Albemarle County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Albemarle County?
Inmate records in Albemarle County are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional system. These records are systematically maintained by the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail and the Albemarle County Sheriff's Office 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 court records document the judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions maintained by the Albemarle County Circuit Court, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and management of individuals within the correctional system. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial health assessments are documented. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and visitation logs. Upon release, the record is completed with discharge information but remains in the system as required by Virginia's records retention schedules.
The Albemarle County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with state regulations governing corrections operations and public information access.
Albemarle County Sheriff's Office
411 East High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-972-4001
Albemarle County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Albemarle County?
Inmate records in Albemarle County are partially accessible to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). According to Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, certain information regarding individuals in custody must be disclosed upon request, while other information remains confidential due to privacy and security considerations.
The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including full name, date of birth, and gender
- Mugshot photographs
- Charges for which the individual is being held
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
- Current housing facility
However, certain elements of inmate records are explicitly exempt from public disclosure under Virginia law, including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would jeopardize institutional security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail's online inmate lookup system or by contacting the facility directly. For more comprehensive record requests, individuals must submit a formal FOIA request to the records custodian at the appropriate agency.
What's Included Inmate Records in Albemarle County
Inmate records maintained by Albemarle County correctional facilities contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
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
- Last known address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency and officer
- Intake assessment documentation
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
- Program participation and work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges with Virginia Code citations
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Arresting circumstances
- Case numbers associated with each charge
- Prior criminal history as relevant to current custody
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, secured, unsecured)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions if applicable
- Name of bonding company if relevant
Court Information:
- Jurisdiction handling the case
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes and continuances
- Attorney of record information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date and charges
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Probation or parole eligibility dates
- Good time or earned sentence credits
- Special conditions imposed by the court
Release Information:
- Scheduled or projected release date
- Actual release date when applicable
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in compliance with the Virginia Public Records Act and are subject to specific retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia.
Albemarle County Prison System
The Albemarle County correctional system operates within Virginia's tiered approach to incarceration, with clear distinctions between local and state facilities. The primary detention facility serving Albemarle County is the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ), which functions as a local correctional facility under the governance of a regional jail authority representing Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and Nelson County.
This regional jail primarily houses individuals who are:
- Awaiting trial (pre-trial detention)
- Serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to 12 months)
- Serving the initial portion of felony sentences before transfer to state facilities
- Being held on probation or parole violations
- Temporarily detained on behalf of other jurisdictions or agencies
The Albemarle County Sheriff's Office provides court security, civil process service, and transportation of inmates to and from court appearances, but does not directly operate the jail facility. The regional jail authority maintains operational oversight of the detention facility.
For individuals sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration on felony charges, custody transfers from the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) state prison system after processing. This distinction is important for family members and others seeking information about an incarcerated individual, as different agencies maintain separate record systems.
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
160 Peregory Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-977-6981
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
Types of Correctional Facilities In Albemarle County
Albemarle County's correctional infrastructure consists primarily of a single regional detention facility that serves multiple jurisdictions. The county does not operate separate specialized correctional institutions within its boundaries.
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ)
160 Peregory Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-977-6981
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
This medium-security facility serves as the primary detention center for Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and Nelson County. The ACRJ has a rated capacity of approximately 329 inmates and provides various levels of custody from minimum to maximum security housing units. The facility accommodates both male and female inmates in separate housing areas.
The ACRJ offers several specialized programs and services including:
- Medical and mental health services
- Educational programs including GED preparation
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Work release programs for qualifying inmates
- Religious services
- Reentry preparation services
While the ACRJ is the only physical correctional facility in Albemarle County, the county also participates in alternative incarceration programs including:
Home Electronic Monitoring Program
Administered through the Albemarle County Community Corrections program, this alternative allows certain low-risk offenders to serve their sentences while remaining at home under electronic supervision.
Albemarle County Drug Court
A specialized court program that provides intensive supervision and treatment as an alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues.
Individuals charged with federal crimes may be initially held at the ACRJ but are typically transferred to federal detention facilities outside the county. Similarly, individuals sentenced to state prison terms exceeding one year are transferred from the ACRJ to appropriate Virginia Department of Corrections facilities throughout the state.
Who's in Prison In Albemarle County
The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility's population typically consists of:
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, trial, or other court proceedings
- These individuals comprise approximately 60-65% of the jail population
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to 12 months
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Those participating in work release programs while serving their sentences
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences of 12 months or less
- Those awaiting transfer to Virginia Department of Corrections facilities
- Persons returned to custody for probation or parole violations
Special Populations:
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Those in protective custody due to safety concerns
- Federal detainees being temporarily housed through interagency agreements
- Individuals held on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The demographic composition of the jail population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends in Virginia, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. According to data from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the average daily population at the ACRJ fluctuates between 350-400 inmates, occasionally exceeding the facility's rated capacity of 329.
The average length of stay varies significantly based on case type and status:
- Pre-trial detainees: 45-60 days average
- Misdemeanor sentences: 30-90 days average
- Felony sentences (before transfer): 3-6 months average
The jail population includes both male and female inmates, though males typically constitute approximately 85-90% of the total population. The facility maintains separate housing units based on gender, security classification, and special needs.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Albemarle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Albemarle County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail maintains current inmate records and provides multiple options for conducting searches:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically last name and first name)
- Review the results, which generally include:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing status
- Next court date
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail at 434-977-6981
- Request inmate information from the records department
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Basic custody status information may be provided over the phone
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail during normal business hours
- Proceed to the public information desk
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Specify the information being requested
Formal Records Request: For more comprehensive inmate records beyond basic custody information:
- Submit a written request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act
- Address the request to the Records Custodian at:
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
160 Peregory Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22902 - Include specific information about the inmate and records sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copying and staff time as permitted under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704
For historical inmate records or information about individuals who have been transferred to state facilities, inquiries should be directed to the Virginia Department of Corrections through their Inmate Locator service.
