Spotsylvania County Public Records /Spotsylvania County Inmate Search

Spotsylvania County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Spotsylvania County?

Inmate records in Spotsylvania County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained within the county's correctional system. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-28, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all persons committed to their custody.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records, maintained by the Virginia Court System, document the judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and management of individuals within detention facilities. Court records follow the legal case, whereas inmate records follow the person in custody.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into a detention facility. During this initial phase, personal identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge information are collected and documented. These records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant events. Upon release, the inmate record is closed but maintained according to Virginia's records retention schedules.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, as an accredited law enforcement agency, is responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with state regulations and professional standards.

Are Inmate Records Public In Spotsylvania County?

Inmate records in Spotsylvania County are generally considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically § 2.2-3706, which governs the disclosure of law enforcement and criminal records. However, access to these records is subject to certain limitations and exemptions designed to protect privacy, security, and ongoing investigations.

Under current Virginia law, the following inmate record information is typically available to the public:

Current inmate roster (listing of individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information (name, date of birth, gender, race)
Charges filed and their status
Mugshots (in most circumstances)
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Facility housing location (general information)

The Virginia Department of Corrections and local detention facilities maintain this information to facilitate public awareness and transparency regarding who is in custody within the correctional system. Members of the public may access basic inmate information through the Virginia Inmate Locator system for state prisoners or through the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office for local detainees.

It is important to note that certain portions of inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure under § 2.2-3705.1 and § 2.2-3706(B) of the Virginia Code. These exemptions typically include:

Medical and mental health information
Social security numbers and other personal identifying information
Information that would jeopardize facility security
Records related to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

Access to comprehensive inmate records may require a formal FOIA request submitted to the appropriate records custodian at the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

What's Included Inmate Records in Spotsylvania County

Inmate records in Spotsylvania County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and physical description
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Mugshot/booking photograph
Fingerprints
State identification number and/or booking number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Arresting officer
Reason for arrest
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary records during incarceration

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge codes and descriptions
Warrant or case numbers
Arresting jurisdiction
Prior criminal history (may be referenced)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions
Court date for bond hearings

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (General District Court or Circuit Court)
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders related to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned sentence credits
Probation/parole eligibility dates
Special conditions of sentence

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date (when applicable)
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in compliance with the Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule as established by the Library of Virginia, which serves as the Commonwealth's records management agency.

Spotsylvania County Prison System

The Spotsylvania County correctional system operates under the authority of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. The county's detention facilities primarily house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to 12 months, as prescribed by Virginia law.

It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons. The Spotsylvania County jail system houses individuals who are either awaiting trial, have been convicted of misdemeanors, or are temporarily held pending transfer to state facilities. In contrast, Virginia Department of Corrections state prisons house individuals convicted of felonies who are typically serving sentences longer than one year.

The Rappahannock Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Spotsylvania County, along with the City of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and King George County. This regional approach to corrections allows for more efficient resource allocation and management of inmate populations across multiple jurisdictions.

For matters related to inmate records, custody status, or general inquiries about detention in Spotsylvania County, members of the public may contact:

Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
9119 Dean Ridings Lane
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 582-7115
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office

Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: (540) 288-5273
Rappahannock Regional Jail

Types of Correctional Facilities In Spotsylvania County

Spotsylvania County utilizes several types of correctional facilities to manage individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's overall corrections system:

Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: (540) 288-5273
Rappahannock Regional Jail

This is the primary detention facility serving Spotsylvania County and neighboring jurisdictions. The regional jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to 12 months), and those awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. The facility provides various levels of security classification and offers limited rehabilitative programs, educational services, and medical care.

Spotsylvania County Magistrate Office
9102 Courthouse Road
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7800
Magistrate Services

While not a detention facility per se, the magistrate's office plays a crucial role in the initial processing of arrestees. Magistrates conduct initial appearances, set bail, and make preliminary determinations regarding custody status before individuals are transported to the regional jail.

Central Virginia Regional Jail
13021 James Madison Highway
Orange, VA 22960
Phone: (540) 672-3222
Central Virginia Regional Jail

This facility occasionally houses Spotsylvania County inmates when the Rappahannock Regional Jail reaches capacity or when specific security or administrative needs arise. Intergovernmental agreements allow for the transfer of inmates between regional facilities as needed.

