About Shepherdstown

The town is also recognized for its picturesque neighborhoods, such as the East and West Main Street areas, which feature a mix of 18th and 19th-century architecture. Shepherdstown is steeped in history, having been established, making it one of the oldest towns in West Virginia. An important historical fact is that during the Civil War, Shepherdstown served as a strategic location, with the nearby Battle of Antietam in 1862 influencing the town's development and economy.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown Police Department

Teri Rouse, Police Clerk (304) 876-6036 (phone) (304) 876-7198 (fax) Email - trouse@shepherdstown.gov The Shepherdstown Police Department is a full-service police department and exists for the purpose of providing an enhanced level of safety in our community, protecting the rights guaranteed.

https://www.shepherdstown.gov/PoliceDepartment

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY · 102 Industrial Blvd, Kearneysville WV 25430

https://www.jeffersoncountywv.org/county-government/elected-officials/sheriff-s-law-enforcement-office

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown Municipal Court in Shepherdstown, WV - Court Information

West Virginia < Shepherdstown · North King Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Jefferson County · Court System Type: DWI / DUI., Traffic infractions., Exclusive Parking., Ordinance violations. Division: Contact Information: Phone Number: 304-876-2312 · County Clerk, Judge, or Other Info: [+] General Jury Duty Information ·

🔗 https://www.courtswv.gov/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Shepherdstown

Jefferson County Clerk

Property records for Shepherdstown, West Virginia are maintained by the Jefferson County Clerk. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Jefferson County, including Shepherdstown.

🔗 https://jefferson.wv.gov OR jeffersonwv.gov

About Shepherdstown West — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Eastern Regional Jail functions as the detention facility serving Jefferson County. When someone is booked at this facility, they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. Residents seeking information about current inmates can access the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's website, which maintains an inmate lookup tool. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules and generally requires advance scheduling.
The bond and bail process in West Virginia accommodates cash bonds, property bonds, or arrangements through licensed bondsmen. Those searching for recently arrested individuals can use the jail's online inmate search tool to locate them within the system.

Arrest Records

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest along with charges and booking information. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can make requests by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A typical arrest record contains the individual's personal information, the date of arrest, filed charges, and current case status. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act governs access to these records, establishing public access rights while recognizing certain exceptions.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Jefferson County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the West Virginia State Police, which provides a criminal history report. The West Virginia State Police offers additional resources for background checks and criminal record inquiries for Jefferson County residents.

Vital Records

Shepherdstown residents in need of vital records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, can obtain these documents through the West Virginia Vital Records office, which serves the entire state. This state-level agency maintains a database of vital statistics, making it the primary source for accessing these important personal records.
The Shepherdstown West Virginia Vital Records website provides detailed information on the application process and fees associated with requesting vital records For people born, married, or deceased within the city or Jefferson County.

Business & Licensing Records

Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, West Virginia supports a thriving business community, with town government maintaining detailed records related to local commerce. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access information on business licenses, zoning regulations, and permits through the Shepherdstown Town Government website. This resource outlines the necessary steps to establish and operate a business within city limits, helping ensure compliance with local regulations while supporting economic growth.

Economy & Demographics

Shepherdstown, West Virginia, boasts a diverse and thriving economy, anchored by the presence of Shepherd University and a vibrant downtown district. The town's major employers include the university, as well as businesses in the healthcare, retail, and service sectors. The Shepherdstown Chronicle, the local newspaper, provides regular coverage of the city's economic development, highlighting new business openings, community initiatives, and other economic indicators that impact the Shepherdstown area.

Elections & Voter Records

Shepherdstown voters receive election services through the Jefferson County Clerk's Elections Division, located at 110 North George Street, Room 101, Charles Town, WV 25414, phone (304) 728-3238, website www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org. This office handles voter registration, election administration, and all voting services for residents. West Virginia residents can register online at https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing or in person at the Jefferson County Clerk's office, though registration closes 21 days before any election.
The process requires providing a West Virginia driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Municipal elections for mayor and town council positions take place in odd-numbered years, typically in June. Candidate filings and local ballot measures can be accessed through the town clerk at (304) 876-1323. Beyond local races, residents participate in county, state, and federal elections administered by Jefferson County. Polling place assignments are available through the Jefferson County Clerk's office at (304) 728-3238 or via the West Virginia Secretary of State's voter information portal at https://services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/FindMyPollingPlace. Most local voters cast ballots at either the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department or Shepherd University facilities, depending on precinct assignment. Public election records include voter registration lists, which are available for purchase for political purposes, campaign finance reports filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State's office at https://cfrs.wvsos.gov, candidate filing information, and precinct-level results. West Virginia does not have a U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Shepherdstown voters are published by the West Virginia Secretary of State Elections (https://sos.wv.gov/elections/). Absentee voting is available to any registered voter who requests a ballot. Applications can be requested online through the Jefferson County Clerk's office, by phone at (304) 728-3238, or downloaded from the Secretary of State's website. Completed applications must reach the Jefferson County Clerk no later than six days before the election. Emergency absentee voting remains available until the day before Election Day for voters facing unexpected emergencies or medical issues.
City Info
StateWest Virginia
CountyJefferson
Population1,399

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, residents can register online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Jefferson County elections office. West Virginia requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the West Virginia Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Shepherdstown, contact the Jefferson County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Shepherdstown, West Virginia are maintained by the Jefferson Commissioner of the Revenue's Office and the Jefferson County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Jefferson County, including parcels in Shepherdstown. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Jefferson County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many West Virginia counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Jefferson County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Shepherdstown, West Virginia residents are available through both county and state offices. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration, located in Charleston, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in West Virginia. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Jefferson County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Jefferson County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.