Lee County Public Records / Lee County Arrest Records

Lee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lee County in 2026

LeeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Lee County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court cases, inmate rosters, and warrant information. Data availability varies by source, and records may not reflect the most current case status.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the Lee County Circuit Court Clerk, the Virginia State Police, and online public access tools. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records both online and in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the Lee County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent arrests. The office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster portal, so direct contact is the primary method for obtaining current booking information.

Available information: name, charges, booking date, custody status, bond amount
Updates: records updated as bookings occur
Search capability: by name or booking number upon direct inquiry

Lee County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 367, 1708 Dryden Road
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7753
Lee County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Town of Jonesville, the county seat of Lee County, is served primarily by the Lee County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement. The Virginia State Police also maintains jurisdiction throughout the county and issues press releases containing arrest information for significant cases.

Virginia State Police press releases with arrest information are available through the Virginia State Police newsroom
Arrest information from state police operations in Lee County is included in statewide press releases
Members of the media and public may submit records requests to the Virginia State Police for arrest data

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Lee County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the local court system. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest using the Virginia Court Case Information system, which provides statewide access to adult criminal case status and hearing information.

Search by defendant name or case number
Provides charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition
Court cases are linked to underlying arrests and booking records
Available at no cost for basic case status inquiries

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
P.O. Box 367, 135 Main Street
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7763
Lee County Circuit Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which serves as the statewide repository for criminal history information. Under Chapter 23 of Title 19.2 of the Virginia Code, the CCRE collects and disseminates criminal history record information from law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth.

Members of the public may request their own criminal history record through the Virginia State Police
Third-party criminal history requests require fingerprint submission and applicable fees
Current fee for a name-based criminal history check: $15 (subject to change per agency schedule)
Fingerprint-based checks: $27 (subject to change)
Accepted payment: money order or certified check payable to the Virginia State Police

Virginia State Police — Criminal Records Unit
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261
Phone: (804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Members of the public seeking arrest records in person may visit the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 1708 Dryden Road, Jonesville, VA 24263. The records division handles public records requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and provide the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number if known. Copy fees apply per the Virginia Freedom of Information Act schedule.

Clerk of Court:
The Lee County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is located at 135 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Criminal case files may be inspected at the public access terminal in the clerk's office. Copies of court documents are available at $0.50 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies, consistent with Virginia court fee schedules.

By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Lee County Sheriff's Office at P.O. Box 367, Jonesville, VA 24263. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included in the form of a money order or check. Processing time is subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act's five-business-day response requirement.

By Phone:
The Lee County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (276) 346-7753 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed records are not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are not part of the public arrest record and require legal process for disclosure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, State Police, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County

Arrest records in Lee County are public records under Virginia law. Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), all public records maintained by government agencies are presumed open to inspection and copying by any member of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As the Virginia FOIA statute states, "the affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government."

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety awareness
Journalism and investigative reporting
Academic and policy research
Employment and tenant background screening
Legal proceedings and due diligence

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not available to the general public under Virginia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information in certain cases, including sexual offenses, is protected
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to court proceedings and related records. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities may have adopted fair chance hiring policies. Under the FCRA, arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record reflects a law enforcement action, not a finding of guilt.

What's in Lee County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Lee County Sheriff's Office and associated court agencies contain several categories of information. The scope of information available in a public arrest record is distinct from a full police report or criminal history record.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of arrest
Virginia statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount as set by the court or magistrate
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (General District Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment or hearing date
Court location

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (contained in the police report, which is a separate document)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted per Virginia law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not available in the public arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lee County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Lee County depends on the requesting method and the agency holding the records. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing records, including staff time for searches exceeding a reasonable threshold and the cost of copying.

Record Type	Fee	Agency
Standard paper copies	$0.50 per page	Sheriff's Office / Clerk of Court
Certified court document copies	$2.00 per page	Circuit Court Clerk
Electronic copies	Actual cost of duplication	Varies by agency
Name-based criminal history (CCRE)	$15.00	Virginia State Police
Fingerprint-based criminal history	$27.00	Virginia State Police
Court case status (online)	No charge	Virginia Court System

Accepted payment methods at the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check. The Virginia State Police requires money order or certified check for criminal history requests submitted by mail.

Inspection of public records at the clerk's office or sheriff's office is available at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion under Virginia FOIA provisions.

Basic case status information is available at no cost through the Virginia Court Case Information system, which allows members of the public to search adult criminal cases statewide without charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lee County

Virginia law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from law enforcement and court databases, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement to retain the records internally.

