Free West Virginia Criminal Records & Arrest Records Lookup

Free West Virginia Arrest Records & Criminal Records Search
Access West Virginia Records: background checks, warrants, probation and parole, court records, and all criminal and arrest records.

Look up free West Virginia arrest records and criminal proceedings through official channels today.

West Virginia criminal records are made available to the public, including recent arrests, criminal history details, arrest warrants, probation and parole status, background check reports, prisoner records, and registered sex offenders.

However, finding this information is much more efficient if you know what to look for and where to look.

To make finding public criminal records quick and convenient, this resource outlines everything necessary to learn about someone’s past; simply follow the steps below.

Note: The resource on tracking down West Virginia public information provides details on finding other types of information such as marriage, divorce, birth, death, and court documents through state, county, and municipal agencies.

Accessibility of Criminal & Arrest Records in West Virginia

Any member of the public has access to public records–including both arrest and criminal records–in West Virginia, in accordance with both the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code 29B) and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).1, 2

Both of these sets of laws allow for public access to most governmental records unless the documents are legally withheld or made confidential.

Although West Virginia residents are able to access both types of these records to either find out what someone was arrested for or review a subject’s criminal history information, the process for obtaining each record type varies as they are held by different record custodians or repositories.

There are also some restrictions to records, such as juvenile records being automatically sealed or withheld from public access. Some adult records may be partially or fully withheld as well, such as those that have been expunged (fully erased).

Criminal Records vs Arrest Records in the State of West Virginia (What Is Shown on Each)

An arrest record or arrest report often shows similar information to what would be found in a criminal record, but criminal records are much more thorough as they disclose an individual’s entire criminal history rather than the details of just one particular arrest.

Arrest records give details surrounding one incident and can help searchers find out someone’s charges in jail, while criminal history reports are generally all-encompassing and show prior arrests, convictions, and more in-depth information.

An arrest record includes:

  • Age
  • Arresting Agency
  • Arrest Location & Time
  • Current Holding Facility (If Applicable)
  • Date of Birth
  • Details of the Arrest
  • Full Name
  • Physical & Demographic Descriptors

Criminal records list the subject’s:

  • Age
  • Arrest(s)
  • Conviction(s)
  • Current Facility (If Applicable)
  • Date of Birth
  • Fingerprints
  • Full Name
  • Known Aliases
  • Mugshot
  • Pending Charges
  • Physical & Demographic Descriptors
  • Prior Criminal Convictions & Case Details
  • Warrants

How To Find Virginia Arrest Records, Why Someone Is in Jail & Mugshots for Free

Searchers trying to find recent arrests in West Virginia have a few methods to choose from, depending on the arresting agency. The instructions below will provide clear and simple steps for obtaining West Virginia arrest records or information on someone who’s in jail through various law enforcement agencies.

It is also beneficial if the searcher knows the exact spelling of the subject’s first and last name and has a general idea of where and when the arrest occurred.

Search Recent Arrests via the County Sheriff’s Offices Throughout West Virginia

Concerned friends or family members attempting to find out if someone is in jail in West Virginia or check the details of anyone incarcerated in WV have the right to access and review their arrest records but may benefit from knowing that this state operates differently than many others, as there are neither county nor city jails.

Instead, all regional jails are overseen by the West Virginia Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation (DCR).3

Although juvenile records on inmates held in the DCR Juvenile Facilities & Reporting Centers are not accessible by the public, DCR Adult Facilities hold adult offenders whose public information can be viewed online by the general public.4, 5

A screenshot of the DCR Regional Jail Inmate Search tool, where the user can type in the inmate’s full or partial last name and optional first name.
Source: West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation37

To access these arrest reports, searchers can:

1 – Utilize the DCR Regional Jail Inmate Search tool by typing in the individual’s full or partial last name (and optional first name).6

2 – Click “Search” and review the search results given; if available, a mugshot will also be included to help searchers verify the identity of the subject.

3 – Click “More Info” on any individual to see a more in-depth arrest record and a profile of the subject that includes their case number(s), issuing agency, bail details, and demographics.

