists family video visitation between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Follow current identification and conduct instructions Provider and jail rules can restrict accounts or visits for violations.

Jail security, housing changes and operational restrictions can affect video availability. Reconfirm the person’s custody before a scheduled visit.

Professional attorney visits

Richmond Sheriff currently states that professional attorney visits are available daily, in person or by tablet, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Phone and communication

Use Richmond Sheriff’s approved inmate communication service

Published resident telephone availability
7:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

Use only the GTL/GettingOut system linked by the Sheriff Avoid third-party sites that are not connected from the official jail page.

Create the account using your real information Follow the identity and telephone-verification process.

Add the correct Richmond facility Verify the resident before depositing communication money.

Keep legal conversations off ordinary personal calls Attorneys should use approved confidential legal-access procedures.

Open GettingOut communication

Inmate deposits

Send money through Richmond Sheriff’s approved service

ConnectNetwork GTL Deposit Service
Telephone deposits: 800-483-8314
Supported cards: MasterCard and Visa debit/credit cards

Confirm current Richmond custody Do not deposit after a transfer or release.

Open ConnectNetwork Use the service linked by the Richmond Sheriff’s Office. Open ConnectNetwork

Select the Richmond facility Do not confuse Richmond City with another Virginia jail.

Verify the resident Match the legal name and inmate information.

Review the transaction before paying Confirm the account type, amount and provider fee.

Save the confirmation Keep the transaction number and receipt.

Mail and documents

Confirm current Richmond jail mail rules before sending documents

The Richmond Sheriff’s currently accessible public pages provide clearer information for electronic communication than for detailed family-mail formatting. Do not guess an inmate mailing format from an unofficial jail directory.

Confirm current custody Verify that the person has not been released or transferred.

Call Richmond City Justice Center before mailing Ask for the current personal-mail or legal-mail address and required resident identifier. Call 804-646-4464

Ask whether mail is physically delivered or scanned Jail mail systems can change providers or processing methods.

Ask separately about legal mail Attorney correspondence can use different handling rules.

Do not send cash or prohibited property Use ConnectNetwork for approved electronic deposits.

Virginia statewide history

Get a complete Virginia criminal history with SP-167

Richmond Police performs only a local Richmond background check. A statewide Virginia criminal-history record comes from the Virginia State Police.

Richmond Police local check

Local Richmond Police background check only.
Go to Police Information Desk at 200 W. Grace Street.
Bring two forms of ID.
At least one ID must contain a photograph.
Current local-check fee: $5.

Virginia State Police SP-167

Returns a complete Virginia criminal-history record.
Available to individuals and the general public.
The request is generated online and printed.
Required signatures must be notarized.
No expedited or same-day service.
Standard processing is approximately 15 business days after receipt.

Open the VSP criminal record service Select the SP-167 public-use name search. Open Virginia criminal-history instructions

Enter the record subject’s information Use accurate name, DOB and requested identifying information.

Generate and print the SP-167 The request is not completed merely by typing the information online.

Notarize the required signatures Section 1 requires the applicant/record subject signature. Additional recipient requirements apply when results are sent to another person or agency.

Use the exact fee shown for your generated request VSP currently references $15 and $20 background-check request types. Follow the generated form rather than guessing the amount.

Mail the complete request Include the generated form and approved payment.

Allow approximately 15 business days VSP states that there is no same-day or expedited service.

Virginia State Police CARE
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Background-check inquiries: Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov
CARE / CCRE: 804-674-3720

Correct inaccurate records

Fix a wrong Richmond arrest or Virginia criminal-history entry

Identify where the error appears Compare the Richmond Police report, Justice Center information, court case and VSP criminal history.

Save the incorrect information Record the incident number, case number and exact disputed field.

Obtain the controlling official document Use the correct police record, dismissal, judgment, amended order or certified disposition.

Contact the arresting agency when the VSP record is wrong VSP specifically directs people with inaccurate criminal-history information to contact the arresting agency.

