Marion 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 Marion County Circuit Court is the county's trial court for felony, misdemeanor, civil, juvenile and family court domestic matters, and the county circuit clerk keeps its records. Magistrate courts handle matters of limited jurisdiction.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Marion County Circuit Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Handles | Felony, misdemeanor and other criminal cases; civil cases; juvenile cases; and family court domestic matters |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (the U.S. District Court for West Virginia) and magistrate court matters, which are kept by the magistrate court clerk |
| Online Case Search | Circuit Courts search and Magistrate Courts search on the Court Records Access page for all 55 counties |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk, who keeps circuit court criminal records |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Statewide Magistrate Court payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP; confirm which tickets it accepts |
How to Search Marion County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Marion County court records.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page at courtswv.gov.
Choose the Circuit Courts search or the Magistrate Courts search.
Search by name, then open the case details for the county.
Best for: Quick lookups of circuit and magistrate cases
In Person
Go to the Circuit Clerk's office for Marion County.
Bring the party names and any case details you have.
Ask the clerk which records are available in person.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone or Clerk
Contact the county circuit clerk to confirm which office holds your case.
Ask what to bring before you visit in person.
Find current contact details on courtswv.gov before you call.
Best for: Confirming which office holds a case
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
Marion County Court Statistics (2025)
The circuit courts of Marion County recorded 1,254 criminal, civil and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 1,325 in 2024. Family domestic filings for 2025 are reported separately at 598.
1,254
Circuit court filings in 2025 (criminal, civil and juvenile)
598
Family domestic filings in 2025
-5.4%
Change in circuit court filings vs 2024 (1,325)
253
Felony filings in 2025 (263 in 2024)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total circuit filings (criminal, civil and juvenile) | 1,254 | 1,325 | -5.4% |
| Criminal filings | 339 | 335 | +1.2% |
| Civil filings (includes mental health) | 676 | 667 | +1.3% |
| Mental health filings | 219 | 251 | -12.7% |
| Juvenile filings | 239 | 323 | -26.0% |
The biggest driver of the change is juvenile filings, which moved from 323 to 239 (-26.0%).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Marion County?
Estimated total filings in Marion 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 | ~7,244 | ~7,043 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~7,337 | ~7,137 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~7,607 | ~7,420 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~7,238 | ~7,074 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~7,216 | ~7,043 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 7,216 to 7,244. 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 Marion County's 3.14% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Marion County?
Civil cases make up the largest share of Marion County circuit filings at 53.9% of the 1,254 filed in 2025. Shares are calculated on all circuit filings.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All circuit filings | 1,254 | 100.0% | -5.4% |
| Criminal | 339 | 27.0% | +1.2% |
| Felonies | 253 | 20.2% | -3.8% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 5 | 0.4% | -66.7% |
| Misdemeanors | 38 | 3.0% | +15.2% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 43 | 3.4% | +79.2% |
| Civil | 676 | 53.9% | +1.3% |
| Adoption | 35 | 2.8% | +2.9% |
| General Civil | 254 | 20.3% | +17.6% |
| Guardianship | 29 | 2.3% | +3.6% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 8 | 0.6% | -66.7% |
| Mental Health | 219 | 17.5% | -12.7% |
| Other Civil Cases | 119 | 9.5% | +14.4% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 12 | 1.0% | +20.0% |
| Juvenile | 239 | 19.1% | -26.0% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 161 | 12.8% | -28.4% |
| Delinquency | 44 | 3.5% | -24.1% |
| Status Offenses | 34 | 2.7% | -15.0% |
Among categories with at least 10 filings in 2024, other criminal cases grew fastest at +79.2%, while magistrate appeals fell fastest at -66.7%. Family domestic filings, which are reported separately, totaled 598 in 2025.
How Does Marion County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Marion County is estimated to account for about 3.14% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Marion County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~7,244 | 230,414 | ~3.14% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,811 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,761 | 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 Marion County's 3.14% share of the state population.
Marion County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Marion 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 (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 Marion County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Marion County Courthouse Locations
Marion County court proceedings are held at the Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office | 200 Jackson Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 | 304-367-5330 | 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 Marion County?
Most Marion County cases start in circuit court, family court or magistrate court, depending on the case type.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Magistrate Court (limited jurisdiction) | Pay through the statewide Magistrate Court payments portal after confirming the ticket is eligible. |
| Misdemeanor | Circuit Court, criminal | Misdemeanor cases are counted in the circuit court's criminal filings for the county. |
| Felony | Circuit Court, criminal | Felony cases are heard in circuit court, and the circuit clerk keeps the records. |
| Domestic violence | Family Court | Domestic violence cases appear in the county's family domestic filings. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court, or Magistrate Court for disputes up to $20,000 | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000, and circuit courts hear civil cases. |
| Divorce | Family Court | The circuit clerk keeps family court records. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | The circuit clerk keeps family court records. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, juvenile | Juvenile cases are counted in the circuit court's juvenile filings. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals | Appeals are reviewed by state appellate courts, not by the county courts. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for West Virginia | Federal cases are not handled by county courts. |
Are Marion County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Marion County court records are public, with exceptions set by law and court order.