A screenshot of an inmate's information, where the user can see a more in-depth arrest record and a profile of the subject that includes their case number(s), issuing agency, bail details, and demographics.
Source: West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation38

Many West Virginia arrest records can be found through the DCR, but if a local police department made the arrest, the DCR will not have this information, and searchers will need to contact the police department that made the arrest to ask about inmates or arrest records.

Since most local departments do not offer any online search feature or booking log of daily arrests, individuals will likely need to call or visit in person.

To find out if someone was arrested by a local police department or to obtain arrest records, searchers can find the department’s contact information by searching “[city] police department” on any search engine.

The next step is reviewing the search results for an official police department website, and then calling or visiting the department office at the listed phone number or address to inquire about current arrests.

How To Contact an Inmate in Jail & Bail Them Out (West Virginia)

Each regional jail can be contacted directly to ask what options are available in regards to contacting inmates, as the facilities have different visitation days, hours, and policies for phone calls and in-person visits.

For example, the North Central Regional Jail & Correctional Facility and the Eastern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility both limit inmate visits to a single 30-minute visitation per month (with either 1 adult and 2 minors or 2 adults).7, 8

But the days, times, and scheduling processes are different between the two facilities so it is always best practice to obtain visitation details and guidance from the relevant facility.

Bail is the monetary amount that a defendant must pay–or have paid on their behalf–to be released until trial. Any family member or individual who would like to bail out an inmate is advised to reach out to the jail to confirm what bail was set at (the amount owed) and then make the payment to the jail directly.

Bail can be posted in full (often called “cash bail”) or, if unable to pay the full amount, a partial payment can be paid to a certified bail bondsman who will assist with the difference.

The state of West Virginia legally requires that each bail bondsman charges a fee of at least 10% interest on the total amount of bail set. Fees paid to a bail bondsman can either be paid immediately and in full or by paying 3% of the bond upfront, with the remainder paid within a one-year period (with stipulations set by the bondsman).

Once bail has been paid to the applicable jail, the defendant should be released within a few hours.

How To View West Virginia Criminal Records Through County & State Agencies

West Virginia criminal records are often hosted by county courts and other state agencies. The sections below will describe how to access a criminal record–informally called a “rap sheet”–through each record custodian.

Aside from discovering each public records repository in West Virginia, readers will also learn the process of obtaining these records, the cost of getting copies, and whether the records can be viewed online or if the documents should be retrieved in person.

Conduct a Criminal Record Search in WV via Each County’s Clerk of Court

Criminal records can be accessed at the county level in West Virginia by contacting the relevant county’s clerk of court (an officer of the court who maintains records and assists with many non-judicial court operations).

A clerk of court can help individuals check if someone has a criminal record and can supply copies of these records, often at a nominal fee.

The image below provides the court information for Pleasants County, including specific court addresses and contact information.

A screenshot of the Pleasants County court information that includes specific court addresses as well as their contact information.
Source: West Virginia Judiciary39

Each West Virginia county clerk of court’s web page and contact information can be found in the table below, along with the address and phone number of the associated county courthouse:

