Search Preston County, WV Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Preston County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Preston County, WV
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Preston County
- Visitation Rules at Preston County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Preston County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Preston County
- Preston Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Preston County?
- Preston County Facility Directory
- Preston Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Preston County, West Virginia, you can start online by searching the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's website (https://rja.wv.gov), which provides an inmate search tool covering all counties, including Preston. This platform allows you to look up current inmates by name or booking date. For those seeking more detailed records or historical information, you may visit or contact the Preston County Sheriff's Office, located at 106 West Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537, as they maintain local arrest and jail records. Additionally, you can reach out to the Preston County Courthouse for court documents related to criminal cases. Offline requests typically require a valid ID and may involve a small copying fee. For recent arrests or specific case information, local newspapers such as The Preston County News & Journal may also provide relevant details. Always call ahead to verify office hours and records request procedures.
How to Find an Inmate in Preston County, WV
Inmate records for Preston County, WV, are accessible online or by request, depending on whether the individual is held at a local jail, state prison, or federal facility. Use the appropriate tool below to search for the correct location and type of inmate record.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preston County Jail / Sheriff's Office | Local jail inmates & arrest records | Phone: (304) 329-1611 In-person: 103 W Main St, Kingwood, WV 26537 Website: Preston County Sheriff's Office | Call or visit for most current inmate information; online roster may not be available. |
| West Virginia DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates (WV DOC system) | Website: WV DOC Inmate Search | Search by name or DOC number for those in state custody. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status & notifications | Website: VINELink WV | Register for updates on inmate status, transfers, and releases. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | Website: BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prisons in West Virginia; most federal inmates from WV held at USP Hazelton (Bruceton Mills, WV). |
| In-Person Records Request | All available public inmate records | Visit Preston County Courthouse: 101 W Main St, Kingwood, WV 26537 | Some records may only be accessible in person; ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Preston County
After arrest in Preston County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and undergo a medical screening prior to housing assignment. The booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, driving under suspension | Common | 12–24 hours, or until sober/bond set |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, paraphernalia | Common | 24–72 hours, or until bond/arraignment |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic battery | Occasional | 24–72 hours, or until arraignment/bond hearing |
| Property Crimes | Burglary, larceny, vandalism | Occasional | 24–72 hours, or until bond/arraignment |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Common | Until court appearance or bond posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench warrant, probation violation | Common | Until court resolution or transfer if sentenced elsewhere |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Armed robbery, felony assault | Occasional | Until trial/bond; if sentenced, transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Preston County Jail
Before visiting, always verify the most current visitation rules with the Preston County Jail and ensure you are on the approved visitor list for the inmate. Policies and schedules can change, so confirmation is essential.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 12:00pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 9:00am – 12:00pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo identification required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or inappropriate clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No weapons, electronics, bags, food, or drinks allowed in visitation. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be on the inmate's approved list prior to arrival. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Must be scheduled in advance; valid credentials required. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Preston County Jail
Inmates at Preston County Jail can be contacted through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication subject to monitoring and recording by jail staff.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Preston County Jail
103 W Main St, Kingwood, WV 26537
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outbound collect or pre-paid calls via [Provider]. | Family/friends must set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls are time-limited, monitored, and may be restricted or suspended. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters/photos using approved address format. | No setup required for sender. | No packages; no contraband; all mail inspected; limit on photographs and content. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive messages via [Provider]'s online platform. | Register for an account with [Provider]. | Messages monitored; may be delayed/restricted; fees may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct video visits using [Provider]. | Register and schedule through [Provider]. | Calls scheduled in advance; monitored; time-limited; dress code enforced. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Preston County
The West Virginia Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, guiding the transition from incarceration to community life. Local reentry support in Preston County is available through various state and community-based programs addressing housing, employment, supervision, and other key needs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Board of Parole | Determines parole eligibility and release for state inmates; sets and reviews parole conditions. | State-sentenced offenders | paroleboard.wv.gov / (304) 558-6366 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows inmates to earn credits toward early release for good behavior and program participation. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | Administered by WV Division of Corrections: (304) 558-2036 / dcr.wv.gov |
| Parole Supervision | Provides supervision and support for parolees reentering Preston County from incarceration. | Parolees residing in Preston County | Region IV Parole Office (Morgantown): (304) 285-3151, 1066 Maple Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance in finding temporary and permanent housing for returning citizens. | Recently released individuals | West Virginia Reentry Councils: reentry.wv.gov / (304) 558-2036 |
| Employment Assistance | Job search support, resume help, and training for people with criminal records. | Justice-involved individuals | WorkForce WV - Kingwood: (304) 329-1968, 115 Brown Ave, Kingwood, WV 26537 / workforcewv.org |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits upon release. | Returning citizens and their families | WV DHHR - Preston County: (304) 329-0397, 255 Court St, Kingwood, WV 26537 / dhhr.wv.gov |
| VINE Victim Notification | Notifies victims about custody status changes for offenders held in WV jails or prisons. | Crime victims and concerned individuals | vinelink.com / 1-866-984-8463 |
Preston Incarceration Statistics
Preston County, West Virginia, experiences moderate crime rates compared to neighboring counties, with property crimes appearing more frequently than violent offenses. The county does not operate a dedicated jail; instead, inmates are held at a regional facility serving multiple counties.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 34 | 76 (statewide) | 8% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 28 | 62 (statewide) | 6.5% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 3 | 6 (statewide) | 0.7% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 | 1 (statewide) | 0.2% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 210 | 468 (statewide) | 51% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 160 | 356 (statewide) | 39% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 35 | 79 (statewide) | 8.5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 15 | 32 (statewide) | 3.5% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 90 | 200 (statewide) | 22% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 45 | 100 (statewide) | 10% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 36 | 80 (statewide) | 8.5% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 78% Male, 22% Female (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 11%, 25-34: 33%, 35-44: 29%, 45+: 27% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 88% White, 8% Black, 2% Hispanic, 2% Other (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug offenses, Property crimes, DUI/Traffic (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.2 years (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 29% (statewide, 3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Preston County?
As of the latest estimate, approximately 110 individuals are held in local custody in Preston County. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration periods may be transferred to a state correctional facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 62 | 56% | $72 | 91% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 22 | 20% | $68 | 85% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 18 | 16% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 6 | 5% | $80 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 110 | 100% | — | — |
Preston County Facility Directory
Preston County has one primary correctional facility serving local detainees, which is a regional facility. There are no standalone county jails, youth facilities, work release centers, or specialty centers located within Preston County.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tygart Valley Regional Jail | Regional Facility | 400 Abbey Road, Belington, WV 26250 | 400 | ~350 | Medium |
Preston County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid and Rights
- Re-Entry Programs & Community Support
- Family Support