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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.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=2#12#12
What information must registrants provide?
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.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=10#12#12
WVC §15-12-4
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=4#12#12
Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
Two levels based on statute of offense.
WVC §15-12-10
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=10#12#12
WVC §15-12-4
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=4#12#12
Does the state use risk assessments for registrants (other than supervised release)?
No.
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
No, not applicable.
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/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=62&art=12§ion=26
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/legisdocs/code/61/WVC 61 - 8 - 29 .htm
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.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=9#12#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.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=15&art=12§ion=9#12#12
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.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=61&art=8A#08A
WVC §61-8B
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=61&art=8B#08B
WVC §61-8C
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=61&art=8C#08C
WVC §61-8D-5
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=61&art=8D§ion=5#08D
WVC §61-8D-6
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=61&art=8D§ion=6#08D
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.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=61&art=8B§ion=2#08B
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?
After prison, parole, probation.
https://felonvoting.procon.org/sourcefiles/west-virginia-felony-voter-registration-2017.pdf
WVC §3-1-3
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=03&art=1§ion=3#01 Voter Registration FAQ\\ [[http://felonvoting.procon.org/sourcefiles/west-virginia-felon-voting-2012.pdf
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
https://www.nsopw.gov/(S(tcly4iu5c3t0tey2yje0qnzp))/en/Search/StandAloneConditions/WV
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/WVCODE/code.cfm?chap=15&art=12#12
How does the state’s legislative process work?
Citizen's Guide to the Legislature.
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Educational/citizens/guide.cfm
How a Bill Becomes a Law
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/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
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/committees/senate/senate_com_agendas.cfm?input=March 7, 2016&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.legis.state.wv.us/Senate1/roster.cfm
House Members
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/House/roster.cfm