Hanover County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hanover County

Arrest records in Hanover County are considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), specifically pursuant to § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia. This statute governs the disclosure of law enforcement and criminal records throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Hanover County. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state law.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes that criminal incident information relating to felonies must be disclosed to any citizen of the Commonwealth upon request. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of the crime in a court of law.

Under § 2.2-3706(A)(1)(b), basic information about adult arrestees, including name, age, gender, address, and the nature of the charge, must be released upon request. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted or withheld pursuant to § 2.2-3706(B), which provides exemptions for information that would:

• Interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution
• Jeopardize the safety of any person
• Cause a suspect to flee or evade detection
• Result in the destruction of evidence

The Hanover County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and processes requests for these public records in accordance with state law. While arrest records are generally public, it is important to note that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

What's in Hanover County Arrest Records

Hanover County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Age at time of arrest
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Home address
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency (typically the Hanover County Sheriff's Office)
• Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
• Circumstances leading to arrest
• Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute or ordinance numbers violated
• Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
• Description of alleged criminal activity
• Victim information (with certain privacy protections)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date issued
• Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
• Name of judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

• Booking number
• Date and time of booking
• Booking facility (typically the Pamunkey Regional Jail)
• Property inventory
• Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond conditions
• Whether bond was posted
• Date of release if bond was posted

Court Information:

• Court case number
• Court of jurisdiction (Hanover General District Court or Hanover Circuit Court)
• Scheduled court dates
• Court disposition (if available)

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility where detained
• Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Known aliases
• Immigration status
• Probation/parole status
• Risk assessment scores
• Behavioral notes during custody
• Special custody requirements

Pursuant to § 2.2-3706 of the Virginia Code, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hanover County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hanover County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains a structured process for public records requests in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Individuals may pursue the following options:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the Hanover County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
2. Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought.
3. Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
4. Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.

Hanover County Sheriff's Office
7522 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6110
Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Written Requests:

1. Submit a written request via mail or email to the Records Division.
2. Include specific details about the records sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known).
3. Provide contact information for response.
4. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order if mailing).

Email requests may be sent to: soinq@hanovercounty.gov

Online Requests:

1. Visit the Hanover County Sheriff's Office website.
2. Navigate to the Records Request section.
3. Complete the electronic FOIA request form.
4. Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.

Pursuant to § 2.2-3704(B) of the Virginia Code, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within five working days. The response will either provide the requested records, notify that the records will be provided, deny the request with specific legal basis, or request additional time to fulfill the request.

Fees for record retrieval are assessed in accordance with § 2.2-3704(F), which permits agencies to charge for actual costs of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records. Currently, the standard fee structure includes:

• $0.25 per page for photocopies
• $10.00 for electronic records on CD/DVD
• $25.00 per hour for research time exceeding 30 minutes

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances where the request is deemed to be in the public interest.

How To Find Hanover County Arrest Records Online

Hanover County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests for many types of arrest record inquiries. The following online methods are currently available:

Hanover County Sheriff's Office Online Records Portal:

1. Navigate to the Hanover County Sheriff's Office official website.
2. Select the "Public Records" or "Records Request" section.
3. Create a user account if required (first-time users).
4. Enter search criteria such as name, date of birth, or case number.
5. Submit the request and pay any applicable fees electronically.
6. Receive notification when records are available for viewing or download.

Virginia Judiciary Case Information System:

1. Visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
2. Select "Case Status and Information" from the main menu.
3. Choose "Circuit Court Case Information" or "General District Court Case Information."
4. Select Hanover County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu.
5. Enter search criteria (name, case number).
6. Review case information, including charges, hearing dates, and disposition.

Hanover County Crime Mapping: The Hanover County crime mapping portal provides public access to recent law enforcement activity, including arrests. Users can:

1. Access the crime mapping website.
2. Filter by date range, incident type, or geographic area.
3. View markers indicating arrest locations and basic incident information.
4. Generate reports of arrest activity in specific neighborhoods.

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For individuals who have been convicted and transferred to state custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides:

1. Current custody status
2. Facility location
3. Projected release date
4. Basic demographic information

When using online systems, users should note that pursuant to § 2.2-3808.2 of the Virginia Code, certain personal identifying information may be redacted from publicly accessible online records to protect privacy and prevent identity theft. Additionally, not all arrest records may be available through online portals, particularly for recent arrests or sealed/expunged records.

How To Search Hanover County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Hanover County arrest records without incurring fees. While some comprehensive searches may involve costs, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

Public Access Terminals:

1. Visit the Hanover County Courthouse during regular business hours.
2. Use the public access computer terminals located in the clerk's office.
3. Search for basic case information, including arrests and charges.
4. View limited record information without printing fees.