Public records
Most court case information in Marion County is available to the public through the statewide search tools listed below.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that a law or court order makes confidential are not available through public search, and the circuit clerk can explain which records are restricted.
Online access
The Court Records Access page at courtswv.gov offers Circuit Courts search and Magistrate Courts search for all 55 counties. Online results may not show every document, so ask the clerk for records that are not online.
In-person access
The Marion County Circuit Clerk keeps circuit and family court records, and magistrate court clerks keep magistrate court records. Contact the clerk to confirm which office holds your case.
How to Search Marion County Court Records Online
Use the statewide Court Records Access page to search Marion County circuit and magistrate court cases online, and ask the circuit clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, or magistrate.
- Open the Court Records Access page and choose the Circuit Courts search or the Magistrate Courts search.
- Search by party name, and enter a case number if the search form offers one.
- Review the case details for status and parties.
- Contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Circuit court criminal case information | Documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Civil (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Circuit court civil case information | Full documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Courts search | Family court domestic case information | Confidential details may be restricted |
| Juvenile | Contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk | Juvenile case information through the clerk | Juvenile records may be restricted |
| Magistrate court | Magistrate Courts search | Magistrate court case information | Covers magistrate court records only; circuit cases are not included |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Marion County
Fines and citations for Marion County can be paid online through the statewide Magistrate Court payments portal.
- Online: Pay through the Magistrate Court payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP. Confirm with the court which fines and costs the portal accepts before you pay.
For parking tickets, contact the agency that issued the ticket.
Marion County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Marion County court records?
Use the Circuit Courts search or the Magistrate Courts search on the Court Records Access page, or contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk.
Are Marion County court records public?
Most are, but records that a law or court order makes confidential are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the Circuit Courts search on the Court Records Access page, or contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket, or contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use the statewide Magistrate Court payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP, after confirming with the court that it accepts your ticket.
How many cases are filed in Marion County each year?
The circuit courts recorded 1,254 criminal, civil and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 1,325 in 2024, and 598 family domestic filings in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
Civil cases were the largest circuit category in 2025 with 676 filings, or 53.9% of the 1,254 circuit total.
What was the crime trend in the latest year?
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
Marion County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 219 Adams St, Fairmont, WV, 26554 |
| Phone Number: | 304-367-5360 |
| Fax: | 304-367-5374 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/marion.html |
Fairmont Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 500 Quincy Street, Fairmont, WV, 26554 |
| Phone Number: | 304-366-9280 ext. 443 |
| Fax: | 304-366-5533 |
| Website: | https://www.fairmontwv.gov |
Useful Links
- The West Virginia Judiciary - Official site offering access to court dockets, opinions, and the administrative offices of the state judiciary.
- Guide to West Virginia Courts Access - Comprehensive guide outlining the procedures for accessing court records throughout West Virginia.
- Self-Representation Information - Provides resources for individuals representing themselves in court, including forms and self-help legal information.
- Marion County Circuit Court - Information and contact details for the Marion County Circuit Court, including judges and court schedules.
- West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Offers guidance and resources for victims of domestic violence seeking court protection and legal action.
- West Virginia Gun Law Scorecard - Analysis of the state's gun laws, including impact on court records related to firearm offenses.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Professional legal organization providing lawyer referrals, pro bono services, and legal education resources for the public.
- Marion County Lawyers - Directory of lawyers practicing in Marion County, West Virginia across various specializations and legal services.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia - Non-profit organization providing free legal services and access to justice for low-income individuals and families.
- West Virginia Legislature - Provides legislative updates, bills, and laws impacting court procedures and legal practices in West Virginia.
- U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of West Virginia - Federal prosecutorial authority handling federal cases, crime initiatives, and community outreach within the region.
- The West Virginia Public Defender Services - Ensures indigent defendants have access to legal representation in the state’s court system.
- FBI Pittsburgh Field Office - Oversees federal investigations, including court-related inquiries involving federal crimes in Northern West Virginia.
- National Center for State Courts - Offers various reports and research on state court systems, including project management and best practices.
- Home | Pennsylvania Courts - Though neighboring, useful for comparative legal study and trans-state jurisdiction understanding, influences regional legal practices.
- Root & Branch Digital Archive Project - Historical digitization project of court records and other legal documents for academic and public interest use.
- Child Custody in West Virginia - Information and FAQs on child custody cases, court decisions, and parental rights in West Virginia.
- Oklahoma State Courts Network - Although out-of-state, offers nationwide access to various legal documents and court decisions useful for broad research.
- United States Courts - Official government website providing federal court information, judiciary news, and legal resources applicable to state interactions.
- MacArthur Foundation - Supports justice initiatives, reform strategies, and international justice collaborations influencing state and local legal systems.
Table of Contents
- Marion County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Marion County Court Records
- Marion County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Marion County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Marion County?
- How Does Marion County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Marion County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Marion County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Marion County?
- Are Marion County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Marion County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Marion County
- Marion County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links