County Clerk of Court for Criminal Record Searches Courthouse Address Phone Number
Barbour County Clerk of Court 26 N. Main St.
Philippi, WV 26416
304-457-3454
Berkeley County Clerk of Court 100 West King St.
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-264-1927
Boone County Clerk of Court 200 State St.
Madison, WV 25130
304-369-3925
Braxton County Clerk of Court 300 Main St.
Sutton, WV 26601
304-765-2833
Brooke County Clerk of Court 632 Main St.
Wellsburg, WV 26070
304-737-3661
Cabell County Clerk of Court 750 5th Ave.
Huntington, WV 25701
304-526-8622
Calhoun County Clerk of Court 363 Main St.
Grantsville, WV 26147
304-354-6725
Clay County Clerk of Court 246 Main St.
Clay, WV 25043
304-587-4256
Doddridge County Clerk of Court 108 Court St.
West Union, WV 26456
304-873-2631
Fayette County Clerk of Court 100 N Court St.
Fayetteville, WV 25840
304-574-4226
Gilmer County Clerk of Court 201 N Court St.
Glenville, WV 26351
304-462-7812
Grant County Clerk of Court 5 Highland Ave.
Petersburg, WV 26847
304-257-4550
Greenbrier County Clerk of Court 912 N Court St.
Lewisburg, WV 24901
304-647-6602
Hampshire County Clerk of Court 19 E Main St.
Romney, WV 26757
304-822-5112
Hancock County Clerk of Court 102 N Court St.
New Cumberland, WV 26047
304-564-3311
Hardy County Clerk of Court 204 Washington St.
Moorefield, WV 26836
304-530-0210
Harrison County Clerk of Court 301 W Main St.
Clarksburg, WV 26301
304-624-8675
Jackson County Clerk of Court 100 N Ct St.
Ripley, WV 25271
304-373-2250
Jefferson County Clerk of Court 119 N George St.
Charles Town, WV 25414
304-728-3231
Kanawha County Clerk of Court 111 Court St.
Charleston, WV 25301
304-357-0440
Lewis County Clerk of Court 110 Center Ave.
Weston, WV 26452
304-269-8215
Lincoln County Clerk of Court 8000 Court Ave.
Hamlin, WV 25523
304-824-7990 Ext. 239
Logan County Clerk of Court 300 Stratton St.
Logan, WV 25601
304-792-8600
Marion County Clerk of Court 219 Adams St.
Fairmont, WV 26554
304-367-5440
Marshall County Clerk of Court 600 Seventh St.
Moundsville, WV 26041
304-845-1220
Mason County Clerk of Court 200 6th St.
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
304-675-6840
McDowell County Clerk of Court 90 Wyoming St.
Welch, WV 24801
304-436-8512
Mercer County Clerk of Court 1501 E Main St.
Princeton, WV 24740
304-487-8308
Mineral County Clerk of Court 150 Armstrong St.
Keyser, WV 26726
304-788-3924
Mingo County Clerk of Court 75 Second Ave.
Williamson, WV 25661
304-235-0330
Monongalia County Clerk of Court 243 High St.
Morgantown, WV 26505
304-291-7230
Monroe County Clerk of Court 350 Main St.
Union, WV 24983
304-772-3096
Morgan County Clerk of Court 77 Fairfax St.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
304-258-8540
Nicholas County Clerk of Court 700 Main St.
Summersville, WV 26651
304-872-7800
Ohio County Clerk of Court 1500 Chapline St.
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-234-3621
Pendleton County Clerk of Court 100 S Main St.
Franklin, WV 26807
304-358-2343
Pleasants County Clerk of Court 301 Court Ln.
St Marys, WV 26170
304-684-7175
Pocahontas County Clerk of Court 900 Tenth Ave.
Marlinton, WV 24954
304-799-4604
Preston County Clerk of Court 106 W. Main St.
Kingwood, WV 26537
304-329-0070
Putnam County Clerk of Court 12093 Winfield Rd.
Winfield, WV 25213
304-586-0202
Raleigh County Clerk of Court 222 Main St.
Beckley, WV 25801
304-255-9100
Randolph County Clerk of Court 4 Randolph Ave.
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-0543
Ritchie County Clerk of Court 115 E Main St.
Harrisville, WV 26362
304-643-2164
Roane County Clerk of Court 200 Main St.
Spencer, WV 25276
304-927-2750
Summers County Clerk of Court 120 Ballengee St.
Hinton, WV 25951
304-466-7100
Taylor County Clerk of Court 214 W Main St.
Grafton, WV 26354
304-265-1401
Tucker County Clerk of Court 215 1st St.
Parsons, WV 26287
304-478-2414
Tyler County Clerk of Court 121 Main St.
Middlebourne, WV 26149
304-758-2102
Upshur County Clerk of Court 40 West Main St.
Buckhannon, WV 26201
304-472-1068
Wayne County Clerk of Court 700 Hendricks St.
Wayne, WV 25570
304-272-6350
Webster County Clerk of Court 2 Court Square
Webster Springs, WV 26288
304-847-5062
Wetzel County Clerk of Court 200 Main St.
New Martinsville, WV 26155
304-455-8224
Wirt County Clerk of Court 19 Washington St.
Elizabeth, WV 26143
304-275-6597
Wood County Clerk of Court 1 Court Square
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-424-1850
Wyoming County Clerk of Court 24 Cedar Ave.
Pineville, WV 24874
304-732-8000

Access Criminal Records Through the West Virginia State Police (WVSP)

In West Virginia, residents can access their own criminal records through the West Virginia State Police (WVSP).9 Although the WVSP does not offer criminal history record checks in person anymore, individuals are encouraged to use the IdentoGO service for fingerprinting and obtaining records.10

Criminal history reports may also be disclosed to employers or other authorized parties, but only with written consent from the subject being fingerprinted–and only if the agency or entity is included on the registration form as a recipient.

