Table of Contents
While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
West Virginia Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
WVC §15-12-2 (A)(C)
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
What information must registrants provide?
WVC §15-12-2 (d)
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
How frequently must they register? And for how long?
Annually unless designated violent offender, then every ninety days for the duration of either ten years or life.
WVC §15-12-10
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
WVC §15-12-4
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
Two levels based on statute of offense.
WVC §15-12-10
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
WVC §15-12-4
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?
No.
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
No, not applicable.
Is there a registration fee?
No
Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision? (State: Local jurisdictions: Yes/No)
Yes, for certain offenders.
WVC §62-12-26
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=62&art=12
Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?
No.
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting your state?
More than 15 continuous days.
WVC §15-12-9
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to your state to live or to attend school?
Must register within 15 days.
WVC §15-12-9
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12
Does Your State Require Registration Fees?
No, not applicable; however, in the 2022 legislative session a bill was introduced to start an annual $75 registration fee but it died without approval.
Note: We will continue to watch as we expect to see this issue/bill reintroduced in 2023.
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
WVC §61-8A
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=61&art=8A
WVC §61-8B
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=61&art=8B
WVC §61-8C
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=61&art=8C
WVC §61-8D-5
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=61&art=8D
WVC §61-8D-6
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=61&art=8D
Does the state have lifetime supervision?
Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?
What are the state civil commitment laws?
No such laws.
What is the age of consent?
Age 16.
WVC §61-8B-2
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=61&art=8B
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
No such laws.
Info for State Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
Felon Voting rights
https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Elections/Voter/Felon Voting Rights.pdf
WVC §3-1-3
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=03&art=1
Felon Voter Registration
https://felonvoting.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000286
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
No published FAQs
How does the state’s legislative process work?
Citizen's Guide to the Legislature.
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Educational/citizens/guide.cfm
How a Bill Becomes a Law
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Educational/Bill_Becomes_Law/Bill_Becomes_Law.cfm
How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?
to locate; can search by several methods.
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/bill_status.cfm
Best keywords are:
sex; sex offender; registry
How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
Senate Judiciary Committee Members
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Committees/Senate/SenateCommittee.cfm?chart=JUD
House Judiciary
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/committees/house/HouseCommittee.cfm?Chart=jud
Contact info for state legislators can be found at:
Senate Members
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/roster.cfm
House Members
http://www.wvlegislature.gov//House/roster.cfm