Gilmer County, WV Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Gilmer County circuit court hears felony, other criminal, civil, juvenile and family matters. Magistrate courts in Gilmer County hear limited-jurisdiction cases, including civil disputes up to $20,000.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Gilmer County Circuit Court and magistrate courts |
| Statewide Judiciary Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access page, with Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search |
| Handles | Felony and other criminal cases, civil, juvenile and family matters in circuit court; civil disputes up to $20,000 in magistrate court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for West Virginia; appeals from circuit court, which go to the Supreme Court of Appeals or the Intermediate Court of Appeals |
| Business Court Cases | Business Court Division case search |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments portal |
How to Search Gilmer County Court Records
Have a full name, a case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Gilmer County court records.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page to reach the circuit and magistrate search tools.
Search by name or case number to find case status and parties.
Check results, since online search may not show every document.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the county circuit clerk's office for circuit and family court records.
Bring a full name or case number if you have one.
Ask the magistrate court clerk for magistrate court records.
Best for: Records not available through online search
By Contacting the Clerk
Contact the county circuit clerk to ask how to request records.
Ask which clerk keeps the magistrate court records you need.
Confirm the current request method before you send anything.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on WestVirginiaCourts.org
Go to WestVirginiaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Gilmer County Court Statistics (2025)
Gilmer County courts handled an estimated 926 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 901. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~926
Total filings in 2025
~901
Total dispositions in 2025
~926
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~926 | ~938 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~901 | ~913 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~534 | ~569 | ~-6.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~260 | ~241 | ~+7.9% |
| Family Law Filings | ~79 | ~73 | ~+8.2% |
| Probate Filings | ~6 | ~6 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~20 | ~19 | ~+5.3% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~33 | ~36 | ~-8.3% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Gilmer County's 0.40% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Gilmer County?
Estimated total filings in Gilmer County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ~926 | ~901 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~938 | ~913 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~973 | ~949 | ~+5.2% |
| 2022 | ~925 | ~905 | ~+0.2% |
| 2021 | ~923 | ~901 | ~+0.2% |
Estimated filings changed +0.3% between 2021 and 2025, from 923 to 926. The largest annual change was +5.2% in 2023. The latest change of -1.3% reflects statewide West Virginia trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Gilmer County's 0.40% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Gilmer County?
Circuit civil filings are the largest category in Gilmer County's 2025 circuit total at 49, or 44.5% of the 110 criminal, civil and juvenile filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Circuit Total | Filings 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal | 32 | 29.1% | 35 | -8.6% |
| Felonies | 19 | 17.3% | 14 | +35.7% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 0.9% | 0 | ~+28.8% |
| Misdemeanor | 0 | 0.0% | 1 | -100.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 12 | 10.9% | 20 | -40.0% |
| Circuit civil | 49 | 44.5% | 41 | +19.5% |
| Admin Agency Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | 0 | ~+28.8% |
| Adoption | 6 | 5.5% | 7 | -14.3% |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0.0% | 0 | ~+28.8% |
| General Civil | 24 | 21.8% | 20 | +20.0% |
| Guardianship | 3 | 2.7% | 2 | +50.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 0.9% | 1 | 0.0% |
| Mental Health | 2 | 1.8% | 1 | +100.0% |
| Other Civil Cases | 13 | 11.8% | 10 | +30.0% |
| Other Domestic Relations | 0 | 0.0% | 0 | ~+28.8% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | 0 | ~+28.8% |
| Circuit juvenile | 29 | 26.4% | 28 | +3.6% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 14 | 12.7% | 20 | -30.0% |
| Delinquency | 11 | 10.0% | 7 | +57.1% |
| Status Offenses | 4 | 3.6% | 1 | +300.0% |
| Family domestic | 75 | Not in circuit total | ~55 | ~+37.1% |
| Divorce | 22 | Not in circuit total | ~17 | ~+28.8% |
| Domestic Violence | 23 | Not in circuit total | ~18 | ~+28.8% |
| Other Domestic Relations | 8 | Not in circuit total | ~6 | ~+28.8% |
| Marriages | 0 | Not in circuit total | ~0 | ~+28.8% |
| Modifications | 14 | Not in circuit total | ~11 | ~+28.8% |
| Contempt | 8 | Not in circuit total | ~6 | ~+28.8% |
Status Offenses in circuit juvenile filings grew fastest at +300.0%, while Misdemeanor in circuit criminal filings fell fastest at -100.0%.
