Russell County Public Records / Russell County Arrest Records

Russell County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Russell County in 2026

RussellRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Russell County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and associated court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate rosters, and bond information. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying record.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Russell County Sheriff's Office, the Russell County Circuit Court Clerk, online court portals, and state-level databases. The following sections detail available methods for locating arrest records both online and in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Russell County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, which serves Russell County. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status or recent bookings. The office does not currently operate a publicly accessible online jail roster portal, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary method for obtaining booking-level information.

Available information includes: arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status
Records are updated as bookings occur
Requests for copies of arrest reports may require a written public records request under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704

Russell County Sheriff's Office
135 Court Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8070
Russell County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Town of Lebanon operates a police department that handles arrests within the town limits. Arrest information originating from the Lebanon Police Department is processed through the same regional jail facility. Press releases and public arrest logs may be available upon written request.

Lebanon Police Department
203 West Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-7288

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Russell County are filed in the Russell County Circuit Court or the Russell General and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, which serve the 29th Judicial District of Virginia. Members of the public may search for criminal case records associated with an arrest using the Virginia Court Case Information portal, which provides online access to adult criminal case information across Virginia's district and circuit courts.

Search by defendant name to locate associated criminal case filings
Case information includes charge descriptions, hearing dates, dispositions, and court locations
The portal is updated regularly as case events are recorded by court clerks

Russell County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8023
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Virginia Court System

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Virginia Department of State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which is the statewide repository for criminal history information. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history record check through the Virginia State Police.

Includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction data from jurisdictions statewide
Personal record reviews are available to individuals requesting their own records
Third-party requests are subject to statutory restrictions
Fees apply; current fee schedules are posted on the Virginia State Police website

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
135 Court Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8070
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where known, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with Virginia law.

Clerk of Court:
55 East Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8023
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed at the rate established under Virginia law. Requestors may inspect records at public access terminals located in the clerk's office without charge.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Russell County Sheriff's Office at 135 Court Street, Lebanon, VA 24266. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is subject to the five-business-day response requirement under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (276) 889-8070
Basic custody status information may be provided by phone; detailed records require written request or in-person visit
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Staff may direct callers to the appropriate online resource or in-person process for comprehensive records

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, witness statements, and investigative files are not part of the public arrest record and are accessible primarily through legal process.

Information Needed for Search:

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Russell County

Arrest records in Russell County are public records under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., establishes that all public records are presumed open to inspection and copying by any member of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As the Virginia General Assembly has stated, "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 maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts fall within the scope of records subject to public disclosure under this framework.

The public interest in access to arrest records is grounded in government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic and academic research, background screening for employment and housing, and the needs of legal proceedings. These interests are balanced against privacy protections afforded to individuals, particularly where charges were not pursued or resulted in acquittal.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

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

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not subject to general public disclosure
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public records

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Consumer reporting agencies conducting background checks
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening by consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain localities and state agencies have adopted fair chance hiring policies. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may implicate state and federal anti-discrimination provisions.

What's in Russell County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Russell County Sheriff's Office, Lebanon Police Department, Virginia State Police, or other)
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 as filed
Virginia statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location (Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, Haysi, VA)
Intake process timestamp
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 (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court or magistrate
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned upon filing
Court jurisdiction (General District Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available through the court case portal

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the public arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and conviction data

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Russell County is governed by Virginia law and the fee schedules established by the relevant custodial agency. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and duplication of records.

Record Type	Access Method	Estimated Fee
Court case record inspection	In-person at Clerk's Office	No charge for inspection
Certified copy of court document	Clerk of Court	$0.50 per page + $2.00 certification fee
Uncertified copy of court document	Clerk of Court	$0.50 per page
Arrest report copy	Sheriff's Office	$0.10–$0.50 per page (actual cost)
Criminal history record check (personal)	Virginia State Police	$15.00–$20.00 (current fee schedule)
Online court case search	Virginia Court Case Information portal	No charge

Members of the public may inspect court records at public access terminals in the Russell County Circuit Court Clerk's office at no charge. Fees for copies are assessed only when physical or electronic copies are requested. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at most offices; individual agencies should be contacted to confirm accepted payment methods.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian. Journalists and researchers should inquire directly with the custodial agency regarding applicable waiver provisions.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Russell County

Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record for law enforcement purposes). These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility criteria and effects.

