Preston County, West Virginia Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Preston County, West Virginia?
Warrant records are public in Preston County, West Virginia, pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code §29B-1-1 et seq.). This legislation ensures that certain public records, including warrant information, remain accessible to citizens. The transparency provided by this access promotes accountability within the judicial system and enables residents to remain informed about legal proceedings that may affect them or their community.
In Preston County, as in other West Virginia jurisdictions, warrant records are available for public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order. When a warrant is sealed, this typically occurs due to ongoing investigations, matters involving juveniles, or other circumstances where confidentiality is deemed necessary by the court. The public availability of these records supports the principle of open government as established in West Virginia statutory law and helps maintain public trust in legal processes.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Preston County Magistrate Court, which maintains official documentation of warrants issued within the county jurisdiction.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Preston County?
Warrant records maintained by Preston County authorities typically contain the following information:
- The full legal name and identifying information of the individual for whom the warrant is issued
- Date and time of warrant issuance
- Nature and classification of the alleged offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Statutory citation of the violated law
- Name and title of the issuing judicial authority
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Specific instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
- Bail amount, if applicable
- Status designation (active, served, recalled, or quashed)
- Return of service information once executed
Pursuant to West Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4(c)(1), arrest warrants must be signed by the issuing magistrate and contain the defendant's name or description and the offense charged. Search warrants, governed by Rule 41, must particularly describe the property to be seized and the location to be searched.
How to Check For Warrants in Preston County For Free
Free searches of warrant records in Preston County are available through several official channels. The following methods provide public access to warrant information without charge:
- Visiting the Preston County Courthouse located at 106 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Contacting the Preston County Sheriff's Office at 304-329-1611 or visiting their office at 200 East Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Utilizing public access terminals available at the Preston County Clerk's Office
- Requesting information through the Preston County Magistrate Court, which maintains records of issued warrants
When conducting a warrant search, members of the public should be prepared to provide the full name of the individual and, if possible, additional identifying information such as date of birth to ensure accurate results.
Preston County Sheriff Warrants
Sheriff Warrants in Preston County are official legal documents issued by the Preston County Magistrate Court that authorize the Sheriff's Department to take specific law enforcement actions. These warrants fall into several categories:
- Arrest warrants: Authorize the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses
- Bench warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
- Search warrants: Permit the examination and seizure of property related to criminal investigations
- Civil warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters such as judgment enforcement
The Preston County Sheriff's Department is responsible for executing these warrants within county boundaries. Pursuant to W. Va. Code §62-1A-1 et seq., all warrants must be executed in accordance with constitutional requirements and state law. The Sheriff's Department maintains records of all warrants issued and their current status.
Preston County Sheriff's Office
200 East Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: 304-329-1611
Official Website
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Preston County in 2025
To determine whether a warrant exists in Preston County in 2025, individuals may utilize several official verification methods. The most reliable approach is to contact the Preston County judicial authorities directly through one of the following channels:
- Visit the Preston County Magistrate Court in person at 106 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Contact the Preston County Circuit Clerk's Office by telephone at 304-329-0033 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Consult the West Virginia Judiciary's online resources for available electronic record searches
- Request information from the Preston County Sheriff's Office at 304-329-1611
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can access court records on behalf of clients
Individuals should be aware that pursuant to W. Va. Code §62-1C-1 et seq., active warrants remain enforceable until served or recalled by judicial order. Verification of warrant status is advisable to avoid unexpected law enforcement encounters and to address any outstanding legal matters appropriately.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Preston County
A comprehensive search for outstanding warrants in Preston County is available through multiple official channels. Members of the public seeking this information may:
- Submit a records request at the Preston County Courthouse Records Division, located at 106 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Contact the Preston County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 304-329-1611
- Visit the Preston County Magistrate Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Access online records maintained by Preston County government offices
- Request information from the West Virginia State Police, which maintains a database of outstanding warrants statewide
When conducting a warrant search, requestors should provide the full legal name of the subject and, if possible, additional identifying information such as date of birth or social security number to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, certain administrative fees may apply for printed copies of warrant records, though viewing the information is typically available without charge.
Search Warrant Records in Preston County
The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) maintains records related to child support warrants that may be issued when individuals fail to comply with support orders. These specialized warrants are part of enforcement mechanisms authorized under W. Va. Code §48-14-1 et seq.
Bureau for Child Support Enforcement
350 Capitol Street, Room 147
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-3780
BCSE Official Website
For general warrant records in Preston County, the following resources are available:
