Before the police can arrest someone who wasn't arrested at the time of the alleged offense, they must obtain an arrest warrant. This is a legal document that authorizes a law enforcement officer to take an individual into police custody should they come into contact with them or find them.

If a warrant for your arrest has been issued, that means that the officers believe they have probable cause — a reasonable belief — that you committed a criminal offense. This is a serious situation that requires prompt action on your part, so it's crucial to know if you have an active arrest warrant.

Continue reading to learn how to check if you have an arrest warrant in Virginia, then call (855) 541-4867 to schedule a consultation with a Fairfax criminal defense attorney.

Review case records

If you have an ongoing criminal case in Virginia, you may be able to identify any active arrest warrants in your name by reviewing the court records associated with your case.

The easiest way to access court records is by using the statewide case record search tool provided by the Virginia Judicial System. Simply select the court level that your case is being handled at, then input the requested information. Any active warrants pertaining to your case will likely be listed here.

Request a criminal record check

Alternatively, you can request a copy of your criminal history report from the Virginia State Police or the local sheriff's office. Arrest warrants become part of a person's criminal history after charges are filed, so you may be able to identify any active warrants by reviewing your criminal record.

To request a copy of your criminal history report from the Virginia State Police, you must submit an SP-167 request. This involves completing an online form, printing your responses, and mailing it to the Virginia State Police.

Keep in mind that this process can take up to 15 business days to complete from the date the agency receives it. For this reason, this may not be the best course of action if you have an urgent need to know if there's a warrant for your arrest. Nevertheless, it can be a reliable option if you aren't short on time.

Check local outstanding warrant lists

You can check any outstanding warrant lists that are publicly available in Virginia. Although the state doesn't provide a comprehensive list of all active arrest warrants, local police departments often publish arrest warrant lists online. Similarly, Fairfax County arrest warrants can be discovered by calling the county's “Warrant Desk” at 703-246-4231.

For instance, the Roanoke County Police Department periodically updates its outstanding warrants list for public access. If you believe an arrest warrant has been issued for you in Roanoke County, this list is your best recourse for verifying it. Your name, sex, age, and warrant charge will all be listed if you have an active warrant.

Some city police departments, such as the city of Virginia Beach, also offer online active warrant lists. If you think you may have an arrest warrant in Virginia Beach, simply submit your information in the active warrant search tool on the city's website.

Other Virginia jurisdictions that offer online warrant searches include the cities of Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton, and Danville, as well as Chesterfield County, York County, and James City County.

Next step — Call Select Law Partners PLLC

If you discover a warrant in your name, it's important to respond quickly and appropriately. Warrants don't expire until they're fulfilled, so you can be arrested at any time.

You should avoid trying to resolve a warrant on your own. Any action you take without legal counsel could further complicate your situation. Instead, contact an experienced Fairfax criminal defense attorney who can help you understand the implications of the arrest warrant and work with you to develop a defense strategy.

Take note that the above-mentioned search methods aren't fool-proof and may not always be up to date. If you have any doubt that an arrest warrant may have been issued in your name, you should consult a lawyer to discuss the issue further. Contact Select Law Partners PLLC today to schedule a consultation and learn more.