>Putnam County Arrest Records Online

Putnam County, West Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Putnam County, West Virginia?

Arrest records are public in Putnam County, West Virginia, pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), codified in W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq. This legislation establishes that all public records maintained by government agencies, including those related to arrests by law enforcement entities within the county, shall be accessible to the general public unless specifically exempted by statute. The WVFOIA operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability within the criminal justice system.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may access these documents through various county agencies, including the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and the Putnam County Clerk's Office. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records, subject to certain limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations and individual privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office
236 Courthouse Drive
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0256
Putnam County Sheriff's Office

Putnam County Clerk's Office
12093 Winfield Road
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0202
Putnam County Clerk's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Putnam County?

Arrest records in Putnam County are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The digital accessibility of these records is authorized under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, which permits public agencies to provide electronic access to public records. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a comprehensive offender search database that includes information on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision.

The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority provides daily updates on inmate populations, including those from Putnam County. Additionally, the Putnam County Magistrate Court offers online access to case records, which often include information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Digital access to these records is subject to the same statutory exemptions that apply to physical records. Certain information may be redacted to protect sensitive details such as social security numbers, medical information, and information related to juvenile offenders as specified in W. Va. Code § 49-5-101.

How to Look Up Putnam County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Putnam County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several methods established by county and state authorities. The following procedures are available for accessing arrest record information:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors must complete a Public Records Request Form and may be required to present valid identification.
The Putnam County Circuit Court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in formal charges. These records can be accessed through the court clerk's office or via the West Virginia Judiciary's online case management system.
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section provides statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Putnam County, through their Criminal Identification Bureau.
The Magistrate Case Record Search portal allows users to search for cases by name, which often includes information about arrests and charges.

Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 15-2C-1, certain arrest records related to sexual offenses are accessible through the West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry. Fees for record searches vary by agency and method of access, with standard fees for certified copies typically ranging from $5 to $25 per record.

Putnam County Circuit Court
12093 Winfield Road
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0230
Putnam County Circuit Court

West Virginia State Police - Criminal Records Section
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2100
West Virginia State Police

Contents of a Putnam County Arrest Record

Putnam County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by W. Va. Code § 15-2-24, which establishes uniform crime reporting requirements. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information including fingerprints and booking photographs
Case number and court docket information
Custody status and bail or bond information
Disposition of the case if available

The West Virginia Criminal Justice Information Act, W. Va. Code § 15-2C-1 et seq., governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information. This legislation ensures that arrest records maintain a consistent format while protecting certain sensitive information from public disclosure.

Law enforcement agencies in Putnam County utilize the Law Enforcement Information System to document and store arrest information. This system interfaces with state and federal databases to maintain comprehensive records that serve both law enforcement and public information purposes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Putnam County

The expungement of arrest records in Putnam County is governed by W. Va. Code § 61-11-25, which provides a legal mechanism for the removal of certain arrest records from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances, including:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges within one year
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of one to two years
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a five-year waiting period
Arrests resulting from mistaken identity or false accusation

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Putnam County Circuit Court. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(c), the petition must include certified copies of relevant court records, criminal history reports, and a verification that all applicable waiting periods have been satisfied.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement. The prosecuting attorney and any victims have the right to appear and contest the petition. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal or remove the records from public access, though certain law enforcement and judicial entities may retain access to the sealed records for specific purposes as outlined in W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(f).

Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
236 Courthouse Drive, Suite 1
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0205
Putnam County Prosecutor