Hampshire 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 Hampshire County circuit courts hear felony, civil, juvenile and family court cases, while magistrate courts hear limited-jurisdiction matters in the county.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Hampshire County Circuit Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Handles | Felony and other circuit criminal cases, civil cases, juvenile cases, and family court domestic cases such as divorce and domestic violence |
| Does NOT Handle | Magistrate court matters, including civil disputes up to $20,000, and Business Court Division cases |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access page |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments, the statewide payment portal |
How to Search Hampshire County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Hampshire County records.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
Search the circuit or magistrate court tool by name or case number.
Confirm details with the clerk for any specific case.
Best for: Checking a known case online.
In Person
Visit the Hampshire County circuit clerk's office for circuit and family court records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Confirm the office address on courtswv.gov before you go.
Best for: Records not available online.
By Phone
Call the Hampshire County circuit clerk's office to ask what a request needs.
Ask for the division that handles your case type.
Confirm the next step before you visit or send a request.
Best for: Confirming what a request needs.
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
Hampshire County Court Statistics (2025)
The circuit courts of Hampshire County recorded 386 criminal, civil and juvenile filings in 2025, which rose 1.3% from 381 in 2024. Family domestic filings are published for 2025 only and are shown separately.
386
Total circuit filings in 2025 (criminal, civil, juvenile)
397
Family domestic filings in 2025
113
Circuit criminal filings in 2025
+1.3%
Change in total circuit filings vs 2024 (381)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal filings | 113 | 135 | -16.3% |
| Circuit civil filings | 160 | 154 | +3.9% |
| Circuit juvenile filings | 113 | 92 | +22.8% |
| Total circuit filings | 386 | 381 | +1.3% |
The largest change came in criminal filings, which fell by 22 cases between 2024 and 2025.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Hampshire County?
Estimated total filings in Hampshire 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 | ~3,097 | ~3,011 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~3,137 | ~3,051 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~3,252 | ~3,172 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~3,094 | ~3,025 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~3,085 | ~3,011 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 3,085 to 3,097. The largest annual change was +5.1% in 2023. The latest change of -1.3% reflects statewide West Virginia trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Hampshire County's 1.34% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Hampshire County?
Civil cases are the largest group of Hampshire County circuit filings in 2025, at 41.5% of the 386 criminal, civil and juvenile filings, with family domestic filings excluded.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 113 | 29.3% | -16.3% |
| Felonies | 64 | 16.6% | -23.8% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Misdemeanor | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 49 | 12.7% | +4.3% |
| Civil | 160 | 41.5% | +3.9% |
| Adoption | 37 | 9.6% | +362.5% |
| General Civil | 82 | 21.2% | -12.8% |
| Guardianship | 4 | 1.0% | +100.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 3 | 0.8% | -57.1% |
| Mental Health | 12 | 3.1% | -45.5% |
| Other Civil Cases | 22 | 5.7% | +4.8% |
| Juvenile | 113 | 29.3% | +22.8% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 88 | 22.8% | +22.2% |
| Delinquency | 23 | 6.0% | +27.8% |
| Status Offenses | 2 | 0.5% | 0.0% |
The fastest-growing category was Adoption (+362.5%, 8 to 37), and the fastest-falling was Magistrate Appeals (-100.0%, 3 to 0).
How Does Hampshire County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Hampshire County is estimated to account for about 1.34% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Hampshire County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,097 | 230,414 | ~1.34% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,548 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,506 | 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 Hampshire County's 1.34% share of the state population.
Hampshire County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Hampshire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 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 Hampshire County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Hampshire County Courthouse Locations
Hampshire County court proceedings are held at the Hampshire County Judicial Center. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampshire County Judicial Center | 50 South High Street, Romney, WV 26757 | 304-822-4311 | 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 Hampshire County?
Each case type in Hampshire County goes to a specific court, so check the charge or case type on your paperwork. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for West Virginia.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit courts handle felony cases; 64 felony filings were published for 2025. |
| Civil lawsuit | Magistrate Court or Circuit Court | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000, and larger disputes go to circuit court. |
| Divorce | Family Court | Family court handles domestic cases; 94 divorce filings were published for 2025. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Other domestic relations cases were 72 in 2025, and family court handles these matters. |
| Domestic violence | Family Court | Family court domestic filings include 56 domestic violence cases published for 2025. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court (juvenile) | Circuit juvenile filings include delinquency, status offenses, and child abuse and neglect cases; 23 were delinquency filings in 2025. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals | West Virginia appellate courts review trial court decisions; confirm the route for your case with the clerk. |
Are Hampshire County Court Records Public?
Court records for Hampshire County are kept by the county circuit clerk for circuit and family court cases, and by magistrate court clerks for magistrate court cases. Access depends on the case type and any restrictions, so confirm what is available for a specific case with the clerk.
Public records
Case information for circuit and magistrate court cases can be searched through the statewide Court Records Access page. The search covers case information, and the results are a starting point for finding a case.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records may be restricted. Ask the circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk which records a specific case allows.
