Chesterfield County Busted Mugshots

Chesterfield County busted mugshots and arrest records are kept by the Sheriff's Office and the Police Department Records Unit. You can request booking photos and arrest information through official FOIA channels or search statewide tools that pull from local law enforcement data. This page explains where to look, how to make a request, and what records are public under Virginia law.

Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office

The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail and is the main source for booking records and mugshots. When someone is arrested in Chesterfield, they go through a booking process at the jail. That process creates a record. It includes a mugshot, fingerprints, and details about the charges. The Sheriff's Office keeps those records and handles requests for them.

You can reach the Sheriff's Office to ask about current inmates or to request records. They do not maintain a publicly searchable online mugshot database, so most requests must come through a formal FOIA process or a direct inquiry. If you need to know if someone is in custody right now, call the jail. For older records or copies of booking photos, you will need to file a written request under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3706.

Police Department Mugshot Requests

The Chesterfield County Police Department handles arrest records and incident reports separately from the Sheriff's Office. The Police Records Section at 10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832 is where you go if you need records from police-initiated arrests. The phone number is (804) 748-1268.

Effective July 1, 2021, the Police Department began charging for FOIA requests. Fees are based on the lowest possible hourly rate for a qualified employee who fulfills the request. For requests under $20, the cost is typically waived. If your request is expected to exceed $200, you may need to pay a deposit equal to half the estimated cost before the department begins work. Charges for victims of crimes are waived. Mugshots cost $5 per photograph.

When you file a request, be specific. Include the full name of the person, date of birth, and the date of arrest if you know it. The more detail you give, the faster the response. Under Virginia law, agencies must respond within five business days of receiving your request.

The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office website at chesterfield.gov/sheriff is your best starting point for current inmate information and to learn more about the FOIA process locally.

The screenshot below shows the Chesterfield County Sheriff's website, where you can find information about inmate records and the booking process.

Visit chesterfield.gov/sheriff for official information about arrest records and the booking process at the county jail.

What Chesterfield Arrest Records Contain

Chesterfield County arrest records are detailed. They cover the person who was arrested and the event itself. Identifying details include the full legal name, any aliases, date of birth, age, and home address at the time of arrest. Physical description covers height, weight, eye color, hair color, and any identifying marks like tattoos or scars. Fingerprints and the booking photograph are both taken and stored during processing.

The arrest details portion of the record documents the date, time, and location of the arrest along with the arresting agency and the officer's name and badge number. Criminal charges are listed with the specific Virginia Code citations and whether the offense is a felony or misdemeanor. Warrant information shows the warrant number, the issuing court, and the date it was issued. Bond and bail details are recorded, including the amount, the type (cash, surety, or personal recognizance), and the current status. Court information includes the jurisdiction, case number, and the scheduled arraignment date. Custody status shows where the person is held and what the expected release date is.

After arrest in Chesterfield, defendants typically appear before a magistrate within hours. Arraignment usually follows within 72 hours for those who remain jailed. Bond decisions take into account charge severity, prior criminal history, ties to the community, and public safety concerns.

Note: Juvenile mugshots are not available to the public per Virginia Code Section 16.1-301.

Court Records in Chesterfield County

The Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office keeps felony criminal case records. You can look up case information there in person or by mail. These records show charges, dispositions, and sentencing. They are a useful supplement to arrest records if you need to know what happened after someone was booked.

The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases and maintains its own set of charge records. Both courts follow Virginia public records law. Records are open to the public unless a judge has sealed them. You can search many Chesterfield criminal court cases using the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System, which covers circuit courts statewide.

Criminal case records from Chesterfield County courts show charges, court dates, and final outcomes. They can be used alongside booking records to get the full picture of a case. If the charge was later dismissed or the person was acquitted, they may be eligible to petition for expungement of their arrest record under Virginia Code Section 19.2-392.2.

Statewide Tools for Arrest Lookups

Several state-level resources can help you find arrest and mugshot information beyond what Chesterfield County provides directly. The Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange is the official statewide repository. It holds fingerprints, photographs, and criminal history data submitted by local agencies, including Chesterfield. Name-based criminal history searches cost $15. The SP-167 form is used for individual requests. You can get forms at vsp.virginia.gov/services/forms/.

The Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator lets you search for people held in state prison. It includes booking photographs as part of the public record. You need at least the first letter of the first name and the full last name, or the seven-digit offender ID number. This tool works for state sentences, not local jail holds.

For custody status on people in local jails, use VINE. VINE covers most Virginia county jails and lets you check whether a person is currently in custody, what facility they are at, and when they might be released. You can also sign up for notifications if a person's status changes. The service is free.

The Virginia.arrests.org database aggregates recent arrest data from participating agencies. It is not an official source but can be a useful starting point for finding recent bookings in Chesterfield County. Always verify through official channels before relying on third-party records.

Chesterfield County had 482 violent offenses in 2024, including 15 murders, 121 rapes, 152 robberies, and 194 aggravated assaults. Property crimes totaled 6,378, with 670 burglaries, 5,307 larcenies, 363 motor vehicle thefts, and 38 arsons.

Your FOIA Rights in Chesterfield

Virginia law gives you the right to request mugshots and arrest records. Under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3706(A), adult arrestee photographs taken during initial intake must be released. That is the law. Agencies must respond to FOIA requests within five working days. They can ask for more time in limited cases, but they must tell you within that five-day window.

There are exemptions. Mugshots can be withheld if releasing them would hurt an ongoing felony investigation. Once the investigation ends or the risk passes, the photo must be released. Records for juveniles under 18 are protected and not available. The identities of victims, witnesses, and undercover officers may also be withheld. If your request is denied, you have the right to ask for the specific legal basis for that denial.

The Virginia FOIA Advisory Council can help if you have questions about your rights or if a request is denied. They can be reached at foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov or (804) 698-1810. They offer guidance to both requesters and public bodies on what must be disclosed and what can be withheld under state law.

If a person's charges were dismissed or they were acquitted, their arrest record may be eligible for expungement. Expunged records are not available for public inspection. The sealing laws taking effect in 2026 will also allow some convictions to be removed from public view. See Virginia Code Title 19.2, Chapter 23 for the full legal framework.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Chesterfield or are close by. Each has its own sheriff, jail, and arrest record process.