Raleigh County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Raleigh County
Arrest records in Raleigh County, West Virginia are considered public information pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.). This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The West Virginia Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the definition of public records as defined in § 29B-1-2(5).
Members of the public should note the important distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under West Virginia law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The West Virginia State Police maintains policies governing the release of criminal history information in accordance with W. Va. Code § 15-2-24. While basic arrest information is public, comprehensive criminal history reports may require specific authorization and identification verification. Additionally, the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office maintains its own policies regarding the dissemination of arrest information within its jurisdiction.
It should be noted that certain arrest records may be subject to redaction or withholding under exemptions specified in W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4, particularly when release might interfere with ongoing investigations or compromise personal privacy in specific circumstances.
What's in Raleigh County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Raleigh County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with West Virginia criminal procedure requirements and generally includes the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Home address or last known residence
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- State identification number and/or FBI number (if previously assigned)
- Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed (including statute numbers)
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Incident report number
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing authority
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge or magistrate who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Results of any medical screening
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case number assigned by court
- Name of assigned prosecutor
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Protective orders or restraining orders in effect
- Risk assessment scores
- Immigration status notifications
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office or the Beckley Police Department may contain additional jurisdiction-specific information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Raleigh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Raleigh County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Submit a written request to the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. Individuals may complete a public records request form specifying the information sought. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record location.
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9300
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
- Contact the Beckley Police Department for arrests made within city limits. The department maintains records of arrests conducted by its officers and can provide information upon proper request.
Beckley Police Department
340 Prince Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-1720
Beckley Police Department
- Visit the Raleigh County Magistrate Court to review public case files related to arrests. Court records often contain arrest information and subsequent case proceedings.
Raleigh County Magistrate Court
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9133
West Virginia Judiciary
- Submit a request to the West Virginia State Police for a more comprehensive criminal history check, which includes arrest information. This requires completion of a formal application, payment of applicable fees, and may require fingerprint submission in accordance with W. Va. Code § 15-2-24(d).
West Virginia State Police
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 746-2100
West Virginia State Police
- Contact the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for information about arrests that have led to formal charges. The prosecutor's office maintains records of cases under its jurisdiction.
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9148
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney
When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction in accordance with W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3(5).
How To Find Raleigh County Arrest Records Online
Raleigh County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through various online resources. The following digital platforms currently provide access to arrest-related data:
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West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Inmate Search allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated in regional jail facilities, including those arrested in Raleigh County. This database is updated regularly and provides basic custody information.
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West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Offender Search provides information about individuals who have been sentenced and are serving time in state correctional facilities. This resource includes individuals who were arrested and subsequently convicted in Raleigh County.
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West Virginia Judiciary Search Portal (West Virginia Judiciary) offers access to court case information, which often includes details about arrests that led to court proceedings. Users can search by name to locate cases in Raleigh County courts.
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Raleigh County Sheriff's Office Website occasionally posts information about recent arrests and most wanted individuals. While not a comprehensive database, it may provide information about significant arrests in the county.
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Beckley Police Department Online Resources may include press releases and public safety announcements related to notable arrests within city limits.
When utilizing online resources, users should note that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or immediately updated
- Some online systems may require creation of user accounts
- Certain sensitive cases may be excluded from online access
- Official verification through direct agency contact may be necessary for complete information
- Online access may be subject to terms of use and privacy policies
For the most current and complete arrest record information, direct contact with the appropriate law enforcement agency is recommended, as online systems may have limitations in scope and timeliness.
How To Search Raleigh County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Raleigh County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free arrest record searches:
- Visit the Raleigh County Courthouse in person to review public terminal access to court records. The courthouse maintains public access terminals that allow visitors to search case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Raleigh County Courthouse
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9121
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
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Utilize the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority's online inmate search tool, which provides free access to information about individuals currently incarcerated following arrest. This resource is particularly useful for determining if someone is currently in custody.
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Access the West Virginia Judiciary Website to search court records by name. The judiciary's public portal allows users to search for criminal cases, which typically include information about the underlying arrest.
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Review local newspaper archives at the Raleigh County Public Library, which often report on significant arrests. Many newspapers maintain searchable online archives of published stories about arrests and criminal proceedings.
Raleigh County Public Library
221 North Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-0511
Raleigh County Public Library
- Attend public court proceedings related to arrests. Court calendars are public information, and hearings are generally open to the public unless specifically closed by judicial order.
When conducting free searches, individuals should be aware of certain limitations:
- In-person searches require travel to physical locations during business hours
- Online free resources may not contain complete historical records
- Some free resources may only provide basic information rather than comprehensive records
- Records for juvenile arrests are typically not available through public access methods
- Certain sensitive cases may be sealed or redacted even in public records
Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, while inspection of public records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction if physical copies are requested.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Raleigh County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Raleigh County follows West Virginia state law, which provides specific mechanisms for expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) under certain circumstances. These processes are governed primarily by W. Va. Code § 61-11-26 and related statutes.
Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement generally refers to the complete removal of records from public view, while sealing restricts access to records without completely destroying them. In West Virginia, the term "expungement" is used in statute, though the practical effect is often closer to sealing, as certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records.
Eligibility for Expungement: Under current West Virginia law, the following situations may qualify for expungement:
- Arrests that did not lead to conviction (cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi)
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically 1-2 years)
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after a 5-year waiting period
- First-time drug possession offenses under specific circumstances
- Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood (with exceptions)
Expungement Process:
- Petition Filing: Submit a Petition for Expungement to the Raleigh County Circuit Court where the case was processed. The petition must include:
- Complete criminal history
- Certified copies of relevant court dispositions
- Filing fee (approximately $200, though fee waivers may be available)
Raleigh County Circuit Court
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9121
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk
- Notification: Serve copies of the petition to the prosecuting attorney and any law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest.
