Montgomery County Public Records / Montgomery County Arrest Records

Montgomery County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montgomery County in 2026

MontgomeryVARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Montgomery County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court case filings, and inmate search results. Access and completeness vary by agency and record type.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Montgomery County General District Court, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, public access terminals located at courthouse facilities, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible through its official website. The roster is updated regularly and includes the name of the detained individual, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office inmate information portal to conduct name-based searches.

2. Local Police Departments

The Christiansburg Police Department and the Blacksburg Police Department serve incorporated municipalities within Montgomery County. Both departments issue press releases containing arrest information, which are published on their respective official websites. The Christiansburg Police Department and the Blacksburg Police Department maintain public-facing arrest logs and news releases.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Virginia Judiciary's online case information system allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by defendant name. Arrest records are frequently linked to associated court case filings. The Virginia Courts Case Information system provides access to General District Court and Circuit Court records statewide, including Montgomery County.

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. Members of the public may submit a request for a Virginia criminal history record through the Virginia State Police. A fee of $15.00 currently applies to name-based criminal history record requests submitted by the general public. Fingerprint-based searches are available for a higher fee and provide more precise results.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
1 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-6915
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fee section below.

Police Departments:

Christiansburg Police Department
100 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-3131
Christiansburg Police Department

Blacksburg Police Department
200 Clay Street SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: (540) 961-1150
Blacksburg Police Department

Records request procedures at each department require submission of a written public records request. Fees for copies are assessed per page consistent with state law.

Clerk of Court:

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court

The criminal records division maintains case files associated with felony arrests and proceedings. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the statutory response period under Virginia law.

By Phone:

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (540) 382-6915 for general inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by telephone and requestors are directed to submit written requests or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels.

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)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County

Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. The Act establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including records of arrests made by law enforcement agencies. Arrest records serve government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Virginia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

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
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities have adopted fair chance hiring policies. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt.

What's in Montgomery County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Virginia State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Virginia Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor with applicable degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status indicating whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time where applicable
Release conditions where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and commercial repositories

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

Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, specifically § 2.2-3704, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of responding to public records requests. Current fees applicable to arrest records in Montgomery County are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency)
Certification of records	$0.50–$2.00 per document
Electronic copies	No charge or nominal fee depending on agency
Search fee	Actual staff time cost where applicable
Virginia State Police criminal history (name-based)	$15.00
Virginia State Police criminal history (fingerprint-based)	$27.00

Inspection of records at a public access terminal is available at no charge at the courthouse
Fee waivers may be granted at agency discretion for requests serving a public interest
Accepted payment methods vary by agency and include cash, check, and money order; some agencies accept credit cards
Fees for copies at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office are set by the Virginia Code § 17.1-275 schedule

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Montgomery County

Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the physical sealing or destruction of records, and petition-based sealing under more recent statutory amendments. These remedies are distinct in scope and eligibility.

Expungement under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 is available to individuals who were arrested but not convicted. Eligible circumstances include charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in an acquittal. Individuals who received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit are also eligible. Upon entry of an expungement order, law enforcement agencies and the Central Criminal Records Exchange are directed to seal the records, removing them from public access.

Sealing of conviction records became available in Virginia under legislation enacted in 2021, effective July 1, 2025, for certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after a waiting period and upon demonstration of rehabilitation. Not all offenses are eligible; serious violent offenses and sex offenses are excluded.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
File a Petition for Expungement in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for Montgomery County
Attend the scheduled hearing
If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the Virginia State Police and the arresting agency for compliance

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court

Montgomery County Commonwealth's Attorney
55 East Main Street, Suite 201, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5970
Montgomery County Commonwealth's Attorney

Virginia Legal Aid Society provides assistance to income-eligible individuals seeking expungement. Individuals may also retain private counsel to navigate the petition process.

What Happens After Arrest in Montgomery County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Montgomery County Jail, which is operated by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and located at 1 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a structured intake process that typically takes between one and four hours depending on volume. 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 state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical and brief 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 on which the court sits following arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
Eligibility for a court-appointed attorney is assessed
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

The hearing may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. 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 by Virginia law at ten percent of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, 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, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, 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 between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

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

Accessing Legal Representation:

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-6954
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Eligibility for a court-appointed attorney is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify may retain private counsel. Attorney consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Montgomery 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 grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Virginia offers diversion programs for eligible defendants, and successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 24 to 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases: resolved within several months to over a year
Virginia's right to a speedy trial is governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-243

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-6915
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court

Montgomery County Commonwealth's Attorney
55 East Main Street, Suite 201, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5970
Montgomery County Commonwealth's Attorney

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-6954
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

What to Do If 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 an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Montgomery County?

Records retention in Montgomery County is governed by state law and the policies of individual agencies. The Library of Virginia establishes records retention schedules for local government agencies under the Virginia Public Records Act.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Accessible on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
Retained by the Virginia State Police in the CCRE
Local law enforcement retention follows the Library of Virginia schedule

Dismissed Charges:

Remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
Court records are retained according to the applicable schedule
Not reported on standard background checks but may appear in raw database searches
Eligible for expungement under Virginia law

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records may be retained for a period of years
Eligible for expungement upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a period of years per the retention schedule
May be eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Computer-aided dispatch records are retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary in retention policy
Court electronic records are retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same expungement obligations as government agencies. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
1 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-6915
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Library of Virginia General Schedule for Law Enforcement Records.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of three years. Electronic records are retained permanently.

Virginia State Police – Central Criminal Records Exchange
7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 674-2000
Virginia State Police Criminal Records

The CCRE retains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Virginia law enforcement agencies. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Records subject to an expungement order are sealed in the CCRE upon receipt of the court order.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records of arrests reported by state and local agencies. Federal retention is permanent. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have access to these records. Background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw on these federal databases.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases
A dismissal may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained
An expungement order directs sealing of local records and updates to the state repository, but does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Records of arrests where no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Virginia does not currently impose a statewide time limit shorter than the FCRA standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Records Division at (540) 382-6915 or submit a written public records request to the Circuit Court Clerk. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to such requests.