Expungement under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 allows eligible individuals to petition the circuit court to have arrest records physically destroyed or removed from public databases. Expungement is available in the following circumstances:

The charge was dismissed or nolle prossed (not prosecuted)
The individual was acquitted at trial
The individual was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
Certain first-offense convictions under Virginia's deferred disposition statutes

Virginia also enacted broader expungement and sealing reforms effective July 1, 2025, under legislation that expanded eligibility for sealing of certain misdemeanor convictions and non-conviction records after a waiting period. Individuals with eligible records may petition the Russell County Circuit Court for relief.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Russell County Circuit Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case and applicable waiting periods
File a Petition for Expungement in the Russell County Circuit Court; forms are available from the clerk's office
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for Russell County
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will determine whether expungement or sealing is warranted
If granted, the court order is forwarded to the Virginia State Police CCRE and the arresting agency for record removal or sealing

Russell County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8023
Virginia Court System

Russell County Commonwealth's Attorney
55 East Main Street, Suite 2
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8028

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Virginia attorney, as the process involves formal court proceedings. The Virginia Legal Aid Society provides assistance to income-eligible individuals in southwest Virginia.

What Happens After Arrest in Russell County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Russell County, the arrested individual is transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for Russell County.

Southwest Virginia Regional Jail
Highway 83 South
Haysi, VA 24256
Phone: (276) 865-4400
Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps are completed:

Personal identification information is recorded
Miranda rights are confirmed
Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the Virginia State Police CCRE
Criminal history and outstanding warrants are checked
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening is conducted
Housing classification is assigned

The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

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 most offenses. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally advised of the charges
Bond or bail is determined by the magistrate or judge
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
The individual is advised of their rights

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.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Virginia law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

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, or immigration holds.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. A written court date and conditions of release are provided. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:
The Russell County Public Defender's Office provides representation to income-eligible defendants.

Russell County Public Defender
55 East Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8025

Charging Decision:

The Russell County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. This review occurs within days to weeks of arrest depending on the complexity of the case.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings or trial.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs, plea agreement, or trial. Sentencing, if applicable, follows conviction and may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: resolved within several months to over one year
Virginia's constitutional speedy trial requirement applies under Article I, Section 8 of the Virginia Constitution

Important Contacts:

Southwest Virginia Regional Jail (Inmate Information)
Highway 83 South
Haysi, VA 24256
Phone: (276) 865-4400
Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority

Russell County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8023
Virginia Court Case Information

Russell County Commonwealth's Attorney
55 East Main Street, Suite 2
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8028

Russell County Public Defender
55 East Main Street
Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8025

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 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 Russell County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Russell County is governed by Virginia law and the records retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia, which sets mandatory retention periods for local government records. Under Virginia Code § 42.1-86, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with approved retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Virginia State Police CCRE, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records
Retained in the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained per the Library of Virginia schedule

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless expunged
Court records are often retained permanently regardless of disposition
State repository retains records of arrests with notations of dismissal

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained per applicable schedule
May be eligible for expungement under Virginia law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum period per the Library of Virginia schedule
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the Library of Virginia local records retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Court electronic records are maintained indefinitely through the Virginia court system
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for shorter periods per agency policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
135 Court Street, Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8070
Arrest reports and booking records are retained per the Library of Virginia General Schedule for Law Enforcement Records.

Clerk of Court:
55 East Main Street, Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: (276) 889-8023
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the court records retention schedule established by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Virginia State Police (CCRE):
The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange, which retains arrest and disposition data from all Virginia jurisdictions. Retention is governed by state policy and applicable law.

FBI Database:
The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Virginia agencies. Federal retention is permanent and accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; state repository is updated; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Virginia law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-convictions in private employment screening. Arrests without conviction are distinct from convictions, and their use in employment decisions is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance and applicable state law.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Russell County Sheriff's Records Division at (276) 889-8070 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.