The process of obtaining criminal records through the WVSP can be completed by following these steps:

1 – Register for a Personal Criminal Record Check Fingerprinting Appointment, Employer Record Check Fingerprinting Appointment, or Employer Record Check With Provider Number Fingerprinting Appointment and set an appointment date and time via IDEMIA’s online portal by filling out the electronic form with personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information11, 12, 13

Note: Pre-registration is required as walk-ins are not usually permitted at any IdentoGO locations; if applicable, enter the business or company code for fingerprinting submissions on the form.

2 – Review all of the Accepted Documents for Fingerprinting and decide which document to bring to the fingerprinting appointment14

Acceptable documents include but are not limited to a driver’s license, passport, government, state, or military I.D.

3 – Bring one valid form of identification from Step 2 along with a payment of $44.50 paid by check or money order to any of West Virginia’s IdentoGO Fingerprinting Locations in person on the scheduled date and time to have fingerprints taken on an official fingerprinting card15

4 – The fingerprinting site will forward fingerprint cards to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

5 – When the criminal history record check is complete, criminal records will be sent to the agency requested (if applicable) and/or emailed to the subject of the search (in accordance with the delivery preferences indicated on the registration form).

Any questions about the process of obtaining West Virginia criminal records via the WVSP can be directed to the Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB) at 304-746-2450.

How To Get a Copy of Criminal Records in West Virginia

In West Virginia, criminal records can be requested at either the state or local level. Locally, records can be requested through the clerk of court at the county courthouse where the relevant case was tried.

For example, any interested party seeking criminal records in Morgan County would call the Morgan County Clerk of Court at 304-258-8540 or visit the Morgan County Courthouse during their hours of operation at 77 Fairfax Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.16

Criminal history reports may also be obtained through the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) department’s partnership with IdentoGO.9, 10

Individuals hoping to get a copy of their criminal record can fulfill this process by following each step of the process outlined above (filling out an IdentoGO Electronic Pre-registration Form, then bringing one of the Accepted Documents for Fingerprinting and the fingerprinting payment to any of West Virginia’s IdentoGO Fingerprinting Locations).11, 14, 15

How To Find Probationers & Parolees in West Virginia

Interested parties looking for West Virginia probation records or searching for WV parole information can benefit from knowing that probation often refers to a conditional release from jail, while parole is very similar but usually describes a release from prison instead.

The West Virginia Parole Board sets conditional releases for adult offenders and aids in offender reentry into society.17 Although the West Virginia Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation (DCR) manages both regional jails and state prisons, the Parole Board operates separately from the DCR.3

The following image displays the total number of probationers and parolees in West Virginia and compares it with other states across the United States. Additionally, it showcases the ethnicities of individuals on community supervision in West Virginia, including probation and parole.

An image showing the map of the United States, with West Virginia state highlighted in red, presenting the probation and parole per 100,000 U.S. residents by ethnicities.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics

Unfortunately, there is not an online probation search tool available, but interested parties can reach out to either the West Virginia Judiciary’s Division of Probation Services or the DCR’s Parole Offices for additional probation or parole information.18, 19

Any details will be restricted to West Virginia (for instance, information on a subject on probation set in Delaware would not show up in West Virginia records).

The BOP inmate locator offered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) may also be utilized as another parolee database to find a subject’s historical parole details at the federal level.20, 21

A screenshot of the BOP inmate locator offered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where the user can obtain a parolee database to find a subject’s historical parole details at the federal level.
Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons20

However, searchers might want to note that an individual showing up in the search results does not necessarily signify that the subject is currently on probation or parole–just that they may have been at some point.

How To Expunge a Criminal Record in the State of West Virginia

In West Virginia, certain charges and convictions can be removed from a subject’s criminal record; this erasure is called “expungement” and can be very helpful in removing hindrances to proper housing and employment.

