Stafford County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Stafford County?
Inmate records in Stafford County are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are systematically maintained by the Stafford County Sheriff's Office and associated detention facilities in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-28, which mandates the proper documentation of all persons in custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While the Stafford Circuit Court maintains case files pertaining to criminal proceedings, charges, and legal dispositions, the Sheriff's Office maintains custody records documenting the physical detention and daily management of inmates. This separation reflects the different responsibilities of the judicial and correctional systems within the county.
The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, personal identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details 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 the inmate's release, the record is completed with release information but remains maintained according to Virginia's records retention requirements.
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records for individuals held in county facilities, while the Virginia Department of Corrections maintains records for those transferred to state prison facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Stafford County?
Inmate records in Stafford County are generally considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically § 2.2-3706, which governs access to criminal records. However, access to these records is subject to certain limitations and exemptions designed to balance public transparency with privacy and security concerns.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3706(B), the following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate rosters showing who is currently in custody
- Basic booking information including full name, date of birth, and gender
- Mugshot photographs
- Current charges and case status
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility location information
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate database that provides this information in accordance with state law. Members of the public may access this information through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request.
It is important to note that certain portions of inmate records may be redacted or withheld under exemptions provided in § 2.2-3705.1 through § 2.2-3706, including:
- 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 complete inmate records typically requires a formal FOIA request submitted to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office records division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Stafford County
Inmate records maintained by Stafford County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories. The following details are typically included in a complete inmate record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender and physical description
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Assigned inmate identification number
- Last known address prior to incarceration
- Emergency contact information
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Custody classification level
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Disciplinary records and incident reports
- Program participation and work assignments
- Visitation logs and approved visitor list
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanors and/or felonies)
- Warrant or case numbers
- Arresting jurisdiction
- Date of alleged offense
- Court of jurisdiction for each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions if applicable
- Bail hearing dates and outcomes
Court Information:
- Court case numbers
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Court of jurisdiction (General District, Circuit)
- Court outcomes and dispositions
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence for each conviction
- Concurrent or consecutive sentence structure
- Credit for time served
- Probation or parole eligibility dates
- Good time or earned sentence credits
- Special conditions imposed by the court
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date when applicable
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
This information is maintained in compliance with Virginia Department of Corrections standards and Stafford County Sheriff's Office policies.
Stafford County Prison System
The Stafford County correctional system operates within Virginia's broader criminal justice framework, with distinct roles for county and state facilities. Stafford County, through its Sheriff's Office, operates the Rappahannock Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. This facility functions primarily as a local jail rather than a prison, an important distinction in the correctional system hierarchy.
The Rappahannock Regional Jail houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences of up to 12 months, and felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities. This regional jail serves multiple jurisdictions including Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George County, and the City of Fredericksburg.
Individuals sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration for felony convictions are typically transferred from county custody to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) state prison system after sentencing. The transfer process is governed by Virginia Code § 53.1-20, which mandates that felons sentenced to confinement in excess of one year be received into the state system.
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of county inmates and coordinates with the regional jail for custody matters:
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
1225 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 540-658-4450
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Stafford County
Stafford County's correctional system consists of several facility types, each serving specific functions within the local criminal justice framework:
Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 540-288-5273
Rappahannock Regional Jail
The Rappahannock Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Stafford County and neighboring jurisdictions. This medium-security facility houses:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Inmates serving misdemeanor sentences (up to 12 months)
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Work release program participants
- Weekend commitment inmates
The facility provides various programs including educational services, substance abuse treatment, religious services, and vocational training.
Stafford County Community Corrections
1300 Courthouse Road, 2nd Floor
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 540-658-8780
Stafford County Community Corrections
This non-residential facility oversees:
- Probation supervision for misdemeanor offenders
- Pre-trial services and monitoring
- Community service programs
- Electronic monitoring and home detention
- Drug and alcohol testing
Stafford County Courthouse Holding Facility
1300 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 540-658-4450
This temporary holding facility within the courthouse complex is used for:
- Temporary custody of defendants during court appearances
- Processing of new arrests before transport to the regional jail
- Temporary holding for individuals remanded into custody by the court
Stafford County does not operate a separate juvenile detention facility. Juvenile offenders are typically housed at the Rappahannock Juvenile Center located in Fredericksburg, which serves multiple jurisdictions in the region.
