Loudoun County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Loudoun County
Arrest records in Loudoun County are considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act ([VFOIA] § 2.2-3700 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Law enforcement agencies in Loudoun County, including the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties.
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. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Virginia law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services maintains specific policies regarding the dissemination of criminal history information pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-126, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information. While the general public may access basic arrest information, complete criminal history records may require specific authorization or be subject to restrictions.
Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain records if their release would interfere with an ongoing investigation, deprive a person of a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or compromise law enforcement techniques. These exemptions are outlined in VFOIA § 2.2-3706.
What's in Loudoun County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Loudoun County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- 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 charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
- Degree or level of offense
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Service details
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility location if incarcerated
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Services maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Loudoun County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Loudoun County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Submit a FOIA Request to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a FOIA request form specifying the records sought
- Include sufficient identifying information about the subject
- Submit the request via mail, email, fax, or in person
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Section
803 Sycolin Road SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0407
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
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Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Section in Person
- Appear during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete a records request form
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page)
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Check the Daily Incident Reports
- The Sheriff's Office publishes daily incident reports on their website
- These reports include recent arrests and are typically updated each business day
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Contact the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center
- For information about currently incarcerated individuals
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the person
Loudoun County Adult Detention Center
42035 Loudoun Center Place
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0300
Adult Detention Center
- Search Court Records
- Visit the Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Use public access terminals to search for criminal cases
- Request copies of public court documents related to arrests
Loudoun County Circuit Court
18 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 703-777-0270
Loudoun Circuit Court
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
How To Find Loudoun County Arrest Records Online
Loudoun County provides several online resources for accessing arrest record information. The following digital platforms are available to the public:
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Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Website
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office official website
- Access the "Daily Crime Report" section
- Review recent arrest information and incident reports
- Information is typically updated each business day
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Crime Dashboard and Community Reports
- Visit the Loudoun County Crime Dashboard
- Access interactive maps showing crime statistics and recent arrests
- Filter data by date range, offense type, and geographic area
- Download available reports in PDF format
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Virginia Judiciary Case Information System
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Select "Loudoun County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by name, case number, or hearing date
- View case status, charges, and court dates
- Note that this system provides court case information, not the actual arrest records
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Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
- Use the Virginia DOC Inmate Locator to find individuals currently in custody
- Search by name or inmate identification number
- Verify if someone is currently incarcerated in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center or other state facilities
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Third-Party Aggregator Websites
- Various commercial websites compile public record information
- These sites may charge fees for access
- Information may not be as current or accurate as official sources
- Use with caution and verify information through official channels
When conducting online searches, users should be aware that not all arrest record information may be available digitally. Certain records may require formal requests through the procedures outlined in the previous section. Additionally, online information may be limited in scope compared to complete arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies.
How To Search Loudoun County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain arrest record information in Loudoun County without incurring fees through several available resources:
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Daily Incident Reports
- The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office publishes daily incident reports on their website
- These reports include recent arrests and are available at no cost
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office Daily Incident Report page
- Reports are typically posted each business day, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
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Crime Dashboard
- Access the Crime Dashboard and Community Reports on the Loudoun County website
- View interactive maps showing recent criminal activity and arrests
- Filter data by location, time period, and offense type
- This resource is provided free of charge to the public
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Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities
- Visit the Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Use the public access computer terminals to search court records at no cost
- Basic case information is available without fees, though printed copies may incur charges
Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
18 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 703-777-0270
Loudoun Circuit Court
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Virginia Judiciary Case Information
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Search for criminal cases in Loudoun County
- Basic case information is available at no cost
- Website: Virginia Judicial System
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FOIA Requests for Specific Records
- Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, citizens may request specific records
- While copying fees may apply, agencies cannot charge for the search time for the first two hours
- Submit requests to the Records Section of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Section
803 Sycolin Road SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0407
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
It is important to note that while basic arrest information may be available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certain records may be exempt from disclosure under VFOIA exemptions or may be subject to redaction to protect sensitive information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Loudoun County
In Virginia, including Loudoun County, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, which outlines the eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement involves the complete removal of records from public access and, in some cases, physical destruction of records
- Sealing restricts access to records but does not completely destroy them; sealed records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain government entities
Eligibility for Expungement: Under current Virginia law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- The charges were nolle prossed (formally abandoned by the prosecutor)
- The charges were otherwise dismissed, including dismissal by accord and satisfaction
- The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
- The individual's name was used without consent by another person charged with a crime
Expungement Process in Loudoun County:
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File a Petition for Expungement
- Obtain the petition form from the Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Complete the petition with all required information
- Include certified copies of the final disposition of the case
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $88)
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Fingerprinting Requirement
- After filing the petition, obtain a complete set of fingerprints from a law enforcement agency
- The fingerprints must be submitted with the petition
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Court Hearing
- The court will schedule a hearing on the petition
- The Commonwealth's Attorney may contest the petition
- The petitioner must appear at the hearing
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Court Order
- If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order for expungement
- The order will be sent to all agencies possessing records related to the arrest
Sealing of Records Under New Legislation:
Recent changes to Virginia law have expanded opportunities for sealing criminal records. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2-392.6, certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may now be eligible for automatic or petition-based sealing after specified waiting periods.