Some misdemeanors and felonies are ineligible for expungement, as described in the West Virginia Expungement Instructions (SCA-C900).22 Certain convictions that cannot be expunged include abuse, crimes against animals, sex crimes, and all felony offenses against minors.

To permanently erase violation(s) from a criminal record, requesters will fill out one of the following forms for each charge:

A screenshot of the  Motion for Criminal Record Expungement (Acquittal or Dismissal) (SCA-C903) form where an acquittal or dismissal of the charge was already granted; individuals can complete this form to request complete expungement of the incident from their record.
Source: West Virginia Judiciary25

After completing the appropriate petition form, applicants can call the relevant Circuit Clerk in the county that had jurisdiction over the case to inquire about what other documentation or forms of identification are needed.

Most courts require a copy of an official criminal record check through the WVSP when considering a petition for expungement.

Next, petitioners will file the Petition for Expungement along with other necessary documentation and a payment of $200.00 due upon filing to the Circuit Clerk of Court. Copies of the Petition and all additional documents should also be served to the:

  1. Chief of Police or head of the arresting agency
  2. Prosecuting Attorney in the county where the conviction occurred
  3. Warden or head of any holding facility or institution
  4. WVSP Superintendent

If approved for expungement, another $100.00 fee shall be paid to the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) Records Division of the Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB) to cover the processing, for a total of $300.00 for the expungement.9

Juvenile records are to remain confidential, even from state or federal agencies, unless subject to review under a federal subpoena.26

Juvenile criminal records are also required by law to be made fully confidential or destroyed either a) on the juvenile’s 19th birthday or b) one year after termination of juvenile jurisdiction–whichever comes later.

How To Find West Virginia Prisoners: WV State & Federal Prisoner Searches

Although the state of West Virginia does not maintain any online misdemeanor or felony registry, inmates and details about their charge(s) or conviction(s) can be quickly found through various search websites.

The West Virginia Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation (DCR)–the agency that operates both regional jails and state prisons–hosts an online directory for the jails and another for state prisoners under their jurisdiction.3 Inmates held in state correctional facilities can be found through the DCR Prisoner Search if searched by either their first and last name or by their Offender I.D. (OID) Number.27

A screenshot of the DCR Prisoner Search tool where inmates held in state correctional facilities can be found by their first and last name or Offender I.D. (OID) Number.
Source: West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation40

After search criteria are entered and the “Search” button is clicked, viewers will be shown a compiled list of relevant search results matching or similar to the name or I.D. that was input. By clicking “More Info” next to any offender, searches will be able to review the inmate’s:

  • Court Order Date & Number
  • Current Location
  • Date of Birth
  • Full Name
  • Height
  • Intake Date
  • Next Scheduled Parole Hearing (If Applicable)
  • Offender I.D. (OID) Number
  • Offense(s)
  • Projected Release Date
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Sentencing County
  • Sex
  • Weight
A screenshot of an offender's information, where the user can see the inmate’s court order date & number, current location, date of birth, full name, height, intake date, next scheduled parole hearing, offender I.D. (OID) number, offense(s) projected, release date, race/ethnicity, sentencing, county, sex and weight.
Source: West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation41

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provides oversight and management of all federal prisons, so any federal detainees held in West Virginia are accessible to the public via the BOP inmate locator.21, 20 Users of this free search resource can search by either the subject’s name or BOP number, if known.

A screenshot of a federal inmate's information where users of this free search resource can search by the subject’s name or BOP number if known.
Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons20

West Virginia has 6 federal prisons and another 6 federal prison camps, where inmates can be contacted by phone, email, or postal mail in compliance with the BOP’s communication policies.

How To View Arrest Warrants in West Virginia: WV Wanted Lookups

West Virginia warrants can be searched by anyone locally as long as searchers know where to find them. Instead of wondering whether or not someone they know has a warrant out for their arrest, West Virginia residents can check for a warrant (for someone else or even for themselves) through any of the following methods.

Concerned individuals can turn to the local county sheriff’s department website to see if they maintain any sort of online warrant list or database. For instance, Kanawha County Warrants are accessible to members of the public, but other counties may not have this search feature and, in such cases, the sheriff’s office could be called or visited instead.28

County or Circuit Courthouses or clerks of court can often provide insight into warrants as well, as can third-party services who have expertise in this area.

