Henrico County 24 Hour Booking

Henrico County 24 hour booking records are processed by the Henrico County Sheriff's Office, which operates two detention facilities serving one of Virginia's most populous counties. Arrests made anywhere in Henrico County result in public booking records accessible through Virginia's official records systems.

Find Henrico County 24 Hour Booking Records

The Henrico County Sheriff's Office runs two jail facilities: the Henrico County Jail East and Henrico County Jail West. Both facilities process bookings around the clock. When a person is arrested in Henrico County, that booking data, including name, charges, date of arrest, and booking number, becomes part of the public record under Virginia law.

To look up Henrico County booking records, start with the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator for people in state custody. For local jail records, the Henrico County Sheriff's Office maintains inmate information that you can request directly. Court records tied to criminal cases are available through Virginia's court case information portal and the Circuit Court Online Case Information System. These tools are free and let you search by name, case number, or hearing date.

Henrico County is an independent urban county in Virginia and does not function like a typical county. It surrounds the independent city of Richmond but is a separate jurisdiction. Arrests in the City of Richmond are handled by the Richmond City Sheriff's Office and Police Department, not Henrico County. Make sure you know which jurisdiction made the arrest before you search.

Booking data typically shows up in online systems within 24 hours. For urgent lookups, call the Sheriff's Office directly.

Henrico County Sheriff's Office

The Henrico County Sheriff's Office is responsible for court security, civil process, and operating the county's two jail facilities. Jail East and Jail West together handle thousands of bookings each year. Both facilities are open 24 hours and process every arrest made in the county.

Jail East is located on Henrico's east side and serves as a primary intake facility. Jail West is on the west side and handles overflow and longer-term pretrial detention. The Sheriff's Office coordinates between the two locations to manage the inmate population. For booking inquiries, either facility can assist or direct you to the right location. The Henrico County Police Department handles patrol and investigations, while the Sheriff's Office runs the jails. The two agencies work together but have separate functions.

To get booking records from the Sheriff's Office, you can call, visit in person, or submit a written public records request. Mail requests should include the full name of the person, the approximate date of arrest, and your return address. Basic information like arrest date and charges is free. Certified copies may have a fee. The office responds to written FOIA requests within five working days as required by Virginia law.

Henrico County Booking Records Online

Virginia's court records systems and the Henrico County Sheriff's Office provide public access to booking and arrest data. The image below shows a booking records search tool for Henrico County.

For the most current and official inmate information, check the VADOC Inmate Locator or contact the Henrico County Sheriff's Office directly.

Your FOIA Rights in Henrico County

Virginia Code § 2.2-3706 is the main law that governs public access to law enforcement records. Under this statute, agencies must release the identity of any adult arrested and charged, the specific charges, and booking photos taken during intake. This release is mandatory, not at the agency's discretion. A daily or chronological list of adult arrests is a public document under Virginia law.

Certain records are protected. Juvenile records are not public. Investigation files that could hurt an active case may be withheld. Medical and mental health information is private. Information that could expose a confidential informant is also off limits. But the basic adult booking record, name, date, and charges, is open to anyone who requests it.

If the Henrico County Sheriff's Office denies your request, you can contact the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council for guidance. Agencies have five working days to respond to a FOIA request. If more time is needed, they must let you know within that window and have up to seven more days to respond.

Arrest and Booking Process in Henrico County

Arrests in Henrico County are made by the Henrico County Police Department and, in some situations, by Virginia State Police. The Sheriff's Office handles the detention side once a person is in custody. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-72, a magistrate issues arrest warrants based on sworn complaints showing probable cause. Virginia's magistrate system works around the clock, so warrants can be issued at any hour of the day or night.

Once arrested, the person is transported to one of the two Henrico County jail facilities. Booking includes verifying identity, taking photos and fingerprints, performing a basic health screening, and recording all charges. After booking, a magistrate decides whether to set bail. The magistrate weighs the charge, the person's history, and ties to the community. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-82, anyone arrested without a warrant must appear before a magistrate immediately. This can happen in person or through video.

For minor offenses, officers may issue a summons to appear rather than taking someone into custody. A summons skips the booking process entirely. However, if the officer has reason to believe the person is a flight risk or a danger, a full arrest can still happen. This decision is up to the officer in the field.

Henrico County Court Records and Case Lookup

After booking, criminal cases in Henrico County move through the courts. Misdemeanor cases go to Henrico General District Court. Felony cases are heard in Henrico Circuit Court. Court records document what happens after charges are filed, while jail booking records document the initial arrest and detention. Both are public records.

Search Henrico County court records through Virginia's Circuit Court Online Case Information System. You can look up cases by name, case number, or hearing date. Use the "CR" prefix for criminal cases. The system shows charges, parties, hearing dates, and current case status. It is updated in real time.

For a broader search across Virginia's court systems, visit Virginia Courts Online or the court case information portal. Both tools are free. Note that General District Court records live on a different database than circuit court records. If you are not sure which court handled a case, check both.

Sealing and Expungement of Henrico County Booking Records

Virginia's new record sealing law takes effect July 1, 2026, and will significantly expand who can get old records cleared. About 90% of all misdemeanor convictions and many Class 5 and 6 felonies will become eligible for sealing. Automatic sealing will cover offenses like misdemeanor larceny, trespass, concealment, and disorderly conduct. Marijuana possession records will be automatically sealed regardless of the case outcome.

After July 1, 2026, people can also petition to seal records not covered by the automatic process. No filing fee or fingerprint card will be required under the new rules. Generally, a person must have gone at least seven years without a new conviction to qualify. Dismissed charges and acquittals are already eligible for expungement under current law and do not need to wait for the 2026 changes.

To start the process now for a Henrico County record, file a petition with the Henrico County Circuit Court. The Justice Forward Virginia Foundation has a guide on eligibility and how to apply. Legal aid organizations in the Richmond metro area can also help Henrico residents who qualify.

Nearby Counties

Henrico County surrounds the City of Richmond and borders several other counties in Central Virginia.