Pulaski County Public Records / Pulaski County Arrest Records

Pulaski County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pulaski County in 2026

PulaskiCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Pulaski County, Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the current status of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Pulaski County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement and detention authority for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, jail rosters, and arrest logs for individuals processed through the Pulaski County jail facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office website. Records are updated on a rolling basis as bookings occur and as individuals are released or transferred.

Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes:

Arrestee full legal name and aliases
Booking date and time
Charges filed at time of arrest
Bond amount and custody status
Arresting agency

2. Local Police Departments

The Town of Pulaski Police Department serves the incorporated town of Pulaski and maintains its own arrest and incident records. Press releases with arrest information are periodically published through the department's public communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from town-level incidents should direct requests to the Pulaski Police Department records division.

Town of Pulaski Police Department
42 First Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 994-8600
Town of Pulaski

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Pulaski County Circuit Court or General District Court. Members of the public may search for associated court cases using the Virginia Court System case information portal, which allows name-based searches of civil and criminal case filings across Virginia's court system. Court case records include charge information, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing data.

Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
45 Third Street NW, Suite 101
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Virginia Court System

Pulaski County General District Court
45 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7990
Virginia Court System

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which serves as the Commonwealth's central repository for criminal history information. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Virginia State Police. The CCRE includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee of $15.00 currently applies to personal record requests submitted by individuals seeking their own criminal history. Third-party requests for another individual's record are subject to additional authorization requirements under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for paper copies of records are assessed at the standard rate established under Virginia law.

Clerk of Court:
45 Third Street NW, Suite 101
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed at $0.50 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies, consistent with the fee schedule established under Virginia law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office at 143 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301. Each written request should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of birth
Date of arrest (if known)
Booking number (if known)
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the 5-business-day response period established under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (540) 980-7800
General District Court: (540) 980-7990
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable protective orders and court rules.

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, Pulaski Police Department, or Virginia State Police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Pulaski County

Arrest records in Pulaski County are public records under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, 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. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action taken by law enforcement agencies acting in the public interest.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental and civic purposes:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
Use in legal proceedings and civil litigation

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
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, 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
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Virginia's commitment to open government is reflected in the declaration of policy set forth in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which states that "the affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy." This principle is balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where arrest records involve persons who were not ultimately convicted of any offense. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides press organizations with recognized access rights to court proceedings and related records, and due process considerations inform the procedures governing record sealing and expungement.

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:

Employers and background screening companies using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history data. 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. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute proof of guilt or a finding of criminal liability.

What's in Pulaski County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and associated courts contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and throughout the initial stages of criminal proceedings.

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 (scars, tattoos)
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Pulaski Police Department, Virginia State Police, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information (if applicable)

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Virginia Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony class or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount 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 (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or General District Court)
Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
Court location

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

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

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Pulaski County varies depending on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of providing records, including staff time for search and retrieval and the cost of duplication.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (Clerk of Court)	$0.50 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$2.00 per page
Personal criminal history (Virginia State Police)	$15.00 per request
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection

Accepted payment methods at the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Clerk of Court. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash and money orders for records requests. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.

Fee waiver provisions exist under Virginia FOIA for requests made by representatives of the news media or nonprofit organizations, where the primary purpose of the request is to disseminate information to the public. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written statement of purpose with their records request.

The Virginia State Police criminal history record check fee of $15.00 applies to personal record requests. Employers and authorized agencies conducting third-party background checks are subject to separate fee schedules and authorization requirements.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Pulaski County

Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical sealing or destruction of records, and petition-based sealing, which restricts public access while preserving records for law enforcement use. These remedies are distinct in their legal effect and eligibility requirements.

