Mason County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mason County in 2026
MasonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Mason 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, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case filings. The completeness and currency of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the case.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Mason County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining booking records and jail roster information for individuals arrested and held within the county. The Sheriff's Office maintains custody records for individuals booked into the county facility, including charge information, booking dates, and custody status. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status or recent arrest activity. Records are updated as bookings and releases occur.
2. Local Police Departments
The Point Pleasant Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs for incidents occurring within city limits. Press releases and public arrest summaries may be issued by the department for matters of public interest. Members of the public seeking arrest information for incidents handled by municipal officers should direct requests to the relevant city police department.
Point Pleasant Police Department
400 Viand Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2080
City of Point Pleasant
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings. The Magistrate Record Search maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary allows members of the public to search magistrate court cases by name. As noted by the West Virginia Judiciary, "Users are instructed to call or visit the magistrate court clerk in the county where a case is filed to obtain copies of specific court records." Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and hearing dates.
Mason County Circuit Clerk
200 Sixth Street, Suite 3
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2840
West Virginia Judiciary
Mason County Magistrate Court
200 Sixth Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2731
West Virginia Magistrate Court
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 state supervision. Additionally, the WV Regional Jail Authority provides a Daily Incarcerations search tool listing individuals currently held in regional jail facilities. These tools include name, facility location, charges, and booking information. There is no fee to access these online search tools.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Mason County Sheriff's Office
800 Viand Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-1990
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mason County Sheriff
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with West Virginia law.
Clerk of Court:
Mason County Circuit Clerk
200 Sixth Street, Suite 3
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2840
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed at the standard rate established under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, which governs public records access and associated fees.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Mason County Sheriff's Office at 800 Viand Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.
By Phone:
The Mason County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (304) 675-1990 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not provided 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 documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. 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, state police)
Are Arrest Records Public in Mason County
Arrest records in Mason County are public records under West Virginia law. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-2, all public records are presumed open to inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to support government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, 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 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:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under state 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 exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The West Virginia Constitution and the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act establish the legal 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. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in 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
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Licensing agencies and professional boards
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. 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. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Mason County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- 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 and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, West Virginia State Police)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- West Virginia statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications
- Felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time if applicable
- Release conditions where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- 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 included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings following arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Mason County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Mason County is governed by West Virginia's public records statutes. Under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 per page (varies by office) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | May be provided at no charge or nominal fee |
| Record inspection (in person) | No charge for inspection |
| Search fee | No statutory search fee under FOIA |
- Inspection of records in person is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copy fees vary by office and are set at the discretion of the custodial agency within statutory limits.
- Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing an official seal is requested.
- Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at most offices; individual offices should be contacted to confirm accepted payment methods.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing.
- Online tools maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary and the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are available at no cost to the public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Mason County
West Virginia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, when granted, requires the destruction or removal of records from public databases.
Under West Virginia law, eligibility for expungement depends on the outcome of the underlying case. Individuals whose charges were dismissed, who were acquitted, or who completed a first-offender diversion program may petition for expungement. Certain misdemeanor convictions are also eligible after a waiting period. Felony convictions are subject to more limited expungement eligibility under current West Virginia statutes.
The expungement process in West Virginia requires the filing of a petition in the circuit court of the county where the arrest or conviction occurred. The petition must include identifying information, the nature of the charges, the case number, and the basis for eligibility. The court schedules a hearing, and the prosecuting attorney is notified. If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the records.
Mason County Circuit Court
200 Sixth Street, Suite 3
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2840
West Virginia Judiciary
Mason County Public Defender's Office
200 Sixth Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2990
Individuals seeking expungement who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the public defender's office. The West Virginia Legislature has codified expungement procedures, and petitioners are advised to review the applicable statutes governing eligibility and procedure before filing.
What Happens After Arrest in Mason County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Mason County, the arrested individual is transported to the Western Regional Jail, which serves Mason County as the primary detention facility.
Western Regional Jail
1 Mountaineer Drive
Barboursville, WV 25504
Phone: (304) 733-8900
WV Regional Jail Authority
Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under West Virginia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unreasonable delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the magistrate formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the magistrate or circuit judge.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without 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 personal property, a written court date, and conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing, provided an inmate orientation, and informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Mason County Public Defender's Office
200 Sixth Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2990
Eligibility for public defender representation is based on financial need. Applications are completed at the initial appearance or shortly thereafter.
Private Attorney: Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The West Virginia State Bar provides attorney referral services at wvbar.org.
Charging Decision:
The Mason County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.
Mason County Prosecuting Attorney
200 Sixth Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2000
For felony charges, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. The defense attorney is not present during grand jury proceedings.
Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. Dismissed cases may be eligible for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court programs. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing options following conviction include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the West Virginia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution
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
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- 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 Mason County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Mason County is governed by West Virginia law and applicable local agency policies. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History administers records retention schedules for state and local government agencies. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit 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 court records
- State repository retention follows applicable records schedules
Dismissed Charges:
- May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
- Court records are often retained permanently but may not appear on standard background checks
- Eligible for expungement under West Virginia law
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement records may be retained for several years
- Court records are often permanent
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records may be retained for a defined period before purging
- Eligible for expungement in many circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the agency's records schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are often retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Mason County Sheriff's Office
800 Viand Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-1990
Mason County Sheriff
Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the West Virginia records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition.
Clerk of Court:
Mason County Circuit Clerk
200 Sixth Street, Suite 3
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2840
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained according to applicable schedules. Electronic court records are generally retained permanently.
State Repository:
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions within the state. As stated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the agency maintains records on individuals under state supervision and provides public access through the Offender Search tool.
FBI Database:
The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent for most categories of criminal history records. These databases are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase screenings, and law enforcement inquiries.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Requires physical destruction or sealing of local records and update to the state repository; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all databases takes time following the court order
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after a defined interval
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. West Virginia does not currently impose additional statutory restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal FCRA requirements. Third-party background check companies and commercial mugshot websites are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Mason County Sheriff's Records Division at (304) 675-1990 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3 may be required to obtain detailed retention information. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.