How Does Gilmer County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Gilmer County is estimated to account for about 0.40% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Gilmer County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~926 | 230,414 | ~0.40% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~926 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~901 | 1,778 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~57.6% | 57.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~28.1% | 28.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~8.5% | 8.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide West Virginia figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Gilmer County's 0.40% share of the state population.
Gilmer County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Gilmer County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 10.9% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 96.4% of West Virginia's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
4,123
Violent crimes, West Virginia statewide, 2025
16,897
Property crimes, West Virginia statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
233.4
Violent crime rate per 100K, West Virginia statewide, 2025 (population 1,766,147)
-10.9%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, West Virginia statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (21,020 vs 23,595)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 68 | 3.9 | 104 | -34.6% |
| Rape | 945 | 53.5 | 932 | +1.4% |
| Robbery | 149 | 8.4 | 179 | -16.8% |
| Aggravated assault | 2,961 | 167.7 | 3,088 | -4.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 4,123 | 233.4 | 4,303 | -4.2% |
| Burglary | 2,400 | 135.9 | 3,124 | -23.2% |
| Larceny-theft | 13,259 | 750.7 | 14,620 | -9.3% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1,109 | 62.8 | 1,361 | -18.5% |
| Property crimes total | 16,897 | 956.7 | 19,292 | -12.4% |
Rates use the West Virginia 2025 population of 1,766,147. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Gilmer County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Gilmer County Courthouse Locations
Gilmer County court proceedings are held at the Gilmer County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilmer County Courthouse | 10 Howard Street, Glenville, WV 26351 | 304-462-7241 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Gilmer County?
Find the court for your matter from the table below. Circuit court handles felony and juvenile matters and larger civil and family cases in Gilmer County, while magistrate court handles civil disputes up to $20,000. Traffic and misdemeanor matters are not listed here, so check the court named on your citation.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Civil lawsuit, dispute up to $20,000 | Magistrate court | Magistrate courts have limited jurisdiction and hear civil disputes up to $20,000. |
| Civil lawsuit, dispute over $20,000 | Circuit court | The county circuit clerk keeps circuit court civil records. |
| Felony | Circuit court | The county circuit clerk keeps felony case records. |
| Divorce, child custody or support | Family court (circuit court) | The county circuit clerk keeps family court records. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit court (juvenile) | The county circuit clerk keeps juvenile case records, which may be restricted. |
| Magistrate court appeal | Circuit court | Magistrate appeals are filed in circuit court. |
| Appeal of a circuit court decision | Supreme Court of Appeals or Intermediate Court of Appeals | These are West Virginia's appellate courts. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for West Virginia | Federal cases are outside the county and state courts. |
| Business case | Business Court Division | Business Court Division case search is available for business cases. |
Are Gilmer County Court Records Public?
Access to Gilmer County court records depends on the type of record and the court that holds it, so ask the county circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk which records are open before you request them.
Public records
The county circuit clerk keeps circuit and family court records, and magistrate court clerks keep magistrate court records.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records may be restricted by law or court order. Ask the clerk which record types are restricted before you request them.
Online access
Use the Court Records Access page to search circuit and magistrate court records online. Business court cases use the Business Court Division case search. Online search does not replace a request to the clerk for documents.
In-person access
Visit the county circuit clerk's office or the magistrate court clerk's office to view or request records. Bring a case number or full party name if you have one.
Fees
Ask the clerk for the current fee for copies or certified records before you make a request.
How to Search Gilmer County Court Records Online
Use the official West Virginia court search tools to look up Gilmer County cases by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as circuit court, magistrate court, or business court.
- Open the Court Records Access page to reach the circuit and magistrate court search tools.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, parties, and status shown in the results.
- Contact the county circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal | Circuit Courts search | Case information for circuit court criminal cases | Documents not online require a clerk request |
| Circuit civil | Circuit Courts search | Case information for circuit court civil cases | Documents not online require a clerk request |
| Family law | Circuit Courts search | Case information for circuit court family matters | Restricted details may not be shown |
| Juvenile | Circuit clerk | Case information through the circuit clerk | Juvenile records may be restricted and are not in the general search |
| Magistrate and small civil | Magistrate Courts search | Case information for magistrate court cases | Documents not online require the magistrate clerk |
| Business court | Business Court Division case search | Business court case information | Separate from the circuit and magistrate searches |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Gilmer County
Fines and costs for Gilmer County cases are paid to the court that issued them, using the options below.