Use fingerprint challenge when the record belongs to someone else A person whose identifying information has been incorrectly associated with a CCRE record can request fingerprint-based challenge procedures.

Recheck the court and VSP record after correction Separate systems may update at different times.

Correction is not sealing. Correct a record when its information is false. Use sealing or expungement when the record is accurate but qualifies for legal restriction.

New 2026 Virginia law

Seal an eligible Richmond arrest or criminal record

Effective July 1, 2026 Virginia’s expanded criminal-record sealing framework now applies to records maintained by courts, Virginia State Police CCRE, police departments, sheriffs and certain DMV records.

Records that can enter automatic sealing processes

Marijuana possession

Virginia’s new framework includes qualifying criminal and civil marijuana-possession records.

Misdemeanor non-conviction

Acquittal and dismissal with prejudice can qualify for automatic sealing at case conclusion.

Felony non-conviction

Acquittal or dismissal with prejudice can qualify when the defendant verbally requests sealing and the Commonwealth’s Attorney concurs.

Traffic infractions

Qualifying traffic infractions are included in the new automatic framework.

Petition-based sealing eligibility

A petition under Virginia Code §19.2-392.12 can potentially cover an eligible misdemeanor, Class 5 felony, Class 6 felony or certain larceny felony records with an offense date on or after January 1, 1986.

Important petition-sealing eligibility tests
Rule	Current requirement
Misdemeanor waiting period	At least 7 qualifying years from the latest controlling event.
Felony waiting period	At least 10 qualifying years from the latest controlling event.
Class 1 or 2/life felony	Petitioner must never have such a conviction.
Class 3 or 4 felony history	No such conviction within the previous 20 years.
Other felony history	No other felony conviction within the previous 10 years.
Restitution	Court-ordered restitution connected with the record must be paid in full.
Drug/alcohol-related event	The petitioner must demonstrate rehabilitation when required by the statute.
Manifest injustice	Continued existence or dissemination of the record must cause or potentially cause manifest injustice.
Lifetime petition limit	The standard petition statute generally limits a person to two granted petitions.

Many serious offenses are excluded, including numerous violent, sexual, firearm-related and family/household offenses. Eligibility must be checked against the current statute before filing.

Automatic-petition misdemeanors

Virginia also created a separate petition route for certain misdemeanors associated with automatic sealing. For offense dates on or after January 1, 1986, currently listed categories include:

Underage alcohol offense

Petit larceny

Shoplifting

Trespassing

Instigating trespass

Trespass on posted property

Specified misdemeanor marijuana distribution

Sale/possession of specified drug paraphernalia

Disorderly conduct

The separate automatic-petition route generally requires a seven-year qualifying period for the listed misdemeanor conviction or deferred dismissal and does not count toward the standard two-petition lifetime maximum.

How to file a Richmond sealing petition

Identify the exact charge and court Get the Richmond court case number, arrest date, arresting agency and final disposition.

Determine which sealing statute applies Standard petition sealing uses §19.2-392.12. Certain automatic-related petitions use §19.2-392.12:1.

Use the new 2026 Virginia forms CC-1201 is the petition for standard sealing. CC-1203 is used for the automatic-related petition route. Open the official 2026 sealing forms

Attach the warrant, summons or indictment when reasonably available If it cannot reasonably be obtained, explain that in the petition.

Include required case identifiers Include arrest date, arresting agency, case number, disposition date, full name used at arrest and required identifying information.

File in Richmond Circuit Court When the charge or conviction was concluded in Richmond City, the sealing petition is filed in Richmond City Circuit Court.

No court filing fee is charged Virginia’s sealing statutes state that there are no court fees or costs for filing either type of sealing petition.

Provide the Commonwealth’s Attorney a copy Service can create separate costs. VSP notes that hand-delivery or mailing can avoid potential process-service fees.

Request the required criminal history After filing, request that Virginia State Police CCRE send the Virginia and national criminal history to the Circuit Court. Open VSP sealing criminal-history instructions

Attend a hearing if the court requires one The court reviews statutory eligibility and the evidence.

