Cabell County Public Records / Cabell County Arrest Records

Cabell County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cabell County

Arrest records in Cabell County, West Virginia are considered public information pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.). This statute establishes that public records, including those created, prepared, owned, and maintained by public bodies, shall be accessible for inspection by any person, subject to specific exemptions.

The West Virginia State Police and local law enforcement agencies in Cabell County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. Under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, these records are generally available to the public upon request. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process

The West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrests and dispositions from Cabell County. While arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions outlined in W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4.

What's in Cabell County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Cabell County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records generally include the following components:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address or last known residence
Gender and race
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., Huntington Police Department, Cabell County Sheriff's Office)
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant or probable cause

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing authority
Date warrant was issued
Judge or magistrate who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking number or identification
Processing officer information
Property inventory taken during booking

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Initial court appearance date
Assigned court (Cabell County Magistrate Court or Circuit Court)
Case number
Scheduled hearing dates

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location if incarcerated
Release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Vehicle information if relevant to the arrest
Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Witness statements (often redacted in public records)

The Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, which serves Cabell County, maintains booking records that contain much of this information for individuals who are processed into the facility following arrest.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cabell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cabell County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing these public records:

Contact the Arresting Agency Directly
- Submit a written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Provide as much identifying information as possible about the subject of the search
- Specify the time period for which records are being requested

Cabell County Sheriff's Office
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 743-1594
Cabell County Sheriff's Office

Huntington Police Department
675 10th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 696-4420
Huntington Police Department

Visit the Cabell County Courthouse
- Request records in person at the Clerk's Office
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records

Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office
750 5th Avenue, Suite 3
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8622
Cabell County Circuit Clerk

Submit a Request to the West Virginia State Police
- Complete a Criminal History Record Check Request Form
- Include required identification and payment
- Submit via mail or in person to the Criminal Records Section

West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 746-2100
West Virginia State Police

Check Online Resources
- Access the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority inmate search for current inmates
- Search the West Virginia Judiciary case information system for court records related to arrests

Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3(d), public bodies must respond to records requests within a maximum of five business days. Fees for copies of records are established by each agency but must be reasonable and based on actual cost of reproduction.

How To Find Cabell County Arrest Records Online

Cabell County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through various online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. The following digital resources are currently available:

West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Inmate Search
- The Regional Jail Authority's daily inmate roster provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
- Search by name or by facility (Western Regional Jail for Cabell County)
- Results include booking date, charges, and bond information
- This database is updated regularly but only includes current inmates
West Virginia Court System Online Resources
- The West Virginia Judiciary's online case search system allows users to search for court cases related to arrests
- The Magistrate Court Record Search provides information on cases filed in Cabell County Magistrate Court
- Search by name to locate criminal cases stemming from arrests
- Case information typically includes charges, hearing dates, and case status
Cabell County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office may post information about recent arrests and most wanted individuals
- Visit the Cabell County Sheriff's Office website for available online resources
- Some agencies provide daily arrest logs or booking reports online
Third-Party Aggregator Websites
- Commercial websites compile public record information from multiple sources
- These sites may charge fees for comprehensive reports
- Information on third-party sites may not be current or complete
- Official government sources should be consulted for verification

When conducting online searches for arrest records, users should note that pursuant to W. Va. Code § 61-11-26, certain records may be eligible for expungement and therefore would not appear in public databases. Additionally, the information available online may be limited compared to complete records available through formal requests.

