The circuit courts receive appeals from magistrate courts, municipal courts, and administrative agencies, excluding workers compensation appeals. Interested members of the public who wish to access criminal court records are required to provide the record custodian with any relevant information necessary to expedite record searches. The same two regions have specific bankruptcy courts, which deal with both individual and business bankruptcies and have no jurisdiction over other aspects of the law. Fax: 304-267-3741, Magistrate Michelle Barnes-Russell These lower courts consist of Circuit Courts, Family Courts and Magistrate Courts, spread out across the state. 304-357-0409, Magistrate Brent L. Hall The 4th U.S. All Rights Reserved. To obtain court records in West Virginia, requestors must identify the courthouse where the case was held. 304-264-1952 Morgan County Courthouse Appeals of decisions over all matters decided in the ICA; Appeals from circuit court in criminal matters, juvenile proceedings, child abuse and neglect proceedings; Extraordinary writs involving habeas corpus and domestic violence; Cases requiring interpretation of the laws and constitutions of West Virginia and the United States. Thereafter, fill in the defendants name and address. Court Records Search. Under no circumstances may you use our Once these records are sealed, they may only be opened by a circuit court order. Though it is not an appeals court specifically, it has the power to hear appeals from Magistrate courts. Fax: 304-357-0625, Cathy S. Gatson, Clerk The Circuit Courts are the states only general jurisdiction trial courts of record and have jurisdiction over all criminal cases and civil cases filed in the state. Perform a free West Virginia public court records search, including court dockets, files, transcripts, and case lookups & searches. Judge Bridget Cohee Berkeley County Judicial Center 380 West South Street, Suite 4401 Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-596-2140 Fax: 304-350-3079. Circuit courts also receive recommended orders from judicial officers who hear mental hygiene and juvenile matters. West Virginia expunges the criminal records of adults. OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Braga v. Advance Stores Company, Inc. 2. In most cases, eligible parties include but are not limited to, authorized members of a law enforcement agency, officers of the court and members of the public with a court order authorizing the unsealing of the record. It is not operated by, affiliate or associated with any state, county, local or federal government or agency. However, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible to ensure the correct case is retrieved. The judicial system of West Virginia has two federal district courts, as well as a number of trial courts, some of which deal with limited jurisdiction and specific subject-matter court cases. Most often, the assignment of case numbers is strictly regulated to ensure that no two cases receive the same case number and that no case number is skipped. The Magistrate Courts also have the power to instigate some reviews. A petitioner must visit the circuit-court clerk in the county where their case was handled or the. West Virginia Legislative Claims Commission has exclusive authority over civil claims brought against the State of West Virginia and its agencies. Both facilities house closed records for federal courts in DE, MD, PA, VA and WV. 304-558-5801 According to West Virginia State Code Chapter 29B, public records are defined as any writing containing information prepared or received by a public body, the content or context of which relates to the conduct of the publics business. Kanawha County Judicial Building The state supports 31 circuits and at least one courthouse is located in each of the states counties. Courts in Preston County maintain records on everything that occurs during the legal process for future reference, including appeals. While most cases are public, there are a few court documents that are sealed, unable to be obtained by anyone without legal permission. In addition to this, some records are also deemed confidential and thus, cannot be disclosed to members of the public who do not have adequate authorization. All Rights Reserved. They typically include witness testimonies, deposition tapes, sworn affidavits, plaintiff and/or defendant information, trial transcripts and records of court actions, motions filed and judgments. The case number is written on the original document, and all copies are returned to the filing attorney or party. To find a record using the search engines on these sites, interested parties must provide: Third-party sites are not government-sponsored websites, and record availability may differ from official channels. As few as one or as many as four counties comprise a circuit. (address same as Circuit Clerk) The federal district courts of the state are split between two regions: If appeals are required, they can go to the 4th Circuit. 380 West South Street, Suite 2400 Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law. Carolyn Williams, Probation Officer, Deputy Chief, Probation Office All of the judges that sit on the federal court are nominated by the president of the United States and confirmed into their seats with a vote from the United States Senate. Criminal court records for the West Virginia judiciary are usually maintained by each countys circuit clerk. Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 (304) 264-0434 (Fax) Wheeling. It is not operated by, affiliate or associated with any state, county, local or federal government or agency. Charleston, WV 25301 Online Services Although there are still some court documents that must be obtained . To initiate a search for court records, those interested will need to know either the case number, the name of the parties involved or the name of the attorney that defended the case. (Example: ##-M##X-##### or M##M-##########). Fax: 304-357-0431, Probation Office If the plaintiff cannot afford the court filing fee, the plaintiff should ask the Magistrate Clerk for a . Charles Town, WV 25414. Most cases involve parties and their attorneys, decided on by the judge in that court. During that time the justices may consider emergency business. The Supreme Court of Appeals also has exclusive jurisdiction over workers compensation appeals as well as original jurisdiction in proceedings involving, but not limited to, habeas corpus and certiorari. These records are maintained by the West Virginia judiciary and can be accessed, inspected and copied by interested members of the public, except where otherwise stated by statutory law. Room 102. The information obtained from our searches is not to be used for any unlawful purposes. Courtrecords.org does not create the information on this website and cannot confirm that information provided is accurate or complete Please use any information provided responsibly. Martinsburg, WV 25405. 304-264-1969 The clerk of the courthouse where the relevant case was filed may provide the case number upon request. 2022 West Virginia Court System - Supreme Court of Appeals. West Virginia. Magistrate Courts can also issue arrest and search warrants, record affidavits and complaints, set bail and make decisions concerning proposed plea agreements as well as decisions concerning the collection of cash bonds, fines, and other court costs/levies. The court also can hear cases that involve property and can hear cases that deal with probation, estate matters, and case that deal with the mental health of an individual. If you need legal advice you should consult an attorney or call Tuesday Legal Connect at 1-800-642-3617. Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse. Circuit courts have jurisdiction over all civil cases at law over $7,500; all civil cases in equity; proceedings in habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, prohibition, and certiorari, all felonies, and certain misdemeanors. services for any purpose covered by the FCRA, including but not limited to tenant or A case number is assigned when a document initiating a case is filed. West VirginiaCourtRecords.us. 304-724-6253, ext. According to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), court records in the state are open to the general public. Closed records for the Southern District of West Virginia are shipped for storage to two facilities in Philadelphia, PA. Interested parties can also access some of these records in person by utilizing the self-service terminals located at the offices of the circuit clerks across the state. Mailing Address: P.O. Circuit Court Judge Business Court Division Judge Christopher C. Wilkes James J. Rowe Thomas C. Evans, III James H. Young, Jr. Russell M. Clawges, Jr. Paul T. Farrell H. Charles Carl, III Joanna I. Tabit James A. Matish Michael D. Lorensen Shawn D. Nines Jennifer P. Dent Maryclaire A. Akers Joseph K. Reeder David M. Hammer According to the West Virginia FOIA, Supreme Court Opinions are also classified as public records and are therefore made available to the public via online access. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia is West Virginia's highest court and has judicial and administrative jurisdiction over the entire state court system. Fax: 304-558-8097, Magistrate Rusty Casto (address same as the Magistrate Clerk) Brooke B. v. Ray, 230 W. Va. 355, 361-62, 738 S.E.2d 21, 27-28 (2013) (footnote citing "polar star" cases omitted). Here are the nine steps to submit an expungement application: If the petition for expungement of a conviction is granted, the petitioner must pay $100 to the CIB to process the expungement in their records. The municipal courts hold jury trials and deal with cases that involve DWI and DUI cases, cases where traffic laws are violated and hears cases that deal with parking violations. Following American custom since the 1800s, the justices wear black robes. Judge David M. Hammer Jefferson . Lookup Cabell county court records in WV with district, circuit, municipal, & federal courthouse dockets and court case lookup. Fax: 304-724-6258, Lyndsey Matschat 304-357-0434, Michele D. Cook, Clerk As this Court said in 1925, "we must not lose sight of the rule that obtains in most jurisdictions at the present day, that the welfare of the child is to be regarded more than the technical legal rights of the parent . After the right court has been identified by interested parties, the next step in accessing court records in person is visiting the office of the county circuit clerk and making a request to inspect and/or copy the required records. There is no intermediate court with the specific function of bridging cases and appeals between the circuit trial courts and the supreme court. Fax: 304-728-3298, Probation Office Pursuant to West Virginia State Code Chapter 49 Article 5, records of juvenile proceedings are automatically sealed either one year after the juveniles eighteenth birthday or one year after the personal or juvenile jurisdiction of the court is terminated, depending on which event comes later. 