Keep the final sealing order Retain copies for future disputes involving background-report companies or government records.

Richmond example: Virginia State Police specifically explains that a person seeking to seal an eligible misdemeanor destruction-of-property conviction concluded in Richmond City General District Court files the petition in Richmond City Circuit Court.

Contact board

Richmond arrest, jail and court contacts

Richmond Police Headquarters

200 W. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220

804-646-0400

RPD Central Records

804-646-6715

Police report and local record questions.

RPD FOIA

804-646-5147

RPD.FOIA@rva.gov

Richmond City Justice Center

1701 Fairfield Way
Richmond, VA 23223

804-646-4464

Sheriff Records Department

804-646-0204

Justice Center records questions.

General District Court

400 N. 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

804-646-6431

Richmond Circuit Court

400 N. 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

804-646-6505

Circuit Criminal Section

804-646-6553

Richmond Circuit criminal record questions.

Richmond Public Defender

701 E. Franklin St., Suite 600
Richmond, VA 23219

804-225-4330

Victim Witness Services

804-646-7665

Court, victim-rights and compensation assistance.

Richmond Police Headquarters map

Richmond City Justice Center map

John Marshall Courts Building map

High-value local facts

Important Richmond details already brought into this page

Police report

$5 fee, accepted payment methods, in-person hours, mail workflow, incident-number requirement and records contacts.

Police FOIA

Correct body-camera route, RPD FOIA email and a ready-to-use narrow request script.

911 records

Call-summary coverage from September 11, 2007 and 180-day audio retention guidance.

Richmond courts

GDC and Circuit Court roles, criminal docket times, addresses, phone numbers and Circuit copy fees.

Justice Center

Official inmate search, video hours, phone hours, ConnectNetwork deposits and attorney access.

2026 sealing

Automatic categories, petition eligibility, 7/10-year periods, filing location, no filing fee and new CC forms.

Richmond arrest-record FAQs

Richmond VA arrest search questions answered

How do I search Richmond VA arrest records?

Search Richmond City Justice Center custody first when the person may be jailed. Then request the Richmond Police report and search Richmond City court records for the final disposition.

How do I find someone in Richmond City Jail?

Use the official Richmond inmate search linked by the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office and Commonwealth’s Attorney.

How much does a Richmond Police report cost?

The current published fee is $5.

Can I pay Richmond Police for a report with a credit card?

No. RPD currently states that personal checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted for the standard police-report request. In person, use cash or a money order; mailed requests use a money order.

Where do Richmond misdemeanor cases go?

Richmond City General District Court handles misdemeanors and also conducts preliminary felony proceedings.

Where do Richmond felony trials go?

Felony cases that proceed beyond preliminary stages can move to Richmond Circuit Court.

What are Richmond City Justice Center video visitation hours?

The Sheriff currently publishes family/friend video visitation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How do I send money to a Richmond inmate?

Use the ConnectNetwork GTL service linked by the Richmond Sheriff’s Office or call 800-483-8314.

How do I obtain a statewide Virginia criminal history?

Use Virginia State Police Form SP-167. The form is generated online, printed, notarized and submitted to VSP. Standard processing is approximately 15 business days.

Can a Richmond arrest record be sealed in 2026?

Some records can. Virginia expanded automatic and petition-based criminal-record sealing effective July 1, 2026. Eligibility depends on the disposition, offense, date, criminal history and statutory exclusions.

Accuracy, identity and legal-use notice

Arrest Records is an independent informational guide. It is not the Richmond Police Department, Richmond City Sheriff’s Office, Richmond City Justice Center, Virginia Judicial System, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney, Public Defender or Virginia State Police.

Arrest, warrant, custody, bail, release and court information can change. Verify multiple identifiers and use the current official record before making a legal, employment, housing, financial, safety or publication decision.

Every arrested person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. This guide provides general procedural information and is not legal advice.

Richmond and Virginia official procedures reviewed August 15, 2026.