Meherrin River Regional Jail
9000 Boydton Plank Road
Alberta, VA 23821
Phone: (434) 949-6700
Meherrin River Regional Jail

Similar to the Central Virginia Regional Jail, this facility may house Spotsylvania County inmates under specific circumstances through intergovernmental agreements.

Virginia Department of Corrections Facilities
Various locations throughout Virginia
Virginia Department of Corrections

Once sentenced for felony offenses, Spotsylvania County inmates are transferred from local facilities to state prisons operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections. The specific facility assignment depends on security classification, program needs, and available space within the state system.

Each of these facilities operates under distinct policies regarding visitation, commissary, mail, and other aspects of inmate management. Individuals seeking information about a specific inmate should contact the facility where the person is currently housed.

Who's in Prison In Spotsylvania County

The inmate population in Spotsylvania County detention facilities consists of several distinct categories of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. Understanding who is incarcerated helps provide context for those seeking inmate records or information about the county's correctional system.

Pre-trial Detainees A significant portion of the Spotsylvania County jail population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted. These pre-trial detainees are held in custody because:

They have been denied bail by a magistrate or judge
They have been granted bail but have been unable to post the required bond amount
They have been deemed a flight risk or danger to the community
They are awaiting transfer to another jurisdiction

Misdemeanor Offenders Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses in Spotsylvania County may serve sentences of up to 12 months in the county jail system. Common misdemeanor offenses include:

Driving under the influence (first or second offense)
Simple assault
Petty larceny
Trespassing
Disorderly conduct
Possession of small amounts of controlled substances

Short-term Felony Offenders Some individuals convicted of low-level felonies may serve a portion of their sentence in the county jail before transfer to state facilities. This typically occurs when:

The individual is awaiting transfer to a state prison
The sentence includes a split between jail and probation
The court has ordered a specific period of local incarceration

Probation/Parole Violators Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county jail while awaiting hearings or as a sanction for the violation.

Weekend/Intermittent Sentences Some offenders are permitted to serve their sentences on weekends or other intermittent schedules, allowing them to maintain employment while fulfilling court-ordered incarceration.

Federal Detainees Through intergovernmental agreements, some federal detainees may be housed in county facilities while awaiting federal court proceedings.

According to data from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the demographic composition of Spotsylvania County's inmate population generally reflects broader trends in Virginia's criminal justice system, with disparities in race, gender, and socioeconomic status often evident in incarceration statistics.

It is important to note that individuals housed in Spotsylvania County facilities have not necessarily committed offenses within the county. The regional jail system may house individuals arrested in neighboring jurisdictions based on capacity and administrative agreements.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Spotsylvania County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Spotsylvania County may utilize several methods to locate and access this information. The county maintains current systems that provide varying levels of detail depending on the requester's relationship to the inmate and the purpose of the inquiry.

Online Inmate Search The most efficient method for locating basic inmate information is through online databases:

Visit the Rappahannock Regional Jail website
Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) or booking number if known
Review the results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility housing location (general)

For inmates who may have been transferred to state custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides similar information for individuals in state prison facilities.

In-Person Records Request For more detailed inmate records, individuals may submit requests in person:

Visit the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office Records Division Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
9119 Dean Ridings Lane
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: (540) 582-7115
Complete a records request form, providing:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific information requested
- Requester's contact information
- Relationship to the inmate (if applicable)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction (typically $0.25 per page for standard copies)

Written Records Request Individuals may also submit written requests for inmate records:

Prepare a written request including:
- Date of request
- Inmate's full name and date of birth
- Specific records or information requested
- Requester's full name, address, and contact information
- Signature
Mail the request to: Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
9119 Dean Ridings Lane
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for response
Enclose payment for applicable fees (contact the Records Division for current fee schedule)

Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act § 2.2-3704, the Sheriff's Office must respond to records requests within five working days, either by providing the records, denying the request with specific legal citation, or requesting additional time to fulfill the request.

