Criminal records of Wood County, West Virginia, are available through several channels. WoodWVCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained through official state court portals, law enforcement agencies, and the county court clerk's office — both online and in person or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Wood
There are several ways to find criminal records in Wood County. Start with what you know: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number.
Online Search
- WoodWVCourt.us — enter the first or last name to view available public information about county criminal cases.
- Circuit Court — through the court record access page, you can search for cases in circuit courts of all 55 counties in the state, including Wood.
- Magistrate Court — the magistrate court case search system allows you to find information for free by name or case number. The West Virginia Supreme Court warns that this data may be incomplete.
- Inmate Search — the Offender Search of the Department of Corrections will show individuals in the state's correctional system. To check current detainees in the regional jail, use Daily Incarcerations.
You will need at least the person's last name to search. A case number speeds up the process and provides a more accurate result.
In-Person Visit
The Wood County Circuit Clerk's office holds the original criminal case files. You can visit during business hours and use public terminals or ask the clerk to find a specific case. The Wood County Magistrate Court also provides access to its records — contact information can be found on the court system's website.
Mail Request
A written request is sent to the county court clerk's office. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), type of record, and return address. To obtain an official state-level criminal history, the request is submitted to the West Virginia State Police — Criminal Identification Bureau.
Search Wood Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the fastest way to a specific record. In West Virginia, the format of the number depends on the type of court.
For circuit courts, the typical format looks like this:
- YY — two digits of the year the case was filed
- -F- — letter code for the type of case (F — felony, M — misdemeanor, etc.)
- #### — sequential case number within the year
For example, 24-F-0053 means a felony case registered in 2024 under number 53. In magistrate court, the format may differ and include additional county and proceeding type designations.
After finding the number on a receipt, summons, or other court document, enter it in the search field of the appropriate portal — circuit or magistrate court. The system will return the exact case without the need to sift through namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Wood
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the West Virginia Code under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), misdemeanor (offense), or infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — the new one will appear in the record alongside the original |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a decision, the case is closed with a result
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
Hearings
Types of hearings you may see in a case:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — preparatory hearing before the main trial
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review — review hearing, often related to probation conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not guilty | Found not guilty after consideration |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted — the court or jury found innocence |
| No contest / Nolo contendere | The defendant does not contest the charge but does not admit guilt |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Wood
A certified copy is a document with the court's official seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies. A regular printout from the online portal does not have such status.
Where to Apply
Certified copies of circuit court criminal cases are issued by the Wood County Circuit Clerk's office.
For magistrate cases, contact the Wood County Magistrate Court directly. The clerk will prepare a copy or explain the procedure.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — visit the office with valid ID (driver's license or passport). Provide the name, case number, or date. The clerk will find the case and prepare a certified copy.
- By mail — send a written request with the full name of the accused, case number (if known), type of document needed, and return address. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
To obtain a complete state-level criminal history, contact the West Virginia State Police, Criminal Identification Bureau (CIB). Such a request usually requires fingerprinting and filling out a special form.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Wood
Fees are set according to West Virginia law. Exact amounts should be clarified with the clerk before submitting a request, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Court document copy | $0.25–$0.50 per page | Depends on the type of document |
| Certification | $0.50–$1.00 per document | Added to the cost of the copy |
| Criminal history check (CIB) | $25+ | Through West Virginia State Police; may require fingerprints |
| Online search via court portal | Free | Only basic information view |
Processing Time
- In person — a certified copy is usually prepared the same day or within 1–2 business days.
- By mail — from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the office's workload.
- Check through State Police — may take from 2 to 6 weeks, especially if fingerprint processing is required.
Before sending a mail request, call the office at (304) 424-1700 to confirm the current fee amount and acceptable forms of payment.