Hampshire County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hampshire County in 2026
HampshireRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Hampshire County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels may include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings
- Inmate custody and release information
- Magistrate court records
- Sex offender registry entries
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following official channels are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Hampshire County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Hampshire County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals taken into custody within the county. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about available online rosters or recent arrest logs. The West Virginia Judiciary website provides supplementary case information linked to arrests processed through the county court system.
- Information available: arrestee name, charges, booking date, custody status
- Search capabilities: name-based inquiry, booking number lookup
- Update frequency: records are updated as bookings occur
2. Local Police Departments
The Romney Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Hampshire County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be obtained by contacting the department directly. Members of the public may submit a written public records request pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., to obtain copies of available arrest logs.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Hampshire County are filed in the Hampshire County Circuit Court and the Hampshire County Magistrate Court. The Magistrate Record Search tool maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary allows members of the public to search by arrestee name to locate associated court case filings. Circuit court records may be accessed through the clerk's office directly or via the West Virginia Judiciary's online case management portal.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains an Offender Search tool that allows members of the public to search for individuals currently under state supervision or incarcerated in a state facility. The WV Regional Jail Authority also publishes a Daily Incarcerations list reflecting individuals currently held in regional jail facilities, including those serving Hampshire County. No fee is assessed for accessing these online state tools.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-3731
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification; specific information about the arrest including full name and approximate date
- Fees for copies: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
Romney Police Department
48 E. Main Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-4800
- Records requests must be submitted in writing or in person during business hours
- Fees: $0.50 per page for copies
Clerk of Court:
Hampshire County Circuit Court Clerk
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-5112
West Virginia Judiciary
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies $1.00 per page
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office at 66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757. Requests should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks depending on record volume and availability.
By Phone:
- Hampshire County Sheriff's Office: (304) 822-3731
- Hampshire County Circuit Court Clerk: (304) 822-5112
- 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 of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court orders 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, Romney Police Department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Hampshire County
Arrest records in Hampshire County are public records under West Virginia law. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-2, all public records are presumed open to inspection by members of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies as part of their official functions and are subject to disclosure under this framework. The public interest in government transparency, community safety, journalistic inquiry, and background screening supports broad access to arrest information.
As the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has recognized, "the public has a right to know about the activities of its government, including law enforcement actions taken in the public's name." This principle underlies the presumption of openness that governs arrest record access in the state.
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 (restricted or sealed under state law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Information pertaining to active investigations
- Identities of undercover officers
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The West Virginia Constitution, Article III, Section 7, protects freedom of the press, which courts have interpreted to include access to government records including arrest information. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the exemption framework established in the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. First Amendment principles and due process considerations inform the scope of public access, particularly with respect to the distinction between an arrest and a conviction.
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 and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. 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. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability in certain circumstances.
What's in Hampshire County Arrest Records
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 gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, Romney Police Department, West Virginia State Police, or other agency)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence 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
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or Magistrate Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
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)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the arrest record itself
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Hampshire County?
Fees for obtaining arrest records in Hampshire County are governed by the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act and applicable court fee schedules. The following current fee structure applies to standard public records requests:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge or nominal fee |
| Search fee | No statutory search fee |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the applicable agency
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
- Court-certified copies of criminal case records carry a $1.00 per page fee as established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals fee schedule
- Electronic access to records through the West Virginia Judiciary online portal is available at no charge for basic case information
- The Offender Search maintained by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation is available to the public at no cost
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Hampshire County
Under West Virginia law, arrest records may be subject to expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restriction of public access), and the distinction between these remedies is significant. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from law enforcement and court databases, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain the record for official purposes.
Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 61-11-26, West Virginia provides for the expungement of certain arrest records, including arrests that did not result in conviction, charges that were dismissed, and first-time nonviolent offenses where the individual has completed all sentencing requirements. The following circumstances may qualify a record for expungement:
- Arrest with no charges filed
- Charges dismissed by the prosecutor or court
- Acquittal at trial
- Completion of a first-offender diversion program
- Certain first-time nonviolent felony and misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case file from the Hampshire County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility under W. Va. Code § 61-11-26 based on the offense type and case disposition
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the West Virginia Judiciary court forms portal
- File the petition with the Hampshire County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office and any other required parties
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will determine whether expungement is granted
- If granted, the court order is forwarded to the arresting agency, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau, and other relevant repositories for record removal
Hampshire County Circuit Court
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-5112
West Virginia Judiciary
Hampshire County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-3521
Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed West Virginia attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process.
What Happens After Arrest in Hampshire County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Hampshire County, the arrested individual is transported to the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility is operated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
355 Dolan Drive, Augusta, WV 26704
Phone: (304) 496-7500
Fax: (304) 496-7591
Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the facility, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail uniform
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under West Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for an initial appearance within a reasonable time, and in no event later than the next business day following arrest in most circumstances. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined by the magistrate
- Rights are explained
The West Virginia Judiciary provides court scheduling information and magistrate court contact details for Hampshire County.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the facility. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the bond amount in West Virginia.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of 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 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, processing for release takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and return of personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Hampshire County Public Defender's Office
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-5985
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and is permitted to visit clients at the jail under confidential consultation protocols.
Charging Decision:
The Hampshire 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 by indictment.
Hampshire County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-3521
Arraignment follows the filing of charges, at which time the defendant enters a formal plea. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreement, or trial. Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within one business day
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: resolved within several months to over one year
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under Article III, Section 14 of the West Virginia Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hampshire County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Hampshire County is governed by West Virginia law and the records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and applicable state agencies. Under current law, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary based on the type of 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, West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of ten years by local law enforcement and court records systems
- State repository retains records in accordance with state criminal history policy
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: retained for a minimum of five years in most cases
- Court records: retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository: records may remain unless expungement is ordered
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement: retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: often retained permanently
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed / No-Information:
- Booking records: retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Local arrest logs: retained per agency schedule
- May be eligible for expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: retained per agency schedule, minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: retained permanently in state and federal repositories
- Booking photographs: retained per agency schedule
- Records management system entries: often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: retained permanently for most case types
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact such websites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-3731
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: minimum five years
- Arrest reports: minimum five years
- Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
Hampshire County Circuit Court Clerk
66 N. High Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 822-5112
West Virginia Judiciary
- Felony case files: permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
- Electronic records: permanent
West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
725 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277
West Virginia State Police
- Maintains the state criminal history repository
- Retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in West Virginia
- Records updated upon receipt of expungement orders
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three to five years; immediate expungement may be available in some cases
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. West Virginia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the federal FCRA framework. Employers and landlords are advised to consult applicable law before taking adverse action based solely on an arrest record that did not result in conviction.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Hampshire County Sheriff's Records Division at (304) 822-3731 or the Circuit Court Clerk at (304) 822-5112 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.