Search Wetzel County, WV Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Wetzel County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Wetzel County, WV
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Wetzel County
- Visitation Rules at Wetzel County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Wetzel County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Wetzel County
- Wetzel Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Wetzel County?
- Wetzel County Facility Directory
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Wetzel County, West Virginia, you have both online and offline options. For online searches, start by visiting the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Offender Search website, which allows you to look up individuals held in state-run facilities; however, note that county jail information might not be fully listed there. For inmates specifically housed in Wetzel County, reach out directly to the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the county jail. The Sheriff’s Office can be contacted by phone, visited in person at their office located at 336 Main Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155, or you can visit their official website for more guidance on records requests. Additionally, public records requests can be made through the Wetzel County Clerk’s Office for arrest and incarceration records. Always have basic identifying information (like the inmate’s full name and date of birth) ready to expedite your inquiry.
How to Find an Inmate in Wetzel County, WV
Inmate records for Wetzel County, WV are accessible online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a West Virginia state facility, or in federal custody. Below is a comparison of available search tools and how to use them.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority | Search by name or offender ID; includes current and some past state inmates. Not for county jail or federal inmates. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim notification and custody status (most jails, state) | VINE West Virginia | Real-time custody status; requires name or ID. Good for general status but limited search filters. |
| Wetzel County Jail / Sheriff | Local jail inmates | Call: (304) 455-2430 Visit: 200 Main St., New Martinsville, WV 26155 | Contact the Wetzel County Sheriff's Office for recent arrests and current jail roster. No online roster available. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates (U.S. Bureau of Prisons) | BOP Inmate Locator | WV has no federal prisons; most WV federal offenders are held at FCI Gilmer, FCI Hazelton, or other regional federal facilities. Search by name/ID. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail bookings and arrest logs | Visit Wetzel County Sheriff at 200 Main St., New Martinsville, WV 26155 | May require valid ID and formal request. Best for verifying recent local jail custody if other searches are inconclusive. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Wetzel County
When someone is arrested in Wetzel County, they are typically transported to the county jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned to a housing unit. The full booking process usually takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under the Influence, DWLS | Most Common | 12–24 hours or until sobriety; longer if repeat/offense |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of controlled substances | Common | Until bond is posted or initial court appearance |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, battery, spousal abuse | Common | Hold until arraignment; 24–72 hours standard |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Occasional | Until bond is posted or initial court appearance |
| Failure to Appear | Missing court dates | Common | Hold pending hearing or until bond posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench warrants, probation violations | Common | Hold pending court resolution or extradition |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Burglary, serious drug charges | Occasional | Hold until trial; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Wetzel County Jail
Before visiting Wetzel County Jail, always contact the facility to confirm current visitation rules and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | Confirm with facility | On-site/In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or inappropriate clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, bags, or contraband allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list before attending visitation. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special visits possible; contact facility for scheduling and specific requirements. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Wetzel County Jail
Inmates at Wetzel County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored and subject to facility rules.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Wetzel County Jail
72 Main Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outbound collect or prepaid calls using the [Provider] phone system. | Friends and family set up an account with [Provider] to receive calls. | Calls may be limited in duration; all calls are recorded and monitored. |
| Physical Mail | Mail is delivered to inmates after inspection by facility staff. | Sender uses the approved address format when mailing letters. | No contraband, padded envelopes, or photographs; mail may be read and censored. |
| Digital Messaging | Text messages are sent via the [Provider] messaging platform. | Recipients must register at [Provider]'s website and fund an account. | All messages are screened; inappropriate content will be blocked or rejected. |
| Video Calls | Remote video visits facilitated by [Provider] scheduled in advance. | Users create an account with [Provider] and schedule a video session. | Visits may be supervised; dress code and conduct rules apply; technical fees may apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Wetzel County
The West Virginia Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, helping determine eligibility and conditions for supervised release. Local reentry support is available through a range of state and community-based programs to assist returning citizens in Wetzel County.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Board of Parole | Reviews and grants parole eligibility for state-sentenced inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | paroleboard.wv.gov (304) 558-6366 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows inmates to reduce sentences through earned good time credits. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | Managed by WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (304) 558-2036 |
| Parole Supervision (Wetzel County) | Provides oversight and support for individuals on parole in Wetzel County. | Parolees residing in or returning to Wetzel | WV Parole Services, Region II 1101 George Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 (304) 420-4580 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance locating transitional and supportive housing for reentrants. | Recently released individuals in Wetzel County | WV Reentry Councils & Volunteers of America–WV voamid.org/wv-reentry (304) 343-4063 |
| Employment Assistance | Job training and placement support for justice-involved individuals. | Individuals with criminal records | Jobs & Hope West Virginia jobsandhope.wv.gov (304) 352-4895 |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps with reinstating public benefits post-incarceration (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid). | Returning citizens and their families | WV DHHR Wetzel County Office 250 North St, New Martinsville, WV 26155 (304) 455-0920 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated victim notification on custody status, release, or parole updates. | Victims and concerned community members | vinelink.com 1-866-984-8463 |
Wetzel Incarceration Statistics
Wetzel County, West Virginia, experiences lower crime rates compared to urban centers, with property crimes making up the majority of reported incidents. The county does not operate its own dedicated jail; Wetzel County inmates are primarily held at the Northern Regional Jail, which serves multiple counties in the region.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 25 (statewide) | 316 (statewide) | 13% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 18 (statewide) | 228 (statewide) | 9% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 3 (statewide) | 38 (statewide) | 2% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 (statewide) | 6 (statewide) | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 160 (statewide) | 2,018 (statewide) | 68% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 110 (statewide) | 1,387 (statewide) | 47% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 35 (statewide) | 442 (statewide) | 15% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 15 (statewide) | 189 (statewide) | 6% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 30 (statewide) | 379 (statewide) | 13% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 20 (statewide) | 253 (statewide) | 9% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 12 (statewide) | 152 (statewide) | 5% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 77% Male, 23% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 18%; 25–34: 34%; 35–44: 27%; 45+: 21% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 87% White, 10% Black, 3% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent offenses | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.1 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 28% (3-year rate) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Wetzel County?
Wetzel County currently holds an estimated 38 inmates in local custody, with sentenced offenders requiring longer terms typically transferred to a state facility. The breakdown below shows the population by facility type and related key statistics.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 20 | 52.6% | $68 | 70% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 7 | 18.4% | $68 | 25% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 8 | 21.1% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 2 | 5.3% | $85 | 5% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 38 | 100% | - | - |
Wetzel County Facility Directory
Wetzel County has no standalone county correctional facilities. Local detainees are primarily housed at the Northern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, which serves as a regional facility for Wetzel and surrounding counties.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility | Regional Facility | Moundsville, WV | 400 | ~375 | Medium |
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid
- Legal Rights
- Family & Community Support