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9148
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney
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Hearing: The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement. The prosecuting attorney may contest the petition.
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Court Order: If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge records related to the arrest.
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Distribution: The petitioner must ensure the expungement order is delivered to all agencies holding records, including:
- Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
- Beckley Police Department (if applicable)
- West Virginia State Police
- FBI (for federal records)
- West Virginia Regional Jail Authority (if applicable)
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including violent crimes, crimes against children, and DUI offenses. Additionally, expungement of records from private databases or internet sources may require separate action beyond the court-ordered governmental expungement.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process, as procedural requirements are specific and technical. The West Virginia Legal Aid may provide assistance to qualifying individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Raleigh County?
Following an arrest in Raleigh County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by West Virginia state law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
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Booking and Processing After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, typically the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office or the Southern Regional Jail, for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Basic health screening
- Collection of biographical information
- Criminal history check
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Initial Appearance Within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a Raleigh County Magistrate for an initial hearing where:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Preliminary bail determination is made
- Public defender appointment occurs if the defendant qualifies
- Next court date is scheduled
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Bail Determination The magistrate sets bail based on factors including:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Defendant's criminal history and community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations Bail may be posted through cash, property bond, or through a bail bondsman. In some cases, release on personal recognizance may be granted.
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Preliminary Hearing For felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held within 10 days (if in custody) or 20 days (if released) to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the offense. This hearing may be waived by the defendant.
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Grand Jury Indictment Felony cases proceed to the Raleigh County Grand Jury, which meets quarterly. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether to issue an indictment. This process is closed to the public and only the prosecution presents evidence.
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Arraignment Following indictment (for felonies) or after the initial appearance (for misdemeanors), defendants appear for arraignment in the appropriate court where they:
- Hear formal charges read
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Have trial rights explained
- Receive discovery materials from prosecution
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Pre-trial Proceedings Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Status conferences to track case progress
- Motion hearings to resolve evidentiary or procedural issues
- Plea negotiations between defense and prosecution
- Discovery exchanges of evidence
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Trial or Plea Resolution Cases conclude through either:
- Trial by jury (or sometimes bench trial before a judge)
- Plea agreement negotiated between prosecution and defense The vast majority of cases (approximately 90%) resolve through plea agreements rather than trials.
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Sentencing If convicted through trial or plea, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration in jail or prison
- Probation supervision
- Alternative sentencing (home confinement, day report center)
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
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Appeal Process Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals within established timeframes, typically 30 days from final judgment.
Throughout this process, cases may be diverted to specialized programs such as drug court, mental health court, or veterans court when appropriate and available in Raleigh County.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Raleigh County?
Arrest records in Raleigh County are maintained according to retention schedules established by West Virginia state law and administrative regulations. The West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Act (W. Va. Code § 5A-8-1 et seq.) provides the legal framework for records retention throughout the state, including law enforcement records.
Under current retention requirements, arrest records are subject to the following retention periods:
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Law Enforcement Arrest Records: The Raleigh County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county maintain arrest records permanently in their original form or in digital format. This includes arrest reports, booking information, and related documentation.
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 15-2-24, fingerprint records and mugshots are maintained permanently by both local law enforcement and the West Virginia State Police central repository.
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Court Records Related to Arrests: The Raleigh County Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases permanently, as required by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Record Management Policy.
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Jail Records: The Southern Regional Jail and West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintain incarceration records related to arrests for a minimum of 7 years after release, though basic demographic and sentence information is retained permanently.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to different retention requirements and confidentiality provisions under W. Va. Code § 49-5-101. These records may be sealed when the juvenile reaches adulthood, though they are not destroyed.
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Prosecutorial Records: The Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney's Office maintains case files related to arrests according to case disposition:
- Cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal: Minimum 3-year retention
It is important to note that even when physical records might be eligible for destruction after their retention period, digital versions are increasingly maintained indefinitely in law enforcement database systems. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to court order follow different procedures and may be removed from public access before their standard retention period expires.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History provides oversight for records management throughout the state and may designate certain arrest records as having historical value, which would require permanent preservation regardless of standard retention schedules.
How to Find Mugshots in Raleigh County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In Raleigh County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots taken in Raleigh County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
- Raleigh County Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs for arrests conducted by county deputies and processes at the county detention facility.
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9300
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
- Beckley Police Department retains mugshots for arrests made within city limits.
Beckley Police Department
340 Prince Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-1720
Beckley Police Department
- Southern Regional Jail maintains booking photographs for individuals processed into their facility.
Southern Regional Jail
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813
(304) 256-6726
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- West Virginia State Police maintains a central repository of mugshots from law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including those from Raleigh County.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Raleigh County, individuals may:
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Submit a formal public records request to the arresting agency, specifically requesting the booking photograph. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Visit the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office or Beckley Police Department in person to request viewing of mugshots. Identification may be required, and fees may apply for copies.
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Check court records related to the case, as mugshots are sometimes included in court files accessible through the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Currently, Raleigh County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases specifically for mugshots. However, limited information may be available through:
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The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority inmate search, which sometimes includes booking photographs for currently incarcerated individuals.
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The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search for individuals who have been sentenced to state custody.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal public records request to the appropriate agency. Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3), requests should be submitted in writing, and agencies have five business days to respond. Reasonable fees may be charged for reproduction of photographs.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
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Juvenile arrest mugshots are generally confidential under W. Va. Code § 49-5-101.
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Mugshots related to expunged arrests are removed from public access.
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Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
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Certain sensitive cases (e.g., those involving confidential informants or undercover operations) may have restricted access.
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Mugshots of individuals arrested but not charged, or where charges were dismissed, may have additional privacy protections under emerging case law.
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their publication and use may be subject to legal and ethical considerations beyond simple access rights.