Cabell County Public Records /Cabell County Criminal Records

Cabell County Criminal Records

What Is Cabell County Criminal Records

Cabell County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Cabell County, West Virginia. These records are maintained pursuant to West Virginia Code §61-11-23, which establishes parameters for criminal record keeping throughout the state. Criminal records serve as the official history of arrests, prosecutions, and court dispositions.

Criminal records in Cabell County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Cabell County Sheriff's Office or Huntington Police Department
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 and older (generally public)
Juvenile Records: Criminal proceedings for minors under 18 (typically sealed)
Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by Cabell County courts
Historical Case Records: Complete documentation of past criminal proceedings

Multiple agencies maintain different components of Cabell County's criminal records system:

Cabell County Sheriff's Office
750 5th Avenue, Suite 300
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 743-1594
Cabell County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

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

The Circuit Clerk maintains felony case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.

Cabell County Magistrate Court
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8513
Cabell County Magistrate Court

The Magistrate Court maintains records for 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 throughout West Virginia, including Cabell County.

Complete criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Cabell County

Criminal records in Cabell County are generally public documents pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B-1-1 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. This statute declares that "public policy of the state of West Virginia is that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."

The public status of criminal records in Cabell County varies by record type:

Publicly Accessible Records:

Adult conviction records
Court proceedings and case files for adults
Sentencing information
Booking photos (mugshots)
Court calendars and dockets
Sex offender registry information

Restricted or Limited Access Records:

Active criminal investigations
Grand jury proceedings
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Expunged or sealed records
Records sealed by court order
Certain domestic violence cases
Cases involving victims of sexual crimes

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has established that court records are presumptively open to public inspection. However, this right of access is not absolute. In certain circumstances, courts may restrict access to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other compelling government interests.

Juvenile records in Cabell County receive special protection under West Virginia Code §49-5-101, which generally prohibits public disclosure of juvenile proceedings. These records remain confidential unless a juvenile is tried as an adult or the court specifically orders disclosure.

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cabell County must understand that while most adult criminal records are accessible, certain limitations and exceptions exist to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and rehabilitation efforts.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cabell County in 2026

Members of the public may access Cabell County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:

In-Person Requests at the Circuit Clerk's Office:

Visit the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies).
For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $5.00 per document).

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

Mail Requests to the Circuit Clerk:

Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case numbers (if available).
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
Mail the request to the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's address.

Criminal Background Checks through State Police:

For comprehensive criminal history information:

Submit a completed West Virginia State Police Criminal History Request Form.
Include fingerprints on the standard fingerprint card (Form FD-258).
Provide a check or money order for the current fee (presently $20 per search).
Submit the request to the West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section.

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

Court Case Information:

For specific case information, the West Virginia Judiciary offers an online case search system:

Visit the West Virginia Judiciary Website.
Navigate to the "Case Search" section.
Select Cabell County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
Enter the party name or case number.
Review the available case information.

For sex offender registry information, the public may access the West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry, which provides searchable information on registered sex offenders in Cabell County and throughout the state.

How To Find Criminal Records in Cabell County Online?

Cabell County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests:

West Virginia Judiciary Case Information System:

The West Virginia Judiciary Case Information System serves as the primary online portal for accessing court case information in Cabell County. This system allows users to:

Search cases by name, case number, or citation number
View case status, charges, and scheduled hearings
Access case disposition information
Review judgment information and sentencing details

The system contains records for both Circuit Court (felony cases) and Magistrate Court (misdemeanor cases) proceedings. While basic case information is available, complete case files and documents typically require in-person requests.

