West Virginia Arrest Records: Search Mugshots & Criminal Records (2025)

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

Show More

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 (2025)

FAQs

How do I look up an arrest record 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.

Are police reports public record in WV? ›

No. Police records are public records in West Virginia, which means that anyone can request access to them. However, you will need to fill out a public records request form and pay any associated fees.

How to find out if someone is in jail in WV? ›

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).

Can I look up local arrests? ›

Yes. Members of the public can access information about recent arrests ("arrest logs") from a local law enforcement agency's website for free. However, anyone requesting a copy of an arrest record or report from such agencies must pay the associated fee, which differs by agency.

Are arrest warrants public record in WV? ›

Hence, warrants come within the statutory definition of public records created, owned, and maintained by a government body. Per rule 48 of the Rules of Juvenile Procedure (W. Va.

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. (b) A request to inspect or copy any public record of a public body shall be made directly to the custodian of such public record.

Are local police records public? ›

You can now request these records under the Public Records Act ("PRA") — a law that gives the public the right to see the non-confidential documents of our state and local government agencies.

Are court records public in WV? ›

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

Do you have to identify yourself to the police in WV? ›

You may display your driver's license or provide your name and date of birth so that they can check your license status. Yes you do have to identify yourself if they are going to issue a ticket even though there is no Stop and ID law. Otherwise you will get an Obstruction Charge.

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

Members of the public who wish to obtain records of inmates incarcerated in county or city jails may contact the local arresting agency. Most local jail administrators provide inmate information on their website for each public access.

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

Search the county website's law enforcement databases (if available). Some county jail websites have searchable databases of the people being held there. Usually, you don't need anything more than a person's name to search the database.

What is grand larceny in WV? ›

(a) If a person commits simple larceny of goods or chattels of the value of $1,000 or more, such person is guilty of a felony, designated grand larceny, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary not less than one nor more than ten years, or, in the discretion of the court, be confined in ...

What is the best free public records search? ›

Therefore, it is possible to search for public records for free on PACER so long as you do not use the resource too much. To search for documents on PACER, log in and use the search function. If you know what you are looking for, go to the "court links" page and search for your case that way.

Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned? ›

When USA customs scan your passports they do not see criminal history/records. They only see criminal records if they investigate further like secondary inspection or suspect foul play when crossing.

Is search public records.com legit? ›

Search Public Records is headquartered in Santa Barbara, Ca and has team members all over the United States. To learn more information about the detailed background reports, visit our Why Search Public Records?

How far back does a background check go in WV? ›

How far back a West Virginia background check can go is controlled by the FCRA and West Virginia's state laws. The FCRA includes a seven-year time limitation for reporting the following types of information for jobs offering salaries of less than $75,000 per year: Liens. Civil lawsuits.

How do I look up traffic tickets in West Virginia? ›

Traffic court records in West Virginia can be obtained by using the search option on the West Virginia Judiciary website. It is also possible to find particular records by visiting the website of the courthouse where the case was heard and searching on there.

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 6679

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.