Hancock 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 Hancock 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 | Hancock 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 Hancock County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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
Hancock County Court Statistics (2025)
The circuit courts of Hancock County recorded 412 criminal, civil and juvenile filings in 2025, which fell 0.2% from 413 in 2024. Family domestic filings are published for 2025 only and are shown separately.
412
Total circuit filings in 2025 (criminal, civil, juvenile)
303
Family domestic filings in 2025
103
Circuit criminal filings in 2025
-0.2%
Change in total circuit filings vs 2024 (413)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal filings | 103 | 112 | -8.0% |
| Circuit civil filings | 221 | 186 | +18.8% |
| Circuit juvenile filings | 88 | 115 | -23.5% |
| Total circuit filings | 412 | 413 | -0.2% |
The largest change came in civil filings, which rose by 35 cases between 2024 and 2025.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Hancock County?
Estimated total filings in Hancock 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 | ~3,652 | ~3,550 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~3,699 | ~3,598 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~3,835 | ~3,741 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~3,649 | ~3,566 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~3,638 | ~3,550 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 3,638 to 3,652. 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 Hancock County's 1.58% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Hancock County?
Civil cases are the largest group of Hancock County circuit filings in 2025, at 53.6% of the 412 criminal, civil and juvenile filings, with family domestic filings excluded. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 103 | 25.0% | -8.0% |
| Felonies | 52 | 12.6% | -5.5% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 0.2% | -50.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 50 | 12.1% | -9.1% |
| Civil | 221 | 53.6% | +18.8% |
| Adoption | 7 | 1.7% | -30.0% |
| General Civil | 129 | 31.3% | +18.3% |
| Guardianship | 9 | 2.2% | -43.8% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 4 | 1.0% | +33.3% |
| Mental Health | 37 | 9.0% | +362.5% |
| Other Civil Cases | 33 | 8.0% | -8.3% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 2 | 0.5% | -50.0% |
| Juvenile | 88 | 21.4% | -23.5% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 62 | 15.0% | -32.6% |
| Delinquency | 24 | 5.8% | +4.3% |
| Status Offenses | 2 | 0.5% | ~+11.8% |
The fastest-growing category was Mental Health (+362.5%, 8 to 37), and the fastest-falling was Magistrate Appeals (-50.0%, 2 to 1).
How Does Hancock County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Hancock County is estimated to account for about 1.58% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Hancock County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,652 | 230,414 | ~1.58% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,826 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,775 | 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 Hancock County's 1.58% share of the state population.
Hancock County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Hancock 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 Hancock County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Hancock County Courthouse Locations
Hancock County court proceedings are held at the Hancock County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hancock County Courthouse | 102 Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047 | 304-564-3311 | 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 Hancock County?
Each case type in Hancock 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; 52 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; 70 divorce filings were published for 2025. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Other domestic relations cases were 52 in 2025, and family court handles these matters. |
| Domestic violence | Family Court | Family court domestic filings include 137 domestic violence cases published for 2025. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court (juvenile) | Circuit juvenile filings include delinquency, status offenses, and child abuse and neglect cases; 24 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 Hancock County Court Records Public?
Court records for Hancock 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 Hancock County to view or request records. Confirm the office address on courtswv.gov before you go.
How to Search Hancock County Court Records Online
Case information for Hancock 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 Hancock County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Hancock 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 Hancock County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Hancock 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 Hancock County
Payments for Hancock 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.
Hancock County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records in Hancock County?
Use the Court Records Access page to search circuit and magistrate court cases, or contact the circuit clerk's office for Hancock 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 Hancock County each year?
Circuit court filings totaled 412 in 2025, which fell by 0.2% from 413 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 221 filings, or 53.6% 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
Hancock County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 102 N Court St, New Cumberland, WV, 26047 |
| Phone Number: | 304-564-3311, ext. 261 |
| Fax: | 304-564-5014 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/hancock.html |
Weirton Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 200 Municipal Plaza, Weirton, WV, 26062 |
| Phone Number: | 304-797-8500 ext. 1031 |
| Fax: | 304-797-5716 |
| Website: | http://www.cityofweirton.com/182/Legal-Department-Municipal-Court |
Useful Links
- Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Access appellate opinions and court information in West Virginia.
- Hancock County Official Website Find county resources, including court services and public records.
- Circuit Courts of West Virginia Provides access to circuit court information and judicial services statewide.
- West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority Find inmate data and detention facility information.
- West Virginia State Auditor's Office Access state financial audits and official government reports.
- The West Virginia State Bar Offers legal resources and access to attorney directories for public assistance.
- West Virginia Legal Aid Provides free legal services to qualified residents of West Virginia in various legal matters.
- West Virginia Board of Parole Information on parole board hearings and resources for inmates and families.
- FamilyTreeNow.com Facilitates searches for public records, including court, property, and criminal records.
- West Virginia Legislature Legislative information, including bills, legislative sessions, and legal research tools.
- LegalZoom Provides affordable legal documents and services for small businesses and individuals.
- West Virginia State Police Access police records and services from the state's law enforcement agency.
- West Virginia Vital Registration Obtaining birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for West Virginia.
- West Virginia Secretary of State Business registrations, state records, voter information, and administrative services.
- Hancock County Circuit Clerk Offers access to local court services, resources, and court record requests.
- West Virginia Legislature Law Library Legal research resources and access to state statutes and documents.
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Access crime reporting statistics and crime data for analysis and research.
- United States Courts Information on federal court cases, judiciary programs, and electronic record services.
- USAttorneys.com Directory of legal services and lawyer contacts across the United States for comprehensive legal assistance.
- West Virginia Public Records Online An extensive directory for accessing public records across West Virginia.
Table of Contents
- Hancock County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Hancock County Court Records
- Hancock County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Hancock County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Hancock County?
- How Does Hancock County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Hancock County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Hancock County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Hancock County?
- Are Hancock County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Hancock County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Hancock County
- Hancock County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links