Under § 19.2-392.2 of the Virginia Code, a person may petition the circuit court for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

The charge was dismissed
The person was acquitted at trial
The person was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
Charges were never formally filed following arrest
The conviction was vacated and charges were dismissed

Virginia also enacted the Virginia Clean Slate Act, which provides for the automatic sealing of certain misdemeanor convictions and deferred disposition records after a waiting period, subject to eligibility criteria. Felony convictions are not eligible for expungement under current Virginia law except in cases of actual innocence.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
Complete the Petition for Expungement form (available from the circuit court clerk)
File the petition in the Lee County Circuit Court along with the applicable filing fee
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for Lee County
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
If granted, the court order is forwarded to the Virginia State Police CCRE and the arresting agency for record removal

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
135 Main Street
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7763
Lee County Circuit Court

Lee County Commonwealth's Attorney
P.O. Box 326
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7717

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Virginia attorney. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist in locating qualified legal counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Lee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Lee County, the arrested individual is transported to the Lee County Jail, which is operated by the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 1708 Dryden Road, Jonesville, VA 24263. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the intake. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Virginia State Police CCRE
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than the next day following arrest for a determination of probable cause and bond. The initial appearance includes:

Formal notification of charges
Bond or bail determination by a magistrate
Advisement of the right to counsel
Appointment of a public defender if the individual is determined to be indigent
Proceedings may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Virginia law. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a capias warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. Eligibility is income-based and determined at the initial hearing.

Lee County Public Defender's Office
P.O. Box 1029
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-1513
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Charging Decision:
The Lee County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding may be required to establish probable cause before formal indictment.

Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings or trial.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress or dismiss), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, plea agreement, or trial before a judge or jury.

Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by charge complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within 90 to 180 days in most cases
Felonies: resolved within six months to over one year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Virginia law

Important Contacts:

Lee County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1708 Dryden Road
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7753
Lee County Sheriff's Office

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
135 Main Street
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7763
Lee County Circuit Court

Lee County Commonwealth's Attorney
P.O. Box 326
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-7717

Lee County Public Defender's Office
P.O. Box 1029
Jonesville, VA 24263
Phone: (276) 346-1513
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or a trusted individual to assist with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lee County?

Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Lee County is governed by the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.) and the records retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia. As the Library of Virginia states in its General Schedule GS-14 for Law Enforcement Records, "records documenting arrests, bookings, and criminal history are subject to specific retention periods based on the disposition of the underlying case."

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, Virginia State Police CCRE, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
Local law enforcement booking records: minimum five years per Library of Virginia schedule
Court records: permanent for cases resulting in conviction

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: minimum three years from date of disposition
Court records: often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: retained unless expunged by court order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: minimum three years
Court records: permanent in electronic systems
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: minimum three years
Local arrest logs: minimum three years
Eligible for expungement petition under Virginia law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: retained per Library of Virginia schedule (minimum three to five years depending on disposition)
Fingerprint cards: forwarded to Virginia State Police; retained permanently
Photographs (mugshots): retained per agency policy, minimum three years

Digital Records:

Records management systems: often retained permanently
Court electronic records: permanent
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Virginia retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when charges are dismissed or expunged. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy in the records they report, but enforcement is the responsibility of the individual through a dispute process with the reporting agency.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum three to five years based on case disposition
Arrest reports: minimum three years
Investigative files: varies by case type; serious felony files may be retained permanently
Contact: (276) 346-7753

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: permanent
Misdemeanor case files: ten years from final disposition
Traffic cases: five years
Electronic records: permanent

Virginia State Police — CCRE:
The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange as the statewide criminal history repository. Records are retained in accordance with Chapter 23 of Title 19.2 and are updated upon receipt of disposition information from courts and law enforcement agencies. The CCRE retains records of arrests regardless of disposition unless a court order for expungement is received.

FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests submitted by Virginia law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and federal licensing.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	FBI Database
Felony conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Permanent
Misdemeanor conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Permanent
Dismissal	3–5 years minimum	Retained unless expunged	Retained with notation
Acquittal	3 years minimum	Retained unless expunged	Retained with notation
No charges filed	3 years minimum	Retained unless expunged	Retained with notation
Expungement granted	Destroyed per court order	Removed per court order	Notation added; may be retained

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (within five years): Available online through the Virginia Court Case Information system and by direct inquiry to the Sheriff's Office.

Older Arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk. Retrieval fees may apply for archived records.

Very Old Arrests (more than twenty years ago): Records may not be digitized. Paper records in archives may be subject to retrieval delays. Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Members of the public may contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (276) 346-7753 for information on specific historical records.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Virginia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable after seven years under the FCRA for positions with annual compensation below $75,000.

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party commercial databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for law enforcement purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate retention schedules and are not available to the general public