Logan County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Logan County in 2026
LoganCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records in Logan County, West Virginia. Members of the public seeking criminal history data may find records pertaining to arrests, court case filings, dispositions, sentencing outcomes, and incarceration status. The information available through public channels may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and magistrate court case filings
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Jail and inmate records
- Sex offender registration data
- Active warrants and protective orders
- Pending criminal charges and case dispositions
Criminal records in Logan County may be accessed through official resources including the Logan County Circuit Court, the Logan County Sheriff's Office, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals online portal, and the West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division. The methods below outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain this information.
1. County Court Records
The Logan County Circuit Court maintains case files for felony proceedings, civil matters, and appeals originating within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Logan County Circuit Court Clerk
300 Stratton Street
Logan, WV 25601
Phone: (304) 792-8600
West Virginia Judiciary
Public access terminals are available within the clerk's office for on-site case record searches. Staff may assist with locating case files, though staff-assisted searches may be subject to applicable fees.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Logan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail inmate information. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office in person or in writing. Fees for copies of records are assessed in accordance with West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Logan County Sheriff's Office
300 Stratton Street
Logan, WV 25601
Phone: (304) 792-8590
lcso.wv.gov
3. Online Court Search
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals operates the Magistrate Case Record Search portal, which allows members of the public to search magistrate-level criminal case records statewide, including those originating in Logan County. Users may search by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal returns case status, charge information, and disposition data where available. Circuit court records at the felony level may require in-person inspection or a separate request to the circuit clerk.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The West Virginia State Police maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Formal background check requests, including those requiring fingerprint submission, are processed through the Criminal Records Division. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request.
West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277
wvsp.gov
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk or the Logan County Sheriff's Office at the addresses listed above. Written requests must include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, agencies are required to respond to FOIA requests within five business days of receipt.
What Is Logan County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Logan County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction of Logan County, West Virginia, and as reported to state and federal repositories. Under West Virginia law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, beginning at the point of arrest and continuing through prosecution, adjudication, sentencing, and post-conviction supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant for members of the public seeking accurate information:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. An arrest record does not indicate guilt or a criminal conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt entered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony offenses are the more serious classification under West Virginia law and carry potential sentences exceeding one year of incarceration. Misdemeanor offenses carry lesser penalties. Both categories are reflected in criminal records maintained by the county and state.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are subject to confidentiality protections under West Virginia Code § 49-5-101 and are not accessible to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest and are maintained as current law enforcement records. Historical records document past criminal proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Logan County include the Logan County Sheriff's Office (arrest records, jail records, and booking information), the Logan County Circuit Court and Magistrate Court (court case files, charges, pleas, and dispositions), the West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments operating within the county. Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of prosecution, and finalized upon sentencing or case dismissal. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Logan County
Criminal records in Logan County are subject to public disclosure under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, 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 officials and employees." Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to members of the public through the channels described in this article.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under West Virginia law. These exemptions include:
- Juvenile adjudication records, which are sealed by operation of law
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
- Expunged records, which are treated as though the underlying event did not occur following a court order of expungement
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain sensitive case types
- Records sealed by judicial order
Federal criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to West Virginia's FOIA provisions. The West Virginia Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records access obligations applicable to state and county agencies.
How To Find Criminal Records in Logan County Online?
Official County Resources
The primary online resources for Logan County criminal records are maintained at the state level through the West Virginia judiciary. The Magistrate Case Record Search portal provides public access to magistrate court case records, including misdemeanor criminal cases filed in Logan County. Users may search by the subject's name or case number. The portal displays charge information, filing dates, and case dispositions. Registration is not required to conduct a basic search.
The Logan County Sheriff's Office website provides information regarding the county jail and law enforcement operations. Members of the public seeking current inmate or booking information may access available data through the Sheriff's Office online presence.
State-Level Resources
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates the Offender Search portal, which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently or previously under the supervision of the state correctional system. The West Virginia State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository for formal background check requests.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or name variations
- Case number searches return the most precise results when the case number is known
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all record types
- Note that records predating the digitization of court files may not appear in online searches
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public-facing online databases
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court proceeding. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may not be available online and require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check for employment, licensing, or other regulated purposes.
Can You Search Logan County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. In-person inspection of criminal case files is available at the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Logan County Magistrate Court during regular business hours. Copying fees apply to reproductions of records.
2. Free Online Databases: The following portals provide free public access to criminal record information:
| Resource | Records Available | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Magistrate Case Record Search | Magistrate court criminal cases | Free |
| Offender Search | State correctional supervision records | Free |
| Logan County Sheriff's Office | Jail and law enforcement information | Free |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Logan County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under West Virginia FOIA and may be inspected at no charge.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the circuit clerk per page or per document
- Official state criminal history background checks through the West Virginia State Police: fee assessed per request
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond routine inspection
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3 permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records but prohibits agencies from charging for the inspection of records. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in a Logan County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A Logan County criminal record at present may include 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 case records include the case number, court of jurisdiction (circuit or magistrate), filing date, charges and applicable statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or case outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing information (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
Criminal records may also reflect active warrants, protective orders, sex offender registration status (searchable through the West Virginia Offender Search), DUI or DWI adjudications, and pending charges.
NOT Included
The following categories of information are not reflected in publicly accessible Logan County criminal records:
- Juvenile adjudication records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Criminal records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where charges were dismissed
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may seek correction through the originating agency or through the West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment background checks, professional licensing, and other regulated purposes.
How Long Does Logan County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
West Virginia agencies are subject to records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and applicable state statutes. Court records in West Virginia are subject to retention requirements set by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the circuit court and the state criminal history repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in court records; state repository retention follows applicable schedules
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained by the Sheriff's Office and state repository; subject to expungement eligibility under West Virginia law
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained in court records with disposition noted; eligible for expungement under West Virginia Code § 61-11-25
- Juvenile records: Sealed by operation of law and subject to destruction pursuant to West Virginia Code § 49-5-101
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution of the case
Agency Differences
County circuit courts retain case records permanently in accordance with judicial retention rules. The Logan County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records in accordance with the county's records retention schedule. The West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division retains conviction records permanently in the state repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, provided the electronic copy is preserved in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period. Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under West Virginia Code § 61-11-25, results in the legal treatment of the underlying event as though it did not occur, and removes the record from public access. Eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the offense, the disposition of the case, and the time elapsed since the event.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county records. Federal records are not affected by state expungement orders.
Practical Implications
Felony convictions appearing in the state repository remain accessible on background checks indefinitely unless expunged. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present cover criminal history for a period of seven years for most positions, though no such limitation applies to positions with salaries above applicable thresholds or to professional licensing inquiries. Even where a county agency has destroyed physical records, electronic copies may persist in state databases unless the subject has obtained a valid order of expungement.