Greenbrier County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Greenbrier County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, may access publicly available information through a combination of official court portals, county offices, and state repositories. GreenbrierRecords.us provides access to data compiled from publicly available sources related to criminal and court records. Records available through official channels may include the following categories:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Circuit court case filings and dispositions
- Magistrate court records
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active warrants and protective orders
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail and inmate records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to members of the public.
1. County Court Records
The Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk maintains official court records for all circuit-level criminal cases filed in the county. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk
200 North Court Street
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Phone: (304) 647-6602
West Virginia Judiciary
Public access terminals are available at the clerk's office for on-site case record searches. Staff-assisted searches may be subject to copying fees.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail inmate information. Members of the public may submit records requests in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records.
Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office
175 Maplewood Avenue
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Phone: (304) 647-6634
Greenbrier County Sheriff
3. Online Court Search
The West Virginia Judiciary provides online access to court records through its statewide portal. Members of the public may search circuit court records from all fifty-five counties through the Court Record Access search portal. Magistrate court case records are searchable through the Magistrate Case Record Search tool. Searches may be conducted by party name, case number, or filing date. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia notes that it "makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided" through the online magistrate search system.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau serves as the state's official criminal history repository. Formal background check requests require submission of fingerprints and a completed request form. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request (personal record review vs. third-party employment check).
West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2277
WV State Police
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for court records to the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk at 200 North Court Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Requests must include the full name of the subject, approximate dates of the case, and a daytime contact number. Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, public agencies are required to respond to records requests within five business days of receipt.
What Is Greenbrier County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Greenbrier County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under West Virginia law, criminal records encompass a broad range of documentation generated at each stage of the criminal justice process.
The distinction between record types is significant for members of the public conducting searches:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification of criminal offense under West Virginia law, carrying potential sentences exceeding one year. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties and are adjudicated at the magistrate court level in many instances.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are sealed under West Virginia Code § 49-5-17 and are not accessible to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current judicial orders for arrest, while historical records document past proceedings regardless of current status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Greenbrier County include the County Sheriff's Office (arrest records and jail records), the Greenbrier County Circuit Court and Magistrate Court (case files, dispositions, and sentencing records), the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau (statewide criminal history), and local municipal police departments. Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea proceedings, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or supervision.
Are Criminal Records Public In Greenbrier County
Criminal records in Greenbrier County are public records under West Virginia law. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., establishes the public's right of access to government records, including court and law enforcement records. The statute provides that "all persons are, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, case filings, and sentencing information are accessible to the public. The following categories of records are subject to restriction or are not publicly accessible:
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged records (removed from public access upon court order)
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Mental health and medical records incorporated into court files
- Cases sealed by judicial order
Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to West Virginia's open records law. The West Virginia Attorney General's office provides guidance on public records access obligations applicable to state and county agencies.
How To Find Criminal Records in Greenbrier County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online portals for Greenbrier County criminal records are maintained at the state level through the West Virginia Judiciary. The Court Record Access search portal provides access to circuit court records from all fifty-five West Virginia counties. The Magistrate Record Search directs users to the magistrate case search system, where misdemeanor and civil magistrate cases may be searched by name or case number. No registration is required to conduct basic searches through these portals.
Daily inmate and booking information for regional jail facilities is available through the Daily Incarcerations portal at Apps.Wv.Gov. The West Virginia Regional Jails update this information regularly, though the data can change quickly and reflects a point-in-time snapshot.
State-Level Resources
The West Virginia Judiciary home page provides a centralized entry point for court record searches statewide, including access to Supreme Court opinions, court forms, and county-specific court information. The West Virginia State Police maintain the statewide criminal history background check system for formal record requests.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as magistrate and circuit court records are maintained in separate systems
- Note that records predating electronic filing may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating the implementation of electronic case management systems may not be digitized and require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check and are not a substitute for a certified criminal history report from the West Virginia State Police.
Can You Search Greenbrier County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: West Virginia law mandates that public records be made available for inspection free of charge. Under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, agencies must permit inspection of public records during regular business hours. Copying fees may apply for reproductions. In-person inspection is available at the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office.
2. Free Online Databases: The following portals are available at no cost:
| Resource | What It Contains | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Court Record Access Portal | Circuit and magistrate case records statewide | Free |
| Magistrate Case Record Search | Magistrate court case records | Free |
| Daily Incarcerations – Apps.Wv.Gov | Current regional jail inmate data | Free |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office may be inspected in person at no charge, subject to applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the circuit court clerk (at present, West Virginia courts charge per-page copying fees)
- Official state criminal history background checks through the West Virginia State Police: fees vary by request type
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond routine inspection
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3 permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records but prohibits charging for the act of inspection itself. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in a Greenbrier County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Greenbrier County criminal record at present may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, statutory charges (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record. These records are accessible through the West Virginia Judiciary's court record access system.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing information (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed under W. Va. Code § 49-5-17)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their criminal records may petition the originating agency or court for correction. Inaccurate records can affect employment, housing, and licensing decisions, making periodic review of one's own record advisable.
How Long Does Greenbrier County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
West Virginia courts and law enforcement agencies are subject to records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the Supreme Court of Appeals. These schedules govern the minimum periods for which records must be maintained.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent (court records) |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency; at present, sheriff records are retained for a minimum of several years |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained permanently with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per W. Va. Code § 49-5-17 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County circuit courts retain case records permanently under state court retention rules
- The Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records according to the state-mandated schedule for law enforcement agencies
- The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau retains conviction records permanently in the statewide repository
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed after scanning and digital preservation, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under West Virginia Code § 61-11-26, removes qualifying records from public access and, in certain circumstances, from law enforcement databases. Eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since disposition. Even where a county destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from state and county records. Federal retention rules differ from West Virginia state requirements.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on criminal records permanently under West Virginia law. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present cover criminal history for seven to ten years in most commercial contexts, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of the age of the conviction.