How To Search Cabell County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to arrest records in Cabell County have several options available through government resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

Use the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority's Online Inmate Search
- The Regional Jail Authority's daily inmate roster is accessible at no charge
- This database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
- Search results include booking information, charges, and custody status
- This resource is particularly useful for checking recent arrests
Access the West Virginia Court System's Public Portal
- The West Virginia Judiciary's public access portal offers free basic case information
- Users can search the Magistrate Court Record Search system at no cost
- Case information includes charges, hearing dates, and disposition information
- While detailed documents may require fees, basic case information is free
Visit Public Terminals at the Courthouse
- Public access terminals are available at the Cabell County Courthouse
- These terminals provide free access to court records related to arrests
- No fees are charged for viewing records, though printing may incur costs
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Cabell County Courthouse
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8622
Cabell County Circuit Court

Review Public Notices at Law Enforcement Agencies
- Some agencies post recent arrest information on public bulletin boards
- Visit the lobby of the Cabell County Sheriff's Office or Huntington Police Department
- These resources are available during regular business hours at no cost
Public Library Resources
- The Cabell County Public Library provides free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
- Library computers can be used to access the online resources mentioned above

Cabell County Public Library
455 9th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 528-5700
Cabell County Public Library

When utilizing these free resources, requestors should be aware that pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3(e), while inspection of records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of documents or for extensive searches requiring significant staff time.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cabell County

Individuals with arrest records in Cabell County may be eligible to have these records expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances as provided by West Virginia law. The following information outlines the process and eligibility requirements:

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement results in the physical destruction or deletion of records
Sealing restricts public access while maintaining records for limited official use
In West Virginia, the process is generally referred to as expungement for both outcomes

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 61-11-26, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Non-Conviction Records:
- Arrests that did not result in charges
- Charges that were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Nolle prosequi (prosecution abandoned the case)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- One year after completion of sentence for most misdemeanors
- Certain misdemeanors are ineligible, including domestic violence offenses and DUI
- Petitioner must have no pending criminal charges or proceedings
Felony Expungements:
- Limited to certain non-violent felonies under W. Va. Code § 61-11-26a
- Five-year waiting period after completion of sentence
- No subsequent arrests or convictions during waiting period

Expungement Process:

Obtain Criminal History Report
- Request a complete criminal history from the West Virginia State Police
- Review for accuracy and to determine eligibility
File Petition for Expungement
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form
- File with the Circuit Clerk in Cabell County where the case occurred
- Pay required filing fees (approximately $200, though fee waivers may be available)

Cabell County Circuit Clerk
750 5th Avenue, Suite 3
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8622
Cabell County Circuit Clerk

Serve the Petition
- Provide copies to the prosecuting attorney
- Serve the arresting agency and West Virginia State Police
Attend Hearing
- The court will schedule a hearing on the petition
- Present evidence supporting eligibility for expungement
- Respond to any objections from the prosecutor
Obtain Order of Expungement
- If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expungement
- Distribute copies to all agencies holding records

Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance. The West Virginia Legal Aid offers resources for those who cannot afford private counsel. Additionally, the West Virginia Record Expungement Toolkit provides detailed guidance on the process.

What Happens After Arrest in Cabell County?

Following an arrest in Cabell County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by West Virginia law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

Arrest and Booking
- The individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
- Transportation to a processing facility (typically the Western Regional Jail)
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
Initial Detention
- The arrestee is held at the Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
- Located at One O'Hanlon Place, Barboursville, WV 25504
- Initial detention period is typically less than 24 hours before initial appearance
Initial Appearance
- Appearance before a Cabell County Magistrate within 24 hours of arrest
- Formal notification of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Preliminary determination of eligibility for court-appointed counsel
- Bail determination
Bail Determination
- Magistrate sets bail based on:
  - Nature and circumstances of the offense
  - Weight of evidence
  - Flight risk and community ties
  - Criminal history
  - Public safety considerations
- Types of bail may include personal recognizance, property bond, cash bond, or surety bond
- Conditions of release may be imposed
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
- Held within 10 days if in custody or 20 days if released on bail
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses
- If probable cause is found, case is bound over to the Grand Jury
Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases)
- Grand Jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutor
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
- Cabell County Grand Jury typically meets monthly
- No defense presentation at this stage
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in Circuit Court (felonies) or Magistrate Court (misdemeanors)
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date is set if not guilty plea entered
- Pretrial motions schedule established
Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
Trial
- Jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
- Prosecution presents case and bears burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt
- Defense presents its case and challenges prosecution evidence
- Verdict rendered by jury or judge
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Presentence investigation report prepared
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
  - Statutory guidelines
  - Presentence report
  - Victim impact statements
  - Defendant's criminal history
  - Mitigating and aggravating factors
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days to West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
- Possible post-conviction relief motions
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in regional jail or state prison if sentenced to confinement

