Kanawha 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 Circuit Court of Kanawha County handles the county's felony criminal, general civil, juvenile, and family cases. Kanawha County is the only county in the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court of Kanawha County (Eighth Judicial Circuit) |
| Main Address | 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301 (Kanawha County Judicial Building) |
| Main Phone | 304-357-0440 |
| Circuit Clerk | Cathy S. Gatson (Circuit Clerk) |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Charleston) |
| Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Handles | Felony and other criminal cases, general civil, juvenile, and family matters |
| Does NOT Handle | Magistrate court matters, which the magistrate court clerk keeps; federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for West Virginia |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access page |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the Circuit Clerk at 304-357-0440 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments portal |
How to Search Kanawha County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the county where the case was filed ready before you search.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
Search Circuit Courts records for all 55 counties.
Best for: Checking records from home
In Person
Go to the Kanawha County Judicial Building, 111 Court Street, Charleston.
Bring the full name and any case number you have.
Ask the clerk which division holds your case.
Best for: Records that need the clerk's help
By Phone
Call 304-357-0440 and ask for the Circuit Clerk.
Ask which division holds your case before you visit.
Best for: Confirming a case division
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
Kanawha County Court Statistics (2025)
Kanawha County courts handled an estimated 22,639 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 22,009. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~22,639
Total filings in 2025
~22,009
Total dispositions in 2025
~1,887
Filings per judicial position (12 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~22,639 | ~22,929 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~22,009 | ~22,303 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~13,045 | ~13,898 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~6,357 | ~5,897 | ~+7.8% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,933 | ~1,776 | ~+8.8% |
| Probate Filings | ~143 | ~158 | ~-9.5% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~489 | ~473 | ~+3.4% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~816 | ~885 | ~-7.8% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~12 | ~12 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Kanawha County's 9.83% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Kanawha County?
Circuit court filings in Kanawha County are published for two years only, with criminal, civil, and juvenile case groups shown separately.
| Year | Circuit criminal | Circuit civil | Circuit juvenile | Circuit total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 779 | 2,866 | 779 | 4,424 |
| 2024 | 555 | 2,409 | 753 | 3,717 |
Circuit filings were up 19.0% overall from 2024 to 2025, moving from 3,717 to 4,424 cases. Circuit civil filings changed the most, +19.0%, while circuit criminal filings moved +40.4%. The published data does not explain the causes of these changes.
Chart note: a line chart of the three circuit case groups, shown from 2024 to 2025 (oldest to newest), would show each group's direction.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kanawha County?
Circuit civil filings make up the largest share of Kanawha County filings in 2025 at 39.8% of the 7,204 cases published for that year. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal | 779 | 10.8% | +40.4% |
| Felonies | 412 | 5.7% | +50.9% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 16 | 0.2% | -27.3% |
| Misdemeanor | 162 | 2.2% | +92.9% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 189 | 2.6% | +7.4% |
| Circuit civil | 2,866 | 39.8% | +19.0% |
| Adoption | 138 | 1.9% | -31.3% |
| General Civil | 1,457 | 20.2% | +9.2% |
| Guardianship | 131 | 1.8% | +0.8% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 175 | 2.4% | -6.9% |
| Mental Health | 532 | 7.4% | +329.0% |
| Other Civil Cases | 380 | 5.3% | -3.8% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 53 | 0.7% | +47.2% |
| Circuit juvenile | 779 | 10.8% | +3.5% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 428 | 5.9% | -9.3% |
| Delinquency | 174 | 2.4% | +9.4% |
| Status Offenses | 177 | 2.5% | +45.1% |
| Family domestic | 2,780 | 38.6% | ~+9.2% |
| Divorce | 638 | 8.9% | ~+32.5% |
| Domestic Violence | 1,111 | 15.4% | ~+32.5% |
| Other Domestic Relations | 489 | 6.8% | ~+32.5% |
| Marriages | 51 | 0.7% | ~+32.5% |
| Modifications | 295 | 4.1% | ~+32.5% |
| Contempt | 196 | 2.7% | ~+32.5% |
Among the circuit groups, circuit criminal filings grew fastest at +40.4%, while no circuit group fell from 2024 to 2025.