Federal warrants are issued by the U.S. Marshals and stored in their WIN system, but unfortunately, this system is not open to the general public.

Synopsis of WV Background Checks

Background checks are widely used for both personal and professional purposes; some of the most common uses for background checks are for employment verification, security clearance, purchasing of firearms, and housing or residency purposes.

Any individual who performs a background check for personal reasons does not have to notify the subject of the check or obtain their permission, but all background checks done for professional purposes necessitate consent prior.

Personal background checks are not subject to compliance with as many state or federal laws as professional checks are as long as the person conducting the check does not use any information obtained to harass, exploit, stalk, or otherwise endanger the subject of the investigation.

Alternatively, all background checks performed for professional reasons must abide by applicable laws on privacy and the use of consumer information.

The two primary categories of background checks fall under “Level 1” or “Level 2”.

A Level 1 background check is a name-based search that discloses the subject’s prior criminal and employment records on a local scale (such as by county or state). Any member of the public can inquire with local courts, police departments, or sheriff’s offices to gather information on a subject to compile into a personal background check, as there are not any government agencies that currently offer name-based background checks in West Virginia.

Third-party people finder services or websites can come in handy in such cases as well, as they are equipped to search many record custodians and databases promptly and for a low cost to the requester.

Level 2 background checks require the subject’s fingerprints to be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for fingerprint matches and much more accurate and specific background check results. Level 2 checks are far more intensive than the name-based searches and return information on a national scale.

This type of comprehensive, in-depth fingerprint check delivers the subject’s personal and criminal history details, including marital status, prior addresses, professional certificates, charges, detainments, and convictions. Level 2 background checks also include details pertaining to employment, education, and credit history.

These all-encompassing background checks are more likely to be used for employment involving interactions with children or the elderly, as well as is commonly required in the healthcare field.

Level 2 background checks are conducted through the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) as they have partnered with IdentoGO to offer convenient fingerprinting services for requesters.9, 10

If an individual is required to complete a background check for a potential employer, licensing agency, or other entity that necessitates fingerprint-based background checks, they can either pre-register for an Employer Record Check Fingerprinting Appointment or an Employer Record Check With Provider Number –whichever applies to their situation.12, 13

The subject of the background check must bring a check or money order in the amount of $44.50 to any of the state’s IdentoGO Fingerprinting Locations along with one valid form of identification from IdentoGO’s list of Accepted Documents for Fingerprinting.15, 14

After a full set of fingerprints has been taken on an official fingerprinting card, the card will be sent from the IdentoGO site to the FBI to conduct the background check. When the check is finished, results will be sent directly to the employer or other agency on file (as indicated on the pre-registration form).

Whether performing a personal or professional background check, state and federal laws must be abided by. Both the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provide protection to consumers and their information and ensure accurate reporting.29, 30

How To Use the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry To Find Nearby Sexual Predators

Concerned individuals can rely on multiple online search services to check for registered sex offenders in their neighborhood. Both sites are free to use and open to members of the public.

The West Virginia Sex Offender Registry allows users to search for registered offenders by name, location, email, or social media usernames.31 This website also allows for advanced searches by city, county, or street name and includes a mugshot database.

A screenshot of the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry allows users to search for registered offenders by name, location, email, or social media usernames.
Source: West Virginia State Police42

Once search criteria have been entered, results will be shown, and any registered sex offender profile can be clicked on to view further details of their demographics and conviction(s). Each West Virginia sex offender profile shows:

  • Age
  • Conviction Date
  • Date of Birth
  • Eye Color
  • Full Name
  • Hair Type/Color
  • Height
  • Mugshot
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Offense(s)
  • Owned/Leased Property
  • Residence(s)
  • School(s)
  • Sex
  • Weight
A screenshot of a sex offender's information where the user can see the inmate's details of their demographics and conviction(s).
Source: West Virginia State Police43

Registered sex offenders in West Virginia can also be searched on a national scale via the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) by either the subject’s name or location (within a specified radius).32

A screenshot of the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) search tool, where registered sex offenders in West Virginia can be searched nationally by the subject’s name or location (within a specified radius).
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website44

The NSOPW is fully funded by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), so the public is able to search this database for free.33

Your Rights Regarding Criminal Records & Arrest Records Under West Virginia Laws

Both state and federal laws pertaining to West Virginia arrest records and criminal records are summarized below as they relate to public records and background checks–particularly those performed for professional purposes, such as by potential employers, landlords, or licensing agencies.

