West Virginia Court Records

Accessing West Virginia Court Records

According to the Freedom of Information Act, it is the court's responsibility to keep detailed records of all proceedings, and not just that, the court is also responsible for sharing the information stored with someone who is qualified to receive information. So, if you qualify, and once you have made the application, you have the legal right to access the record.

However, even before that, first you will have to locate the court where the information is stored to retrieve it. On January 1st 1976, the West Virginia judicial system changed from "justice of the peace" to unified court method. Consequently at present, the Supreme Court of Appeals in the state is in charge of all state courts.

Do also remember that any record that has been termed as nonpublic due to law or court order cannot be requested for viewing. Apart from this, West Virginia, like most other states, has kept these records in the public domain.

Where are the Records Maintained?

If you are interested to obtain West Virginia court records through the Administrative Office, you can search the appropriate County Clerk's office where the case was heard. A Court proceeding by county is available on the West Virginia's Court System official website. The Administrative Office maintains records from Supreme Court of Appeals, Family Courts, Magistrate Courts and the Circuit Courts.

You can contact the address given below to get the records,

West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals

Administrative Office of the Courts

Capitol Complex

Building 1, Room E-100

Charleston, WV 25305

(304) 558-0145

To collect more information regarding public prosecutions, you need to contact the West Virginia Attorney General's Office at 304-558-2021.

How to Access?

First, you need to locate the individual's name, his or her age, the birth date, and the court proceeding date. You need to mention your objective to view these records, and your relationship with the concerned individual. You must also provide a valid photo ID proof.

You have to identify which court held authority over the records. West Virginia has several courts, including Circuit, Magistrate, Municipal and Family. If you are able to locate the court of jurisdiction, it will help you increase your chances of success.

You can also contact a court with jurisdiction or the Supreme Court of Appeals. This court is regarded as West Virginia's highest court and the court of the last resort. Submit the form or a request in writing with a lot of details.

If you want to locate trials, you can search the Legal Dockets database. This database provides free information and certain other services for a nominal fee. You can locate dockets regarding several entities like probate and bankruptcy.

West Virginia court records are public in nature. However, they are comprised of only general information like dates and descriptions of the document. Confidential information like Social Security numbers, addresses, and birth dates are not meant for public viewing.