Randolph County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Randolph County in 2026

RandolphCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking data, and associated criminal justice records in Randolph County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find records that include arrest dates, charges filed, booking numbers, custody status, and court case information. Available record categories may encompass sheriff's arrest logs, magistrate court case filings, regional jail incarcerations, and sex offender registry entries. Access and completeness of records vary by agency and record type.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies. The following resources are currently available for searching arrest-related records in Randolph County:

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining arrest and booking records within the county. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about available arrest information. The office serves Elkins, Beverly, Mill Creek, and surrounding unincorporated areas of Randolph County. Arrest records maintained by the Sheriff's Office include booking numbers, charges, custody status, and basic demographic information on arrested individuals. The Sheriff's Office also processes requests for accident and incident reports for incidents occurring within its jurisdiction.

2. Local Police Departments

The Elkins Police Department serves the City of Elkins, the county seat of Randolph County, and maintains its own arrest logs and incident records separate from the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public seeking arrest records for incidents occurring within Elkins city limits should direct requests to the Elkins Police Department. Press releases and public notices regarding arrests may be issued by either the Sheriff's Office or the Elkins Police Department depending on the arresting agency.

Elkins Police Department
100 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0836
City of Elkins

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to magistrate court case filings in West Virginia. The West Virginia Judiciary maintains a magistrate court record search tool that allows members of the public to search by name for cases filed in Randolph County Magistrate Court. Court cases associated with an arrest include charge information, case numbers, hearing dates, and disposition data. Users seeking certified copies of specific court records are instructed to contact or visit the magistrate court clerk in Randolph County directly.

Randolph County Magistrate Court
2 Randolph Ave, Suite 1
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-2066
West Virginia Judiciary

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 search for individuals currently under supervision or incarcerated within the state correctional system. Additionally, the WV Regional Jail Authority publishes a daily incarcerations list that reflects individuals currently held in regional jail facilities, including those arrested in Randolph County and transported to the Central Regional Jail. No fee is charged for accessing these online state databases.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Randolph County Sheriff's Office
4 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0971
Randolph County Sheriff's Office

• Members of the public requesting records in person should present a valid government-issued photo identification.
• Requestors should provide the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number if known.
• Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.
• The records division is accessible during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Clerk of Court:

Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
2 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0543
Randolph County Commission

• Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours.
• Copy fees are assessed per page for reproduced documents.
• Certified copies carry an additional certification fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 4 Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241. A written request should include the following:

• Full legal name of the subject of the record
• Date of birth or approximate age
• Date of arrest, if known
• Booking number, if known
• Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
• Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests received by the office.

By Phone:

• Randolph County Sheriff's Office: (304) 636-0971
• Callers may obtain limited information by phone, including confirmation of custody status.
• Staff may direct callers to the online regional jail daily incarcerations list or advise an in-person visit for detailed records.
• Full name and date of birth of the subject are required for telephone inquiries.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files not released under standard public records requests may be obtainable through court-ordered discovery.

Information Needed for Search:

• Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
• Date of birth or approximate age
• Approximate date of arrest
• Booking number, if known
• Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Elkins Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Randolph County

Arrest records in Randolph County are public records under West Virginia law. Pursuant to § 29B-1-3 of the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in the state, subject to specific statutory exemptions. Arrest records fall within the category of public records because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism and research, 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
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Bond and bail information
• Current custody status
• Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under West Virginia law and applicable federal statutes:

• Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed pursuant to state juvenile justice statutes
• Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
• Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
• Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
• Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
• Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
• Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The public's right of access to arrest records is grounded in the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects the press and public's interest in governmental proceedings. Courts have recognized that transparency in the arrest process serves the due process interests of the accused as well as the public's right to monitor law enforcement activity. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the statutory exemptions enumerated in West Virginia's public records law.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

• Members of the general public
• Media organizations and journalists
• Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
• Licensing agencies
• Background check companies operating in compliance with the FCRA
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and others using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the FCRA, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and reliance on arrest records alone for adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Randolph County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Randolph County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the arrest process.

Personal Identification Information:

• Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
• Date of birth and age at time of arrest
• Sex and race or ethnicity
• Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
• Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
• Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest by street address or general area
• Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, Elkins Police Department, West Virginia State Police, or another authorized agency
• Booking date and time
• Booking number or arrest number
• Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charges Information:

• Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of arrest
• West Virginia statute numbers alleged to have been violated
• Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
• Number of counts for each charge
• Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

• Name and location of the booking facility
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records releases
• Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

• Current custody status, reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
• Bond amount as set by the court or magistrate
• Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
• Release date and time, if the individual has been released
• Release conditions, to the extent they are part of the public court record

Court Information:

• Court case number assigned following arrest
• Court jurisdiction
• Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
• Court location and judge assignment, if available

What Is Typically Not Included in Public Arrest Records:

• Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
• Witness statements and victim information
• Evidence collected during the investigation
• Medical or mental health information
• Social Security number, which is redacted from public releases
• Bank account or financial information

Distinction Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

• Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information than arrest records
• Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
• Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
• Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and conviction data

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Randolph County?

Members of the public requesting copies of arrest records from Randolph County agencies are subject to fees established under West Virginia law and local agency policy. Under current law, public bodies in West Virginia may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.

Record Type	Estimated Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copy	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Fees may vary by agency
Record inspection (no copy)	No fee for inspection only

• Fees for copies of accident and incident reports from the Sheriff's Office are assessed at the time of the request.
• Inspection of records without requesting copies is available at no charge pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
• Payment methods accepted by the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; individual agencies should be contacted to confirm currently accepted payment methods.
• Fee waiver provisions may apply for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion.
• Fees for court records obtained through the magistrate court or circuit court clerk are set by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and may differ from law enforcement copy fees.

