Harrison 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
Circuit courts are the general trial courts for Harrison County, and the county circuit clerk keeps circuit and family court records. Magistrate courts handle limited jurisdiction matters, including civil cases with up to $20,000 in dispute.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Harrison County Circuit Court |
| Judicial Circuit | Nineteenth Judicial Circuit |
| Main Address | 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 |
| Main Phone | 304-624-8640 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Clarksburg) |
| Circuit Clerk | Circuit Clerk, Douglas Cornelius |
| Website | Harrison County page on courtswv.gov |
| Handles | Circuit court trial matters, juvenile cases, and family court matters such as divorce and child custody; family court circuit Doddridge and Harrison (18th family court circuit) |
| Does NOT Handle | Magistrate court matters, including civil claims up to $20,000; federal cases; appeals, which go to the Intermediate Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of Appeals |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access links to the Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search tools |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments (statewide portal) |
How to Search Harrison County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if known, and approximate dates ready before you search. Circuit and family records sit with the Harrison County circuit clerk.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to choose a search tool.
Pick the Circuit Courts or Magistrate Courts search for your case.
Open the case record and confirm details with the clerk.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Go to 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Ask the circuit clerk about records not available online.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Harrison County Circuit Clerk at 304-624-8640.
Ask which division holds your case before you call.
Confirm the records you need and any document request steps.
Best for: Confirming a case before you visit
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
Harrison County Court Statistics (2025)
Harrison County courts handled an estimated 8,393 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 8,159. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~8,393
Total filings in 2025
~8,159
Total dispositions in 2025
~1,679
Filings per judicial position (5 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~8,393 | ~8,500 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~8,159 | ~8,269 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~4,836 | ~5,152 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~2,357 | ~2,186 | ~+7.8% |
| Family Law Filings | ~717 | ~659 | ~+8.8% |
| Probate Filings | ~53 | ~59 | ~-10.2% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~181 | ~175 | ~+3.4% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~302 | ~328 | ~-7.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~5 | ~5 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Harrison County's 3.64% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Harrison County?
Estimated total filings in Harrison 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 | ~8,393 | ~8,159 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~8,500 | ~8,269 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~8,813 | ~8,596 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~8,385 | ~8,196 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~8,360 | ~8,159 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 8,360 to 8,393. 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 Harrison County's 3.64% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Harrison County?
Civil filings make up the largest share of Harrison County circuit court filings in 2025 at 51.1% of 1,488 filings.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Circuit Filings | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal filings | 312 | 21.0% | +8.3% |
| Felonies | 241 | 16.2% | +3.4% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 5 | 0.3% | +25.0% |
| Misdemeanor | 2 | 0.1% | -50.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 64 | 4.3% | +36.2% |
| Civil filings | 760 | 51.1% | -3.1% |
| Adoption | 56 | 3.8% | +7.7% |
| General Civil | 353 | 23.7% | -6.6% |
| Guardianship | 28 | 1.9% | -24.3% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 16 | 1.1% | +33.3% |
| Mental Health | 192 | 12.9% | -4.0% |
| Other Civil Cases | 113 | 7.6% | +8.7% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 2 | 0.1% | +100.0% |
| Juvenile filings | 416 | 28.0% | -1.2% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 216 | 14.5% | +8.0% |
| Delinquency | 98 | 6.6% | -8.4% |
| Status Offenses | 102 | 6.9% | -10.5% |
The fastest-growing category was Personal Safety Appeals at +100.0%, and the fastest-falling was Misdemeanor at -50.0%. Family domestic filings (914 in 2025) are listed separately and are not part of the circuit share.
How Does Harrison County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Harrison County is estimated to account for about 3.64% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Harrison County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~8,393 | 230,414 | ~3.64% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,679 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,632 | 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 Harrison County's 3.64% share of the state population.
Harrison County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Harrison 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 Harrison County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Harrison County Courthouse Locations
Harrison County has 1 listed courthouse location in Clarksburg. Check your notice or ticket for the division and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison County Courthouse | 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 | 304-624-8640 | Circuit Clerk office, as listed in the county directory |
Details are from the court's Harrison County directory listing at courtswv.gov.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Harrison County?
Matters in Harrison County are heard by circuit courts, family courts, or magistrate courts, depending on the case type and the amount in dispute.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit courts are the trial courts, and the county circuit clerk keeps the records. |
| Civil lawsuit up to $20,000 | Magistrate Court | Magistrate courts handle civil cases with up to $20,000 in dispute. |
| Civil lawsuit above $20,000 | Circuit Court | Claims above the $20,000 magistrate limit go to circuit court. |
| Magistrate court matter | Magistrate Court | The magistrate court clerk keeps magistrate court records. |
| Divorce | Family Court | Harrison County is in the 18th family court circuit with Doddridge County. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Harrison County is in the 18th family court circuit with Doddridge County. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court (juvenile) | Juvenile matters are counted in the circuit court's juvenile category. |
| Business court case | Business Court Division | Search these cases through the Business Court case search. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals | Appeals go to the appellate courts of West Virginia. |
Are Harrison County Court Records Public?
Court record access for Harrison County is described on the West Virginia Judiciary's Court Records Access page, which is the place to confirm which records are available online and in person.
