Moundsville, West Virginia Public Records and Criminal Background Check

Official Government Sources

Moundsville Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Moundsville, West Virginia government websites.

About Moundsville City Government

The governing body of Moundsville, West Virginia, is the Moundsville City Council, which consists of 6 elected members. Council members are elected at-large to serve 4-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Matthew J. K. K. W. D. "Matt" H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H. H.

About Moundsville, West Virginia

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, Moundsville is a city steeped in history and a vibrant community. As the county seat of Marshall County, this small city boasts a population of approximately 8,200 residents according to recent estimates. Founded in the early 19th century, Moundsville's rich heritage is exemplified by its namesake, the ancient burial mounds that grace the area, remnants of the Adena culture. The city is characterized by its tight-knit neighborhoods, including popular areas such as East Mound, Glenwood, and the historic district, each contributing to the unique fabric of the community. The local economy thrives on a mix of manufacturing, retail, and public services, with notable employers such as the Moundsville Economic Development Council and several educational institutions. Moreover, the city is distinguished by attractions like the West Virginia Penitentiary, a Gothic-style former prison that draws tourists and history buffs alike, as well as the nearby Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, which showcases the region's prehistoric heritage.

For those seeking law enforcement resources or information about criminal records in Moundsville, the Moundsville Police Department serves as the primary agency, complemented by the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, which covers broader county law enforcement. To obtain arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, individuals should first contact the Moundsville Police Department's records unit, where requests can be initiated either in person or via phone. For comprehensive criminal history checks or additional records, inquiries can be directed to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the county detention facility. Furthermore, West Virginia maintains a state criminal repository through the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Investigation, where individuals can request background checks and access statewide criminal records. Online lookup portals may also be available, offering an efficient means to access public information, making the process more accessible for residents and interested parties.

In terms of the judicial framework, Moundsville is served by the Marshall County Circuit Court, where individuals can seek various court records. To request court records, residents can utilize the online portal available through the West Virginia court system or visit the court clerk’s office in person for assistance. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be obtained from the Marshall County Clerk's office or through the West Virginia Vital Registration office. Property records, crucial for transactions and legal matters, are maintained by the county assessor and the county recorder's office, with many records also available online for public access. For broader inquiries, the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act allows residents to request public records with typical response times of 5-10 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility in local governance. Moundsville’s commitment to upholding public information accessibility reflects its dedication to serving the community and fostering trust among its residents.

Moundsville, West Virginia Public Records & Government Resources

Moundsville West Virginia Archives and Genealogy

West Virginia Archives genealogy and historical records for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Bankruptcy Court

US Bankruptcy Court Northern District of West Virginia for Moundsville.

West Virginia Courts – Moundsville Case Search

West Virginia Courts case search for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Vital Records

West Virginia Bureau of Public Health vital records for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Inmate Search

West Virginia Division of Corrections inmate search for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Missing Persons

West Virginia State Police missing persons for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Sex Offender Registry

West Virginia State Police sex offender registry for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Criminal History Records

West Virginia State Police criminal history records for Moundsville.

Moundsville West Virginia Census and Vital Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Moundsville.

City of Moundsville

Directory of Moundsville city records and information 800 Sixth Street Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 Phone: 304-845-3

Moundsville City Clerk

Official records and legal files, business licenses and local election services 800 Sixth Street Moundsville WV 26041 Ph

Moundsville Police Department

Law enforcement services, crime tips and reports 800 Sixth Street Moundsville WV 26041 Phone: (304) 845-1611

Moundsville Fire Department

Fire, medical and emergency rescue services 800 Sixth Street Moundsville WV 26041 Phone: (304) 845-2050

Moundsville Building Inspection

Contractor's licenses, building, electrical, plumbing, occupancy permits 800 Sixth Street Moundsville WV 26041 Phone: (3

Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library

Reference materials, research assistance, books, videos, magazine databases 700 Fifth Street Moundsville WV 26041 Phone:

Marshall County Chamber of Commerce

Moundsville businesses directory, economic and professional resources 604 Jefferson Avenue Moundsville WV 26041 Phone: (

Marshall County Airport

Moundsville general aviation services Route 2 Box 322A Moundsville WV 26041 Phone: (304) 845-0200 Fax: (304) 845-0278

Moundsville, U.S. Census Bureau

Population and demographic information Moundsville WV 26041

Moundsville West Virginia Civil and Criminal Courts

Search for criminal cases, divorces and other civil filings

Moundsville Archives and History

Births, deaths, marriages and other historical records West Virginia Division of Culture and History 1900 Kanawha Boulev

Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information

Inmate Search and Community Corrections

Search for inmates, parole violators, death row inmates and more 1325 Virginia St. East Charleston, WV 25301 304-558-211

About Moundsville

Moundsville is a city located in Marshall County, West Virginia, situated along the Ohio River in the northern panhandle of the state, approximately 12 miles south of Wheeling. With a population of around 8,300 residents, Moundsville was founded in 1830 and is named after the Grave Creek Mound, one of the largest conical burial mounds constructed by the Adena culture between 250-150 BC. The city is perhaps best known for the West Virginia State Penitentiary, a Gothic-style fortress that operated from 1876 to 1995 and now serves as a popular tourist attraction and historic site. Other major landmarks include the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, the historic downtown district along Jefferson Avenue, and the Palace of Gold, a Hare Krishna temple and community located just outside the city. Moundsville's economy has historically been tied to manufacturing, coal, and river commerce, with major employers including the former Fostoria Glass Company site and various industrial operations along the riverfront.

Public records for Moundsville residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Moundsville Police Department at 300 Jefferson Avenue handles local law enforcement records, while the Marshall County Sheriff's Office serves the broader county. The Marshall County Courthouse at 600 7th Street in Moundsville houses the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and other offices that maintain vital records, court documents, and property records. The Marshall County Assessor's Office maintains property tax records and assessments, while the County Clerk records deeds, mortgages, and liens. West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code §29B-1-1 et seq.) governs access to public records throughout the state, establishing that records held by public agencies are presumed open unless specifically exempted. Residents can request records in person at various county offices in the courthouse complex, by mail, or increasingly through online portals maintained by the state and county.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Marshall County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Marshall County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Moundsville Police Department, Cameron Police Department, and McMechen Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective city or town, while the sheriff's office covers the broader county area. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Northern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility serves Marshall County and is located in Moundsville. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate lookup is available through the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's online portal. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance and adherence to strict guidelines. Bail and bond processes follow West Virginia state law, allowing for cash, property, or surety bonds to secure release pending trial.

Court Records

Moundsville residents are served by several court levels within the West Virginia judicial system. The Marshall County Circuit Court, located at 600 7th Street (Marshall County Courthouse), Moundsville, WV 26041 (phone: 304-845-1220), handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $10,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from magistrate court. The Marshall County Magistrate Court, also located in the courthouse at 600 7th Street (phone: 304-845-2130), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $10,000, small claims (up to $5,000), preliminary hearings for felonies, emergency protective orders, and traffic violations. Moundsville Municipal Court previously existed but court functions for city ordinance violations are now typically handled through magistrate court. West Virginia offers online access to some court records through the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia's case search portal at http://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-public-access.html, though this system has limited functionality and not all records are digitized. For comprehensive searches, in-person visits to the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse are generally required. Filing fees vary by case type: certified copies of court documents typically cost $0.50 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee; civil filing fees range from approximately $80 for magistrate court to $160 or more for circuit court civil cases. Copies of court records can be requested from the Circuit Clerk or Magistrate Court Clerk, with fees established by West Virginia Code and subject to periodic adjustment.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Marshall County encompass felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the West Virginia State Police, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The West Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Marshall County are maintained by the Marshall County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the office directly. These records typically include the individual's personal information, charges, and arrest details. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, public access to arrest records is permitted, though certain restrictions apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Moundsville are maintained by Marshall County offices located in the county courthouse. The Marshall County Assessor's Office, located at 600 7th Street, Room 205, Moundsville, WV 26041 (phone: 304-845-1255), is responsible for assessing all real and personal property in the county for tax purposes. The Assessor's office maintains records of property ownership, legal descriptions, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax maps. Property records can be searched online through the West Virginia State Auditor's Property Tax Division website at https://www.wvauditor.com/propTax/propertyTax.html, which provides free access to parcel information, ownership data, assessed values, and tax status by searching by owner name, parcel number, or property address. The Marshall County Clerk's Office, located at 600 7th Street, Room 103, Moundsville, WV 26041 (phone: 304-845-1220), serves as the Recorder of Deeds and maintains official records of all property transfers, deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and other documents affecting title to real property in Marshall County. These land records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and parcel, with some records dating back to the county's formation in 1835. While some basic deed information may be searchable online through third-party vendors or state databases, comprehensive deed research and certified copies generally require in-person visits or written requests to the County Clerk's office, with copying fees typically $1.00 per page. Marshall County also maintains GIS mapping tools that may be accessible through the county assessor or regional planning commission, providing visual parcel boundaries and property information, though functionality varies and may require in-person access at the courthouse.