How To Find an Inmate in Spotsylvania County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Spotsylvania County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods that provide basic custody information to the public. These resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties determine if an individual is currently in custody and where they are being held.

Rappahannock Regional Jail Online Inmate Lookup The most direct method for locating inmates held in Spotsylvania County's primary detention facility:

Access the Rappahannock Regional Jail website at www.rrj.state.va.us
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
Enter the inmate's last name and first name
The system will display matching results showing:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Housing facility
- Bond status

This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and requires no registration or fees.

Virginia Statewide Inmate Search For inmates who may have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
Enter the inmate's name or Virginia Department of Corrections identification number
Review the results to determine current location and basic custody information

Telephone Inquiry For those without internet access, telephone inquiries provide a free alternative:

Contact the Rappahannock Regional Jail at (540) 288-5273
Provide the operator with the inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
Request basic custody status information

The jail's information line is typically staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Be advised that detailed information may not be provided over the telephone due to security and privacy considerations.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office For general inquiries about recent arrests or custody status:

Call the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (540) 582-7115
Provide the dispatcher with the inmate's name and your reason for inquiry
Request information about custody status and location

Spotsylvania County Magistrate's Office For very recent arrests that may not yet appear in jail databases:

Contact the magistrate's office at (540) 507-7800
Inquire about recent processing of the individual in question
Request information about custody determination and potential bond hearings

When using any of these methods, it is advisable to have as much identifying information as possible, including the individual's full legal name, any known aliases, approximate age or date of birth, and the approximate date of arrest or incarceration. This information helps ensure accurate results, particularly for individuals with common names.

How To Visit an Inmate In Spotsylvania County

Visitation with inmates in Spotsylvania County detention facilities is governed by specific policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The Rappahannock Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for Spotsylvania County, has established comprehensive visitation procedures that must be strictly followed.

Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must adhere to the following general procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may update their visitation list once every 30 days
Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance for scheduled visits
All visitors age 18 and older must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under age 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must successfully pass through security screening
Visitors with outstanding warrants or who are on probation/parole may be denied entry
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before being approved for visitation

Visit Schedule Visitation hours at the Rappahannock Regional Jail are organized by housing unit:

General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; contact the facility for specific times
No visits are conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, or during facility lockdowns
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time

What to Bring Visitors are permitted to bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medication required during visit (e.g., asthma inhaler, nitroglycerin)
Baby care items for infant visitors (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
Up to $50 in cash or credit/debit card for commissary deposits

What NOT to Bring The following items are prohibited:

Weapons of any kind
Tools
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Controlled substances
Chewing gum

Dress Code All visitors must comply with the facility dress code:

No revealing or provocative clothing
No shorts above mid-thigh
No tank tops, halter tops, or sleeveless garments
No see-through or mesh clothing
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats, hoods, or head coverings (religious head coverings permitted with prior approval)

Visit Types The Rappahannock Regional Jail offers several visitation formats:

On-site Video Visitation: Conducted via video terminals in the visitation area
Remote Video Visitation: Available for a fee through approved service providers
Contact Visits: Limited to certain classifications and special circumstances
Professional Visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals have separate visitation procedures

Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be restricted or suspended under the following circumstances:

Violation of facility rules by the inmate or visitor
Security concerns or facility lockdown
Disciplinary action against the inmate
Court order restricting contact
Protective orders or other legal restrictions

For the most current information regarding inmate visitation, contact:

Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: (540) 288-5273
Rappahannock Regional Jail

All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations. Visitors are advised to verify current policies before planning a visit. These procedures are established in accordance with Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedures and the Code of Virginia § 53.1-30, which governs visitation rights in correctional facilities.

How To Send Money to a Spotsylvania County Inmate

Individuals incarcerated in Spotsylvania County facilities are permitted to maintain inmate trust accounts for purchasing commissary items, making phone calls, and covering other approved expenses. Several methods are available for depositing funds into these accounts, each with specific procedures and limitations.