Online access
The Court Records Access page offers Circuit Courts search and Magistrate Courts search for all 55 counties, linking to mcrsearch.courtswv.gov and wvpass.courtswva.com. Business Court Division cases use the Business Court case search. Online results may not include every document.
In-person access
The Harrison County circuit clerk keeps circuit and family court records, and the magistrate court clerk keeps magistrate court records. Confirm with the clerk which office holds your case before you visit. The Harrison County Circuit Clerk can be reached at 304-624-8640.
How to Search Harrison County Court Records Online
Case information for Harrison 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 Harrison County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Harrison 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 Harrison County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Harrison County clerk. |
| Juvenile | West Virginia Judiciary | Little or no public information. | Juvenile records are confidential and not in the general portal. |
Use the official West Virginia court search tools to look up Harrison County cases by type, and contact the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as circuit (criminal, civil, juvenile, or family), magistrate, or Business Court.
- Open the Court Records Access page and choose the Circuit Courts or Magistrate Courts search.
- Search by the party's name and note the case details shown in the results.
- Review the case information for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Harrison County circuit or magistrate clerk for documents that are not online at 304-624-8640.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal, civil, juvenile, and family cases | Circuit Courts search (Court Records Access) | Case information from the circuit court | Documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Magistrate court cases | Magistrate Courts search (Court Records Access) | Magistrate court case information | Documents may require the magistrate court clerk |
| Business Court Division cases | Business Court case search | Business Court case information | Covers Business Court matters only |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Harrison County
The statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal is the official online option listed for magistrate court payments in West Virginia.
- Online: Go to apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP to pay through the statewide portal. Check that your case is covered before you pay.
Parking tickets are generally handled by the agency that issued them rather than by the courts listed here, so confirm with that agency.
Harrison County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Harrison County court records?
Use the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to open the circuit or magistrate court search, or contact the county circuit clerk.
Are Harrison County court records public?
Access rules are described on the Court Records Access page, so check that page to confirm which records are available online and in person.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the circuit or magistrate court tool linked from the Court Records Access page, and contact the circuit clerk for records the search does not show.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket first, then contact the clerk for the court that has your case. The Harrison County Circuit Clerk can be reached at 304-624-8640.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal and confirm your ticket is covered before you pay.
How many cases are filed in Harrison County each year?
Harrison County circuit courts recorded 1,488 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 1,493 in 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
Civil filings were the largest circuit category in 2025 at 760 filings, or 51.1% of circuit filings.
Is crime in West Virginia 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
Harrison County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV, 26301 |
| Phone Number: | 304-624-8640 |
| Fax: | 304-624-8710 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/harrison.html |
Clarksburg Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 222 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV, 26301 |
| Phone Number: | 304-624-1600 |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Official site of the West Virginia Judiciary offering information on court services, case searches, and judicial resources across the state.
- West Virginia State Law Library - Provides access to a wide range of legal resources, including public access to court records and legal research guides.
- Harrison County, WV: County Courts - Offers detailed information about the local court system, including contact information and services provided by the county courts.
- Harrison County Clerk's Office - Access vital records, property records, marriage licenses, and other official documents managed by the County Clerk of Harrison County.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Provides resources and information for attorneys and the public, including legal research guides and lawyer directories.
- West Virginia Legislature - Official website offering access to legislative documents, bill tracking, state statutes, and legislative activities in West Virginia.
- National Register of Historic Places - Harrison County - Contains detailed historical records and information about significant properties and places registered in Harrison County, WV.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia - Non-profit organization providing free civil legal services and resources to low-income individuals across West Virginia, including Harrison County.
- Harrison County Community Services - Connects residents with various services such as family court support, public safety information, and healthcare resources available in Harrison County.
- Harrison County Commission - Provides governance information, meeting minutes, and public records for residents interested in county commission activities and decisions.
- FamilySearch - Free resources for genealogy collaboration and access to West Virginia birth, marriage, and death records, including Harrison County specifics.
- Find a Grave: Harrison County, WV - Contains a database of burial records from various cemeteries in Harrison County, providing access to genealogical data.
- United States Postal Service - Postal service hub with a local office link for Harrison County, offering mailing services, change of address, and ZIP code information.
- WV Residency Services - Provides information on local residency programs, administrative services, and resources for new residents in Harrison County and throughout WV.
- Harrison County Probate Court - Resource for estate cases, wills, and probate records in Harrison County, detailing services and contact information for the probate court.
- e-WV: Harrison County - Encyclopedia article providing historical and demographic insights into Harrison County's development and significance within West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Tax Department - Website for tax information, state tax filing services, and access to tax-related records for residents and businesses in WV.
- West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey - Offers data about West Virginia's geology, natural resources, and detailed maps including the regions of Harrison County.
- West Virginia Environmental Health Association - Provides resources related to environmental health practices in the state, benefiting Harrison County residents through public health initiatives.
- National Archives Research - Access federal and historical records crucial for genealogical research, including those relevant to West Virginia's judicial and civil history.
Table of Contents
- Harrison County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Harrison County Court Records
- Harrison County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Harrison County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Harrison County?
- How Does Harrison County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Harrison County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Harrison County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Harrison County?
- Are Harrison County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Harrison County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Harrison County
- Harrison County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links