Online access
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov, which links to the circuit and magistrate court searches. The online search does not show every document, so request documents from the clerk when needed.
In-person access
Visit the circuit clerk's office in Hampshire County to view or request records. Confirm the office address on courtswv.gov before you go.
How to Search Hampshire County Court Records Online
Case information for Hampshire County can be searched through the West Virginia Judiciary's official online tools.
- Identify the type of case you are looking for.
- Open the official West Virginia Judiciary website listed below.
- Search by name or case number and select Hampshire County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Hampshire County clerk for documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | West Virginia Judiciary magistrate and circuit record search | Magistrate and circuit case information. | Documents may require registration or a request to the clerk. |
| Traffic | West Virginia Judiciary magistrate and circuit record search | Magistrate court case information. | Municipal court cases may not appear. |
| Civil | West Virginia Judiciary magistrate and circuit record search | Magistrate and circuit civil case information. | Circuit documents may require a registered account or the clerk. |
| Small claims | West Virginia Judiciary magistrate and circuit record search | Magistrate court case information. | Documents may need to be requested from the clerk. |
| Family law | West Virginia Judiciary | Family court case information may be limited. | Not confirmed in the general portal; contact the Hampshire County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Hampshire County clerk. |
| Juvenile | West Virginia Judiciary | Little or no public information. | Juvenile records are confidential and not in the general portal. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Hampshire County
Payments for Hampshire County court matters can be made through the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal, but confirm which charges it accepts before you pay.
- Online: Pay through the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP. Confirm your case or ticket details before you pay.
Parking tickets are not covered by this page; contact the agency that issued the ticket.
Hampshire County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records in Hampshire County?
Use the Court Records Access page to search circuit and magistrate court cases, or contact the circuit clerk's office for Hampshire County.
Are court records public?
Access depends on the case type and any restrictions, so confirm what is available for a specific case with the circuit clerk.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number on the circuit search at courtswv.gov, or ask the circuit clerk for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or paperwork for the date, and contact the court clerk to confirm it.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay through the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP, and confirm which charges it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Hampshire County each year?
Circuit court filings totaled 386 in 2025, which rose by 1.3% from 381 in 2024. Family domestic filings are listed separately.
What is the most common type of case?
Civil cases were the largest circuit group in 2025 at 160 filings, or 41.5% of circuit filings.
Is crime 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
Hampshire County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 50 South High Street, Romney, WV, 26757 |
| Phone Number: | 304-822-5022 |
| Fax: | 304-822-8257 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/hampshire.html |
Useful Links
- Circuit Court in Hampshire County, Virginia Access information on Hampshire County Circuit Court including location, contact details, and types of cases handled.
- Hampshire County WV Official Government Website – County Courts Official county site with resources on court services, staff contacts, and updates from different court offices.
- West Virginia Judiciary – Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Access state judicial resources, opinions, forms, and court calendars from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
- West Virginia Public Defender Services – 21st Judicial Circuit Information on legal aid services provided by public defenders for residents in Hampshire County.
- The West Virginia State Bar Resources for legal professionals and the public including attorney directory and legal advice information.
- National Association of Secretaries of State – Can I Vote? Tool for Hampshire County residents to check voter registration status and learn about local election processes.
- Legal Services Corporation – America’s Partner for Equal Justice Find legal aid services in Hampshire County and understand the variety of services offered to assist low-income individuals.
- West Virginia Legal Aid Information on obtaining free legal assistance for low-income persons in West Virginia, including Hampshire County.
- CourtReference.com – Hampshire County West Virginia Court Directory Directory of courts in Hampshire County with locations, jurisdictions, and contact information.
- West Virginia Child Support Portal Information and resources for managing child support cases in Hampshire County, West Virginia.
- National Center for State Courts – Court Self-Help Comprehensive self-help legal resources for individuals navigating the court system in any state.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons – FCI Hazelton Information about the federal correctional institution servicing Hampshire County with inmate look-up features.
- Prison Policy Initiative Research and advocacy resources on the American criminal justice system, affecting policies in places like Hampshire County.
- West Virginia Courts – Representing Yourself Guides and forms for self-representation in family or civil court matters for residents of West Virginia.
- West Virginia Free Legal Answers Online resource providing free legal answers to basic legal questions for qualified West Virginia residents.
- West Virginia Office of the Inspector General Oversight resources and public assistance program information relevant to social services in Hampshire County.
- Child Law Help – West Virginia Resources Offering child welfare resources and legal information for protecting the rights of children in Hampshire County.
- Open Library Access numerous public domain legal books and publications that could offer guidance on court processes and law.
- Federal Communications Commission – Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Understand Hampshire County emergency communication protocols and public safety resources critical during court-related matters.
- American Civil Liberties Union – Know Your Rights Resources on knowing your rights during court proceedings and interactions with law enforcement.
Table of Contents
- Hampshire County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Hampshire County Court Records
- Hampshire County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Hampshire County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Hampshire County?
- How Does Hampshire County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Hampshire County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Hampshire County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Hampshire County?
- Are Hampshire County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Hampshire County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Hampshire County
- Hampshire County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links