Cabell County Public Records /Cabell County Inmate Search

Cabell County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Cabell County?

Inmate records in Cabell County are official government documents maintained by the Cabell County Sheriff's Office and the Western Regional Jail that document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial entry into the correctional system through their release.

Pursuant to West Virginia Code §15A-3-2, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and current records of all persons committed to their custody. These records differ significantly from court records in several important aspects:

Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office
Inmate records are maintained by detention facilities and the Sheriff's Office

The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into a detention facility. During this intake process, correctional staff collect identifying information, photograph the individual, document personal property, and record the charges for which the person is being detained. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, visitation logs, and other relevant custody information.

Upon release, inmate records are closed but maintained according to West Virginia's records retention schedule. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation oversees the standardization of inmate record-keeping practices across county facilities to ensure consistency and compliance with state regulations.

Are Inmate Records Public In Cabell County?

Inmate records in Cabell County are partially public under West Virginia law. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B-1-1 establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody. However, this access is balanced against privacy and security concerns specific to correctional settings.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

Current inmate roster (listing of individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
Charges filed and their status
Mugshots (booking photographs)
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
Current housing facility

Certain elements of inmate records remain confidential under West Virginia Code §15A-4-5, which specifically addresses confidentiality of certain correctional records. Protected information includes:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports and investigations
Information that would compromise facility security
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Victim information
Records pertaining to juvenile offenders

Members of the public seeking inmate information can access basic custody details through the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority's online inmate lookup system or by contacting the Cabell County Sheriff's Office directly. More comprehensive records may require a formal public records request and may be subject to redaction of confidential information.

What's Included Inmate Records in Cabell County

Inmate records in Cabell County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Address of residence prior to incarceration

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Intake assessment documentation
Housing assignment history
Classification status (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Grievances filed
Property inventory

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions
Bail hearing dates

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Magistrate or Circuit)
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Credit for time served
Parole eligibility date
Good time calculations
Sentence start and projected end dates
Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Property returned upon release

These records are maintained in both physical and electronic formats, with the Western Regional Jail and Cabell County Sheriff's Office utilizing the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority's centralized records management system.

Cabell County Prison System

The Cabell County correctional system operates within the broader framework of West Virginia's regional jail structure. Unlike some states where counties maintain their own jail facilities, West Virginia utilizes a regional approach to incarceration. Cabell County does not operate its own county jail facility; instead, individuals arrested in Cabell County are housed at the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville, which serves multiple counties in the region.

The Western Regional Jail houses several categories of inmates:

Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
State inmates temporarily housed due to overcrowding in state facilities

It is important to distinguish between regional jails and state prisons in West Virginia:

Regional jails primarily house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences
State prisons house convicted felons serving longer sentences
Regional jails are operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority
State prisons are operated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The Cabell County Sheriff's Office maintains responsibility for transporting inmates to and from court appearances and provides security at the Cabell County Courthouse. The Sheriff's Office also conducts arrests and initial processing before transferring individuals to the regional jail facility.

Cabell County Sheriff's Office
750 5th Avenue, Suite 300
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8663
Cabell County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Cabell County

Cabell County's correctional system consists of several facilities that serve different functions within the criminal justice process. Each facility operates under specific security protocols and houses different classifications of inmates.

Western Regional Jail
1 O'Hanlon Place
Barboursville, WV 25504
(304) 733-6821
Western Regional Jail

The Western Regional Jail is the primary detention facility serving Cabell County. This medium to maximum security facility houses:

Pre-trial detainees
Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences
Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
State inmates temporarily housed due to overcrowding

The facility provides various services including medical care, mental health services, substance abuse programs, educational opportunities, and religious services. The Western Regional Jail has separate housing units for male and female inmates with varying security classifications.

Cabell County Courthouse Holding Facility
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8663
Cabell County Courthouse

This temporary holding facility is located within the Cabell County Courthouse and is used to house inmates during court appearances. Individuals are transported from the Western Regional Jail to this facility for hearings and trials, then returned to the regional jail afterward. This is not a long-term housing facility.

Cabell County Community Corrections Center
800 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 526-8520
Cabell County Community Corrections

This facility provides alternative sentencing options and serves as a day reporting center for:

Non-violent offenders
Individuals on probation
Participants in drug court programs
Those in work release programs

The center focuses on rehabilitation rather than incarceration and offers services including drug testing, counseling, job placement assistance, and life skills training.

Cabell County does not operate juvenile detention facilities. Juvenile offenders from Cabell County are typically housed at the Donald R. Kuhn Juvenile Center in Julian, WV, or other state-operated juvenile facilities under the authority of the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services.

Who's in Prison In Cabell County

The inmate population in Cabell County's correctional system encompasses diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The Western Regional Jail, which serves Cabell County, houses approximately 400-600 inmates at any given time, though this number fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and other factors.

