How To Find Court Records in West Virginia

With CourtCaseFinder, you can skip the hassle of courthouse visits and instantly access West Virginia court records at your fingertips. You can search by name, case number, address, or phone, revealing case summaries, docket numbers, jurisdiction, and dispositions, all online.

Whether you're tracking a traffic violation, civil dispute, or criminal case, you get the full picture efficiently. For example, if you need details on a fraud case in Monongalia County Circuit Court, you can pull the complete report in minutes when available without leaving your home.

For those unfamiliar, West Virginia court records are official documents maintained by court clerks or staff, and having quick access empowers you to uncover the facts, stay informed, and navigate legal matters with confidence and clarity.

How To Access West Virginia Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder offers a quick, reliable, and convenient way to search court records and verify case details in West Virginia, saving you valuable time. By contrast, traditional methods of accessing court records can be slow and cumbersome. If you'd like to explore these conventional options, the state's court system provides the following methods:

Online

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has implemented online systems for accessing court records. Through the West Virginia Public Access Search System (WVPASS), you can look up criminal and civil case documents from Circuit Courts.

The search function is free, but if you need to download records, there is a $0.25 per page charge plus a small processing fee for credit/debit card payments.

If you're interested in Magistrate Court records, the Magistrate Record Search (MCRSearch) lets you view case details such as the filing date, charges, disposition, and a list of available documents.

By Mail

You can request copies of court records by mail, but first confirm if this option is available through the Clerk of Court. Visit the West Virginia Judiciary's Court Information by County page to find the correct court's contact details.

Generally, you must submit a written request or form, include a self-addressed envelope, and provide payment, usually by check or money order, to cover the required fees for processing.

In Person via Public Terminal

Public court records may be viewed free of charge on courthouse computer terminals during regular business hours. Photocopies of these records are available upon request for a standard fee.

West Virginia Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

In West Virginia, access to court records is governed by the state's Open Records Law, formally known as the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law establishes that most government records, including those created by courts in the course of official duties, are public and can be inspected or copied by interested parties.

Citizens, researchers, and the media can typically access the following information from court records:

• Case details, including the nature and status of the case
• Names of plaintiffs, defendants, and their attorneys
• Evidence presented and witness statements
• Court filings such as motions, petitions, and summons
• Court rulings and verdicts
• Agreements or settlements reached by the parties

While transparency is a fundamental principle of the West Virginia judicial system, some court documents and information are restricted and can only be accessed by authorized individuals or entities under specific circumstances. Examples of such confidential court records include:

• Pleadings, exhibits, and other documents from domestic relations cases (W. Va. Code Section 48-1-303)
• Proceedings under the West Virginia Guardianship and Conservatorship Act
• Records involving children or juveniles, including adoption records and reports of abuse or neglect (W. Va. Code Section 49-5-101)
• Personal information whose release would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy
• Examination materials used for licensing, employment, or academic purposes

Who Oversees the Courts in West Virginia?

The Supreme Court of Appeals serves as the state's highest judicial authority, overseeing all courts to make sure justice is fair, efficient, and consistent.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), led by a director appointed by the Court under W. Va. Code Section 51-1-15, supports this mission and carries out the Court's strategic direction.

Key duties of the Administrative Director include:

• Implementing the rules, orders, and policies of the Court
• Establishing, promoting, and evaluating statewide administrative practices and procedures
• Leading Administrative Office staff with oversight of hiring, performance, and personnel management
• Preparing and monitoring the state judicial budget
• Collecting and analyzing reports and statistics
• Representing the Court in public, legislative, and professional settings

What Types of Courts Exist in West Virginia?

West Virginia's courts uphold justice at every level. Family and Magistrate Courts handle matters like custody disputes and speeding tickets, while Circuit Courts manage jury trials and complex civil cases.