For specific legal advice regarding expungement or sealing of arrest records, individuals should consult with a qualified attorney familiar with Virginia criminal law. The Loudoun County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement cases.
Loudoun County Circuit Court
18 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 703-777-0270
Loudoun Circuit Court
What Happens After Arrest in Loudoun County?
Following an arrest in Loudoun County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
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Booking and Processing
- The arrestee is transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
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Initial Appearance Before a Magistrate
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Charges are formally presented
- Determination of probable cause is made
- Initial bail or bond decision is rendered
- If denied bail, the individual remains in custody
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Arraignment
- First formal court appearance before a judge
- Charges are read to the defendant
- Rights are explained, including right to counsel
- Plea options are presented (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- For misdemeanors, this may occur at the General District Court
- For felonies, this occurs at the Circuit Court after indictment
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Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
- Held in General District Court
- Prosecution must establish probable cause
- If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the grand jury
- If no probable cause is found, charges may be dismissed
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Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases)
- Grand jury reviews evidence presented by the Commonwealth's Attorney
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to formally charge the defendant
- Issues indictment if "true bill" is found
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Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Bond review hearings if applicable
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Trial
- Misdemeanor trials held in General District Court
- Felony trials held in Circuit Court
- Defendant may choose bench trial (judge only) or jury trial
- Prosecution presents case and defense responds
- Verdict is rendered (guilty or not guilty)
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Sentencing (If Convicted)
- May occur immediately after verdict or at later date
- Pre-sentence investigation report may be ordered
- Judge imposes sentence according to Virginia sentencing guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or community service
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Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within specified timeframe
- Transfer to Virginia Department of Corrections for felony sentences exceeding one year
- Shorter sentences served in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center
- Probation supervision by Loudoun County Community Corrections
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Those unable to afford an attorney may qualify for representation by the Loudoun County Public Defender's Office.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Loudoun County?
Arrest records in Loudoun County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of Virginia Code § 42.1-76 through § 42.1-91, which governs public records management. These schedules specify how long different types of records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
Retention Periods for Law Enforcement Records:
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Arrest Reports and Criminal Investigative Files
- Felony cases: Minimum of 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- Cases involving juveniles: Until the subject reaches age 29, then reviewed for retention or destruction
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
- Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order
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Incident Reports
- General reports: Minimum of 3 years
- Reports related to felony investigations: 75 years
- Reports with historical significance: Permanent retention
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Booking Records
- Adult booking records: Minimum of 10 years
- Juvenile booking records: Until age 29
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Section adheres to these retention schedules in maintaining arrest records. It is important to note that different agencies within the criminal justice system may have different retention requirements for the same case. For example:
- Court records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Correctional records are maintained by the Adult Detention Center or Virginia Department of Corrections
- Probation records are maintained by Loudoun County Community Corrections
Records retention serves several important purposes within the criminal justice system:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations
- Supports historical research and policy development
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should contact the custodian agency directly. The Library of Virginia maintains the official Records Retention and Disposition Schedules for all state and local government agencies in Virginia.
How to Find Mugshots in Loudoun 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 views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system. In Loudoun County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Adult Detention Center.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Loudoun County are primarily maintained by:
- The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Section
- The Loudoun County Adult Detention Center
- The Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange (for serious offenses)
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Loudoun County may utilize the following methods:
- Submit a FOIA Request
- File a formal request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act
- Submit requests to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Section
- Include specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Records Section
803 Sycolin Road SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0407
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
- Check Daily Incident Reports
- Some recent arrest information may include mugshots
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Daily Incident Report page
- Note that not all reports include photographs
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a comprehensive public database of mugshots online. While some recent arrest information may be available through the Crime Dashboard and Community Reports, these resources typically do not include mugshot images. This policy reflects a balance between public information access and privacy considerations.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals must:
- Submit a written request specifying the subject's name and date of arrest
- Provide proof of identity if requesting one's own mugshot
- Pay established fees for reproduction (typically $5 for the first page)
- Allow processing time of 5-7 business days
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Cases involving juveniles (under 18 years of age)
- Cases under active investigation
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Situations where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Cases where release might endanger an individual's safety
These restrictions are established pursuant to exemptions in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act § 2.2-3706 governing law enforcement records.
Lookup Arrest Records in Loudoun County
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Crime Dashboard and Community Reports