logo
CharlottesvilleRecords.us
Search Public Records
Charlottesville County Public Records /Charlottesville County Inmate Search

Charlottesville County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Charlottesville County?

Inmate records are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to document the custody, status, and history of individuals held in detention. In Charlottesville, Virginia — an independent city that functions as its own jurisdiction — these records are generated and managed by the Charlottesville City Jail and the Charlottesville Police Department, as well as the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail for individuals housed in the regional facility.

The record creation process begins at the moment of booking or intake, when a detained individual is formally processed into the correctional system. At that point, facility staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and assign a booking number. Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to applicable retention schedules under Virginia law.

It is important to distinguish inmate records from court records. Court records — including case files, dockets, and judgments — are maintained by the clerk of the circuit or general district court. Inmate or custody records, by contrast, are maintained by the jail or correctional facility and document the physical custody of the individual rather than the legal proceedings. Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, public bodies are required to make certain records available to members of the public upon request, subject to specific exemptions.

Charlottesville City Jail 201 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 970-3280 Charlottesville City Sheriff's Office

Are Inmate Records Public In Charlottesville County?

Under Virginia law, inmate records are generally considered public records and are accessible to members of the public, subject to specific statutory exemptions. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 2.2-3705.7, identifies categories of records that may be withheld, including certain law enforcement investigative records and information that could jeopardize facility security or ongoing investigations. Outside of these exemptions, correctional facilities are obligated to respond to public records requests within five business days.

The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public in Charlottesville:

  • Current inmate roster and booking records
  • Charges filed against the individual at the time of arrest
  • Bond or bail amounts set by the court
  • Expected release dates, where applicable
  • Housing facility and custody status
  • Booking photographs (mugshots), subject to facility policy
  • Arrest date and arresting agency

Members of the public may also access statewide inmate information through the Virginia Department of Corrections, which maintains records on individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities.

What's Included In Inmate Records in Charlottesville County

Inmate records maintained by Charlottesville correctional facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document each stage of an individual's custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard categories of information included in a complete inmate record.

Basic Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth and age
  • Race, gender, height, and weight
  • Identifying marks, tattoos, or scars
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

  • Date and time of booking
  • Arresting agency and arresting officer
  • Current housing facility and cell assignment
  • Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, or held for another jurisdiction)

Charge Information:

  • Specific criminal charges filed
  • Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Statute violated
  • Case or docket number associated with each charge

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond type (personal recognizance, secured, or no bond)
  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond status (posted, pending, or denied)

Court Information:

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

  • Length of sentence imposed
  • Sentence start date
  • Good-time or earned-time credits applied
  • Projected release date

Release Information:

  • Actual release date and time
  • Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, or court order)
  • Conditions of release, if applicable

Charlottesville County Prison System

Charlottesville operates within a two-tier correctional structure consisting of a local jail for short-term detention and a regional facility for longer-term custody needs. The Charlottesville City Jail, operated by the Charlottesville City Sheriff's Office, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within city limits. This facility holds individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of twelve months or less, or being held pending transfer to another jurisdiction.

Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding twelve months are transferred to a Virginia Department of Corrections state facility. The Virginia Department of Corrections oversees the state prison system and is responsible for the care, custody, and re-entry services of sentenced individuals under state jurisdiction. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jails house pre-trial detainees and short-sentence offenders, while state prisons house convicted felons serving longer terms.

Charlottesville City Sheriff's Office 201 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (434) 970-3280 Charlottesville City Sheriff's Office

Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail 160 Peregory Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (434) 977-3116 Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail

Types of Correctional Facilities In Charlottesville County

Charlottesville and the surrounding Albemarle County area are served by two principal correctional facilities, each with a distinct operational mandate.

Charlottesville City Jail Located at 201 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902, this facility is operated by the Charlottesville City Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary booking and short-term detention center for individuals arrested within the city. The jail processes all new arrests, holds pre-trial detainees, and houses individuals serving misdemeanor sentences of up to twelve months.

Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ) Located at 160 Peregory Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22902, the ACRJ is a regional facility jointly operated by the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. It provides additional capacity for pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals from both jurisdictions. The facility also offers programming and re-entry services to eligible inmates.

Individuals serving sentences longer than twelve months are housed in Virginia state correctional institutions managed by the Virginia Department of Corrections. Members of the public may use the VADOC inmate locator to search for individuals currently in state custody.

Who's in Prison In Charlottesville County

The Charlottesville City Jail and the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail house several distinct categories of individuals at any given time. Understanding who is held in local custody assists members of the public in directing inquiries to the appropriate facility.

The local jail population at present typically includes:

  • Pre-trial detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are presumed innocent and are held either because they cannot post bond or because the court has ordered them held without bond.
  • Sentenced misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of twelve months or less.
  • Individuals awaiting transfer: Persons who have been sentenced to state prison but are awaiting transfer to a Virginia Department of Corrections facility.
  • Federal or out-of-jurisdiction holds: Individuals held on behalf of federal agencies or other jurisdictions pending extradition or transfer.
  • Civil commitments: In limited circumstances, individuals held pursuant to civil court orders, such as mental health commitments.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Charlottesville County in 2026

Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods for conducting an inmate records search.

