Augusta County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Augusta County
Arrest records in Augusta County are generally 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 Augusta County.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies operating within the county's jurisdiction. However, it is important to note that while arrest records are public documents, they are distinct from conviction records. An arrest record merely documents that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime, whereas a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law.
Pursuant to § 2.2-3706(B), certain information in arrest records may be withheld if its release 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
Additionally, juvenile arrest records are generally not public information under Virginia law, as stipulated in § 16.1-301 of the Code of Virginia, which provides for the confidentiality of juvenile law enforcement records.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services maintains policies regarding criminal history record information that further clarify the public accessibility of arrest records throughout the Commonwealth.
Augusta County Sheriff's Office
127 Lee Highway
Verona, VA 24482
(540) 245-5333
Augusta County Sheriff's Office
What's in Augusta County Arrest Records
Augusta County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and other physical descriptors
- Address of residence
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal offense(s) charged
- Virginia Code section(s) violated
- Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Serving officer
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number/case number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearance date
- Case number assigned by the court
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known aliases
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information relevant to detention
- Risk assessment scores
- Probation/parole status
The specific content of arrest records in Augusta County adheres to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) standards and the requirements set forth in § 19.2-390 of the Code of Virginia regarding criminal history record information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Augusta County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Augusta County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
-
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Augusta County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, etc.)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
-
Written Requests by Mail
- Submit a formal written request to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office
- Include detailed information about the record being sought
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
-
Court Records Access
- Visit the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office for records of cases that have been filed with the court
- Use public access terminals to search for case information
- Request copies of specific documents from court staff
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
-
Virginia State Police Criminal History Records
- For official criminal history records, submit a request to the Virginia State Police
- Complete form SP-167, available on the Virginia State Police website
- Include fingerprints if requesting your own record
- Pay the required fee as specified on the form
Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3704), public agencies must respond to records requests within five working days. The response may include providing the records, denying the request with specific legal justification, or requesting additional time to fulfill the request.
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
1 East Johnson Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5321
Augusta County Circuit Court
Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Exchange
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23285
(804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police
How To Find Augusta County Arrest Records Online
Augusta County residents and interested parties may access arrest records through several online platforms maintained by local and state agencies. The following digital resources are currently available:
-
Augusta County Sheriff's Office Website
- Navigate to the official Augusta County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Recent Arrests" section
- Enter search criteria such as name or date range
- Review the publicly available information on recent arrests
- Note that only basic information may be displayed online
-
Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Select "Augusta County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Choose the appropriate court (Circuit, General District, or Juvenile & Domestic Relations)
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
-
Middle River Regional Jail Inmate Search
- Visit the Middle River Regional Jail website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name or other identifying information
- View current custody status and basic case information for individuals detained at the facility
-
Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator
- For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, use the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
- Enter the individual's name or offender ID number
- Review current custody status and location information
-
Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry
- For specific sex offense-related arrests and convictions, consult the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry
- Search by name, location, or other criteria
- View registration information for convicted sex offenders
When conducting online searches, users should be aware that the information provided may be limited and might not include complete arrest records. Additionally, online systems may experience periodic maintenance or updates that temporarily affect availability. For comprehensive arrest record information, direct contact with the Augusta County Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk may be necessary.
How To Search Augusta County Arrest Records for Free?
Augusta County residents may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide cost-free options for obtaining basic arrest record information:
-
Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
- Visit the Augusta County Circuit Court during regular business hours
- Use the public access computer terminals located in the clerk's office
- Search for case information by name or case number
- View basic case information at no charge
- Note that printing documents from these terminals may incur fees
-
Online Court Case Information System
- Access the Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System
- Select Augusta County from the jurisdiction list
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- View basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and disposition
- This service is provided free of charge to the public
-
Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the Augusta County Sheriff's Office official website
- Navigate to any available inmate roster or recent arrest information
- Review publicly posted information about recent arrests
- This information is typically updated regularly and provided at no cost
-
Local Newspaper Police Blotter
- Review local publications such as The News Leader
- Check the police blotter or public safety sections
- Find summaries of recent arrests and incidents
- Access may be available through public library newspaper archives
-
Public Library Resources
- Visit the Augusta County Library
- Use public computers to access online resources
- Request assistance from library staff to locate public records
- Access newspaper archives and other local information resources
Augusta County Library
1759 Jefferson Highway
Fishersville, VA 22939
(540) 885-3961
Augusta County Library
While these free methods provide access to basic arrest information, they may not offer comprehensive records. Pursuant to § 2.2-3704(F) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records beyond what is freely available through public access systems.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Augusta County
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides legal mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by state law and administered through the court system. The following information outlines the available options:
Expungement (Legal Erasure)
Expungement in Virginia is the process of removing arrest records from public view. Pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The individual was acquitted of the charge
- The charge was nolle prossed (formally abandoned by the prosecutor)
- The charge was otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction
- The individual was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
The expungement process involves:
- Filing a petition in the circuit court where the case was handled
- Paying the required filing fee (currently $88)
- Obtaining fingerprints from a law enforcement agency
- Submitting the petition with supporting documentation
- Attending a hearing if the Commonwealth's Attorney objects to the petition
It is important to note that under current Virginia law, expungement is generally not available for convictions, with limited exceptions for certain misdemeanors committed by first-time offenders.
Record Sealing
Effective July 1, 2021, Virginia enacted a new record sealing law under § 19.2-392.5 through § 19.2-392.15 of the Code of Virginia. This law provides a pathway for sealing certain criminal records, including:
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- Some non-violent felony convictions after longer waiting periods
- Charges that resulted in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
The sealing process restricts public access to the records but does not completely destroy them. Law enforcement agencies and certain employers required by law to conduct background checks may still access sealed records.