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record and is accessible through the West Virginia Judiciary's online case information system, subject to any sealing orders or confidentiality provisions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cabell County?

Arrest records in Cabell County are maintained according to West Virginia's records retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement and court records. The retention periods are governed by W. Va. Code § 5A-8-1 et seq., which establishes the state's public records management program.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
- Electronic records systems have enabled indefinite retention
- Paper records may be microfilmed or digitized after a period of time
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:
- Retained permanently by the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
- Digital copies maintained in state and federal databases (AFIS and IAFIS)
- Subject to expungement only by court order
Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Typically retained for a minimum of 10 years
- Cases involving serious felonies are retained permanently
- Unsolved cases may be retained indefinitely

Court Records Retention:

Magistrate Court Records (Misdemeanors):
- Case files retained for 10 years after case closure
- Index to cases maintained permanently
- After retention period, records may be transferred to archives
Circuit Court Records (Felonies):
- Felony case files are retained permanently
- Docket books and indexes maintained permanently
- Electronic case management systems now preserve these records indefinitely

Corrections Records:

Jail Records:
- Booking and intake records retained for 10 years after release
- Inmate files maintained for 7 years after final release
- Summary information retained permanently
Probation and Parole Records:
- Maintained for 10 years after supervision ends
- Summary information retained permanently in criminal history database

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History Archives serves as the repository for historical court records after their active retention period expires. Additionally, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section maintains the central repository for all criminal history information in the state.

It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, summary information about arrests and dispositions is maintained permanently in criminal history databases unless expunged by court order pursuant to W. Va. Code § 61-11-26.

How to Find Mugshots in Cabell County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In Cabell County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Booking information board showing the date of arrest and booking number
Agency identification information

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots taken in Cabell County are primarily maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency (Huntington Police Department, Cabell County Sheriff's Office, etc.)
The Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, which processes arrestees
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section, which maintains the central repository

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots from Cabell County arrests may utilize the following methods:

Submit a Public Records Request to the Arresting Agency
- File a written request citing the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act
- Provide specific information about the arrest (name, date, charges)
- Pay any applicable fees for reproduction

Cabell County Sheriff's Office
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 743-1594
Cabell County Sheriff's Office

Huntington Police Department
675 10th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 696-4420
Huntington Police Department

Contact the Western Regional Jail
- Submit a records request to the facility records department
- Specify the booking date and inmate information
- Verify whether mugshots are available for public release

Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
One O'Hanlon Place
Barboursville, WV 25504
(304) 733-6821
Western Regional Jail

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Currently, Cabell County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing databases specifically for mugshot searches. However, limited information may be available through:

The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority inmate search, which sometimes includes booking photos for current inmates
Local news media websites that may publish mugshots related to significant arrests
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshot information (these sites may not be current or accurate)

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal public records request. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, agencies must respond to such requests within five business days. Requestors should:

Submit requests in writing
Provide specific identifying information
Be prepared to pay reasonable reproduction fees
Present identification if requesting in person

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

If the release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
If the record has been expunged pursuant to W. Va. Code § 61-11-26
If the individual is a juvenile (juvenile records are confidential under W. Va. Code § 49-5-101)
If the court has issued a specific order sealing the record

Additionally, West Virginia law enforcement agencies exercise discretion in the release of mugshots, particularly for cases involving victims of certain crimes or where release might compromise public safety.