Preston County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Preston County in 2026
PrestonRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records, court filings, and related criminal justice documents for Preston County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and associated court case data through the resources described below. Record availability varies by agency, date of arrest, and case disposition.
Records accessible through official channels may include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings
- Magistrate court records
- Inmate custody and incarceration status
- Sex offender registry entries
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following section details each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Preston County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the North Central Regional Jail, which serves Preston County. Members of the public may access daily incarceration data through the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority's online offender information system. This database is updated on a daily basis and includes the name, booking date, facility, and charges associated with each incarcerated individual.
Preston County Sheriff's Office 101 West Main Street Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-1611 Preston County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Kingwood Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. Arrest information from municipal departments may be obtained by contacting the respective records division directly or by submitting a written public records request pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.
Kingwood Police Department 216 West Main Street Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-1880
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings accessible through the West Virginia Judiciary's online systems. Members of the public may use the Magistrate Case Record Search to locate cases by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The West Virginia Judiciary's Preston County information page confirms that Preston County is part of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit and the Twentieth Family Court Circuit. Additional guidance on obtaining copies of specific court records is available through the Magistrate Record Search portal, which instructs users to contact the magistrate court clerk in the county where a case was filed.
Preston County Circuit Court Clerk 101 West Main Street, Suite 201 Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-0070 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a statewide offender search tool that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently under state supervision, including those on parole or probation. The West Virginia State Police maintains the state's central criminal history repository; certified background checks may be requested through the Criminal Identification Bureau for a standard fee.
West Virginia State Police — Criminal Identification Bureau 725 Jefferson Road South Charleston, WV 25309 Phone: (304) 746-2277 WV State Police
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 101 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Records division is located at the main office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Phone: (304) 329-1611
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
- Fees for copies: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 101 West Main Street, Suite 201, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (304) 329-0070
- Case files are available for public inspection during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Preston County Sheriff's Office at 101 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537. Each request should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to the Preston County Sheriff's Office)
Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks depending on record volume and staff availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (304) 329-1611
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Telephone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
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, Kingwood PD, State Police, etc.)
Are Arrest Records Public in Preston County
Arrest records in Preston County are public records under West Virginia law. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-2, all public records are presumed open to inspection and copying by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and 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 the 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 is restricted in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The West Virginia Constitution, Article III, Section 17, guarantees open courts and public access to judicial proceedings. The Freedom of Information Act balances the public's right to government transparency against individual privacy interests. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the current status of a case, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers subject to the FCRA may not report arrests without convictions that are more than seven years old in certain circumstances. 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. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.
What's in Preston 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, Kingwood Police Department, West Virginia State Police, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- West Virginia statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location (North Central Regional Jail, Greenwood, WV)
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or Magistrate Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Assigned judge, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques or surveillance 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 always available to the public
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Preston County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest and court records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies are requested. The following fee structure is current under West Virginia law and local agency policy:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified court copies | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification |
| State criminal history (background check) | $25.00 per request (WV State Police) |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Search fee | No charge for routine name searches |
Accepted payment methods at the Preston County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order. The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau accepts payment by check or money order for certified background checks.
Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing records but may not charge for the time spent locating or reviewing records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; applicants should submit a written waiver request to the custodian of records.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Online searches through the Magistrate Case Record Search and the Regional Jail Authority's daily incarceration database are available at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Preston County
West Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and record sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Under W. Va. Code § 61-11-26, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, whose charges were dismissed, or who completed a first-offender diversion program may petition the circuit court for expungement of the arrest record. Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors may also be eligible for expungement after a waiting period. Felony convictions are subject to more limited expungement eligibility and require a separate petition process.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Preston County:
- Determine eligibility based on the offense type, case disposition, and time elapsed since arrest or conviction
- Obtain a certified copy of the court's disposition order from the Preston County Circuit Court Clerk
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Preston County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve copies of the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office and any relevant law enforcement agencies
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition based on statutory criteria
- If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all agencies to destroy or seal the records
Preston County Circuit Court Clerk 101 West Main Street, Suite 201 Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-0070 West Virginia Judiciary
Preston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office 101 West Main Street Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-0222
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed West Virginia attorney, as eligibility criteria and procedural requirements vary based on the specific charges and case history. The West Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Preston County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Preston County, the arrested individual is transported to the North Central Regional Jail, located in Greenwood, West Virginia. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
North Central Regional Jail Route 1, Box 1 Greenwood, WV 26415 Phone: (304) 643-2441 WV Regional Jail Authority
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the facility, the booking process is initiated and typically takes one to four hours depending on intake volume. The process includes:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Issuance of jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
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 notifies the defendant of the charges
- Advises the defendant of the right to counsel
- Appoints a public defender if the defendant is indigent
- Sets bond or bail conditions
- Advises the defendant of all applicable rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- Amount is set by the magistrate or circuit judge
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
- Applicable 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:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- The defendant receives a written notice of court dates
- Written conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The defendant remains in custody pending trial
- Housing assignment is made within the facility
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary, telephone, and visitation privileges are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. The defendant completes an application at the initial appearance. The West Virginia Public Defender Services office coordinates representation for eligible defendants.
West Virginia Public Defender Services — Preston County 101 West Main Street Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-1880 (contact through Circuit Court for current assignment) WV Public Defender Services
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential. The West Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service may assist in locating qualified criminal defense counsel.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Preston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:
- File formal charges by information
- Request additional investigation
- Decline to prosecute
- File different or additional charges from those listed at booking
Grand Jury (Felonies):
For serious felony offenses, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury to obtain an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas are:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest (nolo contendere)
The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned circuit judge.
Plea negotiations may result in an agreement to resolve the case without trial. The defendant retains the right to reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; the defendant may be eligible for expungement
- Diversion programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea agreement: The defendant pleads guilty or no contest to agreed-upon charges with a negotiated sentencing recommendation
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The circuit judge imposes sentence following conviction. Available sentencing options include:
- Incarceration in a state correctional facility or county jail
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
- A combination of the above
Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
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 case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under Article III, Section 14 of the West Virginia Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
North Central Regional Jail Route 1, Box 1 Greenwood, WV 26415 Phone: (304) 643-2441 Daily Incarceration Search
Preston County Circuit Court Clerk 101 West Main Street, Suite 201 Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-0070 Preston County Court Information
Preston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office 101 West Main Street Kingwood, WV 26537 Phone: (304) 329-0222
What to Do If 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 Preston County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Preston County is governed by West Virginia law and the records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Archives and History Division. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
- Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III), where federal retention is permanent
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain indefinitely
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum five years, subject to agency policy
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository: Retained unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records: Retained permanently
- Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum three years at the facility level
- Local arrest logs: Minimum three years
- Eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals; minimum five years for others
- Booking 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 and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who obtain an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type; serious offenses retained longer
- Contact: (304) 329-1611
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository (WV State Police Criminal Identification Bureau):
- Maintains records of all arrests reported by jurisdictions statewide
- Retention is permanent for convicted individuals
- Records for non-convicted individuals may be updated or sealed following expungement
FBI Database:
- NCIC and III records are retained permanently
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement. The timeframe for removal from agency systems following an expungement order is typically 30 to 90 days.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after three to five years; the subject may also petition for immediate expungement.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a threshold set by federal regulation; no time limit applies to positions above that threshold or to convictions. West Virginia does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period for convictions beyond federal law. Arrests without convictions may not be reported as convictions, and employers in certain regulated industries are prohibited from considering non-conviction arrest records.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Preston County Sheriff's Records Division at (304) 329-1611
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by date, booking number, or case number
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records