How to Find and Access West Virginia Arrest Records

West Virginia arrest records are public according to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which means they can be searched by anyone and the state must release information when it is requested. Some records may have been expunged, which means they can not be released, but all others are subject to public view by request.

Employers must submit a special form WVSP 39 which is completed and signed by the prospective employee. This form allows the West Virginia state police to release a criminal background check on the person who completes the form. In other words, the prospective employee must agree to let an employer conduct a West Virginia criminal background check in order for the check to be released. More information and forms may be obtained from the West Virginia Criminal Records Section by calling (304) 746-2170.

Information Available

The information contained in arrest records may vary from individual to individual. A person with a long criminal history will have more entries in his or her record. Records on West Virginia arrests can contain any or all of the following information, depending on individual history:

•    Legal name
•    Birth date and age
•    Known addresses
•    Known work addresses
•    West Virginia registered sex offender information
•    West Virginia criminal convictions
•    West Virginia driving violations
•    Court dispositions, if available
•    Fines and probation information
•    Federal criminal records

Inmate Records

Current West Virginia inmate information is available through a simple search portal (http://www.wvrja.com/puboffsearch/offsearch.asp). Enter the offender’s last name and first name and hit 'search.' West Virginia prisoner information includes name, height, weight, birth date, booking date, jail or prison location, and mug shot. Anyone who has been arrested in West Virginia and held at a facility will come up in the database search.

If a West Virginia arrest results in an acquittal or dismissal of the case, the person may request that their record be expunged (sealed and erased). Only certain criminals may have their records sealed from public view, and the person must follow a detailed process. People who have not been convicted of another crime in West Virginia and who are acquitted of the current charges may make the request. In addition, the identity of juveniles must be kept confidential, so if the record involves a young offender names and identifying information may be blacked out or eliminated.

Sex Offender Information

The West Virginia Sex Offender Registry may be searched by visiting http://www.wvstatepolice.com/sexoff/. Only level 3 sex offenders and certain level 2 sex offenders are listed in the search directory. The Sex Offender Registration Act allows for the electronic release of information to the general public and there is no charge to search.

If your West Virginia arrest records search reveals information which might be helpful to the police in order to prevent crime or prosecute offenders, you may submit a tip to the police online by visiting https://www.wvcrime.com:8443/Reporter/menu.wvcrime. Non-emergency criminal acts and ongoing investigations are all reasons to submit tips to the West Virginia Crime Reduction and Information Management website.