West Virginia Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in West Virginia

Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), warrants are considered public records in the state of West Virginia. The WVFOIA, codified under §29B-1-1 et seq. of the West Virginia Code, establishes that government records, including those pertaining to law enforcement activities such as warrants, shall be accessible to the public to promote transparency and governmental accountability.

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has consistently upheld the principle that public access to warrant information serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in judicial proceedings and ensuring public safety. Citizens may access warrant information through various official channels established by state and local authorities.

Public access to warrant records enables individuals to:

Monitor law enforcement activities within their communities
Verify the legal status of individuals for employment or housing purposes
Conduct due diligence in personal or professional relationships
Exercise their right to be informed about judicial proceedings

It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by court order under specific circumstances as provided in §62-1A-8, particularly when premature disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved in the case.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in West Virginia

Warrant records maintained by West Virginia courts and law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information as prescribed by §62-1A-4 of the West Virginia Code. These records generally include the following elements:

Subject identification: Full legal name of the individual named in the warrant, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
Case information: Docket number, issuing court, and date of issuance
Judicial authority: Name of the magistrate or judge who issued the warrant
Legal basis: Specific allegations, charges, or violations that prompted the warrant's issuance, including relevant statutes
Warrant type: Classification as arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or other specialized warrant
Bond information: Amount and conditions of bail, if applicable
Service status: Whether the warrant remains active or has been executed
Officer information: Identification of law enforcement personnel authorized to execute the warrant

The West Virginia Judiciary maintains standardized formats for warrant documentation to ensure consistency across jurisdictions within the state.

How to Check For Warrants in West Virginia For Free

Members of the public may verify warrant status in West Virginia without incurring fees through several official channels. The West Virginia Code §62-1A-2 provides for public access to warrant information, though methods may vary by jurisdiction.

Free warrant verification methods include:

County courthouse terminals: Public access computers are available at county courthouses during regular business hours for conducting warrant searches through the Magistrate Case Record Search system.
Sheriff's office inquiries: Most county sheriff's departments provide warrant information upon in-person request at their administrative offices.
Online resources: Several counties maintain searchable warrant databases on their official websites, such as the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search portal.
Telephone verification: Some jurisdictions permit telephone inquiries regarding warrant status, though identification verification protocols may apply.

West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
Building 1, Room E-100
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2601
West Virginia Judiciary

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in West Virginia in 2025

As of 2025, individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in West Virginia may utilize several official verification methods established under the state's public records laws.

The most reliable methods for warrant verification include:

Direct court inquiry: Individuals may contact the magistrate court clerk in the county where they believe a warrant might have been issued. Court clerks can conduct searches using the Magistrate Record Search system.
County sheriff verification: Sheriff's departments maintain warrant databases and can verify warrant status upon presentation of proper identification. Many departments now offer online verification through their official websites.
West Virginia State Police: The State Police maintain a centralized database of warrants issued throughout the state and can provide verification services.
Regional Jail Authority: The West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority maintains records of individuals with active warrants who may be subject to detention.

West Virginia State Police Headquarters
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 746-2100
West Virginia State Police

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding state holidays

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in West Virginia

Pursuant to §62-1A-3 of the West Virginia Code, citizens may verify outstanding warrant status through established governmental channels. The verification process is designed to provide accurate information while maintaining the integrity of law enforcement operations.

Comprehensive warrant verification methods include:

County-level searches: Each of West Virginia's 55 counties maintains warrant records through their respective sheriff's departments and magistrate courts. Individuals may conduct county-specific searches by contacting these offices directly.
Statewide database access: The West Virginia Court System provides limited public access to its Magistrate Case Record Search system, which includes information on active warrants.
Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation: The Offender Search portal maintained by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation includes information on individuals with active warrants who may be subject to incarceration.
Legal representation: Licensed attorneys have enhanced access to warrant databases and can conduct comprehensive searches on behalf of clients.

West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1409 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-2036
Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants issued within West Virginia's jurisdiction are administered separately from state and local warrants, pursuant to federal statutes and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. These warrants are typically executed by federal law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other federal authorities.

To conduct a federal warrant search in West Virginia:

U.S. District Courts: The Northern and Southern District Courts of West Virginia maintain records of federal warrants issued within their respective jurisdictions. Public terminals at these courthouses provide limited access to non-sealed warrant information.
U.S. Marshals Service: As the primary agency responsible for executing federal warrants, the U.S. Marshals Service offices in Charleston and Clarksburg can provide verification of certain warrant information.
PACER System: The federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system contains information on federal cases, including some warrant information, though access requires registration and may involve fees.
Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI field offices in West Virginia may provide limited information regarding federal warrants in certain circumstances.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse
300 Virginia Street East, Room 2400
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 347-3000
Southern District of West Virginia

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding federal holidays

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
P.O. Box 1518
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 636-1445
Northern District of West Virginia

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding federal holidays