To locate inmate records in Lincoln County, West Virginia, you have several options. For online searches, you can visit the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Offender Search tool at their official website, which provides updated information on inmates within the state correctional system, including those from Lincoln County. For individuals held in the county jail or those not listed on state databases, contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office directly—the office is located at 8000 Court Avenue, Hamlin, WV 25523, and can be reached by phone at (304) 824-7999. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for maintaining local inmate and jail records, and you can request information in person or sometimes via mail. Additionally, the Lincoln County Courthouse houses records related to criminal court proceedings and may be able to direct you toward further inmate information. Always be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible, such as the inmate’s full name and date of birth, to facilitate your search.

How to Find an Inmate in Lincoln County, WV

Inmate records in Lincoln County, WV are accessible online or in person, but the right search tool depends on whether the individual is held locally, in a state correctional facility, or in federal custody. The following table outlines the best resources and how to use them:

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
West Virginia DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmates (WV DOC)wvdoc.comSearch by name/offender number; covers state prisons, not local or federal inmates.
VINE Inmate SearchState & county inmate statusvinelink.comVictim notification; search by name/location; status updates on inmate custody.
Lincoln Jail / Sheriff’s Dept.Local jail detainees/arrests (Lincoln County)Call (304) 824-7999 ext. 1 or visit 8000 Court Ave, Hamlin, WV 25523No online roster; call or visit Sheriff's Office for info on local detainees.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal prison inmatesbop.gov/inmateloc/No federal prison in WV; WV federal offenders usually held in nearby states (e.g., FCI Ashland, KY).
In-Person Records RequestArrest & booking records (county/state/fed)Visit Lincoln Co. Sheriff's Office: 8000 Court Ave, Hamlin, WV 25523Bring ID; office hours M–F 8:00am–4:00pm; fees may apply for copies.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Lincoln County

Following an arrest in Lincoln County, individuals are typically transported to the local jail, where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are subsequently assigned housing. The entire booking process generally takes between 4–8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDUI, Driving Suspended, Reckless DrivingCommon24–72 hours or until court appearance
Drug OffensesPossession, Distribution, ParaphernaliaCommon24–72 hours or until bond/court
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple Assault, Domestic BatteryCommon24 hours to several days, pending court
Property CrimesTheft, Burglary, VandalismOccasional24–72 hours or until bond/court
Failure to AppearMissed Court DatesCommonUntil bond is posted or next court availability
Outstanding WarrantsBench Warrant, Arrest WarrantCommonUntil warrant is resolved or court appearance
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated Assault, Felony Drug ChargesOccasionalUntil bond/court; sentenced felons transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Lincoln County Jail

Before visiting Lincoln County Jail, please verify the current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility
Tuesday1:00 PM – 4:00 PMIn-personConfirm with facility
Wednesday1:00 PM – 4:00 PMIn-personConfirm with facility
Thursday1:00 PM – 4:00 PMIn-personConfirm with facility
Friday1:00 PM – 4:00 PMIn-personConfirm with facility
Saturday9:00 AM – 12:00 PMIn-personConfirm with facility
Sunday9:00 AM – 12:00 PMIn-personConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDGovernment-issued photo identification required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted.
Prohibited ItemsNo phones, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed in the visitation area.
Visitor Approval ProcessAll visitors must be approved and on the inmate’s visitation list prior to entry.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; birth certificate may be required.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsArranged separately; contact the jail for scheduling and necessary documentation.

