Monongalia County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Monongalia County
Arrest records in Monongalia County are considered public information under West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (§29B-1-1). This statute establishes that records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The West Virginia Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests, as fundamental to ensuring transparency in governmental operations.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Arrest records document the apprehension and charging of an individual but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, document the formal finding of guilt following legal proceedings. Under West Virginia law, both types of records are generally accessible, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances as outlined in §61-11-26 of the West Virginia Code.
The West Virginia State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information in the state and provide guidelines for public access to these records. Law enforcement agencies in Monongalia County, including the Monongalia County Sheriff's Department and the Morgantown Police Department, adhere to these state-level policies while maintaining their own records of arrests within their jurisdictions.
What's in Monongalia County Arrest Records
Monongalia County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Home address
- Driver's license number
- Social Security Number (partially redacted in public versions)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booked
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond conditions
- Release date if applicable
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned judge
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court of jurisdiction
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration if applicable
- Expected release date if sentenced
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Protective orders
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Some information may be redacted from public versions of these records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under West Virginia law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Monongalia County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Monongalia County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Monongalia County Sheriff's Department
243 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7260
Monongalia County Sheriff's Department
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Required documentation for in-person requests includes:
- Completed request form (available at the counter)
- Government-issued photo identification
- Name of the subject of the record search
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Payment of applicable fees ($10-25 per record, depending on search complexity)
For written requests, applicants must submit:
- A notarized letter specifying the information sought
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Mail written requests to:
Monongalia County Clerk's Office
243 High Street, Room 123
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7230
Monongalia County Clerk
Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days for standard requests. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.
For arrest records related to cases that have proceeded to court, the Monongalia County Circuit Clerk maintains these records:
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7240
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Pursuant to §29B-1-3 of the West Virginia Code, agencies must respond to records requests within five business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
How To Find Monongalia County Arrest Records Online
Monongalia County provides several digital platforms through which members of the public may access arrest record information electronically. These online resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility.
The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority maintains an inmate search function that includes individuals currently held in Monongalia County facilities. This database is updated daily and provides basic information including:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Scheduled court dates
To access this information, navigate to the WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority website and select the "Inmate Search" option.
The West Virginia Judiciary offers the West Virginia Magistrate Court Case Information System, which contains records of criminal cases filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court. This system allows searches by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
For felony cases and misdemeanors that have proceeded beyond magistrate court, the West Virginia Circuit Court Case Management System provides access to docket information, hearing schedules, and case outcomes.
The Monongalia County Sheriff's Department maintains a Daily Arrest Report on their official website, listing recent arrests within the county. This resource typically includes:
- Arrestee name
- Age
- City of residence
- Charges
- Arresting agency
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for older cases or those with special privacy protections. Additionally, pursuant to §61-11-26 of the West Virginia Code, expunged records will not appear in public databases.
How To Search Monongalia County Arrest Records for Free?
Monongalia County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several public resources. These no-cost options provide varying levels of detail and may be sufficient for basic informational needs.
The Monongalia County Public Library system offers free public computer access where individuals may search online court records through the West Virginia Judiciary's public portal. Library staff can provide basic assistance with navigating these systems.
Monongalia County Public Library
373 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7425
Monongalia County Public Library
Public hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The Monongalia County Courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors may search court records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:
Monongalia County Courthouse
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7200
Monongalia County Government
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Local news outlets, including the Dominion Post newspaper and WDTV television station, regularly publish reports on significant arrests and maintain searchable online archives of these reports. While not comprehensive, these sources can provide information on notable cases at no cost.
For individuals seeking their own criminal history information, a one-time free self-request is available through the West Virginia State Police. This request must be submitted in person at:
West Virginia State Police - Morgantown Detachment
3453 University Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 285-3200
West Virginia State Police
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
While these free options provide access to basic arrest information, comprehensive records typically require payment of statutory fees as outlined in the West Virginia Code §59-1-11.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Monongalia County
Monongalia County follows West Virginia state law regarding the expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records. These processes are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and outcomes.
Expungement completely removes arrest records from public access and, in some cases, from government databases entirely. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access while maintaining the records for limited official use. Both processes are governed by §61-11-26 of the West Virginia Code.
Eligibility for expungement in Monongalia County typically requires one of the following conditions:
- Arrest without charges being filed (after statute of limitations expires)
- Dismissal of all charges
- Acquittal at trial
- Completion of diversion program resulting in dismissal
- Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after prescribed waiting periods
- First-time drug possession offenses after successful completion of probation
The expungement process involves these steps:
- Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Monongalia County Circuit Court
- Payment of filing fees (currently $200, with fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
- Submission of fingerprints for background verification
- Notification of the prosecuting attorney
- Attendance at a hearing before a circuit judge
- If granted, distribution of the expungement order to all agencies holding records
Petitions must be filed with:
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7240
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
Certain serious offenses are ineligible for expungement under West Virginia law, including:
- Crimes of violence against persons
- Crimes against children
- Felony drug distribution offenses
- DUI offenses
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
Recent amendments to §61-11-26a have expanded expungement eligibility for certain non-violent felonies after a 10-year waiting period, though these provisions include numerous exceptions and requirements.