Online Search: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail maintains an online inmate search tool on its official website at acrj.org. Users may search by the individual's first and last name to retrieve current custody status, charges, and bond information.

In-Person Request: Members of the public may visit the Charlottesville City Sheriff's Office at 201 Park Street during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) to request inmate records. Requests submitted in person are processed pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and the agency is required to respond within five business days.

Telephone Inquiry: The Charlottesville City Jail may be reached at (434) 970-3280 for general custody status inquiries. The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail may be reached at (434) 977-3116.

State-Level Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, the VADOC inmate locator provides searchable access to the location and release date of individuals in state custody.

Court Records Search: Case-related information, including charges and court dates, may be accessed through the Virginia Court Case Information System, which provides statewide access to circuit and general district court case data.

How To Find an Inmate in Charlottesville County for Free?

Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held in Charlottesville-area facilities.

How To Visit an Inmate In Charlottesville County

Visitation at Charlottesville-area correctional facilities is governed by facility-specific rules and schedules. Members of the public are advised to review current visitation policies directly with the facility prior to scheduling a visit, as policies are subject to change.

Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visitors who are on probation or parole, or who have active criminal charges, may be denied entry.

Visit Schedule Visitation schedules vary by housing unit and day of the week. Members of the public should contact the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail at (434) 977-3116 or the Charlottesville City Jail at (434) 970-3280 to confirm current visitation hours.

What to Bring

  • Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Approved documentation if visiting as an attorney or clergy member

What NOT to Bring

  • Cell phones, electronic devices, or cameras
  • Food, beverages, or tobacco products
  • Weapons or contraband of any kind
  • Excessive cash or valuables

Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery is prohibited. Specific dress code requirements should be confirmed with the facility prior to the visit.

Visit Types

  • In-person contact visits: Available to approved visitors in designated visitation areas
  • Non-contact visits: Conducted through a glass partition for individuals in restricted housing
  • Video visitation: The ACRJ offers video visitation options; members of the public should contact the facility for scheduling information

Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules. Individuals who have been removed from an inmate's approved visitor list or who have been banned from the facility are not permitted to visit. Pursuant to § 53.1-31 of the Code of Virginia, the superintendent of a correctional facility retains authority to regulate visitation in the interest of facility security and order.

How To Send Money to a Charlottesville County Inmate

Inmates held at Charlottesville-area facilities may receive funds through approved channels, which are deposited into a personal trust or commissary account. These funds may be used to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, cover the cost of phone calls, or pay for other authorized services.

Approved Methods for Sending Money:

  • Online deposits: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail accepts deposits through approved third-party payment platforms. Members of the public should visit acrj.org for current platform information.
  • Money order: Certified money orders made payable to the inmate (with the inmate's full name and ID number noted) may be mailed to the facility.
  • Kiosk deposits: Some facilities provide on-site kiosk terminals that accept cash or card deposits.

Amount Limits: Deposit limits vary by facility and are subject to change. Members of the public should confirm current limits with the facility directly.

Fees: Third-party payment platforms may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds, but processing fees imposed by service providers are the responsibility of the sender.

What You Cannot Send:

  • Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted and may be confiscated
  • Personal checks are generally not accepted
  • Gift cards or prepaid debit cards are not accepted

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's commissary account may be used to purchase approved food items, hygiene products, writing materials, and phone time. Funds may not be used to purchase contraband, make unauthorized transfers, or pay for items not approved by the facility.

How To Send Jail Mail In Charlottesville County

Inmates at Charlottesville-area correctional facilities may receive written correspondence through the United States Postal Service, subject to facility mail policies. All incoming mail is inspected by facility staff prior to delivery to the inmate.

Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed using the inmate's full legal name and assigned inmate identification number. The facility's mailing address should be used as the delivery address. For the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, mail should be directed to:

Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail 160 Peregory Lane Charlottesville, VA 22902

Rules for Sending Mail:

  • All correspondence must be written on plain white paper using blue or black ink
  • Envelopes must be plain white with no decorative elements, stickers, or glitter
  • Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; facility policy should be confirmed prior to sending
  • Cards and greeting cards are subject to inspection and may be rejected if they contain prohibited materials
  • Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and must be clearly marked as privileged legal correspondence

Prohibited Items in Mail:

  • Cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in envelopes
  • Staples, paper clips, rubber bands, or spiral bindings
  • Stickers, glitter, or adhesive materials
  • Sexually explicit materials
  • Content that threatens facility security or staff

Facilities reserve the right to reject, copy, or withhold mail that violates applicable rules. Pursuant to facility policy and applicable Virginia law, outgoing mail from inmates may also be subject to inspection, with the exception of privileged legal correspondence.

Lookup Inmate Records in Charlottesville County