The inmate population typically includes:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
These individuals comprise approximately 60-70% of the jail population

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
Common offenses include DUI, simple assault, petty theft, and drug possession
These inmates typically make up 15-20% of the population

Felony Offenders Awaiting Transfer:

Individuals convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
May remain in the regional jail for weeks or months pending available space in state facilities
Represent approximately 5-10% of the jail population

State Inmates:

Convicted felons who would normally be housed in state prisons
Temporarily housed in the regional jail due to state prison overcrowding
Comprise approximately 5-10% of the jail population

Specialized Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
Those in protective custody due to the nature of their charges or other factors
Federal detainees held under contract with federal agencies

According to data from the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, common offenses among Cabell County inmates include drug-related crimes (particularly methamphetamine and opioid offenses), property crimes, domestic violence, and public order offenses. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 45-60 days, while those serving misdemeanor sentences typically remain incarcerated for 30-180 days depending on their specific sentence.

The demographic composition of the jail population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends in West Virginia, with males comprising approximately 80-85% of inmates. The facility houses both male and female inmates in separate housing units, with appropriate classification systems to ensure safety and security.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Cabell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Cabell County have several methods available to access this information. The West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority maintains a centralized inmate lookup system that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody.

To search for inmate records:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority's official inmate lookup portal
Select "Regional Jail Inmate Search" from the available options
Enter the inmate's first and last name (middle initial optional)
Alternatively, search using the inmate's ID number if known
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Full name and booking photo
- Current facility location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if scheduled)

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Western Regional Jail directly at (304) 733-6821
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
Jail staff can confirm if an individual is in custody and provide basic information
Note that detailed information may require an in-person visit or formal records request

In-Person Request:

Visit the Western Regional Jail administrative office during business hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
Complete an inmate information request form
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for copies of records

Formal Public Records Request:

Submit a written request to the Records Custodian at:

Western Regional Jail
Attn: Records Custodian
1 O'Hanlon Place
Barboursville, WV 25504
Include the following information:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific records being requested
- Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic)
Allow 5-10 business days for processing as required by West Virginia law
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction ($0.25-$0.50 per page)

For information about former inmates who are no longer in custody, inquiries should be directed to the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office, which maintains court records related to criminal cases, or to the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation for individuals who were transferred to state facilities.

How To Find an Inmate in Cabell County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Cabell County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. These free methods provide basic custody information sufficient for most inquiries.

West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation website
Select the "Regional Jail Inmate Search" option
Enter the inmate's first and last name (exact spelling is recommended)
Review search results showing current custody status, facility location, and booking date
This service is available 24/7 and provides real-time information at no cost

Cabell County Courthouse Records Search:

Visit the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office website
Navigate to the public records search function
Search by name to locate criminal case information
While this doesn't provide direct custody information, it shows case status and can indicate if someone has been sentenced
This service is free for basic searches

Telephone Verification:

Call the Western Regional Jail at (304) 733-6821
Request to speak with the information desk or booking department
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person you're inquiring about
Basic custody status information is provided at no charge
Available during administrative hours (typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday)

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday):

Visit VINELink or call 1-866-334-3064
Select West Virginia as the state
Enter the inmate's name
Receive information about custody status and location
This service is free and available 24/7
VINE also offers free notification services regarding changes in an inmate's custody status

In-Person Inquiry at the Courthouse:

Visit the Cabell County Magistrate Court or Circuit Court during business hours

Cabell County Courthouse
750 5th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
Request assistance from the court clerk to verify if someone is in custody
Provide the individual's full name and date of birth if known
Basic verification of custody status is provided at no charge

When using these free resources, it's advisable to have as much identifying information as possible, including the correct spelling of the person's name, date of birth, and middle initial if known. This helps ensure accurate results, particularly for individuals with common names.

How To Visit an Inmate In Cabell County

Visiting an inmate at the Western Regional Jail, which serves Cabell County, requires adherence to specific procedures established by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority. These regulations are designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family connections.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Inmates may submit up to 10 names for their visitor list
Changes to visitor lists are processed on the 1st and 15th of each month
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate

Visit Schedule:

Visitation hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
No visits on Mondays and Tuesdays (reserved for administrative processing)
Each inmate is permitted two 55-minute visits per week
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
Schedule visits by calling (304) 733-6821 between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time for processing

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Birth certificates for minor visitors
Locker key deposit ($1.00 in quarters)
Up to $50 in cash or money order for inmate account deposits
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products or electronic cigarettes
Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling staff attire
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)

Visit Types:

Contact visits are not permitted at the Western Regional Jail
All visits are conducted through secure video visitation terminals
On-site video visitation is available at the facility
Remote video visitation is available through the GTL VisBridge platform
Remote visits incur a fee of approximately $0.25 per minute

Visit Rules:

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Visitors may be subject to search upon entry
All items brought into the facility are subject to inspection
Visitors must remain seated during the entire visit
Physical contact with the video visitation equipment is limited to normal operation

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with felony convictions must receive special approval to visit
Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
Current or former employees of the jail must receive special permission to visit
Visitors who have been removed from one inmate's visitor list cannot be added to another inmate's list for 60 days
The facility administrator may restrict visitation privileges for security reasons

These regulations are established pursuant to West Virginia Code §15A-3-3, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies. For the most current information, visitors should contact the Western Regional Jail directly before planning a visit.