Who's in Prison In Stafford County
The inmate population housed within Stafford County's correctional facilities represents diverse legal statuses and demographic characteristics. The following categories comprise the typical inmate population:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
- Defendants undergoing competency evaluations
Misdemeanant Offenders:
- Individuals serving sentences of up to 12 months for misdemeanor convictions
- Weekend commitment inmates serving sentences on weekends only
- Work release participants who work in the community during the day
- Persons serving time for probation violations on misdemeanor cases
Felony Offenders (Temporary):
- Recently sentenced felons awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Felony defendants returning for court appearances from state custody
- Individuals undergoing evaluation before permanent placement
Special Population Inmates:
- Mental health cases requiring specialized supervision
- Protective custody inmates separated from general population
- Administrative segregation cases due to behavior or security concerns
- Medical cases requiring enhanced monitoring or treatment
According to data from the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Rappahannock Regional Jail, the inmate population typically reflects the following demographic patterns:
- Predominantly male (approximately 85-90%)
- Age range primarily between 18-45 years
- Diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Varying educational and socioeconomic backgrounds
- High prevalence of substance abuse issues
- Significant percentage with mental health diagnoses
The average daily population at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, which serves Stafford County, typically ranges between 1,200-1,400 inmates across all jurisdictions served. Stafford County residents generally constitute approximately 25-30% of this population.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Stafford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Stafford County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Rappahannock Regional Jail website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one is typically required):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Facility housing location
Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For inmates who have been transferred to state custody:
- Access the Virginia DOC Inmate Locator
- Enter the inmate's name or DOC number
- Review the results for current location and status information
In-Person Record Request:
- Visit the Stafford County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
1225 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA 22554
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM - Complete an inmate record request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay any applicable fees for copies of records
- Allow processing time as required by Virginia FOIA (typically 5 business days)
Written FOIA Request:
- Submit a formal written request to:
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
ATTN: Records Division/FOIA Officer
P.O. Box 189
Stafford, VA 22555 - Include in your request:
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific records being requested
- Your contact information
- Preferred format for receiving records
- Allow up to 5 business days for initial response as required by Virginia FOIA
Requesters should note that certain information may be redacted from records in accordance with Virginia FOIA exemptions, and fees may apply for extensive searches or document reproduction.
How To Find an Inmate in Stafford County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Stafford County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods that provide basic custody information to the public. The following resources are available to assist individuals seeking inmate location information without incurring fees:
Rappahannock Regional Jail Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Rappahannock Regional Jail website
- Select the "Inmate Search" function from the main navigation menu
- Enter the inmate's last name and first name (minimum requirement)
- For more precise results, include additional information if available:
- Date of birth
- Middle initial
- Approximate booking date
- Review the search results, which typically display:
- Confirmation of custody status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Next court date (if scheduled)
- Housing facility
Virginia Vinelink System:
- Visit the Virginia Vinelink website
- Select "Find an Offender"
- Choose Virginia from the state dropdown menu
- Enter the inmate's first and last name
- Review results for custody status and location information
- Optionally register for custody status notifications (free service)
Telephone Information Services:
- Contact the Rappahannock Regional Jail information line: Phone: 540-288-5273
- Provide the operator with the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
- Request basic custody status information
- Note that detailed record information may not be available through this method
Virginia Court Case Information System:
- Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Select "Stafford County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter the individual's name
- Review case information, which may include:
- Current case status
- Upcoming court dates
- Custody information when available
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Rappahannock Regional Jail during regular business hours:
Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, seven days a week - Provide the inmate's name to the front desk staff
- Request basic custody status information
These free resources provide fundamental information about an inmate's custody status and location. For more detailed records, a formal FOIA request may be necessary, which could involve processing fees for extensive searches or document reproduction.