Economy & Demographics

Moundsville's economy has undergone significant transformation from its industrial and manufacturing heritage. Historically, the city was home to major employers including the Fostoria Glass Company, which operated from 1887 to 1986 and made Moundsville nationally known for fine glassware production, and the Louis Marx Toy Company factory. The former West Virginia State Penitentiary, which closed in 1995, has been repurposed as a major tourist attraction drawing thousands of visitors annually for historical tours, paranormal investigations, and special events, contributing to the local hospitality and tourism sector. Current major employers include Reynolds Memorial Hospital, part of WVU Medicine, which serves as a significant healthcare employer for the region; the Marshall County Board of Education and school system; retail operations along Route 2 and in the Moundsville business district; and various manufacturing and industrial facilities along the Ohio River corridor. The median household income in Moundsville is approximately $38,000-$42,000, lower than the national average, reflecting the economic challenges of post-industrial transition. Recent economic development efforts have focused on leveraging the city's riverfront location, historic assets, and proximity to Wheeling and the Pittsburgh metro area. Moundsville serves as the county seat of Marshall County, making government employment a stable sector. The broader Marshall County economy includes natural gas extraction and related industries, agriculture in rural areas, and river commerce. The city's location along U.S. Route 2 and near Interstate 70 provides transportation advantages for logistics and manufacturing.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Moundsville Police Department is located at 300 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, WV 26041, and can be reached at (304) 845-3080. The department serves the incorporated city limits of Moundsville and maintains records of incidents, arrests, accidents, and police reports. To request police reports or incident records, residents should contact the department directly during business hours; some records may require completion of a formal records request form and payment of copying fees. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office, located at 600 7th Street, Moundsville, WV 26041 (phone: 304-845-8621), has jurisdiction throughout Marshall County including unincorporated areas surrounding Moundsville. The Sheriff's Office handles county-level law enforcement, court security, and operation of the Northern Regional Jail facility. For arrests and jail bookings, the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority operates the Northern Regional Jail, which serves Marshall County and surrounding counties. Inmate searches can be conducted online at https://www.wvdoc.com/ through the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate search portal, which displays current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, mugshots, and facility location. Public records requests for law enforcement records in West Virginia are governed by the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at W. Va. Code §29B-1-1 et seq., which establishes that all public records are presumed open for inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Requests should be submitted in writing to the custodian of records at the specific law enforcement agency, and agencies must respond within five business days either providing the records, denying the request with legal justification, or indicating that additional time is needed.

Vital Records

Vital records for Moundsville residents are primarily maintained at the state level with some local functions. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in West Virginia are maintained by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office, 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301 (phone: 304-558-2931). Birth certificates can be ordered online through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for a fee of $12.00 per certified copy plus processing and shipping fees, with processing times of approximately 2-4 weeks by mail or faster with expedited services. Death certificates are available through the same process for $12.00 per certified copy. Only eligible persons may request vital records: the registrant (if of age), parents, legal guardian, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by West Virginia law (W. Va. Code §16-5-20). Marriage licenses are issued by the Marshall County Clerk's Office at 600 7th Street, Room 103, Moundsville, WV 26041 (phone: 304-845-1220), with a fee of approximately $56.00 (subject to change). West Virginia eliminated the waiting period for marriage licenses in 2002, so licenses are issued immediately upon application. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records are maintained permanently by the County Clerk. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Marshall County at the courthouse, with certified copies available for a statutory fee. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access under West Virginia law.

Business & Licensing Records

Business and licensing records for Moundsville involve city, county, and state jurisdictions. The City of Moundsville requires business registration and licensing for businesses operating within city limits; information can be obtained from Moundsville City Hall, located at 400 Tomlinson Avenue, Moundsville, WV 26041 (phone: 304-845-6303). Business license requirements, fees, and renewal schedules vary by business type and should be confirmed directly with the city clerk or finance department. At the county level, Marshall County may require certain permits and licenses for specific business activities; inquiries should be directed to the Marshall County Commission at the courthouse. West Virginia does not have a traditional fictitious business name or DBA registration at the county level; instead, business entities are registered with the state. The West Virginia Secretary of State's Office maintains the official database of all corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other business entities registered in the state. The Business & Licensing Division can be reached at Building 1, Suite 157-K, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305 (phone: 304-558-8000), or online at https://business.wv.gov. The West Virginia Business Organizations database at https://apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations/ allows free online searches of business entity names, status, registered agents, officers, incorporation dates, and annual report compliance. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, which establish secured interests in personal property and are commonly used for lien searches, are also filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State and searchable through their UCC search portal. For property tax information on commercial properties in Moundsville, business owners should contact the Marshall County Assessor's Office at 304-845-1255, where commercial property assessments are public records searchable by parcel or owner name.