How to Contact an Inmate at Lincoln County Jail

Inmates at Lincoln County Jail can be contacted through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging; all forms of communication are monitored by facility staff. Please follow the proper guidelines to ensure your message or call is delivered without delay.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
[Lincoln County Jail]
702 Justice St, Brookhaven, WV 25523

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates make outgoing calls using the [Provider] system.Friends/family set up an account with [Provider].Calls are monitored/recorded; no incoming calls; call length/time limits.
Physical MailLetters sent are delivered after inspection.Address properly; use full name and Booking ID.No contraband, cash, or inappropriate content; all mail is inspected.
Digital MessagingText-like messages sent via [Provider]'s platform.Register with [Provider] online or app.Messages are screened for security; fees may apply.
Video CallsRemote video visitation using [Provider]'s service.Schedule and fund calls through [Provider].May require pre-approval; monitored; time limits apply.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lincoln County

The West Virginia Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while reentry support is available to individuals returning to Lincoln County through a combination of state and community-based programs.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
West Virginia Board of ParoleReviews eligibility and conducts hearings for parole release of state prisoners.State-sentenced offendersparoleboard.wv.gov · (304) 558-0164
Good Time / Sentence ReductionAllows eligible inmates to earn reduced sentences based on good behavior and program participation.Incarcerated individualsdcr.wv.gov/offender_information
Parole SupervisionSupervision and support for individuals released on parole; Lincoln County served by Region 3 Office (Wayne).Parolees in Lincoln CountyWV Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation, Wayne Office: (304) 272-6795
Reentry HousingTransitional housing support coordinated by state and local agencies; may include help finding stable housing post-release.Returning citizensWV Reentry Initiatives: reentry.wv.gov
Employment AssistanceJob readiness training, job search support, and referrals for formerly incarcerated individuals.Returning citizensWorkForce WV: (304) 824-7268 (Hamlin Office, serving Lincoln County)
Benefits RestorationAssistance in reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits lost during incarceration.Formerly incarcerated individualsDHHR Lincoln County: (304) 824-5790
VINE Victim NotificationOnline and phone service to notify victims of inmate release, transfer, or parole status changes.Crime victims and concerned citizensvine.wv.gov · 1-866-984-8463

Lincoln Incarceration Statistics

Lincoln County is a rural area in West Virginia with lower-than-average crime rates compared to urban counties in the state. The county does not operate its own detention center; inmates from Lincoln County are typically held at the Western Regional Jail, serving multiple counties.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)41 (statewide)237 (statewide)15% (statewide)→ Stable
— Assault30 (statewide)174 (statewide)11% (statewide)→ Stable
— Robbery6 (statewide)35 (statewide)2% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Homicide1 (statewide)2 (statewide)<1% (statewide)→ Stable
Property Crime (total)185 (statewide)1,070 (statewide)70% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Theft / Larceny130 (statewide)752 (statewide)50% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Burglary42 (statewide)243 (statewide)16% (statewide)→ Stable
— Vehicle Theft13 (statewide)75 (statewide)4% (statewide)↑ Increasing
Drug Offenses24 (statewide)139 (statewide)9% (statewide)↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic9 (statewide)52 (statewide)3% (statewide)→ Stable
Domestic Violence8 (statewide)46 (statewide)3% (statewide)↓ Decreasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender78% male, 22% female (statewide)Statewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 17%, 25–34: 36%, 35–44: 28%, 45+: 19% (statewide)Statewide average used
Race / Ethnicity89% White, 8% Black, 2% Hispanic, 1% Other (statewide)Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug offenses, larceny, burglary, assault (statewide)Statewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length2.5 years (statewide)Statewide average used
Recidivism Rate27% (statewide, 3-year post-release)Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lincoln County?

As of the latest estimate, Lincoln County holds approximately 185 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders who require longer incarceration terms are typically transferred to a state facility as needed.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)11059%$7885%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)4524%$7870%
Transferred to State Facility2011%N/AN/A
Federal Holds53%$9065%
Juvenile / Youth53%$22560%
Total185100%

Lincoln County Facility Directory

Lincoln County operates two correctional facilities: one county jail and one youth facility. These facilities serve diverse detention needs including adult incarceration and juvenile detention.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Lincoln County JailCounty Jail702 Justice St, Brookhaven8563Medium
Lincoln County Youth DetentionYouth Facility312 Juvenile Dr, Brookhaven2413Juvenile/Medium