Beyond that, the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) reviews contested decisions, and the Supreme Court of Appeals serves as the final arbiter of justice.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia	The highest court in the state; judicial and administrative authority over all courts; five justices	Appeals from Circuit Courts and the Intermediate Court of Appeals, extraordinary writs (domestic violence, habeas corpus), and interpretation of state and federal constitutions and laws
Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA)	Statewide intermediate appellate court; three judges elected to 10-year terms (chief judge rotates yearly)	Appeals of final orders in civil, family, workers' compensation, administrative, and guardianship/conservatorship cases
Circuit Courts	General jurisdiction trial courts of record; 30 circuits with 80 judges	Civil cases > $300 (property rights, contracts, torts), major criminal cases, and appeals from Magistrate and Family Courts
Family Courts	Limited jurisdiction over domestic and child-related matters; 48 judges in 27 circuits	Divorce, child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, domestic violence matters; appeals may go to Circuit Courts or the Supreme Court (depending on case)
Magistrate Courts	Local trial courts; 169 magistrates (minimum two per county; 13 in Kanawha County)	Municipal law violations, civil disputes ≤ $20,000, small claims, eviction, juvenile delinquency, status offenses, abuse/neglect, foster care, family abuse, and medical, mental health, and rehab orders

What Federal Courts Are In West Virginia?

Federal and state courts differ in scope and authority. Federal courts handle issues under the U.S. Constitution and federal law, such as civil rights, immigration, and constitutional rights like free speech and gun ownership.

State courts, including those in West Virginia, address matters under state law, such as property disputes, contracts, personal injury, and state constitutional rights like free public education.

Here's an overview of West Virginia's federal courts:

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Courts - Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia	Cover 32 counties in the northern part of the state and 23 in the southern. Hear cases under federal law and disputes between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000.	Northern West Virginia Federal District Court Website: wvnd.uscourts.gov Clarksburg: Rm 301, 500 West Pike St. Clarksburg, WV 26301 Phone: 304-622-8513 Elkins: The Jennings Randolph Federal Center 300 Third St. Elkins, WV 26241 Phone: 304-636-1445 Martinsburg: W. Craig Broadwater U.S. Courthouse Rm. 102, 217 W. King St. Martinsburg, WV 25401 Phone: 304-267-8225 Wheeling: Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. U.S. Courthouse 1125 Chapline St. Wheeling, WV 26003 Phone: 304-232-0011 Southern West Virginia Federal District Court Website: wvsd.uscourts.gov Charleston: Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse Suite 2400, 300 Virginia St., East Charleston, WV 25301 Phone: 304-347-3000 Beckley: Robert C. Byrd Federal Building Rm. 119, 110 North Heber St. Beckley, WV 25801 Phone: 304-253-7481 Bluefield: Elizabeth Kee U.S. Courthouse Rm, 1000, 601 Federal St. Bluefield, WV 24701 Phone: 304-327-9798 Huntington: Sidney L. Christie Federal Building Rm. 101, 845 Fifth Ave. Huntington, WV 25701 Phone: 304-529-5588
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts - Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia	Handle bankruptcy cases, including personal and business bankruptcies. Oversee liquidation or reorganization to discharge or repay debts.	Northern West Virginia Federal Bankruptcy Court Website: wvnb.uscourtsgov Co-located with the U.S. District Court office in Wheeling Clarksburg: US Bankruptcy Court 324 West Main St., Clarksburg, WV 26301 Phone: 304-233-1655 Southern West Virginia Federal Bankruptcy Court Website:wvsb.uscourts.gov Co-located with the U.S. District Court offices in Charleston (304-347-3003), Beckley (304-253-74020), Bluefield, and Huntington (304-525-0375)

West Virginia falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This federal appellate court hears appeals from federal cases originating in the states of Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in West Virginia Courts?

Each year, West Virginia's lower courts, Circuit, Family, and Magistrate, handle roughly 235,000 cases. Circuit Courts see a large share of felony and general civil cases, Family Courts carry heavy workloads in divorce and domestic violence matters, and Magistrate Courts handle many misdemeanor cases.