Hanover General District Court
7530 County Complex Road, 1st Floor
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6191
Hanover General District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Online Public Resources:

1. Access the Hanover County crime mapping website, which provides free information about recent arrests and incidents.
2. Visit the Virginia Judiciary Case Information website, which offers free searches of court records related to arrests.
3. Check the Hanover County Sheriff's Office website for press releases about significant arrests.

Daily Arrest Logs: Pursuant to § 2.2-3706(A)(1) of the Virginia Code, law enforcement agencies must make available to the public daily logs or records of arrests. These logs typically include:

1. The name and address of any adult arrested and the charges
2. The date and time of the arrest
3. The arresting agency

These logs can be viewed at no cost by:

1. Visiting the Hanover County Sheriff's Office during business hours
2. Checking the Sheriff's Office website where recent logs may be posted
3. Contacting the Records Division by phone to inquire about specific daily logs

Local News Sources:

1. Monitor local newspaper websites and social media accounts, which often report on significant arrests.
2. Check court dockets published in local newspapers.
3. Review public notices sections for information about recent arrests.

While these free methods provide access to basic arrest information, they may not include comprehensive details found in complete arrest records. Additionally, pursuant to § 2.2-3704(F) of the Virginia Code, while initial inspection of records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying, printing, or electronic media if physical copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Hanover County

In Hanover County, as throughout Virginia, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances defined by state law. These processes are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and outcomes.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

• Expungement results in the physical destruction or deletion of arrest records from public view and official databases.
• Sealing restricts access to records, making them unavailable to the general public while maintaining them for limited official purposes.

Under § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

1. The individual was acquitted of all charges
2. The charges were nolle prossed (formally abandoned by prosecutors)
3. The charges were otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction
4. The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit

The process for seeking expungement in Hanover County involves:

1. File a Petition:

   • Obtain Form CC-1473, "Petition for Expungement Filed in a Circuit Court" from the Virginia Judicial System.
   • Complete the petition with accurate information about the arrest and case disposition.
   • File the petition with the Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
   • Pay the required filing fee (currently $88).

2. Fingerprinting:

   • After filing, obtain a complete set of fingerprints from the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.
   • Submit these fingerprints with your petition for verification purposes.

3. State Police Report:

   • The court forwards the petition to the Virginia State Police.
   • State Police prepare a report of all criminal history information related to the arrest.
   • This report is returned to the court for consideration.

4. Court Hearing:

   • The court schedules a hearing on the petition.
   • The Commonwealth's Attorney may contest the expungement.
   • The petitioner must demonstrate that the continued existence of the record causes or may cause circumstances that constitute a manifest injustice.

5. Court Order:

   • If the court grants the petition, an order of expungement is issued.
   • The order directs all agencies possessing records to remove them from public access.
   • Agencies must confirm compliance with the court order.

For arrests resulting in convictions, expungement is generally not available except in limited circumstances involving misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions prior to July 1, 2021, pursuant to § 19.2-392.2(A)(2).

Effective July 1, 2025, Virginia's new automatic sealing law (§ 19.2-392.5 through § 19.2-392.17) will provide for automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanors and felony arrests that did not result in convictions after specified waiting periods.

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records are strongly advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process is complex and outcomes depend on specific case circumstances and statutory requirements.

What Happens After Arrest in Hanover County?

Following an arrest in Hanover County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Virginia state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

1. Booking and Initial Detention: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Pamunkey Regional Jail for processing. The booking procedure includes:

• Recording personal information
• Photographing and fingerprinting
• Medical screening
• Property inventory
• Criminal history check
• Initial housing assignment

Pamunkey Regional Jail
7240 Courtland Farm Road
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6400
Pamunkey Regional Jail

2. Magistrate Hearing: Within hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate who:

• Reviews probable cause for the arrest
• Sets initial bail or bond conditions
• Formally advises of charges
• Determines eligibility for pretrial release

3. Bond Determination: The magistrate determines whether the arrestee may be released pending trial by:

• Evaluating flight risk and public safety concerns
• Setting appropriate bond type and amount
• Establishing any special conditions of release
• Scheduling the next court appearance

Pursuant to § 19.2-120 of the Virginia Code, there is a presumption in favor of release on recognizance or unsecured bond unless the magistrate determines such release would constitute an unreasonable danger or risk of flight.

