Preston County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Preston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Preston County may access publicly available information through PrestonRecords.us, which aggregates data drawn from official government sources. Preston County criminal records may include arrest logs, court case filings, booking information, conviction histories, and related justice system documents. Users should understand that aggregated databases may not reflect the most current case status, and official government sources remain the authoritative repositories for verified records.
Relevant record categories that may be found through public channels include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active and historical warrant information
- Jail inmate rosters
- Sex offender registry entries
- Protective and restraining orders
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary access points available under current law.
1. County Court Records
The Preston County Circuit Court maintains criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor matters heard within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Preston County Circuit Court Clerk
101 W. Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0070
West Virginia Judiciary
Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for on-site case searches at no charge. Certified copies of court documents are subject to a per-page fee established by state schedule.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Preston County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate information for the county jail. Requests for arrest records may be submitted in person or in writing. The office can provide information on current inmates and recent bookings.
Preston County Sheriff's Office
106 W. Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-1611
Preston County Sheriff
3. Online Court Search
The West Virginia Judiciary provides a statewide online case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal case records by name, case number, or date range. Users should navigate to the West Virginia Case Search portal, enter the subject's full legal name, and select Preston County as the jurisdiction. The portal reflects case filings and dispositions but may not include sealed, expunged, or juvenile matters.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau serves as the official state repository for criminal history records. Formal background check requests require submission of fingerprints and a completed request form. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request (personal record review vs. third-party background check).
West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277
WV State Police Criminal Records
5. Written and Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Preston County Circuit Court Clerk at 101 W. Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the nature of the records sought. Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
What Is Preston County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. In West Virginia, criminal records are created at the point of arrest and updated as a case progresses through the justice system.
Key distinctions within criminal records include:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification, carrying potential sentences exceeding one year; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under state law; juvenile records are confidential and sealed pursuant to West Virginia Code § 49-5-101.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding court orders for arrest; historical records document past proceedings regardless of current status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Preston County include:
- Preston County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail booking records, inmate rosters
- Preston County Circuit Court — court case files, charging documents, dispositions, sentencing orders
- West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports within their respective jurisdictions
Records created through the criminal justice process may include charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and probation or parole status. The West Virginia Judiciary maintains the official court record system for all circuit court proceedings.
Are Criminal Records Public In Preston County
Criminal records in Preston County are subject to public disclosure under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., which establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records. As stated in the statute, "all persons are, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public servants."
Records that are accessible to the public under current law include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Arrest logs and booking records
- Jail inmate rosters
- Sex offender registry information
Records that are restricted or exempt from public disclosure include:
- Juvenile records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Ongoing criminal investigation files
- Victim and witness identifying information
- Records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
The West Virginia Attorney General's office provides guidance on the application of FOIA to criminal justice records. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal disclosure rules and are not subject to state FOIA provisions.
How To Find Criminal Records in Preston County Online?
Official County Resources
The primary online portal for Preston County court records is the West Virginia Case Search system maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary. Users may search by full name, case number, or filing date. The portal contains circuit court criminal case information including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. Registration is not required for basic public searches.
The Preston County Sheriff's Office website provides access to current jail inmate information and recent booking records for the county detention facility.
State-Level Resources
The West Virginia Judiciary's statewide portal covers all 55 counties and allows cross-county searches. The West Virginia State Police administers the official criminal history background check system for employment and licensing purposes.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Note that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public-facing portals
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court proceeding. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Preston County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
West Virginia law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, agencies must make records available for inspection during regular business hours. Copying fees may apply. Free in-person inspection is available at:
- Preston County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 101 W. Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Preston County Sheriff's Office, 106 W. Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
2. Free Online Databases
| Resource | What's Free | Link |
|---|---|---|
| WV Case Search | Case filings, dispositions | courtswv.gov |
| Sheriff Inmate Roster | Current jail bookings | prestoncountysheriff.com |
| WV Sex Offender Registry | Registered offenders | wvsp.gov |
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Preston County Sheriff's Office are available for public inspection at no charge during regular business hours.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court documents: fees set per West Virginia court schedule
- Official state criminal history background checks: fee required by the WV State Police
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond standard inspection
- Expedited processing requests
What's Included in a Preston County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record information.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under W. Va. Code § 49-5-101)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed pretrial diversion program records
Accuracy Note
Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may submit a correction request to the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau or the relevant court clerk. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and housing determinations.
How Long Does Preston County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
West Virginia court records retention is governed by schedules established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Circuit court criminal records are subject to permanent retention requirements for felony matters.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency policy |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County Circuit Court: Permanent retention for criminal case files per West Virginia Supreme Court records retention rules
- Sheriff and jail records: Retention periods vary; booking records are retained per county policy
- State repository: The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau retains conviction records permanently
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper documents may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction, Sealing, and Expungement
Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under West Virginia law for qualifying offenses, removes the record from public access and directs agencies to treat the matter as if it did not occur. Expungement eligibility, forms, and procedures are available through the West Virginia Judiciary. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and separate retention schedules, independent of state or county policies.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain accessible on background checks indefinitely under current law. Employment background screening services commonly report convictions within a seven-to-ten-year window, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all convictions regardless of age.