Wyoming County Public Records / Wyoming County Arrest Records

Wyoming County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wyoming County in 2026

WyomingCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking data, and associated court records in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find records that include charges filed, custody status, booking photographs, bond information, and case numbers. The following record categories are accessible through official and third-party channels:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal court case filings
Inmate custody and release information
Sex offender registry entries
Warrant and bond records

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest information in Wyoming County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement and records custodian for the county. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest logs, and inmate custody information. Members of the public may contact the office directly to inquire about available online search tools or current inmate rosters. The office also functions as county treasurer, responsible for the collection, custody, and disbursement of public funds, reflecting the broad administrative role of the Sheriff under West Virginia law.

Arrest logs and booking records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office
Searches may be conducted by name, booking number, or date of arrest
Records are updated as new arrests and releases occur

2. Local Police Departments

Wyoming County includes the City of Pineville, which is served by the Pineville Police Department. Press releases and arrest summaries may be issued by local departments for significant cases. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal agencies should contact those departments directly, as records are maintained separately from the Sheriff's Office.

Pineville Police Department
100 Main Street
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-6800

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings. The West Virginia Judiciary provides an online case search portal through the West Virginia Court Case Search system, allowing members of the public to search by defendant name and locate associated criminal case numbers, charges, and court dates.

Wyoming County Circuit Court Clerk
100 Main Street, Room 1
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-8000

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains an offender search tool for individuals currently or previously under state supervision. The WV Regional Jail Authority provides two additional statewide tools: a daily incarcerations list showing individuals booked into regional facilities on a given day, and an offender information search for locating individuals held in regional jail facilities. These tools are available at no cost to the public and are updated regularly.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Wyoming County Sheriff's Office
24 Courthouse Square
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-6006
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Wyoming County Sheriff

Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies apply per West Virginia law.

Clerk of Court:
Wyoming County Circuit Court Clerk
100 Main Street, Room 1
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-8000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Case file inspection is available during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, which governs public records access and permissible fees.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's return address and contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (304) 732-6006 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may direct callers to online systems or advise an in-person visit for detailed records. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through discovery in criminal proceedings are governed by the West Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Wyoming County

Arrest records in Wyoming County are public records under West Virginia law. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-2, all public records are presumed open to inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under West Virginia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The West Virginia Constitution and the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records not be treated as proof of guilt, as an arrest reflects a charge rather than a conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. West Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no legal finding of guilt.

What's in Wyoming County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, West Virginia State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
West Virginia statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Inventory of personal property

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Conditions of release, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (magistrate or circuit court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available at time of record access

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests recorded in Wyoming County
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges, where included in the booking record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Wyoming County?

Under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, public agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current standard fees applicable to arrest and court records in Wyoming County are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.50–$1.00 per page
Certified copies	$1.50–$5.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No statutory search fee; agencies may charge staff time in limited circumstances

Inspection of records at the office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and check made payable to the respective office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requestors should submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
Online tools maintained by the WV Regional Jail Authority and the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are available at no cost

How To Delete Arrest Records in Wyoming County

West Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and is governed by W. Va. Code § 61-11-26, which establishes eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and procedural requirements.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals following trial
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
First-offense nonviolent felony convictions under specific conditions
Participation in and completion of a diversion program

Individuals convicted of violent offenses, sexual offenses, offenses against children, or DUI are not eligible for expungement under current West Virginia law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Wyoming County Circuit Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and applicable waiting period
Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the West Virginia Judiciary
File the petition with the Wyoming County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve copies of the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether to grant the petition
If granted, the court order is transmitted to the Sheriff's Office, the West Virginia State Police, and other relevant agencies for record removal or sealing

Wyoming County Circuit Court
100 Main Street
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-8000

Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
100 Main Street
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-7000

West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to retain legal counsel, as procedural errors in the petition process may result in denial. The West Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified attorneys.

What Happens After Arrest in Wyoming County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Wyoming County, the arrested individual is transported to the Southern Regional Jail, which serves Wyoming County as the designated regional detention facility operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority.

Southern Regional Jail
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813
Phone: (304) 256-6800
WV Regional Jail Authority

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that includes recording of personal information, photographing (mugshot), fingerprinting, criminal history and outstanding warrant checks, property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under West Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unreasonable delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the magistrate formally advises the individual of the charges, determines bond, and appoints counsel if the individual is indigent and cannot afford an attorney.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing and release take approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.

Wyoming County Public Defender's Office
100 Main Street
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-7900

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The West Virginia State Bar provides a lawyer referral service at (304) 558-7991.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed disposition
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the West Virginia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
Wyoming County Sheriff's Office
24 Courthouse Square
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-6006
Wyoming County Sheriff

Clerk of Court:
Wyoming County Circuit Court Clerk
100 Main Street, Room 1
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-8000

State Attorney's Office:
Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
100 Main Street
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-7000

Public Defender's Office:
Wyoming County Public Defender's Office
100 Main Street
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-7900

Southern Regional Jail (Pretrial Detention):
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813
Phone: (304) 256-6800
WV Regional Jail Authority

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wyoming County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Wyoming County is governed by West Virginia law and the records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Archives and History Division. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods based on record type and case disposition.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, West Virginia State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Accessible on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five to ten years depending on offense classification
State repository retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository retains records unless updated following expungement

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement petition in many cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information; however, third-party websites operating outside FCRA compliance may not update records following expungement

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
Wyoming County Sheriff's Office
24 Courthouse Square
Pineville, WV 24874
Phone: (304) 732-6006
Wyoming County Sheriff

Booking records are retained for a minimum of five years; arrest reports for a minimum of five years; investigative files vary based on case outcome and offense classification.

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent

State Repository:

The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions in West Virginia. Retention follows state records schedules and is updated upon receipt of expungement orders.

West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277

FBI Database:

The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by state and local agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks in most cases
Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three to five years; eligible for expungement petition in many cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests (within the past five years): Available online through the WV Regional Jail Authority and court case search tools
Older arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk; retrieval fees may apply
Very old arrests (more than twenty years ago): May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the agency's approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. West Virginia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests without convictions are not considered evidence of criminal conduct and their use in employment decisions is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Wyoming County Sheriff's Records Division at (304) 732-6006 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.