Cabell County Jail Inmate Search:

The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority maintains an online inmate search function that includes current inmates housed at facilities serving Cabell County. This database provides:

Current inmate roster information
Booking dates and charges
Bond information
Scheduled release dates (when available)
Inmate location within the regional jail system

West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry:

The West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry provides searchable information on registered sex offenders residing in Cabell County. Users can:

Search by name, location, or zip code
View offender photographs and physical descriptions
Access offense information
Verify registration compliance status
Sign up for email notifications regarding specific offenders

West Virginia Division of Corrections Offender Search:

For information on individuals currently serving sentences in state correctional facilities, the West Virginia Division of Corrections Offender Search provides:

Current incarceration status
Facility location
Conviction information
Sentence details
Projected release dates

Users should note that while these online resources provide valuable information, they may not contain complete criminal history records. Certain documents, sealed records, juvenile cases, and older records may not be available through online portals. Additionally, some online systems may require user registration or impose access limitations.

Can You Search Cabell County Criminal Records for Free?

Cabell County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, as established under West Virginia Code §29B-1-3, which governs public access to government records. The statute provides that "every person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by law."

Free In-Person Record Inspection:

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8622
Cabell County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Cabell County Magistrate Court
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8513
Cabell County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

While inspection is free, copying fees apply ($1.00 per page for standard copies, $5.00 for certified copies).

Free Online Resources:

Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:

West Virginia Judiciary Case Information System - Provides free access to basic case information, including charges, case status, and hearing dates for Circuit and Magistrate Court cases.
West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Inmate Search - Offers free access to current inmate information, including charges and booking dates.
West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry - Provides free public access to information on registered sex offenders in Cabell County.
West Virginia Division of Corrections Offender Search - Offers free access to information on individuals currently serving sentences in state correctional facilities.

Fee-Based Services:

While inspection of records is generally free, certain services do require payment:

Copies of court documents ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 per document)
Complete criminal history background checks through the West Virginia State Police ($20.00)
Expedited record searches or specialized research services

The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproduction of records but not for the time spent searching for records. Public bodies may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest.

What's Included in a Cabell County Criminal Record?

Cabell County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of 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 Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Huntington Police, etc.)
Booking number and facility
Charges filed at arrest
Bail or bond amount
Detention facility information
Arresting officer information
Incident report numbers

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or Magistrate)
Judge assigned to the case
Charges filed by the prosecutor
Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
Plea information
Defense attorney information
Prosecutor information
Hearing dates and continuances
Motion filings and judicial rulings

Disposition Information:

Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status and violations
Completion of sentence information

Additional Information:

Active warrants or pending charges
Protective or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
DUI/DWI history
Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
Probation/parole officer contact information
Risk assessment scores
Victim notification requirements

The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the disposition of the charges. Records maintained by the Cabell County Circuit Clerk typically contain the most complete documentation of felony cases, while the Magistrate Court maintains similar records for misdemeanor proceedings.

How Long Does Cabell County Keep Criminal Records?

Cabell County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Board under authority granted by West Virginia Code §5A-8-15. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.

Circuit Court Criminal Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Grand jury proceedings: Permanent retention
Indictments: Permanent retention
Judgment orders: Permanent retention
Sentencing information: Permanent retention
Trial transcripts: Permanent retention

Magistrate Court Criminal Records:

Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
Criminal warrants: 10 years after execution or recall
Domestic violence protective orders: 5 years after expiration
Bond documentation: 3 years after case disposition

Sheriff's Office Records:

Arrest records: 10 years from date of arrest
Incident reports: 5 years from date of report
Booking photographs: 10 years from date of booking
Jail records: 3 years after release from custody
Sex offender registration: Life of the offender plus 30 years

Prosecuting Attorney Records:

Felony prosecution files: 10 years after case closure
Misdemeanor prosecution files: 5 years after case closure
Declined prosecutions: 3 years after decision
Diversion program records: 5 years after completion

Certain records are subject to special retention rules:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Murder cases: Permanent retention
Sexual assault cases: 75 years
Cases involving minors: Until subject reaches age 21 plus statute of limitations
Expunged records: Removed from public access upon court order

While these retention periods establish minimum requirements, many criminal records in Cabell County are maintained permanently, particularly those involving serious felonies. The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains permanent archives of significant criminal proceedings dating back to the county's formation.

Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records in electronic format, ensuring long-term preservation of the county's criminal justice history. Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed according to procedures established by the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Board.