- Online: Pay through the Magistrate Court Payments portal. Check the portal for the case types it accepts, and confirm the amount owed with the court before you pay.
- In person: Pay at the office of the clerk that holds your case. The circuit clerk handles circuit court cases, and the magistrate court clerk handles magistrate court cases.
Parking tickets are not covered by the court payment options above. Pay a parking ticket as its instructions direct, through the agency that issued it.
Gilmer County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Gilmer County court records?
Use the Court Records Access page to search circuit and magistrate court records, or contact the county circuit clerk for help.
Are Gilmer County court records public?
Access depends on the record type and the court, so ask the clerk which records are open. Some records may be restricted by law or court order.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the circuit court records through the Court Records Access page, or contact the county circuit clerk with the defendant's full name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice first, then search the case online or call the clerk's office that holds your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Check the citation for the court listed, then pay through the Magistrate Court Payments portal or in person at that court's clerk office.
How many cases are filed in Gilmer County each year?
Circuit criminal, civil and juvenile filings totaled 110 in 2025, which rose from 104 in 2024 (+5.8%).
What is the most common type of case?
The largest single category in 2025 was general civil in circuit civil filings, with 24 cases. Circuit civil filings were the largest circuit group at 49.
Is crime in Gilmer County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 4.2% to 4,123 in 2025 from 4,303 in 2024, and property crimes fell 12.4% to 16,897 from 19,292, as reported to the FBI. These are West Virginia statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Gilmer County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 10 Howard Street, Glenville, WV, 26351 |
| Phone Number: | 304-462-7241 |
| Fax: | 304-462-7038 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/gilmer.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Access the official site for West Virginia’s judicial system, providing information about courts, opinions, rules, and public resources.
- Gilmer County Circuit Clerk - Find contact information and services provided by the Gilmer County Circuit Clerk, including record keeping and case management.
- West Virginia Vital Research Records - Offers public access to select birth, death, and marriage records for genealogical research and documentation purposes.
- govinfo: U.S. Government Publishing Office - Provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government, including court opinions.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia - Offers free legal services to eligible clients in West Virginia needing assistance with civil legal issues and court processes.
- Researching West Virginia History & Culture - Learn how to access historical records for research purposes, including court documents, with guidance from the West Virginia Library Commission.
- ACLU of West Virginia: Know Your Rights - Provides resources and guidance on legal rights, helping individuals navigate the court system and legal challenges they may face.
- eCourts - West Virginia - Electronic filing and public access to case information and court documents for West Virginia State Courts at your convenience.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Offers resources for finding legal representation and understanding the court and legal process in West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Archives - Rich archival resources related to the history and records, including historical court documents and vital records.
- West Virginia Legislature - Provides information on legislative activities and statutes, which can impact court rules and procedures in West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Auditor's Office - Offers access to financial reports and audits, sometimes relevant in court proceedings dealing with financial regulations.
- National Association of Counties (NACo): Justice & Public Safety - A platform advocating for court and justice system improvements, with resources relevant to county-level judicial operations.
- National Institute of Justice: Courts - Research and information from the NIJ about innovations, reforms, and justice procedures affecting court systems.
- National Sheriffs' Association: Court Security - Focuses on enhancing courthouse security and safety to ensure smooth justice proceedings across the country.
- Federal Judicial Center - Provides education and research materials to improve judicial administration across federal courts, informing similar state-level courts.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association - Supports public defenders and legal aid for those unable to afford private counsel, impacting court representation.
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports - Offers comprehensive research reports, some involving judiciary matters that could relate to state court functionalities.
- Office of Legal Counsel | Department of Justice - Provides legal advice to the President and all the Executive Branch agencies, impacting court-related decisions.
- Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) - Offers resources for developing and implementing strong and innovative crime control and prevention strategies in courts.
Table of Contents
- Gilmer County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Gilmer County Court Records
- Gilmer County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Gilmer County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Gilmer County?
- How Does Gilmer County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Gilmer County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Gilmer County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Gilmer County?
- Are Gilmer County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Gilmer County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Gilmer County
- Gilmer County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links