How to resolve a warrant in West Virginia

The path to resolving a warrant in West Virginia

You do not have to wait to be caught off guard. This is the ordered, on-your-own-terms way to handle it — each step points to an official source.

Step 1

Confirm the warrant and identify the issuing court

Warrants in West Virginia commonly issue from magistrate court. Contact the magistrate clerk (or circuit clerk) in the county where the case is pending, or the county sheriff, to confirm a warrant. Some sheriffs publish online active-warrant lists (for example, the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office), and the statewide Magistrate Court Records Search can help you locate a case. Get the case or warrant number, the charge, and any court date.
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Step 2

Ask the court about recalling a bench / failure-to-appear warrant

For a warrant issued because a court date was missed, ask the magistrate or circuit clerk how that court re-sets the matter and how the warrant can be recalled; filing a motion to recall the warrant is one available procedural option. This is noted only as an option, not as a recommended strategy. In West Virginia, the warrant this applies to is typically a bench warrant (issued by a judge, commonly for failure to appear or failure to comply with a court order), and only the court that issued it can recall or re-set it.
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Step 3

Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms

Depending on the warrant and the court's instructions, you may resolve it by appearing at magistrate court on a re-set date or by surrendering at the regional jail through the sheriff. Call ahead to confirm the correct location, hours, and procedure before going. In West Virginia, this is a matter of timing, not a legal outcome. Unresolved failure-to-appear matters can lead to additional charges and added court costs.
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Step 4

Arraignment and bail decision follow

After being taken into custody and booked, a magistrate addresses release under W. Va. Code ch. 62, art. 1C: a personal recognizance bond, cash posted with the court, a property bond, or a surety bond through a licensed bail bondsman for a fee.
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Turning yourself in on your own terms in West Virginia

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's or jail's procedures, typically during regular business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration only and does not predict any legal result.

What to bring

A valid government-issued photo ID
Any court paperwork, citation, or the case or warrant number you have
Funds or arrangements for a bond, since commercial bail exists in West Virginia (cash posted with the court, or a licensed surety bondsman's fee)
A written list of any medications you take
Contact information for a family member or friend who can help
Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or jail

What to expect

Expect booking (fingerprints, photograph, and a records check) and an appearance before a magistrate, who addresses release conditions or a bond under W.

Va. Code ch. 62, art. 1C.

Processing times vary by county.

This is logistical information only.

In West Virginia, the matter being addressed is generally a bench warrant.

How bail and release work in West Virginia

Commercial bail available

In West Virginia, commercial bail exists. If a judge sets money bail, it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee — and a judge may also release you on your own recognizance or on conditions.

West Virginia uses money bail alongside non-monetary release, and commercial bail is common.

After arrest a person is taken before a magistrate, who sets bail or conditions under West Virginia's bail statute (W.

Va. Code ch. 62, art. 1C).

Bail may be a personal recognizance bond, a cash bond posted with the court, a property bond, or a surety bond through a commercial bail bondsman for a fee.

Commercial surety bail bondsmen legally operate statewide and are licensed and regulated by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner; property bail bondsmen must qualify with the courts.

A surety bond carries a non-refundable premium, commonly around 10 percent of the bond amount; surety bail bondsmen are regulated by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. Cash bail posted directly with the court is refundable (less fees) if you make all required appearances, and a magistrate may release you on a personal recognizance bond with no money down. Ask about recognizance release and posting a cash bond with the court.

Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.

A few cautions before you go

Confirm the warrant directly with the magistrate or circuit court clerk or the county sheriff before acting; do not rely on unofficial third-party 'warrant lookup' or bail-lead websites.
Ask the magistrate about a personal recognizance bond and about posting a cash bond with the court, which are alternatives to paying a bondsman.
A warrant does not expire on its own; ignoring it leaves you subject to arrest at any law-enforcement contact, and a failure to appear can lead to additional charges and added costs.
Call the court or jail ahead of time to confirm the correct location, intake hours, and surrender procedure, which vary by county.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in West Virginia

A warrant is issued by a court and served by the county sheriff — they are who can confirm it and tell you the exact way to resolve it. Start with these official West Virginia sources.

Not sure you actually have a warrant?

Before you act, confirm whether one exists. warrant.guru walks through exactly how to check in West Virginia.

Check for a warrant in West Virginia Looking for someone in jail or prison? Find them

Common questions about resolving a warrant in West Virginia

How do I resolve a warrant in West Virginia?

Confirm the warrant with the court that issued it or the county sheriff, then work through these steps: Confirm the warrant and identify the issuing court; Ask the court about recalling a bench / failure-to-appear warrant; Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms; Arraignment and bail decision follow.

How do I turn myself in in West Virginia?

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's or jail's procedures, typically during regular business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration only and does not predict any legal result.

Does West Virginia have commercial bail bondsmen?

Yes. Commercial bail exists in West Virginia: licensed bail agents operate here, and if a judge sets money bail it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee. A judge may also grant own-recognizance or conditional release.

What should I bring if I turn myself in in West Virginia?

A valid government-issued photo ID; Any court paperwork, citation, or the case or warrant number you have; Funds or arrangements for a bond, since commercial bail exists in West Virginia (cash posted with the court, or a licensed surety bondsman's fee); A written list of any medications you take; Contact information for a family member or friend who can help; Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or jail.

Sources & last verified

Everything here links out to official government or public-reference sources. We don't store or republish records.

Last verified 2026-07-23 · 10 sources

How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in West Virginia?