Putnam County Public Records / Putnam County Arrest Records

Putnam County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Putnam County in 2026

PutnamWVRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Putnam County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, mugshots, bond information, court case filings, and inmate rosters. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure rules.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Putnam County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the Putnam County Correctional Center. Members of the public may access current inmate information through the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority inmate search, which is updated on a daily basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments operate within Putnam County, including the Winfield Police Department and the Hurricane Police Department. Each department maintains its own arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to inquire about available arrest records or recent press releases.

Hurricane Police Department
3006 Teays Valley Rd
Hurricane, WV 25526
Phone: (304) 562-5896
City of Hurricane

Winfield Police Department
4 Courthouse Square
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-2228

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records in Putnam County are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Putnam County Circuit Clerk and the Putnam County Magistrate Court. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest through the West Virginia Judiciary's magistrate record search. Court documents themselves are not available online; users are directed to contact or visit the magistrate court clerk in the county where the case was filed to obtain copies of specific documents.

Putnam County Circuit Clerk
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0201
West Virginia Judiciary

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The West Virginia State Police maintains a criminal history repository accessible to authorized requesters. Members of the public seeking a personal criminal history record may submit a request through the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau. A fee applies for criminal history record checks. The repository includes arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Putnam County Sheriff's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0217
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Putnam County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for copies of records are assessed at the time of the request.

Putnam County Magistrate Court
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0231
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 1 Courthouse Square, Winfield, WV 25213. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Putnam County Sheriff's Office: (304) 586-0217
Putnam County Circuit Clerk: (304) 586-0201
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records on behalf of clients through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Putnam County

Arrest records in Putnam County are public records under West Virginia law. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies, including law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are subject to disclosure because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.

Arrest records are made available to the public for the following reasons:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
Use in background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
Access by parties and counsel in legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under West Virginia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected from disclosure
Confidential informant information is exempt from public access
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The West Virginia Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges and dispositions, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic and policy researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and credit decisions. Employers using third-party background check companies must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. West Virginia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. An important distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment decisions may be subject to challenge under federal equal employment guidance.

What's in Putnam County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or West Virginia State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of arrest
West Virginia statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court or magistrate
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (Magistrate Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests recorded in Putnam County
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges, where included in the booking record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted under state and federal law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Putnam County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and reproduction of public records. Fees are not permitted to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Estimated Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copies	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No statutory search fee; actual cost basis
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge for inspection

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the applicable office. Electronic payment options vary by agency.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, such as by news media organizations. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request. The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau charges a separate fee for statewide criminal history record checks, currently set at $25.00 for a name-based search.

Members of the public may access the following at no charge:

In-person inspection of public arrest records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Online inmate roster through the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority
Magistrate court case index through the West Virginia Judiciary's online search portal

How To Delete Arrest Records in Putnam County

West Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement refers to the legal erasure or destruction of arrest and court records, while sealing restricts public access to records that continue to exist in law enforcement and court systems. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Under W. Va. Code § 61-11-25, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the circuit court for expungement of the arrest record. Eligibility conditions include:

The charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The prosecutor declined to file charges
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
A specified waiting period has elapsed, depending on the nature of the offense

For certain misdemeanor convictions, West Virginia law also permits expungement after a waiting period and upon demonstration that the individual has not been convicted of any other offense during that period. Felony expungement is available in limited circumstances under amendments to West Virginia expungement law, subject to specific eligibility criteria based on the nature of the offense and the time elapsed since conviction.

The process for seeking expungement in Putnam County involves the following steps:

File a Petition for Expungement with the Putnam County Circuit Court
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for most petitions)
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend a hearing if the prosecutor objects or the court requires one
Obtain a signed Order of Expungement from the circuit judge
Serve the order on all agencies holding records subject to expungement, including the Sheriff's Office, arresting police department, and West Virginia State Police

Putnam County Circuit Court
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0201
West Virginia Judiciary

Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0205

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Legal Aid of West Virginia, which provides free civil legal services to income-eligible residents. Following entry of an expungement order, the subject may lawfully deny the existence of the arrest in most contexts, including employment applications, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and certain licensed professions.

What Happens After Arrest in Putnam County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Putnam County, the arrested individual is transported to the Western Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for Putnam County.

Western Regional Jail
1 Mountaineer Dr
Barboursville, WV 25504
Phone: (304) 733-8900
WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps are completed:

Personal information recorded and verified
Miranda rights confirmed
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening conducted
Brief mental health screening completed
Housing classification assigned

The booking process at the Western Regional Jail takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

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

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is explained and, if applicable, a public defender is assigned
Bond or bail is determined by the magistrate
Rights are reviewed

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the court or jail
Refunded at conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the magistrate based on charge severity and individual circumstances

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under West Virginia law
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

Individual held without bond when charged with serious violent offenses, assessed as a flight risk or danger to the community, on probation or parole violation, subject to an immigration hold, or subject to an out-of-state warrant

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders with alleged victims or witnesses
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision reporting requirements

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours following bond payment
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody at the Western Regional Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income and the nature of the charges.

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0261
West Virginia Public Defender Services

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The West Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist in identifying qualified criminal defense attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may:

File formal charges by information or indictment
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute if the evidence is insufficient
File different or additional charges based on the evidence

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in West Virginia may be initiated by grand jury indictment. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas include not guilty, guilty, and no contest (nolo contendere). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery:

Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings

Pretrial Motions:

Motion to suppress evidence
Motion to dismiss
Motion for additional discovery
Hearings scheduled as needed

Pretrial Conferences:

Meetings between counsel and the court to discuss case status, plea negotiations, and trial readiness

Plea Negotiations:

The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept or proceed to trial

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal:

Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Following dismissal, the individual may be eligible to petition for expungement

Diversion Programs:

Pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court are available for eligible defendants
Successful completion results in dismissal of charges

Plea Agreement:

Defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
Sentencing hearing is scheduled

Trial:

Jury trial is available as a matter of right for most criminal charges
Bench trial (decided by the judge) is available by agreement
If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose any combination of the following:

Incarceration in jail or state prison
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
Electronic monitoring

Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within one judicial day
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to resolution: Several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
West Virginia's constitutional speedy trial provisions require that cases proceed without unreasonable delay

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Western Regional Jail (Putnam County Detention)
1 Mountaineer Dr
Barboursville, WV 25504
Phone: (304) 733-8900
WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority

Putnam County Circuit Clerk
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0201
West Virginia Judiciary

Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0205

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0261
West Virginia Public Defender Services

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, including other inmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Putnam County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Putnam County is governed by West Virginia law and the records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Under the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Act, codified at W. Va. Code § 5A-8-1 et seq., public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for a minimum of ten years by local law enforcement and court records
State repository retains records in accordance with state retention schedules

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
Court records are often retained permanently as part of the case file
Subject may petition for expungement following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
Subject may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement in some circumstances

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
Often eligible for expungement upon petition to the circuit court

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per agency retention schedule, minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals; variable for non-convictions
Photographs: Retained per agency schedule; permanent for convictions

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform
Court electronic records: Retained permanently for most case types

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy

Retention by Agency:

Putnam County Sheriff's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0217

Booking records: Minimum five years; permanent for felony convictions
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Retained per case type and disposition

Putnam County Magistrate Court and Circuit Clerk
12093 Winfield Rd
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0201

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years
Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of five years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
725 Jefferson Rd
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277
West Virginia State Police

Maintains the statewide criminal history repository
Retains arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in West Virginia
Retention policy follows state and federal standards

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all applicable databases
Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law