West Virginia Arrest Records: Search Mugshots & Criminal Records (2024)

How to Look Up Criminal Records in West Virginia

Under WVCode 15-2-24(d), law enforcement agencies will supply upon request, a person’s criminal records and arrest records to any private citizen. The state keeps a central repository of all state criminal records for the state and all forms of law enforcement feed into them with daily records. All arrest record requests are processed via fingerprints. A requestor may need a consent form before obtaining a copy of someone’s arrest records. They can call the state for more information on how to obtain criminal background checks and arrest records.

Are West Virginia Arrest Records Public?

Yes. WVlaw honors the Freedom of Information Act by allowing the general public access to criminal and arrest records. They provide offender search reports upon request based on fingerprint data. The state does not offer online services, everything has to be done in person, and sometimes people will need a consent form for the subject of their inquiry.

Victims & Offenders by Gender and Race

Offenders by Gender

Victims by Gender

Offenders by Race

White74%
Black or African American18%
Unknown8%
Native Hawaiian0%
Offenders w/ reported race3,562

Victims by Race

White83%
Black or African American11%
Unknown5%
Native Hawaiian0%
Victims w/ reported race3,765

What Information Does WV Arrest Records Report Include?

West Virginia Arrest Records: Search Mugshots & Criminal Records (1)

West Virginia arrest records are informative. Along with general data like West Virginia mugshots, name, address, phone, gender, race, height, weight, and fingerprints, they also contain someone’s entire arrest history. Each arrest will include the date of the arrest, time, arresting officer’s name, arresting agency, the charges, and disposition. Also included will be booking details, bail or bond posted associated with the charges and any pleas. Sometimes even attorney names, other accomplices and any vehicles involved will also be on there.

West Virginia Police Report and Mugshots

Are West Virginia Police Reports Public Record?

Yes, according to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B–1 et seq., police reports in West Virginia are public records, and you can obtain them very easily. The West Virginia state police have a website where you can use a single form to order either a police report or crash report. If you order a police report, you will need a few details like:

  • Name of person(s) involved.
  • Location of the event.
  • The date and ideally the time of the incident.
  • Type of crime/event.

Reports cost only $20, but if you want to order video or audiotapes, that will cost an additional $50. You can also get crime scene photos for $25 (per set). Some of the information you can find in a police report is:

  • The suspect’s name.
  • The date and time of the incident.
  • Whether or not the person was arrested.
  • Other offender names.
  • A detailed description of what happened.
  • Photographs taken at the scene.
  • Witness testimony.
  • Name, contact info, and badge number of the officer in charge.

West Virginia Mugshots

Mugshots in the U.S. were first used in the late 1800s. French policeman Alphonse Bertillon invented them and perfected the pose, lighting, and background. He decided upon two shots (a side view and a front view) with the suspect holding a placard with their name, booking ID, and other information on it. Modern-day mugshots rarely have these cards anymore.

West Virginia mugshots do not follow any standard style, and the backgrounds can vary from gray, white, and green. The person may be photographed in front of a brick wall or other structure. They are also wearing their street clothes. Mugshots in West Virginia are easily found online in jail lookups in most county websites.

West Virginia Arrest Booking Process

West Virginia police officers have the right to arrest someone whom they witness committing a crime, have probable cause that the person did commit a crime or with an arrest warrant. Upon arrest and being read their Miranda rights, the suspect will be handcuffed and taken to the local county jail for processing.

The booking process may consist of the following:

  • Mugshots.
  • Fingerprinting.
  • A full body search.
  • Possibly a medical exam.
  • All their personal belongings will be confiscated and inventories and held for them until release.
  • Possibly a DNA swab.
  • Police will question the suspect to obtain basic information like their name, address, date of birth, etc.

Bail may or may not be set depending on whether or not the suspect can see the magistrate. If they do, they may be able to secure a bond and get released until their trial. Otherwise, they will remain in custody until their trial.

