Warrant records in Taylor County, West Virginia are classified as public records 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 governmental records maintained by public bodies within the state, including those pertaining to arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants. The Taylor County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with state statutes.
Members of the public may access warrant information through established channels, subject to certain limitations prescribed by law. While the majority of warrant information is accessible, specific details may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights protected under W. Va. Code §29B-1-4, or potentially endanger law enforcement personnel.
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has consistently upheld the public's right to access judicial records, including warrants, as established in Daily Gazette Co. v. Committee on Legal Ethics (1986). This legal precedent reinforces transparency in the judicial system while balancing privacy concerns and law enforcement objectives.
Warrant records maintained by Taylor County authorities typically contain the following information:
• Full legal name of the subject (including aliases or known variations) • Date of birth and other identifying information • Physical description of the subject • Last known address • Nature of the alleged offense and corresponding statute • Case number and issuing court information • Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable) • Name of the issuing judge or magistrate • Bond amount (for arrest warrants) • Specific conditions related to the warrant's execution • Return of service information (for executed warrants)
The Taylor County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with W. Va. Code §51-4-3, which mandates proper documentation of all judicial proceedings. Records are indexed alphabetically and chronologically to facilitate efficient retrieval by authorized personnel and members of the public seeking information.
Taylor County residents and other interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established pursuant to W. Va. Code §29B-1-3:
The Taylor County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains public access terminals where individuals may conduct warrant searches at no charge during regular business hours. Visitors must present valid identification and complete a records request form specifying the information sought.
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office provides limited warrant information via telephone for individuals inquiring about their own status. Callers must provide sufficient identifying information to confirm their identity.
The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority maintains a searchable online database that includes information about individuals with active warrants who have previously been incarcerated within the state system.
Taylor County Circuit Clerk's Office 214 West Main Street, Room 201 Grafton, WV 26354 Phone: (304) 265-1401 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Taylor County Sheriff's Office 214 West Main Street, Room 104 Grafton, WV 26354 Phone: (304) 265-3428 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction as authorized under W. Va. Code §50-1-14. Sheriff warrants in Taylor County fall into several categories:
• Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense • Bench Warrants: Issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing • Search Warrants: Authorizing law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence • Civil Warrants: Pertaining to non-criminal matters such as property seizures or evictions
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division that coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to execute outstanding warrants. Deputies are required to follow strict protocols regarding warrant execution, including proper identification, announcement of purpose, and use of reasonable force as outlined in W. Va. Code §62-1A-1 et seq.
Warrant execution typically occurs between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM unless specifically authorized for nighttime service by the issuing magistrate. The Sheriff's Office prioritizes warrant execution based on severity of the alleged offense, public safety considerations, and available resources.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Taylor County may utilize several official channels established pursuant to W. Va. Code §29B-1-3:
The Taylor County Magistrate Court maintains current warrant information and can verify status for individuals who appear in person with proper identification. Court personnel cannot provide legal advice but may confirm whether active warrants exist.
The West Virginia Judiciary has implemented an enhanced online case management system accessible to the public. This system allows individuals to search court records, including warrant information, using name and date of birth. The system complies with security protocols established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Legal representatives may file a formal records request with the Circuit Clerk's Office to obtain comprehensive warrant information for their clients. Such requests must comply with court rules regarding attorney access to judicial records.
Taylor County Magistrate Court 214 West Main Street, Room 107 Grafton, WV 26354 Phone: (304) 265-3421 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Verification of outstanding warrants in Taylor County may be accomplished through several authorized methods in accordance with W. Va. Code §29B-1-3:
• In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Taylor County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours to request warrant information. Staff will conduct searches using the county's judicial database. Requestors must complete a standard records request form and present valid government-issued identification.
• Telephone Verification: Limited warrant information may be obtained by contacting the Taylor County Sheriff's Office. Due to identity verification requirements, telephone inquiries are generally restricted to basic confirmation of warrant status rather than detailed information.
• Online Resources: The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority maintains a searchable database that includes information about individuals with active warrants who have previously been processed through the regional jail system.
• Legal Counsel: Attorneys may submit formal requests for warrant information on behalf of clients. Such requests receive priority processing when accompanied by proper documentation of the attorney-client relationship.
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office updates warrant information daily to ensure accuracy. Individuals with common names are advised to provide additional identifying information to prevent misidentification during the search process.
• West Virginia Judiciary Case Information System • Taylor County Sheriff's Office • West Virginia Regional Jail Authority • West Virginia State Police