Criminal records in Cabell County, West Virginia, are available through several channels. CabellCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information tied to Cabell County courts. Additional access points include the West Virginia Judiciary's online court record portals, the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's office, the magistrate court clerk, and law enforcement agencies such as the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cabell
There are multiple ways to look up criminal records in Cabell County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need official or informal results.
Online Search Options
- CabellCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court record information associated with Cabell County cases. Start by entering a defendant's name or case number.
- West Virginia Judiciary Court Record Access — The statewide portal lets you search circuit court records from all 55 West Virginia counties, including Cabell. You can look up cases by party name or case number.
- Magistrate Court Record Search — Search magistrate court case information for Cabell County. Misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, and certain warrant information may appear here. Note that the judiciary warns results may not represent a complete criminal history.
- WV Regional Jail Active Inmate Search — Check whether someone is currently held at the Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in Barboursville, which serves Cabell County. This database is updated regularly but can change quickly.
In Person
- Visit the Cabell County Circuit Clerk's office at the Cabell County Courthouse in Huntington. Public access terminals may be available for searching circuit court dockets and case files.
- Visit the Cabell County Magistrate Court Clerk to request copies of magistrate-level criminal case records. The West Virginia Judiciary advises calling or visiting the magistrate court clerk in the county where a case was filed to obtain copies of specific records.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Cabell County Circuit Clerk specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Include a return envelope and any required fees.
- For a formal state criminal history record check, submit a request to the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB). This typically requires fingerprint submission and a processing fee.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended but not always required)
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate date range or year of the case
Search Cabell Criminal Cases by Case Number
West Virginia courts use a standardized case number format. Understanding the structure helps you locate a specific case quickly.
A typical circuit court case number follows this pattern:
- Year — The two-digit filing year (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- Case type prefix — A letter code indicating the type of case. For criminal matters, common prefixes include "F" for felony and "M" for misdemeanor at the circuit level
- Sequential number — A number assigned in the order the case was filed that year
For example, a case number like 24-F-123 would indicate a felony case filed in 2024 as the 123rd felony filing. Magistrate court cases use a similar structure but may include the magistrate court designation.
When searching by case number on the statewide court portal, select Cabell County and enter the number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, searching by the defendant's name may be more effective.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cabell
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The West Virginia Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., WV Code §61-2-9 for malicious wounding) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court handles the case |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion; the amended charge replaces or supplements the original |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case filed but not yet resolved |
| Active | Case is currently being adjudicated; hearings or trial may be scheduled |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations (sentencing, probation) are complete |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Magistrate court determines whether probable cause exists to send a felony case to circuit court
- Pre-Trial — Attorneys discuss discovery, motions, and potential resolutions before trial
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Court checks on compliance with probation, deferred sentencing conditions, or other court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution declines to pursue the case further |
| Acquitted | Formal finding of not guilty |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cabell
Circuit Court Records
Certified copies of criminal case documents — such as indictments, orders, judgments, and disposition records — are issued by the Cabell County Circuit Clerk. You can request them in person, by mail, or by phone to arrange the process.
Cabell County Circuit Clerk's Office
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID when requesting records in person. For mail requests, include the defendant's full name, case number, a description of the documents needed, your return address, and payment for applicable fees.
Magistrate Court Records
For certified copies of magistrate-level criminal case records, contact the Cabell County Magistrate Court Clerk directly. The West Virginia Judiciary recommends calling or visiting the magistrate clerk's office in the county where the case was filed.
State Criminal History Records
A formal criminal history background check covering statewide records is handled by the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau. Requests generally require:
- Completed request form
- Fingerprint card (for fingerprint-based checks)
- Valid photo ID
- Payment of the applicable fee
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cabell
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Standard photocopy rate at the clerk's office |
| Certified copy | $0.50 – $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Certification fee varies; contact the Circuit Clerk for the current schedule |
| WV State Police criminal history check | $25.00 | Name-based check; fingerprint-based checks may cost more |
| Search fee (Circuit Clerk) | Varies | Some searches may carry a per-name fee; confirm with the clerk |
Processing times:
- In-person requests at the Circuit Clerk's office are often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request.
- Mail requests typically take 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and whether payment is included.
- State Police criminal history checks may take several weeks for fingerprint-based requests. Name-based checks are generally faster.
Fees are established under West Virginia Code and the West Virginia Trial Court Rules. Contact the Cabell County Circuit Clerk at (304) 526-8625 to confirm current fee amounts before submitting a request.