How To Find an Inmate in Albemarle County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Albemarle County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods that provide basic custody information to the public:
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail Online Inmate Search:
- Access the ACRJ website at www.acrj.org
- Select the "Current Inmates" or "Inmate Lookup" option
- Enter the individual's last name (first name optional but recommended)
- Review the results, which typically display:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond status
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
This online service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides the most current information on individuals currently in custody.
Virginia Judiciary Case Information System:
- Visit the Virginia Courts Case Information website
- Select "Albemarle County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by the individual's name
- Review case information, which may indicate if the person is in custody
While this system primarily provides court case information, it often includes custody status indicators for defendants.
Telephone Inquiry to ACRJ:
- Call the jail's main information line at 434-977-6981
- Request to speak with the records department or booking
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person
- Basic custody status information is typically provided without charge
Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For individuals who may have been transferred from Albemarle County to state prison:
- Access the VADOC Inmate Locator
- Enter the individual's name or offender ID number
- Review results for current location and status
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the public lobby of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
- Request basic inmate information from the front desk staff
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
The jail's public lobby is open during normal business hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
These free search methods provide basic custody information, though more detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees.
How To Visit an Inmate In Albemarle County
The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail has established specific procedures for inmate visitation to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (conducted at the jail facility)
- Remote video visitation (conducted from approved devices)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Visit Schedule:
- On-site video visits: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Remote video visits: Daily, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Professional visits: Daily, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Each inmate is permitted two 25-minute visits per week. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance but no more than 7 days ahead.
Visit Registration and Scheduling:
- Create an account on the jail's visitation system at www.acrj.org/visitation
- Complete the required registration information
- Wait for account approval (typically 24-48 hours)
- Schedule visits through the online portal or by calling 434-977-6981 ext. 298
Visitor Requirements:
- All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Visitors under 18 must have birth certificate and be accompanied by legal guardian
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes before scheduled visit time
- Maximum of two visitors allowed per visit session
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Necessary medical items (medications, mobility devices)
- Vehicle keys (no other personal items permitted in visitation area)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Contraband items of any kind
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants or on probation/parole may be denied visitation
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Visitation privileges may be suspended for rule violations
These regulations are established pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-30, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies.
How To Send Money to a Albemarle County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for certain services within the facility.
Approved Deposit Methods:
Online Deposits:
- Visit Access Corrections
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Albemarle-Charlottesville 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: $3.95 for deposits up to $50, $4.95 for deposits $50.01-$100, $5.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
Mobile App Deposits:
- Download the "Access Corrections" app from App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the same process as online deposits
- Same fee structure applies as online deposits
Telephone Deposits:
- Call 1-866-345-1884
- Follow automated prompts to make deposit
- Have inmate name, ID number, and credit/debit card ready
- Higher service fees apply: $4.95 for deposits up to $50, $5.95 for deposits $50.01-$100, $6.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
Lobby Kiosk (Cash Deposits):
- Visit the ACRJ lobby during business hours
- Use the self-service kiosk located in the public lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash (machine does not provide change)
- Service fee: $3.00 per transaction
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase money order payable to the inmate's full name
- Write inmate's ID number on money order
- Mail to:
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
Attn: Inmate Accounts
160 Peregory Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22902 - No service fee for money orders
Deposit Limits and Restrictions:
- Minimum deposit amount: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit per inmate: $500.00
- No personal checks or cash by mail accepted
- Third-party checks not accepted
Fund Usage Regulations: Inmates may use deposited funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone calls
- Tablet rentals and services
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts and other personal services
Funds may not be used for:
- Bond payments
- Court fees or fines (separate payment system)
- Transfers to other inmates
- Outside purchases
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedures. Suspicious transactions may be investigated for potential illegal activity.
How To Send Jail Mail In Albemarle County
Correspondence with inmates at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. The facility processes all incoming and outgoing mail according to established protocols that comply with Virginia Department of Corrections standards.
General Mail Guidelines:
Addressing Requirements:
- Address envelopes clearly with inmate's full name and ID number
- Include your full name and return address on the envelope
- Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
- Send all correspondence to:
Inmate Full Name, ID Number
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail
160 Peregory Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4x6 size only)
- Money orders (made payable to the inmate)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash, personal checks, or stamps
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cards larger than 5x7 inches
- Homemade greeting cards
- Items with biohazards (lipstick, bodily fluids, food)
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
Mail Processing Procedures:
- All incoming mail is opened and inspected by jail staff
- Mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Contraband items are either returned to sender, destroyed, or held as evidence
- Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates and originals stored
Electronic Messaging Option: The facility also offers a secure electronic messaging system through SmartJailMail:
- Create an account on the SmartJailMail website
- Purchase credits for messages
- Compose and send messages to inmates
- Standard rates apply: $0.50 per message
- Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Publications and Subscriptions: Inmates may receive magazines and newspapers under these conditions:
- Must come directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
- Must be prepaid subscriptions
- Subject to content review by jail staff
- Hardcover books are prohibited
- Paperback books must be sent directly from publisher or authorized retailer
All mail procedures are established in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-26, which authorizes correctional facilities to inspect and regulate inmate correspondence. The facility reserves the right to reject any correspondence that violates established policies or presents security concerns.