Violent Crime Rates for the last 10 years

The crime rate has increased over the past decade in West Virginia, going from 2,157 crimes in 2006 to 2,384 by 12% higher than it was back in 2006. The largest percentage of violent crimes falls into the Aggravated Assault category, with Revised Rape being the least popular crime in the state.

West Virginia Violent Crime Rate Change

Arrest Law

West Virginia Arrest Records: Search Mugshots & Criminal Records (2)

WVpolice officers can arrest someone with a warrant. They can also arrest someone without a warrant when the officer believes that an offense has been committed and the suspect committed it. Officers can arrest someone when a crime has been committed in their presence. West Virginia police officers can also arrest someone when they know a felony has been committed and they have probable cause to believe that someone has committed it or someone else has given them credible information that the person committed the crime.

Who Has a Power of Arrest?

Any peace officer in this statecan arrest someone. This list includes state police, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, any municipal police officer and also campus police officers. Any of these have the authority to arrest someone within the state with a valid arrest warrant or without a warrant in certain circumstances. Any private citizen can also arrest someone in the state when they witness a felony being committed or they are aware that one was committed and who did it.

How Long Will an Arrest Report Stay on West Virginia StateRecords?

Many arrests will remain on a public record forever in West Virginia. Arrests and charges that were dismissed or the person was found not guilty, can be expunged. Offenders must wait at least 60 days before applying to have their records expunged. If they were convicted, they must wait at least a year before applying to have their records expunged. They must file in the court where they were sentenced. Only certain crimes are eligible, and others will stay on a criminal record forever.

Can you Expunge your Records?

Yes. In West Virginia arrests and some convictions can be expunged after complying with a whole list of requirements. If the person was arrested but never convicted, they could apply 60 days after the incident. If they were convicted of a minor crime, they can apply after a year. Felonies cannot be expunged unless they first get a full and complete pardon from the governor.

The Arrest Rate in West Virginia

West Virginia Arrest Records: Search Mugshots & Criminal Records (3)

For the last year reported, 2016, WVreported 15,858 arrests. The most significant number of them (6,311) were for property crimes, another 3,958 were for larceny-theft, 1,957 were for burglary, 1,592 were for violent crime, and 1,372 were for aggravated assault.

State Offender and Victim Age Group Statistics

Most of the violent crime offenders in West Virginia were 20-29 and the largest percentage of violent crime victims were 20-29.

Offender Age

Unknown9.4%
0-90.3%
10-199.9%
20-2929.1%
30-3924.3%
40-4914.5%
50-598.6%
60-692.7%
70-790.7%
80-890.1%
90-990.2%
Offenders w/ reported age5,164

Victim Age

0-98.7%
10-1914.7%
20-2925.4%
30-3921.1%
40-4915.0%
50-598.9%
60-693.7%
70-791.7%
80-890.5%
90-990.2%
Victims w/ reported age5,341

Crime Victim Demographics

In most of the crime cases the offender was an acquaintance.

Victim’s Relationship to the Offender

Acquaintance1,223
Stranger797
Boyfriend/Girlfriend757
Relationship Unknown709
Otherwise Known550
Child470
Spouse337
Other Family Member193
Parent169
Friend150

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West Virginia Arrest Records by Type of Crime

The popular arrests for 2017 in West Virginia was for All Other Offenses (except traffic) - 11,734, the same popularity of the arrest type was seen in Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona. The least popularity had Curfew and Loitering Law Violations arrests - with only 18 crimes a year.

Arrest TypeUnder 18All agesTotal arrests
Violent Crime571,8321,889
Property Crime1625,0775,239
Rape9103112
Robbery6123129
Aggravated Assault421,5751,617

Show More

West Virginia Arrest Records: Search Mugshots & Criminal Records (2024)

FAQs

How to look up arrest records in WV? ›

Residents can request records by forwarding criminal record requests to the West Virginia State Police. The West Virginia circuit and district courts where criminal cases were filed also provide access to criminal records. County sheriffs and jails also provide access to copies of criminal records and information.

