West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) – Charleston, WV

West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) is located in West Virginia Regional Area, WV and is the correctional facility for the region. Are you looking for someone locked up at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)? This guide tells you all about anything a person needs to know about West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA),such as: Find an inmate at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA). Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

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The thought of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give information and advice that you need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that would be a benefit to others will be welcome.

General Information

Address

West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)
1325 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: (304) 558-2110
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and need to find out where they are?

Has someone who’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

In order to see who is in jail at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) you will need to click on their website and do an inmate search.

Inmate Locator

The West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) Inmate List is a list of people who have been arrested and are in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find the same information for anybody booked or released in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You can find their inmate information faster if you enter their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member is at another jail you should look here: West Virginia County Jails Directory


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a intake photograph, is a picture taken by the police when you are booked into jail. They will take one and a side-view photo. Your name and jail booking number will be on the mugshot, and they’re stored.

View Mugshots

Mugshots are on the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) website, or you can go in person to the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA). When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to enter their name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Want to have your mugshot taken off of the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) website? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Obviously, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail is determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you must agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, a prisoner at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may get to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail won’t get their money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA). If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, it is simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Early Release For Good Behavior
  • Work Release Programs
  • Released For Time Served
  • Pre-Trial Release Programs
  • House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

  • You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
  • The first step is that you have to answer some questions, like what is your legal name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
  • You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
  • You’ll be given an inmate ID.
  • Your fingerprints will be taken.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • All of your personal property will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
  • You will then be allowed to use the telephone to contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any tips that will help other people that get arrested to get through jail intake?

Click here to tell about all about it

Discharge Procedures

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. It also will depend on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if a judge must determine the bail amount. For a minor charge, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, you should plan to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

How To Turn Yourself In

issued for your arrest, or if you need to start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if so, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you must list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go into a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. All visitors must provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so review the official site before you visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or cut altogether.

The West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) phone number is: (304) 558-2110

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail is opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and the mail will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA):

West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)
1325 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)
1325 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301


The West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you review the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you get arrested, you have certain rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you get an attorney working on your charges, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are admitted to the West Virginia State Bar Association and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access your court records using the online service, or at the Clerk of Court.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records related to your court case are maintained at West Virginia Regional Area Clerk of Court office.

Fees

Court fees and costs are the costs from your case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

A Magistrate is the person that presides on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, which include deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is put together with background information and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate will consider when determining a sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you should ask to get your own copy of this report before you are sentenced, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

Sentencing

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Want to find out if some you know is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you need to query the jail’s website, and do a search using:

  • The inmate’s name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their booking date.
  • or jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are public record and this is accessible to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like a court order. You can find these by going to the West Virginia Regional Area Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders must be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these listings on the internet, but you should know that you can’t get the street address, but only the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your case. You can access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal past. These state databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. Go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

  • DWI or DUI.
  • Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you will not discover if someone has had any moving violations, like:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Minor infractions or moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the West Virginia Regional Area courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback might make it easier for others.

    Click here to share your story

    Most Wanted

    The FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In West Virginia Regional Area, the West Virginia Regional Area Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you. You should expect an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast participate in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA), your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The procedure to send money to someone in jail at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) is always changing, so it would be best to visit the official West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA) site when you send funds to an inmate.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA), overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)

    Requirements:

    • You must be over the age of 21.
    • You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You must be a US Citizen.
    • You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You must pass a drug test.
    • You must have a good level of fitness.
    • You must be in good health.
    • You must have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Speak Your Mind


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • The right to protection from the accused.
    • The right to notification.
    • The right to attend proceedings.
    • The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • The right to restitution.
    • The right to a speedy trial.
    • The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been an inmate at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone at West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)?

    If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so others can learn what to expect.

    What to put in the review:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and staff
    • Commissary and food
    • Visitation
    • The other inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Inmate activities and programs


    Write Your Review

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

    Click here to tell your story about West Virginia Regional Jail (WVRJA)

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

    Send a message


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