How To Send Money to a Cabell County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed at the Western Regional Jail in Cabell County have several methods available for sending funds. These funds are deposited into the inmate's commissary account, allowing them to purchase approved items from the facility's commissary.

Electronic Deposits:

Visit Access Corrections
Create an account or log in
Select "West Virginia Regional Jail Authority" as the agency
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using credit/debit card or electronic check
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-24 hours
Service fees apply (typically $2.95-$9.95 depending on deposit amount)

Telephone Deposits:

Call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884
Provide the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow the automated prompts to complete the transaction
Credit/debit card required
Service fees apply (typically $3.95-$10.95 depending on deposit amount)
Funds are generally available within 1-24 hours

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "Western Regional Jail"
Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
Do not send personal checks or cash
Mail to:

Western Regional Jail
Inmate Accounts
1 O'Hanlon Place
Barboursville, WV 25504
No service fees apply for money orders
Processing time is typically 3-5 business days
Include sender's full name and return address on the envelope

Lobby Kiosk:

Visit the Western Regional Jail lobby during business hours
Use the automated kiosk located in the public lobby
Follow on-screen instructions
Cash, credit, or debit cards accepted
Minimal service fees apply (typically $1.95-$4.95)
Funds are available in the inmate's account immediately

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00 per inmate
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00 per inmate

Deposit Fees:

Electronic deposits: $2.95-$9.95 depending on amount
Telephone deposits: $3.95-$10.95 depending on amount
Money orders: No fee
Lobby kiosk: $1.95-$4.95 depending on amount

What You Cannot Send:

Cash through the mail
Personal checks
Cashier's checks
Third-party checks
Cryptocurrency
Money transfers from international sources without prior approval

Permitted Uses of Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
Telephone calls
Tablet rentals and services
Educational materials
Medical co-pays
Haircuts

Restricted Uses of Funds:

Cannot be used to pay fines or court costs directly
Cannot be transferred to other inmates
Cannot be used for bail or bond payments
Cannot be withdrawn as cash during incarceration

Funds remaining in an inmate's account upon release will be returned via debit card or check. For additional information about sending money to inmates, contact the Western Regional Jail Inmate Accounts department at (304) 733-6821 ext. 409.

How To Send Jail Mail In Cabell County

Corresponding with inmates at the Western Regional Jail in Cabell County requires adherence to specific guidelines established to maintain facility security while allowing important communication with family and friends.

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address all correspondence as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Western Regional Jail
1 O'Hanlon Place
Barboursville, WV 25504
Include a complete return address with sender's full name
Use standard white envelopes only
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt at the facility

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters on white paper (no colored paper)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
Money orders (must be separate from letters)
Legal documents
Religious materials (subject to review)
Drawings on plain white paper (no crayon or marker)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or oversized envelopes
Plastic or metal items
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers or labels
Perfumed or scented items
Colored paper or cardstock
Polaroid photographs
Photographs depicting nudity, gang symbols, or criminal activity
Cards larger than 5x7 inches
Hardcover books (unless sent directly from publisher)
Food items or candy
Clothing or accessories

Publications and Books:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Publications must be paperback only (no hardcover books)
Address as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Western Regional Jail
1 O'Hanlon Place
Barboursville, WV 25504
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Inmates are limited to possessing 5 books and 5 magazines at any time

Electronic Messaging:

The Western Regional Jail offers secure electronic messaging through GTL's ConnectNetwork
Create an account on the ConnectNetwork website
Purchase messaging credits (fees apply)
Messages are subject to the same screening as physical mail
Character limits apply (typically 2,000 characters per message)
Photos can be attached for an additional fee
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours

Legal Mail:

Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail"
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Legal mail is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Include attorney bar number on correspondence when applicable

All mail is subject to inspection according to West Virginia Code §15A-4-6, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish and enforce mail policies. Mail containing threats, criminal activity, escape plans, or contraband will be rejected and may result in criminal charges. Senders of rejected mail are typically notified with an explanation of the rejection reason.

For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Western Regional Jail at (304) 733-6821 during regular business hours.