How Does Kanawha County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Kanawha County is estimated to account for about 9.83% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Kanawha County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~22,639 | 230,414 | ~9.83% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,887 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,834 | 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 Kanawha County's 9.83% share of the state population.
Kanawha County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Kanawha 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 Kanawha County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Kanawha County Courthouse Locations
Kanawha County has 1 courthouse location, in Charleston. Check your notice or ticket for the division or courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanawha County Judicial Building | 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301 | 304-357-0440 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Kanawha County?
The circuit court in Kanawha County handles felony, general civil, juvenile, and family cases, while magistrate courts handle smaller civil disputes.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Civil lawsuit up to $20,000 | Magistrate court | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000, and the magistrate court clerk keeps those records. |
| Civil lawsuit above $20,000 | Circuit court | Civil cases above the magistrate court limit go to the circuit court, where the circuit clerk keeps the records. |
| Felony | Circuit court | Felony cases appear in the county's circuit criminal filings, and the circuit clerk keeps those records. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit court | Juvenile cases appear in the county's circuit juvenile filings, and the circuit clerk keeps those records. |
| Divorce | Family court | The circuit clerk keeps family court records. Kanawha County is the only county in the 11th Family Court Circuit. |
| Child custody or support | Family court | The circuit clerk keeps family court records. Kanawha County is the only county in the 11th Family Court Circuit. |
| Business dispute | Business Court Division | The statewide Business Court Division has its own case search. |
| Appeal | Appellate courts | Appeals from trial courts go to the state's appellate courts, not to the county court. |
Are Kanawha County Court Records Public?
Court records for Kanawha County are kept by the circuit clerk for circuit and family court cases and by magistrate court clerks for magistrate cases. Confirm which records are restricted with the clerk before you request one.
Online access
The Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov lists the state's public search tools, including Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search for all 55 counties. The Business Court case search covers Business Court cases.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Clerk at 111 Court Street, Charleston, or call 304-357-0440 to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Kanawha County Court Records Online
Use the state's official court record search tools to find Kanawha County cases by case type, and contact the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, family, magistrate, or business court.
- Open the Court Records Access page for circuit and magistrate searches, or the Business Court case search for business cases.
- Search by full name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, parties, and status in the results.
- Contact the circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal and civil (circuit) | Court Records Access page | Case details the state system publishes | Confirm documents with the circuit clerk |
| Juvenile | Court Records Access page | Case details, where the state system shows them | Ask the circuit clerk whether the case appears |
| Family law | Court Records Access page | Family court case details | Ask the circuit clerk whether the case appears online |
| Magistrate | Magistrate Courts search | Magistrate court case details | Use the magistrate court clerk for records not online |
| Business court | Business Court case search | Business Court case details | Covers Business Court Division cases only |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kanawha County
Pay fines and court costs through the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal, or contact the clerk for your case.
- Online: Pay at the Magistrate Court Payments portal. Confirm on the portal that your fine or cost is listed before you pay.
- Phone: Call the courthouse at 304-357-0440 and ask the Circuit Clerk about your case. Ask for the amount due before you pay.
- In person: Go to the Kanawha County Judicial Building, 111 Court Street, Charleston, and ask the clerk about your case. Bring your ticket or case number.
For parking tickets, check the ticket for the office that issued it and pay there.
Kanawha County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records in Kanawha County?
Use the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to search circuit and magistrate records, or contact the circuit clerk for records that are not online.
Are court records in Kanawha County public?
Court records are kept by the circuit clerk and magistrate court clerks. Confirm with the clerk which records are restricted before you request one.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the Court Records Access page by full name, or contact the circuit clerk to confirm the division that holds the case.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket first, then contact the circuit clerk to confirm the division and date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay at the Magistrate Court Payments portal after confirming your ticket is listed, or contact the clerk for help with your case.