Automatic Sealing
Virginia law now provides for automatic sealing of certain records without petition, including:
- Absolute pardons for actual innocence
- Acquittals
- Dismissed charges
- Nolle prossed charges
This automatic process is being implemented gradually through 2025.
Individuals seeking to delete or seal arrest records in Augusta County should consider consulting with a licensed attorney familiar with Virginia expungement and sealing laws. The complexity of these processes often requires professional legal guidance to navigate successfully.
Augusta County Circuit Court
1 East Johnson Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5321
Augusta County Circuit Court
What Happens After Arrest in Augusta County?
Following an arrest in Augusta County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Virginia state law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through the following stages:
-
Arrest and Booking
- The individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
- Transportation to the Middle River Regional Jail or other detention facility
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
-
Initial Appearance
- Within 24-48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate
- The magistrate informs the individual of the charges and their rights
- Determination of probable cause for the arrest is reviewed
- Initial bail/bond decisions are made
-
Bond Hearing
- If not released by the magistrate, a bond hearing is scheduled
- The judge considers factors such as flight risk, public safety, and criminal history
- Bond may be granted with conditions or denied
- If bond is denied or cannot be posted, the individual remains in custody
-
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Court-appointed counsel is assigned if the defendant qualifies and requests representation
- Future court dates are scheduled
-
Preliminary Hearing (for felony cases)
- Held in General District Court
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause that the defendant committed the crime
- If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Grand Jury
- If probable cause is not found, the case may be dismissed
-
Grand Jury Indictment (for felony cases)
- Grand jury reviews evidence presented by the Commonwealth's Attorney
- If sufficient evidence exists, an indictment is issued
- Case proceeds to Circuit Court for trial
-
Discovery
- Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Review of police reports, witness statements, and other evidence
- Filing of pre-trial motions
-
Plea Negotiations
- Discussions between defense counsel and prosecutor
- Potential resolution without trial through plea agreement
- If agreement is reached, presented to judge for approval
-
Trial
- Bench trial (judge only) or jury trial
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Determination of guilt or innocence
- If found not guilty, the defendant is released
- If found guilty, the case proceeds to sentencing
-
Sentencing
- May occur immediately after trial or at a later date
- Pre-sentence investigation report may be prepared
- Judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines, statutory requirements, and case factors
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or other penalties
-
Appeals (if applicable)
- Filing of notice of appeal within statutory timeframe
- Review by Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia
- Potential for new trial or modified sentence
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair and speedy trial as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of Virginia.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Augusta County?
Arrest records in Augusta County are maintained according to the Library of Virginia's Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, as mandated by the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 through § 42.1-91). This comprehensive framework establishes standardized retention periods for various categories of public records, including those related to law enforcement activities and criminal proceedings.
The retention periods for arrest records vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the case:
-
Arrest Reports and Incident Documentation
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Felony arrests not resulting in conviction: 10 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: 10 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests not resulting in conviction: 3 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches 19 years of age or 3 years after the last contact, whichever is longer
-
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records
- Felony offenses: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor offenses: 10 years from date of arrest
- Charges dismissed or acquitted: Returned to the individual or destroyed upon court order
-
Booking Records and Jail Logs
- Generally maintained for 3-7 years depending on the specific record type
- Records related to significant cases may be retained permanently
-
Court Records Related to Arrests
- Circuit Court felony case files: Permanent retention
- General District Court criminal case files: 10 years after case conclusion
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court records: Variable retention based on case type
These retention periods ensure that records are preserved for legitimate law enforcement purposes, statistical analysis, and historical documentation while balancing individual privacy concerns. The Library of Virginia's Records Management program oversees compliance with these retention requirements throughout the Commonwealth.
It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period and are destroyed, information may persist in electronic databases maintained by various law enforcement agencies. Additionally, private background check companies may have obtained and stored arrest information in their own databases, which are not subject to government records retention schedules.
Individuals concerned about the retention of their arrest records should be aware that expungement or sealing, as provided under § 19.2-392.2 and related statutes, offers the only legal mechanism to remove or restrict access to these records before the conclusion of their standard retention period.
How to Find Mugshots in Augusta County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Augusta County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Augusta County Sheriff's Office as part of arrest records
- The Middle River Regional Jail as part of inmate booking records
- The Virginia State Police for certain offenses as part of the Central Criminal Records Exchange
These photographs are considered components of arrest records and are subject to the same retention schedules and access provisions as other elements of these records.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Augusta County may utilize the following methods:
-
Direct Request to Law Enforcement
- Submit a Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) request to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Provide justification for the request (though not legally required)
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
-
Jail Records Request
- Contact the Middle River Regional Jail records department
- Submit a formal request for booking photographs
- Provide specific identifying information about the individual
- Follow the facility's procedures for records requests
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The availability of mugshots online through official sources in Augusta County is limited. Unlike some jurisdictions, Augusta County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots on their websites or social media platforms. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Local news media coverage of arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public records
- Court records that may include booking photographs as exhibits
It should be noted that Virginia has enacted legislation (§ 8.01-40.3) that prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots. This law provides some protection against exploitative practices involving booking photographs.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through formal records requests to the appropriate agency:
Augusta County Sheriff's Office
127 Lee Highway
Verona, VA 24482
(540) 245-5333
Augusta County Sheriff's Office
Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5420
Middle River Regional Jail
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:
- When the release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
- When the subject is a juvenile (under 18 years of age)
- When the records have been sealed or expunged by court order
- When the photograph is part of a criminal investigative file exempt from disclosure
Law enforcement agencies must balance the public's right to access government records with privacy considerations and the presumption of innocence for individuals who have been arrested but not convicted.