Methods for Sending Money

Online Deposits
- Visit Access Corrections
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Rappahannock Regional Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using credit/debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits
- Visit the lobby kiosk at Rappahannock Regional Jail
- Available 24/7 in the facility lobby
- Touch screen interface accepts cash, credit, and debit cards
- Receipts are provided for all transactions
- Lower service fees than online deposits
Money Order by Mail
- Purchase a money order payable to "Rappahannock Regional Jail"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number in the memo line
- Include a deposit slip or letter with sender's information
- Mail to: Rappahannock Regional Jail
  Inmate Accounts
  1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
  Stafford, VA 22554
- No service fees, but processing takes 3-5 business days
In-Person Cash Deposits
- Visit the Rappahannock Regional Jail during business hours
- Proceed to the reception desk
- Complete a deposit slip with inmate and depositor information
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- No service fees for cash deposits

Amount Limits

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposits per inmate: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposits per inmate: $1,500.00

These limits are established to comply with financial regulations and facility security protocols. Deposits exceeding these limits may be rejected or require additional verification.

Deposit Fees

Online deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
Kiosk deposits: $2.00-$3.00 flat fee
Money orders: No fee
Cash deposits: No fee

What You Cannot Send

Personal checks
Cashier's checks from non-U.S. banks
Cash in the mail
Foreign currency
Cryptocurrency
Third-party checks

Fund Usage Regulations

Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing, etc.)
Telephone calls
Tablet rentals and services
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Approved educational materials

Funds may not be used for:

Gambling or games of chance
Purchasing contraband
Paying other inmates
Transferring money to outside accounts
Paying fines or restitution (separate processes apply)

All financial transactions are monitored and subject to review by facility staff. Suspicious activity may result in account restrictions or disciplinary action. Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check, depending on the amount and facility procedures.

For questions regarding inmate accounts or money transfers, contact:

Rappahannock Regional Jail
Inmate Accounts Department
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: (540) 288-5273 ext. 4054
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

How To Send Jail Mail In Spotsylvania County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Spotsylvania County detention facilities is subject to specific regulations designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain important connections with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail sent to inmates at the Rappahannock Regional Jail must comply with the following guidelines.

General Mail Guidelines

All non-legal mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service and addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554

The following restrictions apply to all general correspondence:

Envelopes must include the sender's complete name and return address
Only standard white envelopes are permitted
Maximum envelope size: 9" x 12"
No padded envelopes, plastic/bubble wrap, or security features
No perfume, lipstick, stickers, labels, tape, or other adhesives
No drawings or markings other than address information
No glitter, confetti, or other loose materials
No cash, checks, or money orders (see money deposit procedures)

Permitted Mail Contents

Inmates may receive:

Letters written on plain white paper
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4" x 6")
Greeting cards (plain, no musical or electronic components)
Religious materials (subject to review)
Newspaper clippings (limited to 5 per envelope)
Printed material from verifiable news sources

Prohibited Mail Contents

The following items are prohibited and will result in the entire mail item being rejected:

Polaroid photographs
Photos depicting nudity, sexual content, gang symbols, or weapons
Photos of current or former inmates
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Stationery, stamps, or envelopes
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Construction paper or cardstock
Food items or candy
Clothing or fabric items
Any items creating a security concern

Legal Mail Procedures

Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies receives special handling:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged"
Must include attorney bar number or official letterhead
Will be opened in the inmate's presence
Contents will not be read but will be inspected for contraband
Legal mail is not subject to the same content restrictions as general mail

Mail Inspection and Delivery

All non-legal mail is subject to inspection and may be:

Opened and inspected for contraband
Read for security concerns
Photocopied (original may be retained or returned)
Rejected if it violates facility rules

Mail is typically processed within 24-48 hours of receipt and distributed during regular mail call. Rejected mail will be returned to the sender with a notice explaining the reason for rejection.

Electronic Messaging

The Rappahannock Regional Jail also offers a secure electronic messaging system:

Create an account at GTL ConnectNetwork
Purchase message credits
Compose and send messages to inmates
Messages are subject to review and monitoring
Fees apply for each message sent

Electronic messages offer faster delivery than traditional mail but are subject to the same content restrictions. Photos and attachments may be sent electronically for an additional fee, subject to approval.

For questions regarding mail procedures, contact:

Rappahannock Regional Jail
Mail Room
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: (540) 288-5273

All mail procedures are established in accordance with Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedure 803.1 governing inmate correspondence.