How many cases are filed in Kanawha County each year?
Circuit courts recorded 4,424 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, up 19.0% from 3,717 in 2024, and 2,780 family domestic filings in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
Circuit civil cases were the largest group in 2025 at 2,866 filings, or 39.8% of the 7,204 cases published for that year.
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
West Virginia Supreme Court Of AppealsMore Info
| Address: | 1900 Kanawha Blvd East , Charleston, WV, 25305 |
| Phone Number: | 304-558-0145 |
| Fax: | 304-558-1212 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/supreme-court/index.html |
Kanawha County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV, 25301 |
| Phone Number: | 304-357-0440 |
| Fax: | 304-357-0473 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/kanawha.html |
Charleston Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 501 Virginia Street East , Charleston, WV, 501 Virginia Street East |
| Phone Number: | 304-348-8079 |
| Fax: | 304-348-6894 |
| Website: | https://www.charlestonwv.gov/government/city-departments/municipal-court |
South Charleston Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 401-D Street, PO Box 8597, South Charleston, WV, 25303 |
| Phone Number: | 304-744-8321 |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals Get comprehensive information on the state's judicial system, including court services, opinions, and court administration.
- West Virginia Circuit Courts - Directory Access contact details and information for each circuit court, including Kanawha County's Circuit Court services and resources.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Legal Resources and Forms Download necessary court forms and obtain legal resources to assistance on various civil and family court cases.
- Kanawha County Clerk - Official Site Find information about public records, marriage licenses, voter registration, and other services provided by the County Clerk's office.
- The West Virginia State Bar Access legal community services, attorney resources, and public legal education materials from West Virginia State Bar Association.
- Self-Representation (Pro Se) Resources Valuable resources for individuals choosing to represent themselves in court, including guides and legal information.
- West Virginia Secretary of State - Business & Licensing Access business registrations, search for public records, and obtain licensing information from the Secretary of State's office.
- Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney - Public Resources Find resources, news, and contact information for the Prosecuting Attorney's office in Kanawha County.
- LawHelp West Virginia A non-profit resource offering information and assistance on various legal issues to low-income residents of West Virginia.
- West Virginia Legislature - Full-Service Website Get legislative information, access bill tracking, review code statutes, and follow legislative activities relevant to court issues.
- Kanawha County Public Records Request Information Provides guidelines and procedures for obtaining public records from county departments and agencies in Kanawha County.
- FindLaw - West Virginia Legal Information Comprehensive legal information portal for state-specific laws, legal topics, and finding attorneys in West Virginia.
- Kanawha County - Municipal Court Information Listings of municipal court details, operations, and services available to navigate judicial processes within Kanawha County.
- National Center for State Courts - Resources Offers materials and guidance on improving court administration and public access to court services nationally.
- West Virginia Public Broadcasting Information and programs on state government including court updates, judicial reforms, and public affairs in West Virginia.
- Public Broadcasting - Court Records Accessibility General resource on accessing public records, including court decisions and legal updates across the nation.
- Kanawha County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Services Provides information on law enforcement services, including processes related to warrants and enforcement actions.
- ACLU of West Virginia - Know Your Rights Offers information on individual rights related to the legal system, including interactions with law enforcement and court processes.
- West Virginia Executive - State Affairs Articles, reports and news on business, law, and government affairs including court-related issues and legal trends in the state.
- West Virginia Digital Map for Public Records Access A digital resource for accessing various public records across the state including land records, legal filings, and more.
Table of Contents
- Kanawha County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Kanawha County Court Records
- Kanawha County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Kanawha County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kanawha County?
- How Does Kanawha County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Kanawha County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Kanawha County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Kanawha County?
- Are Kanawha County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Kanawha County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kanawha County
- Kanawha County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links