Members of the public may inspect records at no cost during regular business hours at the applicable agency's office without incurring copy fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Randolph County

West Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure or destruction of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Under West Virginia Code § 61-11-26, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, whose charges were dismissed, or who completed a first-offender diversion program may be eligible to petition for expungement of their arrest records. Eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and the scope of relief available depend on the nature of the offense and the outcome of the case.

Circumstances Under Which Expungement May Be Available:

• Charges were dismissed or not filed following arrest
• The individual was acquitted at trial
• The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion or first-offender program
• A specified waiting period has elapsed following completion of a sentence for certain misdemeanor offenses
• Certain low-level felony offenses may be eligible after a longer waiting period under current West Virginia law

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Randolph County:

1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk or Magistrate Court.
2. Confirm eligibility based on the offense type, case disposition, and applicable waiting period under West Virginia Code § 61-11-26.
3. Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement with the Randolph County Circuit Court.
4. Pay the applicable filing fee at the time of submission.
5. Serve copies of the petition on the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and any other required parties.
6. Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted.
7. If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the records.

Randolph County Circuit Court
2 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0543
Randolph County Commission

Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
2 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0277
Randolph County Commission

Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed West Virginia attorney, as the procedural requirements and eligibility criteria are case-specific. The West Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service may assist individuals in locating qualified legal counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Randolph County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Randolph County, the arrested individual is transported to the Central Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for Randolph County arrestees. The facility is operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority.

Central Regional Jail
300 Days Drive
Sutton, WV 26601
Phone: (304) 765-2667
WV Regional Jail Authority

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within Randolph County. The arrested individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standard intake process that includes:

• Recording of personal identification information
• Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Collection of fingerprints
• Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
• Inventory and storage of personal property
• Medical and brief mental health screening
• Housing classification determination

The booking process at the Central Regional Jail reflects the daily incarcerations published by the WV Regional Jail Authority, which are updated on a daily basis and accessible to the public online.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under West Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for an initial appearance without unreasonable delay, and in no event later than the first judicial day following arrest. At the initial appearance:

• The magistrate formally advises the individual of the charges
• The right to counsel is explained, and appointment of a public defender is addressed for eligible individuals
• Bond or bail is set or denied
• The individual is advised of their rights

Initial appearances in Randolph County are conducted before the Randolph County Magistrate Court.

Randolph County Magistrate Court
2 Randolph Ave, Suite 1
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-2066
West Virginia Judiciary Magistrate Record Search

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond 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 may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which includes return of personal property, provision of a court date, and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody at the Central Regional Jail pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:

Randolph County Public Defender's Office
2 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 637-0100
Randolph County Commission

Eligibility for a court-appointed public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for appointed counsel retain the right to hire private legal representation.

Charging Decision:

The Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, completion of a diversion program, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the court imposes the appropriate sentence, which may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

• Arrest to first appearance: Within the first judicial day following arrest
• First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks, depending on case complexity
• Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by charge severity
• Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
• Felony cases: May extend to a year or longer depending on complexity

Rights Throughout the Process:

• Right to remain silent
• Right to counsel
• Right to a speedy trial
• Right to confront witnesses
• Right to present a defense
• Right against self-incrimination
• Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Randolph County Sheriff's Office
4 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0971
Contact the Sheriff's Office

Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
2 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0543
Randolph County Commission

Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
2 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-0277
Randolph County Commission

What to Do If Arrested:

1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
2. Do not physically resist arrest
3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
4. Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or acquaintances
6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Randolph County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Randolph County is governed by West Virginia law, local agency policy, and applicable federal regulations. Under current law, public records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Archives and History Division set minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Records retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining the record, and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the West Virginia State Police criminal history repository
• Maintained indefinitely in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

• Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court clerk
• Maintained in the state criminal history repository

Dismissed Charges:

• Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
• Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
• Records may remain accessible in public databases unless expungement is obtained

Acquittals:

• Court records are retained and may be permanent
• Local law enforcement records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
• Individuals acquitted of charges may petition for expungement under West Virginia Code § 61-11-26

Charges Not Filed:

• Booking records are retained for the applicable minimum period
• Individuals whose charges were not filed are among those eligible for expungement under current West Virginia law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

• Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the period specified in the applicable retention schedule
• Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained for extended periods, often permanently
• Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely, regardless of case outcome

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

• Booking records and arrest reports are retained pursuant to the West Virginia records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies
• Investigative files are retained for periods that vary based on offense classification

Clerk of Court:

• Felony case files are retained permanently
• Misdemeanor case files are retained for the period specified in the court records retention schedule
• Electronic court records are retained permanently in most instances

State Repository:

• The West Virginia State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions within the state
• Retention policy is governed by state law and applicable federal requirements

FBI Database:

• The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records on a permanent basis
• These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

• Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
• Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
• Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed pursuant to the court order; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party commercial databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. West Virginia does not currently impose a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to all private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions on the timing of criminal history inquiries. An arrest without a resulting conviction is distinct from a conviction and its use in employment and housing decisions is subject to applicable legal restrictions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may submit a written public records request to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 4 Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, or call (304) 636-0971. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Randolph County

• Randolph County Sheriff's Office
• Contact the Randolph County Sheriff's Office
• Randolph County Commission
• WV Regional Jail Daily Incarcerations
• Accident and Incident Reports – Randolph County
• West Virginia Magistrate Court Record Search
• West Virginia Offender Search
• West Virginia Freedom of Information Act – § 29B-1-3