Elections & Voter Records

Moundsville voters are served by the Marshall County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at 600 7th Street, Room 103, Moundsville, WV 26041, and can be reached at (304) 845-1220. The official website for Marshall County is accessible through the West Virginia Secretary of State's elections page. West Virginia residents can register to vote online at https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing, the official state online voter registration portal, which requires a West Virginia driver's license or state ID. Voter registration must be completed at least 21 days before an election. Moundsville, as an incorporated city, holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions; these elections are typically held in the spring on a cycle that varies but often coincides with state and county elections in May. The next Moundsville municipal elections will be determined by the city charter and local ordinances. Voters can verify their polling place assignment through the West Virginia Secretary of State's voter registration lookup at https://services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/FindMyPollingPlace or by contacting the Marshall County Clerk. Public election records in West Virginia include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under W. Va. Code §3-2-31), campaign finance reports filed with the West Virginia State Ethics Commission, candidate filings maintained by the County Clerk and Secretary of State, and precinct-level election results published after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Marshall County recorded approximately 14,500 total votes cast, with turnout around 60-65% of registered voters, reflecting the county's strong participation in federal elections. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Moundsville and Marshall County voters will decide several significant races: West Virginia does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (Senators Manchin/Justice and Capito have different cycle years), but voters will elect all three U.S. House members; all 100 West Virginia House of Delegates seats and 17 State Senate seats (odd-numbered districts); and various county offices including County Commission, Sheriff, Assessor, and Clerk positions, depending on term schedules. Absentee voting in West Virginia is available for voters who will be absent from the county on election day, those with illness or disability, those working scheduled shifts, and other qualifying reasons. Applications for absentee ballots must be submitted to the Marshall County Clerk's office no later than six days before the election, with completed ballots returned by the close of polls on election day. Early in-person voting is available at designated locations for a period before election day as established by West Virginia law.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ⚠️ Partial Online (limited state portal, most records require in-person access) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor (state auditor site provides parcel data, but recorder documents require courthouse visit) | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster (WV DOC statewide search available) | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering (VitalChek available for birth/death certificates) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (Secretary of State business search fully accessible) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results (state portal for registration, county provides results) | Overall: 7.2/10 — Marshall County provides solid online access to property assessments, business registrations, and inmate information, with vital records available through state systems, but court records remain largely courthouse-dependent, typical of West Virginia's mixed digital infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for someone who is arrested in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia to go through the jail and court system?

If you are arrested in the City of Moundsville, West Virginia, you will be transported to the Marshall County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Marshall County Court. Under West Virginia law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the West Virginia State Police. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.wvdcr.com/resources/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.

What are the school district and education performance data for Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia?

The Moundsville School District is located in Marshall County, West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Department of Education, the district's performance data for the 2018-2019 school year is as follows:

- Graduation Rate: 93.2%
- Attendance Rate: 95.2%
- English Language Arts Proficiency: 68.2%
- Mathematics Proficiency: 63.2%

What are the crime statistics for Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia?

According to the West Virginia State Police, the total number of reported crimes in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia in 2019 was 545. Of those, there were 4 homicides, 11 rapes, 28 robberies, and 492 aggravated assaults.

What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia Library?

The Moundsville Public Library in Marshall County, West Virginia provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and West Virginia government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to government documents in West Virginia. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Moundsville West Virginia Archives and Genealogy at https://www.wvculture.org/history/wvsamenu.html. Contact the Moundsville Public Library reference desk at (304) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.

Where is the Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia Public Library located?

The Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia Library is located at 801 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, WV 26041.

Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia?

Fingerprinting services for Moundsville, West Virginia residents are provided at the Moundsville Police Department, which serves Marshall County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Moundsville Police Department at (304) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the West Virginia State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the West Virginia State Police at https://www.wvsp.gov/about/Pages/CriminalHistory.aspx.

What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, and what information is provided in the records?

To obtain vital records for Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, you will need to contact the Marshall County Clerk's Office.

The vital records available from the Marshall County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. You will need to provide proof of identity and a fee to obtain these records.

About background check

A background check in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in West Virginia. Criminal background checks are processed through the West Virginia State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for West Virginia residents. The West Virginia State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.wvsp.gov/about/Pages/CriminalHistory.aspx. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.

Nearby Cities in Marshall County, West Virginia

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Cameron Benwood Glen Dale Mc Mechen