How To Visit an Inmate In Stafford County
Visitation with inmates housed in Stafford County facilities is governed by specific protocols established by the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The following guidelines outline the current visitation procedures:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online visitation scheduling system
- Visitors must register in the system prior to scheduling their first visit
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- A maximum of three visitors (including children) may attend each session
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visit time
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- No visits are conducted on Mondays or during facility lockdowns
- Holiday schedules may vary and are posted on the facility website
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
- Required medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby necessities if visiting with an infant (one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices of any kind
- Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50 (for vending machines)
- Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections staff
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- On-site non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone)
- Video visitation (available both on-site and remotely)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) in designated areas
- Special visits may be arranged for exceptional circumstances with administrative approval
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants or pending criminal charges may be denied entry
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges
All visitation is subject to Virginia Department of Corrections policies and local facility regulations in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-30, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation guidelines.
How To Send Money to a Stafford County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Stafford County facilities have several approved methods for sending funds. The following options are currently available:
Online Deposit Services:
- Access the TouchPay payment portal
- Create an account or log in if returning
- Select "Rappahannock Regional Jail" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Select payment amount (minimum $5.00, maximum $300 per transaction)
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply:
- Credit/debit card: $2.95 fee for deposits up to $20; $6.95 fee for deposits $20.01-$300
- Electronic check: $1.95 flat fee
Mobile App Deposits:
- Download the TouchPay mobile app from App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the prompts to select the facility and inmate
- Complete the transaction using credit/debit card
- Same fee structure as online deposits applies
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Rappahannock Regional Jail lobby during operating hours:
Rappahannock Regional Jail
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, seven days a week - Use the TouchPay kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Service fees apply: $3.95 flat fee for all kiosk transactions
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Rappahannock Regional Jail"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
- Complete a money order deposit form (available on the jail website)
- Mail to:
Rappahannock Regional Jail
Inmate Accounts Department
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA 22554 - No service fees apply for money orders
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00 per transaction
- Maximum single transaction: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500 per inmate
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500 per inmate
Fund Usage Guidelines: Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone calls
- Tablet rentals and services
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Restitution payments (when court-ordered)
Funds may not be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Payment of fines directly from account
- Purchasing items for other inmates
- Contraband items
- Services not approved by facility administration
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Virginia Department of Corrections policies and local facility regulations.
How To Send Jail Mail In Stafford County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Stafford County facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established by the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The following procedures govern mail services for inmates:
Regular Mail Guidelines:
-
Address all mail using the following format: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known) Rappahannock Regional Jail 1745 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554
-
Include a complete return address with sender's full name and mailing address
-
All incoming mail must be sent through the United States Postal Service
-
Envelopes must be standard size (no larger than 9" x 12")
-
Letters must be written in blue or black ink or typed
-
Mail is processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
-
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
Permitted Mail Items:
- Personal letters (limit 10 pages per envelope)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4" x 6")
- Legal correspondence (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
- Money orders (following proper procedures)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Padded or bubble-lined envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Cash, personal checks, or currency
- Stamps, envelopes, or stationery
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit or obscene materials
- Gang-related content or symbols
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, highlighter, glitter, or colored pencil writings
- Items with perfume, lipstick, or unknown substances
- Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Legal Mail:
- Mark envelopes clearly as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Include attorney bar number on the envelope
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Must be from a verifiable legal source (attorney, court, legal agency)
Electronic Messaging:
- Register for an account on the GTL ConnectNetwork
- Purchase messaging credits through the online system
- Compose and send messages through the secure platform
- Messages are subject to review and monitoring
- Fees apply: typically $0.25 per message
- Inmates access messages via facility tablets or kiosks
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books accepted)
- Magazines must be new and sent via subscription
- Religious materials subject to review by chaplain
- Educational materials require approval from programs staff
- Maximum of 3 books or magazines in possession at one time
All mail procedures comply with Virginia Department of Corrections standards and facility regulations in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-26, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable mail policies.
Lookup Inmate Records in Stafford County
Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator