Randolph County Arrest Records

Law enforcement officers in Randolph County, West Virginia, may arrest individuals observed committing a crime or reasonably suspected of doing so (West Virginia Code § 62-1). Offenses are classified as felonies, misdemeanors, or ordinance violations.

These documents are created and maintained by the arresting agency and serve as the initial record for criminal prosecution, often containing key arrest details. County arrest records may be incorporated into broader public records, such as Randolph County court records, especially when charges are formally filed and proceedings commence. Additionally, these files may be referenced in documents maintained by the West Virginia State Police’s Criminal Identification Bureau or the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Are Arrest Records Public in Randolph County?

Yes, Arrest records are generally public in Randolph County, West Virginia, under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1). However, certain records or portions of records may be exempt under specific statutory provisions. These statutory exemptions include files that show any of the following information:

• Personal privacy
• Law enforcement records
• Trade secrets
• Internal government memos
• Test/employment exam materials
• Financial institution reports
• Concealed carry permits
• Historic/archaeological site locations
• Corrections/jail security blueprints/plans
• Terrorism/security records
• National security information
• Officer personal information
• Public utility designs.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Publicly accessible portions of a Randolph County arrest record typically include the following:

• The arrestee’s full name
• Date and time of the arrest
• Arrest location
• Arresting agency
• Offense(s) charged at the time of arrest
• Booking date and time
• Mugshot or booking photo (if not exempted)
• Case number or incident report number
• Custody or detention facility information
• Bond or bail amount, if applicable.

Randolph County Arrest Statistics

Per the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), Randolph County, West Virginia, recorded 284 arrests over the past two years. The most significant portion, 94 arrests (33%), fell under the "All Other Offenses" category. Drug and narcotic offenses accounted for 65 arrests (23%).

Larceny and aggravated assault followed closely, with 48 arrests (17%) and 46 arrests (16%) respectively. Arrests for driving under the influence stood at 29 (10%), while 24 arrests (8%) were made for simple assault and 19 arrests (7%) for disorderly conduct. Property-related offenses, such as destruction of property and burglary, resulted in 13 arrests (5%) and nine arrests (3%), respectively. The remainder involved low-frequency crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, weapon law violations, and isolated cases of homicide, arson, and sex offenses.

Find Randolph County Arrest Records

To locate arrest records or verify the custody status of an individual in Randolph County, West Virginia, record seekers should first contact the police department responsible for the arrest. This will usually be a county police department or the Sheriff’s Office. If the Sheriff’s Office made the arrest, inquiries can be directed to the office via (304) 636-2100. Requests are typically handled during standard business hours and may require the following specific identifying information:

• Full name of the arrestee
• Date of birth (if available)
• Date and location of the incident
• Requester’s contact details
• Valid government-issued ID (for restricted files).

Suppose the arrestee was detained before a court appearance. In that case, the search should begin with the arresting agency or the agency's jail facility.

However, if the individual was remanded following arraignment, inquiries may be directed to the Tygart Valley Regional Jail and Correctional Facility by phone at (304) 637-0382. Additionally, the jail maintains an online inmate search feature. To use it, users need to enter at least the first three letters of the arrestee's last name, complete the CAPTCHA, and click "search". This tool provides basic custody/arrest details for current detainees.

Free Arrest Record Search in Randolph County

Randolph County arrest records may be reviewed at no cost through the inmate search tool managed by the Tygart Valley Regional Jail and Correctional Facility. This tool offers direct access to information on individuals presently held in custody.

To search, users should enter at least the first three letters of the individual's last name, complete the CAPTCHA prompt, and select the "search" option to generate results. Additional case-specific information can be viewed by clicking the "More Info" link attached to each matching entry. The database generally includes key details such as the date of booking, case number, facility location, and the arrestee's current custody status.

Alternatively, third-party websites provide searchable databases that may include county arrest details. These platforms frequently aggregate public files from many jurisdictions and may offer basic information at no cost. However, comprehensive reports or expanded access may require payment.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely, There is no specific time limit for the automatic removal of arrest records in Randolph County. County law enforcement follows state retention schedules but also transmits arrest data to state and federal repositories, including the West Virginia State Police and the FBI, which maintain records permanently unless otherwise directed.

The only lawful method for removing an arrest from a criminal record is a court-ordered expungement or record sealing. Without this relief, arrest records may remain accessible indefinitely and continue to appear in background checks conducted by public agencies or employers.

Expunge Randolph County Arrest Records

Randolph County arrest records may be expunged under West Virginia Code §61-11-26. Expungement relief applies to specific misdemeanor and nonviolent felony convictions, subject to the following statutory conditions:

For a single misdemeanor:

• At least one year has passed since the petitioner's conviction, incarceration, or supervision.
• For multiple misdemeanors:
• At least two years have passed since the last applicable event (conviction, incarceration, or supervision).

For nonviolent felonies:

• At least five years have passed since the petitioner's conviction, incarceration, or supervision.
• All convictions must arise from the same transaction or series of transactions.

The following cases are categorically ineligible for expungement if they involve:

• Any felony of violence or misdemeanor involving physical injury to a minor or law enforcement
• Sex-related offenses.
• Use of a deadly weapon in the offense.
• DUI or related driving offenses.
• Domestic violence against certain classes of victims, as defined in §61-2-9 and §61-2-28(c).
• Any conviction explicitly excluded in §61-11-26(c).

(Note: A petitioner may obtain expungement only once under this statute).

Eligible persons should file a petition in the Circuit Court where the conviction occurred. The petition should include identifying information, offense details, evidence of rehabilitation, and all relevant court orders.

Copies of the petition should be sent to all the following parties:

• County Prosecutor
• Arresting Law Enforcement Agency
• Superintendent of State Police
• Correctional Authority (if applicable)
• Victims (via prosecutor)

Any agency or victim may file a notice of opposition within 30 days, and the petitioner may reply within 30 days of service. Within 60 days of filing, the court will grant, return, deny, or set a hearing. All records are sealed if granted, and agencies will expunge and certify compliance within 60 days. All orders are sealed. The conviction is deemed never to have occurred (West Virginia Code §61-11-26).

Randolph County Arrest Warrants

In Randolph County, arrest warrants generally authorize law enforcement to detain individuals suspected of committing crimes. A judge issues a warrant based on an affidavit showing probable cause (W. Va. Code § 62-1-2). Warrants are typically issued when a crime is committed, and the suspect is not present for arrest or fails to appear in court. They allow legal detention and entry into specified premises if needed.

An arrest warrant usually contains the following information:

• The suspect's name or identifying details
• Alleged offense
• Date of issuance
• Name and signature of the issuing judge
• Court jurisdiction
• Instructions for execution

Do Randolph County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Randolph County arrest warrants do not expire. They remain active until executed or quashed by the court. Factors that may affect the validity of the arrest warrant include the death of the accused, recall by the court, or case dismissal. Warrants for serious offenses may persist indefinitely.