Kanawha County Criminal Records
What Is Kanawha County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kanawha County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to West Virginia Code § 15-2-24, which establishes the state's criminal identification bureau and record-keeping requirements.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes a person into custody, including booking information and mugshots
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, from arraignment through disposition
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in a guilty verdict or plea
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county jail facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records merely indicate that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that legal proceedings determined guilt. Under West Virginia Code § 61-11-26, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement if no conviction resulted.
Criminal offenses in Kanawha County are categorized as:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail
- Violations: Minor infractions usually resulting in fines
Juvenile records receive special protection under West Virginia law. Records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age are generally sealed and not accessible to the public, with limited exceptions for certain violent offenses or when a juvenile is tried as an adult.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Kanawha County:
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office
301 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0169
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0325
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
West Virginia State Police
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 746-2100
West Virginia State Police
Are Criminal Records Public In Kanawha County
Criminal records in Kanawha County are generally considered public information pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3 states: "Every person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by section four of this article." This provision creates the legal foundation for public access to criminal records maintained by county agencies.
However, significant exceptions and limitations apply to criminal record accessibility:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure under W.Va. Code § 29B-1-4(a)(4)
- Juvenile Records: Documents related to juvenile offenders are sealed by default under W.Va. Code § 49-5-101
- Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Records of grand jury deliberations remain confidential
- Certain Personal Information: Social security numbers, medical information, and other sensitive personal data may be redacted
Adult conviction records are generally the most accessible form of criminal records. Once a case has reached disposition and resulted in a conviction, these records become part of the public court file. Court proceedings in Kanawha County are presumptively open to the public, as established by the West Virginia Supreme Court in Daily Gazette Co. v. Committee on Legal Ethics.
The West Virginia State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information in the state. Access to comprehensive criminal history reports is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with legitimate purposes, such as employment screening for sensitive positions.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kanawha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kanawha County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each providing different types of information.
To conduct an in-person search at the courthouse:
- Visit the Kanawha County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($1.00 per page for copies)
- Allow staff time to retrieve the requested records
For mail-based requests:
- Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate timeframe of the case
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to:
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0325
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
For criminal records maintained by law enforcement:
- Contact the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete the required request form
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Certified copies of court records require additional processing time and fees. Requestors should specify whether they need certified or non-certified copies when making their request.
Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 59-1-11, fees for criminal record searches and copies are established by statute and subject to periodic adjustment. Currently, the fee structure includes a base search fee plus per-page copying costs.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kanawha County Online?
Kanawha County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources vary in scope, content, and accessibility.
The West Virginia Judiciary's Court Record Access portal serves as the primary gateway for online court record searches. This system provides access to:
- Circuit Court records from all 55 West Virginia counties, including Kanawha
- Magistrate Court case information statewide
- Case status, hearing dates, and basic disposition information
To use this system:
- Navigate to the West Virginia Judiciary website
- Select the appropriate court level (Circuit or Magistrate)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select specific cases to view available details
The Magistrate Case Record Search provides specific access to lower court records, which include misdemeanor cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil matters under $10,000. Users should note that this system does not provide complete criminal histories, and verification with the court clerk is recommended for comprehensive information.
For current inmate information, the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office maintains an online Jail Inmate Roster that is updated daily. This resource provides:
- Current booking status
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority also maintains a searchable database of current inmates across the state's regional jail system, including those from Kanawha County.
Users should be aware of several limitations to online record searches:
- Complete case files are not available online
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted
- Historical records may not be fully digitized
- Document images typically require in-person retrieval
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
Can You Search Kanawha County Criminal Records for Free?
Kanawha County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records information, in accordance with West Virginia's public records laws. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes the public's right to inspect government records, though reasonable fees may be charged for copies and extensive searches.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk's Office
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0325
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
Members of the public may visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to review non-confidential court records using public access terminals. While inspection is free, printing fees apply ($1.00 per page).
Several online resources provide free access to criminal record information:
- The West Virginia Judiciary's Court Record Access portal offers free basic case information searches
- The Magistrate Court Record Search provides free access to lower court case information
- The Kanawha County Sheriff's Jail Inmate Roster is available at no cost
These free resources typically provide limited information, such as:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges and statutes
- Hearing schedules
- Case status and basic disposition information
- Current incarceration status
More comprehensive criminal history reports from the West Virginia State Police require payment of statutory fees. Similarly, certified copies of court documents and extensive record searches involve processing fees established by West Virginia Code § 59-1-11.
What's Included in a Kanawha County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Kanawha County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content and format of these records adhere to guidelines established by the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot photograph (booking photo)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Enumerated charges at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and jurisdiction
- Court assignment (Circuit or Magistrate)
- Filing date and prosecutor
- Formal charges filed with corresponding West Virginia Code sections
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney of record
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending cases or charges
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the source and purpose of the record. Court records typically contain the most detailed information about case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records focus on arrest details and charges. Records maintained by the West Virginia State Police provide the most complete criminal history across jurisdictions.
How Long Does Kanawha County Keep Criminal Records?
Kanawha County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Board. These schedules, authorized under West Virginia Code § 5A-8-15, dictate the minimum periods for which various types of criminal records must be preserved.
Felony case files are retained permanently by the Kanawha County Circuit Clerk. These records document the most serious criminal offenses and maintain their historical and legal significance indefinitely. Digital conversion of older records is ongoing, but original documents are preserved.
Misdemeanor case files maintained by the Magistrate Court follow a tiered retention schedule:
- Cases resulting in conviction: 10 years after case closure
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal: 3 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
Arrest records maintained by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office are typically retained for:
- Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest
Incarceration records from the Kanawha County Jail are maintained for 10 years after an inmate's release. These records document booking information, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and release details.
Sex offender registration records are maintained for the duration of the registration requirement, which may be 10 years, 25 years, or lifetime, depending on the offense classification.
Expunged records receive special handling. When a court orders expungement pursuant to West Virginia Code § 61-11-26, the physical records are sealed or destroyed, and digital records are removed from public access systems. Law enforcement agencies may retain limited information about expunged records for internal use only.
The West Virginia State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information and retain these records according to state-level retention schedules, which generally exceed county-level requirements.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kanawha County
West Virginia Judiciary Court Records Search