4. Arraignment: The first formal court appearance occurs at the Hanover General District Court, where:

• Charges are formally read
• Legal representation is established
• Plea options are explained
• Future court dates are scheduled

5. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only): For felony charges, a preliminary hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to send the case to the grand jury. The Commonwealth must establish probable cause that:

• A crime was committed
• The defendant committed the crime

6. Grand Jury Indictment (Felonies Only): If probable cause is found at the preliminary hearing, the case proceeds to the grand jury, which:

• Reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor
• Determines whether to issue a formal indictment
• Allows the case to proceed to Circuit Court if indicted

7. Discovery and Pretrial Motions: Before trial, both prosecution and defense engage in:

• Exchange of evidence and witness information
• Filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
• Negotiating potential plea agreements
• Preparing trial strategies

8. Trial: Defendants have the right to:

• A jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
• Present evidence and witnesses
• Cross-examine prosecution witnesses
• Testify or remain silent
• Receive a verdict based on the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt

9. Sentencing (If Convicted): Following conviction, the court determines appropriate penalties based on:

• Virginia sentencing guidelines
• Statutory minimums and maximums
• Pre-sentence investigation reports
• Mitigating and aggravating factors
• Victim impact statements

10. Post-Conviction: After sentencing, individuals may:

• Appeal the conviction or sentence
• Be transferred to the Virginia Department of Corrections for felony sentences exceeding 12 months
• Serve misdemeanor sentences at the Pamunkey Regional Jail
• Be placed on probation or other community supervision

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process under the law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hanover County?

Arrest records in Hanover County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 through § 42.1-91). These schedules mandate specific timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.

The Library of Virginia's Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for local law enforcement agencies (Schedule No. LG-6) establishes the following retention periods for arrest-related records:

Adult Arrest Records:

• Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
• Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
• Arrests not resulting in charges: 3 years from date of arrest

Juvenile Arrest Records:

• Felony arrests: Until age 29 (longer for certain serious offenses)
• Misdemeanor arrests: Until age 19
• Status offenses: Until age 19

Booking Records:

• Felony bookings: 75 years from date of booking
• Misdemeanor bookings: 10 years from date of booking

Criminal Investigation Records:

• Felony investigations: 75 years from case closure
• Misdemeanor investigations: 10 years from case closure
• Unfounded investigations: 3 years from determination

Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:

• Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
• Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
• Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order

These retention periods ensure that records are preserved for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including:

• Investigation of subsequent offenses
• Prosecution of related crimes
• Background checks for sensitive positions
• Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
• Accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions

It is important to note that while records may be maintained for these periods, access to them becomes more restricted over time. Additionally, pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 of the Virginia Code, records that have been ordered expunged by a court must be removed from public access and physically destroyed or sealed regardless of the standard retention period.

Digital records maintained in law enforcement databases may be subject to different retention rules than physical records. The Hanover County Sheriff's Office maintains compliance with both state retention requirements and federal standards for criminal justice information systems.

How to Find Mugshots in Hanover County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Hanover County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include:

• Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
• Side profile view (in some cases)
• Booking information board showing name and booking number
• Date of arrest

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Hanover County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

1. The Hanover County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2. The Pamunkey Regional Jail booking system
3. Virginia State Police criminal history records
4. Electronic law enforcement databases accessible only to authorized personnel

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Hanover County may utilize the following methods:

1. Submit a FOIA Request:

   • File a formal request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.
   • Specify the individual's name, date of arrest, and case number (if known).
   • Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction.
   • Allow 5 business days for initial response as required by § 2.2-3704(B).

2. Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division:

   • Request mugshots in person during regular business hours.
   • Provide proper identification and complete required forms.
   • Specify the exact records being requested.

3. Contact the Pamunkey Regional Jail:

   • For recently arrested individuals still in custody, contact the jail records department.
   • Verify whether the requested mugshot is available for public release.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Hanover County does not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:

1. Third-party websites that aggregate booking information from multiple sources
2. Local news media coverage of significant arrests
3. Virginia Judiciary Case Information System (in limited circumstances)

It is important to note that pursuant to § 8.01-40.3 of the Virginia Code, commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal are prohibited from such practices in Virginia. The law provides civil remedies against entities that violate this prohibition.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots from Hanover County authorities:

1. Submit a written request to:

Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
7522 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6110
Hanover County Sheriff's Office

2. Include in your request:
   • Full name of the arrested individual
   • Date of birth (if known)
   • Date of arrest (if known)
   • Case number (if known)
   • Your contact information
   • Purpose of request (optional)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:

1. Cases involving juveniles (protected under § 16.1-301)
2. Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
3. Expunged records pursuant to court order
4. Sealed records under Virginia's automatic sealing provisions
5. Cases involving victims of certain crimes where identification could lead to victim identification

Law enforcement agencies maintain discretion to withhold mugshots if release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or interfere with ongoing law enforcement activities, pursuant to exemptions under § 2.2-3706(B) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Lookup Arrest Records in Hanover County

Pamunkey Regional Jail inmate information

Hanover County crime mapping and data

Hanover County Sheriff's Office records

Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator

Hanover General District Court case information