Obtaining West Virginia criminal records is possible in most situations. A criminal record is created whenever a person violates a crime or is suspected to have done so. This record provides detailed information about the individual including identifying features, address, height and weight and Social Security numbers. The information contained in these reports is used by local and state law enforcement to provide a more thorough understanding of who a person is. However, the public has access to these records, too. The most common reason for the public to access these records is for a background check prior to employment, entering into a lease or other related transactions.

To find West Virginia criminal records, individuals will need to turn to the West Virginia Division of Corrections. This agency operates under the West Virginia Attorney General's office. Since the 1970's, it has been collected and managing all criminal records within the state. It stores that date in one large, computerized database that makes it possible for individuals to research the information. To do so, individuals will need to visit the website of the West Virginia Division of Corrections or contact the agency at the following address:

West Virginia Department of Corrections

Central Office

1409 Greenbrier Street

Charleston, West Virginia 25311

Individuals who may wish to gather more specific information related to a criminal activity will want to use various other databases to gather that information. For example, the West Virginia State Police maintain and update the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry within the state. This registry provides immediate access to those people who are living, working or known to be sexually oriented offenders in the area. The State Police maintain this database.

For those that do need access to West Virginia criminal records, do realize there are some limitations in place. Individuals who are requesting information about a juvenile will be unable to obtain that information without a court ordered mandate. This is difficult to get. Most records for those under the age of 18 must be maintained in strict confidence. Other records that are unable to be accessed include records sealed by judges. Though it is not common, judges can seal the records of an individual if he or she deems the information is too sensitive to release.

For those who have a criminal record in the state and wish to view it, go through the same steps listed above to gather that information. Should there be a problem with the report's accuracy, contact the agency directly to appeal the contents of the criminal record. This process can take some time, but it is necessary to ensure a person's criminal activity remains accurate.

West Virginia criminal records are in place for most people who are in need. Businesses can use these records to ensure the potential employee they plan to hire is a trustworthy individual. When no record exists, that means the individual has not run into the law in any way or for another reason the file is sealed and inaccessible.

• West Virginia Crime Reports & Statistics

• West Virginia Sex Offender Registry Search