Any individual, agency, or entity that carries out a background check or criminal history record check for professional reasons must first notify the subject of the search and get permission from the subject to do so.

On the other hand, individuals conducting personal criminal record searches or personal background checks may do so without first obtaining the subject’s consent or even notifying them of the search.

The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code 29B) is a set of laws that ensure public access to government records at every level without needing to state a purpose or intention.1 The records repositories have five days to respond to each public records request. These assurances of public access to governmental records also exist at the federal level, as laid out in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).2

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides guidelines for how consumer credit information can be used and ensures fair, accurate, and efficient reporting of personal information, as well as protecting consumer privacy.29

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) works to protect employees from workplace discrimination.30 Potential or current employees can File a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC if they believe that they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, or disability.34

West Virginia’s Ban the Box Act (HB 4354-29-6A) prohibits employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history record and helps give individuals formerly charged with or convicted of a crime a better chance at finding employment.35

Lastly, all criminal record expungements in West Virginia must adhere to the timelines, eligibility standards, and laws outlined in West Virginia Code 61-11-26.36

In an attempt to summarize the information above, West Virginia arrest records can be accessed by utilizing the DCR Regional Jail Inmate Search, contacting the police department that made the arrest, or through third-party services.6

West Virginia criminal records are most reliably obtained through the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) or by contacting the county clerk of court.9


References

1West Virginia Legislature. (2020). West Virginia Code 29-B 1-3 (WV FOIA). wvlegislature.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=29B&art=1&section=3#1>

2Freedom of Information Act. (2016). FOIA. foia.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://www.foia.gov/foia-statute.html>

3West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). DCR. dcr.wv.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://dcr.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx>

4West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). Juvenile Facilities and Youth Reporting Centers (DCR). wv.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023 <https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/Juvenile-Facilities-and-Reporting-Centers.aspx>

5West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). Adult Facilities (DCR). wv.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023 <https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/Adult-Facilities.aspx>

6West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). WV DCR Regional Jail Inmate Search. wv.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender/AdmissionDetails>

7West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). North Central Jail and Correctional Facility. wv.gov. Retrieved May 10, 202 <https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/prisons-and-jails/ncrjcf.aspx>

8Eastern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility. (2023). Eastern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility. wv.gov. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/prisons-and-jails/erjcf.aspx>

9West Virginia State Police. (2023). WVSP. wvsp.gov. Retrieved May 11, 2023 <https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/criminalrecords/Pages/default.aspx>

10IDEMIA. (2023). IdentoGO. IdentoGO. Retrieved May 11, 2023 <https://www.identogo.com>

11IDEMIA–IdentoGO. (2017). IdentoGO Personal Record Check (WV). IdentoGO. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/228QG9/appointment/bio>

12IDEMIA–IdentoGO. (2017). Employer Record Check (WV). IdentoGO. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/228QQN/appointment/bio>

13IDEMIA–IdentoGO. (2017). Employer Record Check with Provider (Facility) Number. IdentoGO. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/228QR3/appointment/bio>

14IDEMIA–IdentoGO. (2017). Accepted Identification Documents (IdentoGO). IdentoGO. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/228QG9/documents/citizenship>

15IdentoGO. (2023). Find an IdentoGO Center. IdentoGO. Retrieved May 11, 2023 <https://www.identogo.com/locations>

16Government of West Virginia. (2023). Morgan County Clerk of Court. wv.gov. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://morgancountywv.gov/county-clerk/>

17West Virginia Parole Board. (2023). West Virginia Parole Board. wv.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://paroleboard.wv.gov/aboutus/Pages/ContactInformation.aspx>

18West Virginia Judiciary. (n.d.). Probation Services. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <https://www.courtswv.gov/court-administration/probation-services>

