Warrant records are public documents in Grant County, West Virginia, pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code §29B-1-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including judicial documents such as warrants, subject to specific exemptions outlined in the statute. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records.
In Grant County, warrant records are maintained by the Grant County Circuit Clerk's Office and the Grant County Magistrate Court. These records document judicial actions and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Pursuant to West Virginia Code §51-4-2, the Circuit Clerk is designated as the official custodian of court records, including warrants issued within the jurisdiction.
Members of the public seeking warrant information should note that while these records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or violate privacy protections established under West Virginia Code §29B-1-4.
Warrant records maintained by Grant County judicial offices typically contain the following information as prescribed by West Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure:
The specific content of warrant records may vary based on the type of warrant issued (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the circumstances of the case. All warrant records must comply with documentation requirements established in West Virginia Code §62-1A-1 through §62-1A-10.
Grant County residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established under West Virginia public records laws:
Visit the Grant County Magistrate Court located at 5 Highland Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847. Public terminals are available for searching basic case information during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
Contact the Grant County Circuit Clerk's Office at (304) 257-4550 to inquire about warrant status. Staff can provide limited information over the telephone in accordance with West Virginia Code §51-4-2.
Utilize the West Virginia Magistrate Case Record Search system, which provides basic case information for matters filed in magistrate courts throughout the state.
Visit the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 5 Highland Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847 to request information about active warrants. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of unexecuted warrants within the jurisdiction.
Pursuant to West Virginia Code §29B-1-3, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document copies but not for the search or inspection of public records.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants issued within Grant County jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued by Grant County courts authorizing the Sheriff's Office to take specific actions, including:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants in accordance with West Virginia Code §62-1A-4, which requires proper documentation and tracking of all judicial orders. The Grant County Sheriff's Office is located at:
Grant County Sheriff's Office
5 Highland Avenue
Petersburg, WV 26847
(304) 257-1818
www.grantcountysheriffwv.com
Law enforcement officials execute warrants according to procedures established in West Virginia Code §62-1A-5, which governs the manner and timing of warrant service to ensure both public safety and protection of individual rights.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Grant County may utilize several official channels established by West Virginia judicial authorities:
Access the West Virginia Judiciary's online case information system to search for cases by name. This system provides basic information about court proceedings, including warrant status in many instances.
Contact the Grant County Magistrate Court directly at (304) 257-4531. Court personnel can verify warrant status when provided with proper identifying information pursuant to West Virginia Code §51-2-15.
Consult with a licensed West Virginia attorney who can conduct a thorough search of court records on your behalf. Attorney inquiries receive priority processing under local court rules.
Visit the Grant County Circuit Clerk's Office in person at 5 Highland Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847. Photo identification is required for in-person inquiries regarding warrant status.
Submit a written request to the Grant County Prosecutor's Office at 5 Highland Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847, including your full legal name, date of birth, and current contact information.
Individuals with active warrants are advised that appearing at law enforcement facilities may result in immediate arrest. Legal counsel should be consulted prior to taking action regarding an outstanding warrant.
Grant County maintains several mechanisms for verifying outstanding warrant status in compliance with West Virginia Code §51-4-2, which governs public access to court records:
The Magistrate Court Record Search provides limited information about cases filed in Grant County Magistrate Court, including some warrant information.
The Grant County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains comprehensive records of all warrants issued by Circuit Court judges. These records may be inspected in person at 5 Highland Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a database of individuals with outstanding warrants who have previous involvement with the correctional system.
Professional background check services contracted by the county may provide warrant information for employment or housing purposes in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and West Virginia Code §15-2C-1.
Pursuant to West Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4(c)(3), warrant information may be sealed or restricted in certain circumstances, particularly when disclosure might compromise public safety or the integrity of an ongoing investigation.