304-258-7492 West Virginia. 304-728-3268 Fax: 267-3883, Judge David M. Hammer Jefferson County Currently, the West Virginia court system operates no online repository of court records. In West Virginia, unless otherwise specified by law, a final judgment in an administrative agency appeal must be rendered within six (6) months of the appeal's filing. Martinsburg, WV 25401 It should be noted that fees may be charged for extensive record searches as well as for obtaining copies of these records. The Crime Identification Bureau (CIB) will delete or seal the expunged record and send the court clerk's office a certified letter confirming the expungement. Kanawha County Judicial Building 77 Fairfax Street, Room 203 You understand and agree that full search reports will only be available after you register for an account or purchase a report. 304-263-4100 The chief justice occupies the center chair. Fax: 304-357-0473. 304-596-2140 304-357-0369 West Virginia court records consist of the case information generated during family law cases, such as child support, divorce, domestic violence and more. Martinsburg, WV 25401 It is the state's second-highest court. All of the justices serve life terms and seats are only up for an appointment in the event that a justice passes away or retires. Kanawha County makes up the Eleventh Family Court Circuit. 111 Court Street, Third Floor The expungement of a criminal record restores the petitioner's record to its status prior to the offense. Generally, West Virginia criminal court records contain information such as the court case ID, defendant and/or plaintiff information, docket number, actions taken on the case, supporting evidence, including relevant inmate record information, judge and attorney information, hearing dates, times and locations as well as the present status of the case. Fax: 304-258-7494 This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google A case number may contain letters, numbers, or special characters (such as a dash), and its format differs depending on the court where the case was filed. Fax: 304-267-1353, Cynthia D. Graham, Clerk 2022 West Virginia Court System - Supreme Court of Appeals. Deputy clerks take the same oath of office as . Fax: 304-558-4237. Typically, finding case numbers requires only the party's full name and a few case-specific details. The Circuit Clerk is also authorized to appoint deputy clerks subject to the review of the court and/or county commission. In West Virginia, interested parties can look up court cases by calling or visiting the court where the case was heard. Berkeley County Judicial Center Kanawha County Judicial Building. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia takes on the role of being the court of last resort for the state. Explore the entire West Virginia Court System, and the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. 304-264-1950 (address same as Circuit Clerk) 111 Court Street, Suite 4 Fax: 304-357-0563, Judge Kenneth D. Ballard 2022 West Virginia Court System - Supreme Court of Appeals. We are not allowed to provide legal advice or recommend legal counsel. results. Go to the Magistrate Clerks office in the county where the problem is to be addressed and ask for a. Each criminal justice agency at the state and county level has its own standard and system of criminal records collation, maintenance, and accessibility. The information on this website is taken from records made available by state and local law enforcement departments, courts, city and town halls, and other public and private sources. Berkeley County Judicial Center The first term begins on the second Tuesday in January and ends in June. When a court in West Virginia grants an expungement, it orders all state agencies to expunge their respective records. However, it is important to note that these third-party sites are not government-sponsored websites and as such record availability may differ from official channels. 304-357-0403, Magistrate Jack Pauley Fax: 681-248-8330, Ben Crawley-Woods 100 E. Washington Street (address and fax number same as Magistrate Clerk) Charleston, WV 25301 (address same as Circuit Clerk) The Circuit Clerk is the provider of certain vital statistics to the department of human services and financial data to the offices of the state auditor and the state treasurer. Courtrecords.org is a privately owned, independently operated resource for public records. After a claim is submitted, the appropriate state agency investigates it and then files an Answer. Search through the Public Resources, Supreme Court, Lower Courts, Legal Community, and Court Administration sections for court related information. Martinsburg, WV 25401 Case Search. 304-357-0408, Magistrate Traci L. Strickland Cabell. (address same as Circuit Clerk) Case Information - Public Service Commission of West Virginia 304-357-0365 (address and fax number same as Magistrate Clerk) For those that are pubic, individuals can visit the West Virginia State Law Library, which generally has cases on record. Morgan County Opinions are usually released by the Clerk's Office. 304-264-1957 Copyright 2023 WestVirginiaCourtRecords.us. Ph: 304.728.3231 Fx: 304.728.3398. To file a case in West Virginia, the plaintiff is required to take the following steps: The Clerk will review the information in the Civil Complaint form and tell the plaintiff if it will be necessary for them to pay filing fees. Terms of Service apply. 304-357-0404, Magistrate Michael B. Ferrell