How to find out if someone is in jail in West Virginia? ›

To find offenders incarcerated in state prisons, use the WV Prison Offender Search. Interested persons may query the database with an offender's last and first name, or an Offender ID (OID) number (the first four numbers, at least).

Are court records public in West Virginia? ›

Under state laws, West Virginia courts grant access to various public court records, including court proceedings and decrees.

What county is Central Regional Jail in WV? ›

About the Facility

The Central Regional Jail and Corrections Facility is located in Flatwoods, just off of Interstate 79 in Braxton County. The facility formally opened on February 22, 1993 and was the prototype of the state-of-the-art podular design that is present throughout all of the West Virginia Regional Jails.

Where can I view local mugshots for free? ›

Visit your state's department of corrections website.

Every state in the U.S. should have a website, and you can use the inmate locator to find information about the prisoner. Some states will also publish mugshots. Type “your state” and “department of corrections” into your favorite web browser.

Is West Virginia an open record state? ›

(a) Every person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by section four of this article.

How do you check if someone you know went to jail? ›

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the single repository for inmate records incarcerated in state-owned facilities. The CDCR provides access to these records via an inmate search tool on its website.

How can I find out if my boyfriend is in jail? ›

Call the county jail or clerk of courts office for information. Speaking directly with a county jail officer or clerk can help you obtain the information you're looking for, especially if you don't have access to online records.

How to check for warrants in West Virginia? ›

Free Warrant Search in West Virginia

Researchers can find warrant information for free through the county sheriff's official website. For example, the Marshall County Sheriff's Office has an online active warrants list available to all persons in and outside the county.

Can you record police in West Virginia? ›

Video Recording Law

While you can legally record video in public places without consent, if a person asks you to stop recording them, you should stop. The exception to this rule is recording police officers doing their job. However, if your recording is interfering with their job, this is when it becomes an issue.

Can you look up divorce records in West Virginia? ›

Remarks: Certified copies of divorce orders may be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

Who keeps the official records of each county in West Virginia? ›

The County Clerk is elected by the voters of each county of West Virginia to act as the Fiscal Officer of the County Commission and to serve as the Receiver of fees charged for instruments filed and recorded at the County Courthouse, among many other duties.

How do I find someone in West Virginia jail? ›

Locating an inmate in West Virginia can be done by following these simple steps: First access the WV DOC online inmate search tool and enter the required information to initiate the search. Typically, you will need to provide either the inmate's first and last name or their WV DOC identification number.

How many state prisons are in West Virginia? ›

The Prison System

As of December 31, 2020, the number of prisoners under the jurisdiction of West Virginia correctional authorities was 6,044 located in 12 state prisons and held in custody of private prisons or local jails.

What county is WV Penitentiary in? ›

After serving the state for 129 years, the penitentiary was closed in 1995, when a new facility was constructed in Mount Olive, Fayette County.

Do I have a warrant for my arrest in WV? ›

Generally, warrant information in West Virginia is available through local law enforcement agencies and third-party aggregate search services.

How to get a background check in WV? ›

West Virginia Residents

If you are located in WV, you may schedule an appointment for a background check with IdentoGo (formerly L1 Solutions) online at http://www.identogo.com or you may schedule via telephone at (855) 766-7746.

How do I find someone's arrest record in PA? ›

Criminal Court Records & Criminal History Records

Pennsylvania criminal history information may be obtained using the state's web-based application dubbed PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) or by submitting a request form to the police department in person or via mail.

How do I find public arrest records in Indiana? ›

Requestors that need to access criminal records may consider a subscription to the Indiana State Government's Account Center. Criminal records are available to subscribers at $15. In addition to the online request service, criminal case files are available with the clerk of court in Indiana counties.

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