Expungement under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 is available in the following circumstances:

The charge was dismissed
The individual was acquitted (found not guilty)
The individual was charged but no information or indictment was filed
The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit

Effective July 1, 2021, Virginia also enacted broader sealing provisions under 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 including the nature of the offense and the individual's subsequent criminal history.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
File a Petition for Expungement in the Pulaski County Circuit Court
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $86.00 for Circuit Court civil filing)
Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney for Pulaski County
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
If granted, the court order is transmitted to the Virginia State Police CCRE and the originating law enforcement agency for record sealing or destruction

Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney
45 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7750

Pulaski County Circuit Court
45 Third Street NW, Suite 101
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Virginia Court System

Individuals who are incarcerated or under supervision of the Virginia Department of Corrections are not eligible for expungement of the underlying conviction record until supervision is completed and applicable waiting periods have elapsed. Legal assistance from a licensed Virginia attorney is advisable when navigating the expungement process, as eligibility determinations involve case-specific legal analysis.

What Happens After Arrest in Pulaski County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Pulaski County, the arrested individual is transported to the Pulaski County Jail, which is operated by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention facility for the county.

Pulaski County Jail
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7800
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously administered)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection and submission to the Virginia State Police CCRE
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification determination

The booking process typically requires one to four hours depending on facility volume at the time of intake.

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 is in session. 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

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Amount refunded at conclusion of case, minus applicable fees
Amount set by magistrate or judge based on charge severity and individual circumstances

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

Individual held without bond pending trial
Applied 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:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting requirements

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release typically requires one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody pending trial
Housing assignment within the facility
Inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation schedule provided

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants in Pulaski County are represented by the public defender's office or court-appointed counsel. Eligibility is based on financial circumstances as assessed at the time of the initial appearance.

Pulaski County Public Defender's Office
45 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7960

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Virginia State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation. Attorney consultations at the jail are conducted confidentially.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The Commonwealth's Attorney may:

File a formal criminal information or present the case to a grand jury for indictment
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute if the evidence is insufficient
File different or additional charges based on the evidence

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Virginia may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and the defense is not present during deliberations. A finding of probable cause results in a formal indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at arraignment.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery:

Exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings

Pretrial Motions:

Motion to suppress evidence
Motion to dismiss
Motion for additional discovery
Hearings scheduled before the assigned judge

Plea Negotiations:

The Commonwealth's Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept or proceed to trial

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal:

Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case
Dismissed charges may be eligible for expungement

Diversion Programs:

Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court programs are available for eligible defendants
Successful completion results in dismissal of charges

Plea Agreement:

Defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
Sentencing hearing is scheduled following acceptance of the plea

Trial:

Jury trial or bench trial (judge as fact-finder)
Prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense
Verdict of guilty or not guilty
Sentencing hearing scheduled if verdict is guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose:

Incarceration in a local jail or state correctional facility operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory treatment programs
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied against any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24–72 hours (next court session)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in General District Court
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year in Circuit Court
Right to speedy trial: Virginia Code § 19.2-243 requires trial within specific timeframes depending on whether the defendant is in custody or on bond

Rights Throughout Process:

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

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 (politely decline 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 Pulaski County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Pulaski County is governed by Virginia law and the records retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia, which serves as the Commonwealth's official records management authority. Under Virginia Code § 42.1-86, all public records must be retained in accordance with approved retention schedules, and no public record may be destroyed without authorization.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

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 and the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained in accordance with the Library of Virginia's General Schedule for Law Enforcement Records

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of three years under standard retention schedules
Court records: Retained permanently in electronic form
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records: Retained permanently
Local law enforcement: Retained per applicable retention schedule
Eligible for expungement petition under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per Library of Virginia schedule
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records through the Virginia Court System: Retained permanently in electronic form
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases 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:
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7800
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Library of Virginia's General Schedule for Law Enforcement Records. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.

Clerk of Court:
45 Third Street NW, Suite 101
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Permanent retention in electronic form
Traffic cases: Retained per applicable schedule

State Repository:

The Virginia State Police maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), which retains arrest and disposition data submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth. The CCRE is accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide and is used for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and licensing.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level criminal history records. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in connection with employment background checks for positions requiring federal security clearances and firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all applicable databases
Reported on background checks indefinitely, subject to applicable FCRA provisions