Monongalia County Criminal Records
What Is Monongalia County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Monongalia 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 the West Virginia Code §61-11-22, which establishes guidelines for criminal record documentation and maintenance.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or conviction
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 years and older, which are generally public
- Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18, which are typically sealed under West Virginia Code §49-5-103 to protect minors
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings and outcomes
Multiple agencies maintain different components of criminal records in Monongalia County:
Monongalia County Sheriff's Office
243 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7260
Monongalia County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Monongalia County Circuit Court
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7230
Monongalia County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court maintains felony case records, trial proceedings, and case dispositions.
Monongalia County Magistrate Court
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7290
Monongalia County Magistrate Court
The Magistrate Court maintains records of misdemeanor cases, preliminary hearings, and initial appearances.
West Virginia State Police
Criminal Records Section
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 746-2100
West Virginia State Police
The State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information statewide.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Monongalia County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Monongalia County
Criminal records in Monongalia County are generally considered public information under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically §29B-1-3, which states that "every person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in this state." This statute establishes the presumption of openness for government records, including most criminal records.
The public status of criminal records is further supported by the West Virginia Constitution, which guarantees that "courts of justice shall be open to every person." This constitutional provision has been interpreted to include public access to court records, including criminal proceedings.
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible to the public. The following distinctions apply:
Records Generally Available to the Public:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Booking photos and arrest information for adults
- Sex offender registry information
Records With Restricted Access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations, protected under §29B-1-4(a)(4)
- Juvenile records, sealed pursuant to §49-5-103
- Expunged records, as provided by §61-11-26
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence and victim information
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has established rules governing public access to court records through the West Virginia Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 10, which balances the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
Law enforcement agencies in Monongalia County, including the Sheriff's Office, maintain discretion over the release of certain investigative records. While conviction records are generally public, arrest records that did not result in conviction may have more limited accessibility.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records should be aware that while the law presumes openness, practical limitations and statutory exemptions may affect the availability of specific records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Monongalia County in 2026
Members of the public currently have several methods available to access criminal records in Monongalia County. The following procedures are in effect under present regulations:
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
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Visit the Monongalia County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7240
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk -
Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies).
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For certified copies, an additional fee of $5.00 per document applies.
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the West Virginia Judiciary website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees made payable to "Monongalia County Circuit Clerk."
- Mail the request to the Circuit Clerk's address listed above.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing under standard procedures.
Online Access:
The West Virginia Judiciary Court Case Management System provides electronic access to court records. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the West Virginia Judiciary website.
- Select "Court Record Access" from the main menu.
- Choose either Circuit Court or Magistrate Court records search.
- Create a user account if required (free registration).
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date).
- Review search results, which include case types, filing dates, and case status.
- Note that while basic case information is viewable online, complete case files may require in-person inspection.
Criminal Background Checks:
For official criminal background checks:
- Submit fingerprints at the Monongalia County Sheriff's Office or an authorized fingerprinting service.
- Complete the West Virginia State Police Criminal History Request Form.
- Pay the required fee (currently $20 for state records).
- Allow 7-14 days for processing under standard procedures.
For records related to incarcerated individuals, the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Offender Search provides current custody information.
Pursuant to §61-11-26, individuals seeking information about expunged records must obtain a court order demonstrating legitimate need for such information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Monongalia County Online?
Monongalia County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system contains specific types of records and has unique search capabilities.
West Virginia Judiciary Court Case Management System:
The West Virginia Judiciary Court Record Access portal serves as the primary online resource for court records in Monongalia County. This system includes:
- Circuit Court criminal cases (felonies)
- Magistrate Court criminal cases (misdemeanors)
- Case status and scheduling information
- Party names and attorney information
- Charges filed and case dispositions
- Judgment information
To use this system:
- Select either Circuit Court or Magistrate Court search
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date)
- Review results, which display in chronological order
- Note that document images are not available online; full documents require in-person inspection
Monongalia County Magistrate Court Record Search:
The Magistrate Case Record Search provides specific access to misdemeanor cases handled by the Monongalia County Magistrate Court. This system:
- Contains cases filed in Magistrate Court only
- Allows searching by defendant name or case number
- Displays case type, filing date, and current status
- Shows scheduled hearing dates
- Requires no registration for basic searches
West Virginia Division of Corrections Offender Search:
The Offender Search database maintained by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides:
- Current incarceration status
- Facility location information
- Projected release dates
- Basic demographic information
- Conviction information for current sentence
Monongalia County Sheriff's Office:
The Monongalia County Sheriff's Office website provides:
- Current jail roster information
- Most wanted lists
- Sex offender registry information
- Press releases about recent arrests
- Contact information for records requests
West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry:
The West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry contains:
- Names and photographs of registered sex offenders
- Residential addresses (with some restrictions)
- Conviction information
- Registration status and compliance information
- Searchable by name or geographic area
It is important to note that while these online resources provide significant access to criminal records, certain limitations exist:
- Complete case files are not available online
- Document images generally require in-person inspection
- Juvenile records are not accessible online
- Expunged records are not included in online databases
- Some older records may not be digitized
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
Can You Search Monongalia County Criminal Records for Free?