The table below shows the types of cases that dominate each court's docket:

Court Level	Case Category	Approx. Annual Case Filings
Circuit Courts	Felonies	~6,000
	Misdemeanors	~400
	Other Criminal Cases	~3,900
	Magistrate Appeals	~100
	General Civil	~8,000
	Domestic Violence	~10
	Guardianship	~900
	Adoption	~1,700
	Mental Health	~5,000
	Other Civil Cases	~3,000
	Other Domestic Relations	~10
	Magistrate Appeals	~500
	Admin Appeals	~10
	Personal Safety Appeals	~100
	Child Abuse/Neglect	~5,000
	Delinquency	~2,000
	Status Offenses	~1,000
Family Courts	Divorce	~7,000
	Domestic Violence	~8,000
	Other Domestic Relations	~2,000
	Contempt	~2,000
	Modifications	~3,000
Magistrate Courts	Felony	~13,000
	Misdemeanor	~112,000
	Juvenile Case Filings (Criminal)	~1,900
	Worthless Check	~500
	Juvenile (Special Proceedings)	~2,000
	Mental Health	~400
	Abuse and Neglect	~900
	Small Claims	~31,000
	Personal Safety	~4,000
	Emergency Protective Order	~10,000
	Temporary Emergency Protective Order	~40

For in-depth reports and statistics on West Virginia's appellate and trial courts, visit the West Virginia Judiciary's Publications page.

How Do I File a Case in West Virginia Courts?

Facing a legal dispute in West Virginia can be stressful, but if you must go to court, understanding the process is vital. Here's a practical guide to help you confidently initiate a case and safeguard your interests throughout the process:

1. Identify the Appropriate Court

The issues in your case and the amount of money involved determine which kind of court you should go to. If it is a family law issue, like divorce, child support, or custody, your case belongs in Family Court.

If it is another kind of civil case and the financial amount in dispute is $20,000 or less, you will likely go to the Magistrate's Court. Civil disputes involving over $20,000 are generally filed in Circuit Court.

2. Accomplish the Initiating Documents

To commence an action in a West Virginia court, you need to prepare a complaint or petition and complete a Civil Case Information Sheet (Form SCA-C-100 or Form SCA-MI-400). Each complaint must include the following:

• The name of the court in the caption
• The title of the action with the names of all parties
• A blank space for the clerk to assign the file number
• A short and plain statement of your claim showing entitlement to relief
• A demand for judgment stating the relief you seek

3. File Court Papers and Pay Fees

You must submit paper copies of the initiating documents by mail or in person to the court clerk. If you have an attorney, they may be required to file electronically through the WV E-File system, which is mandatory in certain counties under West Virginia Trial Court Rule 15A.

In Circuit and Family Courts, you generally pay a filing fee of $200. However, some actions have different costs, such as $400 for a medical malpractice claim.

4. Ensure Timely Service of Process

When filing a lawsuit in West Virginia, you must notify the defendant by serving the complaint via certified mail, first-class mail, or personal delivery to the defendant or a family member. Under West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 4(i), if service is not completed within 120 days of filing the complaint, the court may dismiss the case without prejudice.

How Is the West Virginia Court System Unique?

A unique feature of West Virginia's court system is its method of selecting judges through nonpartisan elections, adopted in 2016. Unlike states with openly partisan races, West Virginia removed party labels from the ballot to lessen political influence and encourage voters to evaluate judicial qualifications rather than party affiliation.

Vacancies between elections are filled by gubernatorial appointment, but judges must still face the electorate without party identification. This system balances accountability with independence and helps make sure that judges remain connected to the people.

As a result, West Virginia judges are more aware of the political, social, and economic significance of their decisions, which strengthens both public trust and the overall role of the judiciary in state governance.

West Virginia Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Barbour
• Berkeley
• Boone
• Braxton
• Brooke
• Cabell
• Calhoun
• Clay
• Doddridge
• Fayette
• Gilmer
• Grant
• Greenbrier
• Hampshire
• Hancock
• Hardy
• Harrison
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Kanawha
• Lewis
• Lincoln
• Logan
• Marion
• Marshall
• Mason
• Mcdowell
• Mercer
• Mineral
• Mingo
• Monongalia
• Monroe
• Morgan
• Nicholas
• Ohio
• Pendleton
• Pleasants
• Pocahontas
• Preston
• Putnam
• Raleigh
• Randolph
• Ritchie
• Roane
• Summers
• Taylor
• Tucker
• Tyler
• Upshur
• Wayne
• Webster
• Wetzel
• Wirt
• Wood
• Wyoming

Where to Find Additional Information About West Virginia Courts?

• West Virginia Judiciary System
• Northern District of West Virginia
• Southern District of West Virginia
• The Supreme Court of West Virginia
• West Virginia Court of Appeals
• The Judges of West Virginia

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