West Virginia Code § 30-18-2

Eligibility requirements for license to conduct the private investigation
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business.
(a) In order to be eligible for any license to conduct the private investigation business, an
applicant shall:
(1) Be at least 18 years of age;
(2) Be a citizen of the United States or an alien who is legally residing within the United
States;
(3) Not have had any previous license to conduct a private investigation business or to
conduct a security guard business revoked or any application for any such licenses or
registrations denied by the appropriate governmental authority in this or any other state or
territory; a
(4) Not have been declared incompetent by reason lof mental defect or disease by any court
of competent jurisdiction unless a court has subsequently determined that the applicant's
competency has been restored;
(5) Not suffer from habitual drunkenness or from narcotics addiction or dependence;
(6) Be of good moral character;
(7) Have a minimum of one year of experience, education, or training in any one of the
following areas, or someL combination thereof:
(A) Course work that is relevant to the private investigation business at an accredited
college or university;
(B) Employment as a member of any United States government investigative agency,
empWloyment as a member of a state or local law-enforcement agency, or service as a sheriff;
(C) Employment by a licensed private investigative or detective agency for the purpose of
conducting the private investigation business;
(D) Service as a magistrate in this state; or
(E) Any other substantially equivalent training or experience; or
(F) Military service.
(8) Not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or territory;
(9) Not have been convicted of any of the following:
(A) Illegally using, carrying, or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon;
(B) Making or possessing burglar's instruments;
(C) Buying or receiving stolen property;
(D) Entering a building unlawfully;
(E) Aiding an inmate's escape from prison;
(F) Possessing or distributing illicit drugs;
(G) Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or for which dishonesty of character is a
necessary element; and
(10) Not have violated any provision of §30-18-8 of this codet.
The provisions of this section shall not prevent the issuance of a license to any person who,
subsequent to his or her conviction, shall have received an executive pardon therefor,
removing this disability.
(b) Any person who qualifies for a private investigator's license shall also be qualified to
conduct security guard business upon notifying the Secretary of State in writing that the
person will be conducting such business.
(c) No person may be employeed as a licensed private investigator while serving as
magistrate.

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