Overview Description

Records relating to an arrest or charge resulting in acquittal or dismissal can be expunged by the court 60 days after the order of acquittal or dismissal, so long as petitioner has no prior criminal record. W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(a), (b).

A person with a prior felony conviction is ineligible to petition for expungement under this section. W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(a). This section does not apply if charges were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea to another offense. W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(a).

The petition must be filed in the circuit court in which the charges were filed. W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(a). For  the specific procedure, see W. Va. Code § 61-11-25.

There are no filing fee or costs. W. Va. Code § 61-11-25.

The proceedings are deemed never to have occurred. The court and other agencies shall reply that no record exists in the matter. The petitioner need not disclose the fact of the record on an application for employment, credit, or other type of application. W. Va. Code § 61-11-25(e).

Inspection of the court records can be permitted upon motion. W. Va. § 61-11-25(f).

The petition can be filed 60 days after acquittal or dismissal.