19West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). Parole Services Offices. wv.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/Parole-Services-Offices.aspx>

20Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2023). BOP Inmate Locator. bop.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>

21Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2023). bop.gov. bop.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://www.bop.gov>

22West Virginia Judiciary. (2023, December). SCA-C900 – Instructions for Expungement of Records Petition. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <https://www.courtswv.gov/sites/default/pubfilesmnt/2023-12/SCA-C900.pdf>

23West Virginia Judiciary. (2023, December). SCA-C906 – Petition for Expungement of Misdemeanor Violations and Traffic Citations. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <https://www.courtswv.gov/sites/default/pubfilesmnt/2023-12/SCA-C906.pdf>

24West Virginia Judiciary. (2024, March). Petition For Expungement of Felony Violations. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <https://www.courtswv.gov/sites/default/pubfilesmnt/2024-03/SCAC907.pdf>

25West Virginia Courts. (2010, April). Motion for Criminal Expungement Due to Acquittal or Dismissal. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/expungement/SCA-C903.pdf>

26West Virginia Judiciary. (n.d.). Children & Juvenile Services – Juvenile Law Guide. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/children-juvenile-services/juvenile-law-guide>

27West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). DCR Prisoner Search.  wv.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/ois/offendersearch/doc>

28Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. (2023, May 10). Kanawha County Warrants. kawawhasheriff.us. Retrieved May 10, 2023 <https://www.kanawhasheriff.us/law-enforcement/warrants/>

29Federal Trade Commission. (2023, May). Fair Credit Reporting Act. ftc.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act>

30Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2023). EEOC. EEOC.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://www.eeoc.gov>

31West Virginia State Police. (2023). West Virginia Sex Offender Registry. wv.gov. Retrieved May 7, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/StatePolice/SexOffender/#Basic>

32National Sex Offender Public Website. (2023). NSOPW. nsopw.gov. Retrieved May 7, 2023 <https://www.nsopw.gov>

33United States Department of Justice. (2023). DOJ. justice.gov. Retrieved May 11, 2023 <https://www.justice.gov/contact-us>

34Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2023). File a Charge of Discrimination EEOC. eeoc.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination>

35West Virginia Legislature. (2022, January 24). HB 4354 Ban the Box Act. wvlegislature.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=HB4354%20INTR.htm&yr=2022&sesstype=RS&i=4354>

36West Virginia Legislature. (2020). WV Code 61-11-26. wvlegislature.gov. Retrieved May 8, 2023 <http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/chapterentire.cfm?chap=61&art=11&section=26>

37Inmate Search. (2023) West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender/Search>

38Inmate Search. (2023) West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender/Details?Id=Kd5ouSTceDyGT6HuWS4P38cbDdV4OBAQkYFyNPnL4ukhceNOGT2l%2B76mqEZ70Mv6eExSGTHdQuWtwn%2BfRgUrpPRZQ31q5xKXM6s7q4msBd7%2B1M4TqnyV9LrNPB0VSw360Ng1zWVPfb2aM6mK1c5Cg7zxt2DLqJcyXIBva7VMlK0%3D>

39West Virginia Judiciary. (n.d.). Pleasants County. Retrieved May 07, 2024, from <https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/pleasants>

40Offender Search. (2023) West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/DOC/Offender/Search>

41Offender Search. (2023) West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/DOC/Offender/Details?Id=a1SwhdZ9euwP6ytCpeT8rKMdLU3O47BvlkU%2FRRkZfM2lQ6Qf66dRshQnMRK%2FJiiA9%2BL9RwzdYfHdAQiUwCnTHIXHJs6FhHN%2F3D%2BElKZ6ES26sopGv4vCxkKSTTrAkt81apAfrECoCOCrEkN5w5U1qluQ1UnwziYfJlqSLseAyy8%3D>

42Resident Offenders. (2023) West Virginia State Police. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/StatePolice/SexOffender/OffenderSearch/BasicSearch?SearchBy=LastName&SearchText=Smith&County=>

43Offender Details. (2023) West Virginia State Police. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://apps.wv.gov/StatePolice/SexOffender/OffenderDetails?sid=1379040>

44National Sex Offender Search. (2023) Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2023 <https://www.nsopw.gov/en/Search/Results>