Monongalia County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, as established under West Virginia Code §29B-1-3(e), which states that "each public body shall establish a written policy regarding the inspection and copying of public records." This statute ensures reasonable access to public records while allowing agencies to recover actual costs for reproduction.
Free In-Person Inspection:
The following locations offer free in-person inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk's Office
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7240
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
- Members of the public may inspect court records without charge
- Self-service computer terminals are available for searching case information
- Staff assistance is provided for locating physical records
- While inspection is free, copying fees apply ($1.00 per page)
Monongalia County Magistrate Clerk's Office
75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7290
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monongalia County Magistrate Court
- Free inspection of misdemeanor case files
- Access to non-confidential court proceedings
- Review of case status and disposition information
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
- West Virginia Judiciary Court Record Access - Free basic case information for circuit and magistrate courts
- Magistrate Case Record Search - Free access to misdemeanor case information
- West Virginia Division of Corrections Offender Search - Free inmate lookup and custody status
- Monongalia County Sheriff's Office - Free access to current jail roster and arrest information
- West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry - Free sex offender lookup
While these resources provide free access to basic criminal record information, certain limitations apply:
- Document images and complete case files typically require in-person inspection
- Certified copies and official background checks involve fees
- Extensive searches or specialized requests may incur costs
- Records requiring redaction may involve processing fees
Pursuant to §29B-1-3(e), agencies may charge fees that "reasonably reflect the actual cost of reproduction," but inspection itself remains free. For individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information, the free resources provide a starting point, though official background checks through the West Virginia State Police involve statutory fees (currently $20 per request).
What's Included in a Monongalia County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Monongalia County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by West Virginia Code §15-2-24, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting circumstances (as documented in police reports)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and arraignment information
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Trial information (if applicable)
- Motion and hearing records
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence documentation
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Probation/parole status reports
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Expungement applications (if applicable)
Criminal records maintained by the Monongalia County Circuit Court contain the official court documentation, while records at the Sheriff's Office focus on arrest and detention information. The West Virginia State Police maintain the central repository that integrates information from all contributing agencies pursuant to §15-2-24.
It is important to note that juvenile records are generally maintained separately and have restricted access under §49-5-103, which provides for confidentiality of juvenile proceedings except in specific circumstances authorized by statute.
How Long Does Monongalia County Keep Criminal Records?
Monongalia County adheres to the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Board retention schedules for criminal records, as established under West Virginia Code §5A-8-15. These schedules dictate how long various criminal record documents must be maintained before they may be destroyed or archived.
The retention periods for criminal records in Monongalia County vary by document type and severity of offense:
Circuit Court Criminal Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Capital offense cases: Permanent retention
- Murder and manslaughter cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual offense cases: Permanent retention
- Case indexes and dockets: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after case closure
- Court orders and judgments: Permanent retention
Magistrate Court Criminal Records:
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- DUI/DWI cases: 75 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 75 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
- Case indexes: Permanent retention
- Court orders: Permanent retention
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest records: 75 years from date of arrest
- Investigation files for solved felonies: 75 years
- Investigation files for unsolved felonies: Permanent retention
- Investigation files for misdemeanors: 10 years
- Booking photographs: 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years
- Incident reports: 10 years
- Sex offender registration records: 75 years after offender's death
Corrections Records:
- Inmate files for felony offenders: 75 years after release
- Inmate files for misdemeanor offenders: 10 years after release
- Jail logs and booking records: 10 years
- Probation/parole records: 10 years after completion
These retention periods represent minimum requirements under state law. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly with the advent of digital storage. The West Virginia Archives and History section of the Department of Arts, Culture and History may select certain records for permanent archival preservation based on their historical significance.
It is important to note that expunged records, pursuant to §61-11-26, are removed from public access but may be maintained under seal for specific law enforcement and judicial purposes. Juvenile records are subject to different retention schedules under §49-5-103, with many being eligible for destruction when the individual reaches 23 years of age, provided there are no subsequent adult convictions.
Lookup Criminal Records in Monongalia County
Monongalia County Sheriff's Office