How to Find Court Records in West Virginia

The Supreme Court of Appeals supervises the West Virginia court system.

The Freedom of Information Act requires that courts provide records to those who request them. However, locating court records in West Virginia requires specific steps to facilitate your search. On January 1, 1976, the West Virginia legal system moved from a "justice of the peace system to a unified court system," according to the West Virginia State website. As a result, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia oversees all state courts.

Instructions

Gather Detailed Information

1. Locate the subject's full name, age and date of birth, and date of his court proceeding.

2. Identify which court held jurisdiction over the proceedings. West Virginia has several courts, including circuit, magistrate, municipal, family and mental health. Locating the court of jurisdiction helps increase your chances of success.

3. Contact the West Virginia Attorney General's Office to collect additional information regarding public prosecutions. The Attorney General can provide information about requesting records or specific court cases. Contact the office at 304-558-2021.

Search for Court Records

1. Contact a background screener who can compile criminal records and court proceedings, if you don't want to search on your own. You can obtain background screening services for a fee. The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) provides a vendor directory. Contact the association or conduct a search to locate background screeners. Provide the screener with as much detail as possible, and request a search for court records and criminal or court proceedings. Discuss the fee and services prior to signing a contract or agreeing to a service.

   NAPBS Headquarters
   2501 Aerial Center Parkway
   Suite 103
   Morrisville, NC 27560
   919-459-2082

2. Contact the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals or the court that has jurisdiction over the case. The Supreme Court of Appeals is "West Virginia's highest court and the court of last resort," according to the court's website. Contact the court for cases that may have exhausted the appeals process to gain a complete picture of the proceedings. Additionally, each court in West Virginia applies the law to specific areas. For example, circuit courts have jurisdiction over all civil cases over $300, according to the West Virginia Judicial System, and municipal courts oversee ordinance violations. Call the court or visit in person with the information you have gathered. Submit any required forms or a written request with as much detail as possible.

   West Virginia Supreme Court
   Capitol Complex
   Building 1, Room E-317
   Charleston WV 25305
   304-558-2601

3. Search the LegalDockets database to locate proceedings. This database provides free information and some services for a fee. You can locate dockets from several entities, including probate, bankruptcy and circuit courts. Select the type of record you would like to search and enter the requested information in the required form. (See "West Virginia Dockets" in Resource for a link.)

References

• West Virginia State: The West Virginia Judicial System

Resources

• West Virginia Court by County
• The Guide to West Virginia Courts
• West Virginia Attorney General
• National Association of Professional Background Screeners
• West Virginia Dockets