# W. Va. Code § 15-12-1A: Intent and findings

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S1A

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 15-12-1A
- **Heading:** Intent and findings
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 15 / Article 12 / Section 1A

## Text

(a) It is the intent of this article to assist law-enforcement agencies' efforts to protect the public from sex offenders by requiring sex offenders to register with the State Police detachment in the county where he or she shall reside and by making certain information about sex offenders available to the public as provided in this article. It is not the intent of the Legislature that the information be used to inflict retribution or additional punishment on any person convicted of any offense requiring registration under this article. This article is intended to be regulatory in nature and not penal.

(b) The Legislature finds and declares that there is a compelling and necessary public interest that the public have information concerning persons convicted of sexual offenses in order to allow members of the public to adequately protect themselves and their children from these persons.

(c) The Legislature also finds and declares that persons required to register as sex offenders pursuant to this article have a reduced expectation of privacy because of the state's interest in public safety.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-1 §15-12-1. Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-1A §15-12-1a. Intent and findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S1A.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-2 §15-12-2. Registration; fees and use thereof.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-2A §15-12-2a. Court determination of sexually violent predator.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S2A.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-2B §15-12-2b. Creation of sex offender registration advisory board.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S2B.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-3 §15-12-3. Change in registry information.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-3A §15-12-3a. Petition for removal of sexually violent predator designation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S3A.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-4 §15-12-4. Duration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-5 §15-12-5. Distribution and disclosure of information; community information programs by prosecuting attorney and State Police; petition to circuit court.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-6 §15-12-6. Duties of institution officials.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S6.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-6A §15-12-6a. Release of information to the Sex Offender Registry.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S6A.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-7 §15-12-7. Information shall be released when person moves out of state.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S7.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-8 §15-12-8. Failure to register or provide notice of registration changes; penalty; penalty for aiding and abetting.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S8.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 15-12-9 §15-12-9. Registration of out-of-state offenders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C15_A12_S1A. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.