>Jefferson County Arrest Records Online

Jefferson County, West Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County, West Virginia?

Arrest records are public in Jefferson County, West Virginia, pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government documents, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has consistently upheld the public's right to access judicial records, including those pertaining to arrests, as part of maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available for public inspection.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County arrest records can be accessed online through several official platforms. The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority maintains a database of current inmates that is updated regularly and includes individuals arrested in Jefferson County. Additionally, the West Virginia Judiciary provides access to court case information that may include arrest details.

The online availability of these records is governed by W. Va. Code § 51-4-2, which authorizes the maintenance of electronic court records. However, users should note that online records may not be comprehensive, as certain documents might only be available through in-person requests due to technological limitations or statutory restrictions.

Online access to arrest records is provided as a public service but does not constitute an official verification of an individual's criminal history. For complete and certified records, requestors must contact the appropriate county offices directly.

How to Look Up Jefferson County Arrest Records in 2025

Jefferson County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025:

Online Court Record Search: The Magistrate Case Record Search system allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or citation number. This system includes information on arrests that have resulted in court proceedings.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 102 Industrial Boulevard Kearneysville, WV 25430 Phone: (304) 728-3205 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's Office: Jefferson County Courthouse 100 East Washington Street Charles Town, WV 25414 Phone: (304) 728-3231 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Regional Jail Records: For individuals currently incarcerated, records may be obtained through the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail: Potomac Highlands Regional Jail 31 Novak Drive Augusta, WV 26704 Phone: (304) 496-1275

Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, requests for arrest records must be responded to within five business days. Fees for copies of records are established under W. Va. Code § 59-1-11 and may vary depending on the volume and format of records requested.

Contents of a Jefferson County Arrest Record

Jefferson County arrest records typically contain the following information as mandated by W. Va. Code § 15-2-24:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Bail or bond information
Court docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Detention facility information if applicable

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:

Social Security numbers
Medical information
Information related to confidential informants
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (unless ordered otherwise by a court)

The completeness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the arresting agency's protocols for record-keeping.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson County follows West Virginia state law regarding the expungement of arrest records. Under W. Va. Code § 61-11-25, individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically one year after completion of sentence)
Certain non-violent felony convictions (after a five-year waiting period)
First-time drug possession offenses under W. Va. Code § 60A-4-407

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Petitioners must:

Complete an Expungement Petition form
Provide a criminal background check from the West Virginia State Police
Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $200, though fee waivers may be available)
Attend a hearing before a circuit judge

If granted, expungement orders direct all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest. However, certain agencies may retain non-public records for law enforcement purposes as permitted under W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(f).

The Ranson Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies are required to comply with court-ordered expungements within 60 days of receiving the order.