Legal representation is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The West Virginia Legal Aid offers assistance to qualifying low-income individuals:
Legal Aid of West Virginia - Morgantown Office
165 Scott Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26508
(304) 296-0001
Legal Aid of West Virginia
What Happens After Arrest in Monongalia County?
Following an arrest in Monongalia County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. This process adheres to procedures established by West Virginia state law and local court rules.
The initial post-arrest phase involves booking at either the Monongalia County Sheriff's Department or the North Central Regional Jail. During booking, officials:
- Photograph and fingerprint the arrestee
- Collect personal information
- Inventory personal property
- Conduct medical screening
- Enter arrest information into law enforcement databases
Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual must appear before a Monongalia County Magistrate for an initial appearance. At this proceeding, the magistrate:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines bail or bond conditions
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public representation
- Sets dates for preliminary hearings (in felony cases)
For misdemeanor charges, cases typically proceed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 days (if the defendant is in custody) or 20 days (if released on bond) to determine if probable cause exists to bind the case over to Circuit Court.
If probable cause is established in felony cases, the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury, which meets monthly. The grand jury may return:
- A true bill (indictment), advancing the case to Circuit Court
- A no true bill, resulting in dismissal unless the prosecutor refiles charges
Following indictment, defendants appear for arraignment in Monongalia County Circuit Court, where they enter a plea and receive trial dates. Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreements
- Bench or jury trials
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs for eligible first-time or non-violent offenders
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including:
- Right to counsel
- Right to remain silent
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to due process
The Monongalia County Public Defender's Office provides representation to qualifying defendants:
Monongalia County Public Defender
75 High Street, Room 307
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7220
WV Public Defender Services
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Monongalia County?
Arrest records in Monongalia County are maintained according to retention schedules established by West Virginia state law. The West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Act (§5A-8) provides the legal framework for records retention throughout the state, while specific retention periods for law enforcement records are detailed in the West Virginia Records Retention Schedule for County Governments.
Under current retention requirements, Monongalia County law enforcement agencies must maintain arrest records for the following periods:
- Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrest records: Minimum 10-year retention after case closure
- Arrest records for cases resulting in dismissal: 5-year minimum retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Sealed at age 18 if no subsequent adult offenses, with limited exceptions
- DUI arrest records: Permanent retention regardless of case outcome
Different agencies within the county criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
The Monongalia County Sheriff's Department maintains original arrest reports, booking information, and investigation files according to the law enforcement schedule.
The Monongalia County Magistrate Court retains records of initial appearances, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanor case dispositions for a minimum of 10 years after case closure.
The Monongalia County Circuit Court maintains felony case records permanently, including information about arrests that led to those cases.
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau serves as the central repository for all arrest fingerprint cards and criminal history information in the state. These records are maintained permanently unless expunged by court order.
Records retention serves several critical public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Enables tracking of criminal history for sentencing in subsequent cases
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement and the judicial system
- Facilitates background checks for employment and licensing purposes
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History's Records Management section oversees compliance with retention requirements:
West Virginia Division of Culture and History - Records Management
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-0230
WV Archives and History
How to Find Mugshots in Monongalia County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the arrest record in Monongalia County. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and document their appearance at the time of processing.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of the arrested individual, often including a placard or digital overlay displaying:
- The arrestee's name
- Booking number
- Date of photograph
- Arresting agency
- Height measurement scale
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Monongalia County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Monongalia County Sheriff's Department for arrests by county deputies
- The Morgantown Police Department for city arrests
- The North Central Regional Jail for individuals booked into that facility
- The West Virginia State Police for their arrests and as part of the central state repository
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may submit a records request to the arresting agency. For Monongalia County Sheriff's Department bookings, requests can be submitted to:
Monongalia County Sheriff's Department - Records Division
243 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7260
Monongalia County Sheriff's Department
Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth if known
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number if available
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment of applicable fees ($5-10 per mugshot)
Can They Be Found Online
Some mugshots from Monongalia County arrests may be available online through:
- The North Central Regional Jail inmate search function (for currently incarcerated individuals)
- The Monongalia County Sheriff's Department website (recent arrests only)
- Local news media websites that publish booking photos for newsworthy arrests
However, online availability is inconsistent and typically limited to recent arrests or high-profile cases.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For certified copies or older mugshots not available online, formal records requests must be submitted to the appropriate agency. These requests are subject to review under West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act provisions.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:
- Juvenile arrests (sealed by default)
- Expunged arrests (removed from public access)
- Ongoing sensitive investigations
- Cases involving confidential informants
- Arrests subject to court-ordered sealing
Recent legislative efforts have sought to limit commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge for removal. West Virginia currently does not have specific legislation addressing this practice, but federal laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act may provide some protections against misuse of arrest photographs.