Mcdowell 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 McDowell County Circuit Court and the magistrate courts serve the county's trial-level cases under the West Virginia Judiciary. Circuit courts also hear family court matters, and magistrate courts have limited jurisdiction.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | McDowell County Circuit Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov |
| Handles | Circuit court: criminal, civil and juvenile cases, plus family court domestic cases. Magistrate court: civil disputes up to $20,000 in dispute. |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (the U.S. District Court for West Virginia), civil disputes above the magistrate limit (circuit court), and appeals (the Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals). |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access, courtswv.gov (circuit and magistrate court search) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Circuit Clerk's Office, McDowell County |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments, where the charge is eligible |
How to Search Mcdowell County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. McDowell County cases are kept by the circuit clerk and the magistrate court clerk.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page to open the circuit and magistrate court search.
Choose the circuit or magistrate court search to look up cases.
Use the Business Court case search for Business Court Division cases.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Go to the McDowell Circuit Clerk's office to view or request records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Confirm the office address on courtswv.gov before you visit.
Best for: Records not available online
Contact the Clerk
Ask the McDowell Circuit Clerk which request channels it accepts.
Confirm the clerk's accepted method before you send any request.
Include the case number and party names with any written request.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
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
Mcdowell County Court Statistics (2025)
McDowell County courts handled an estimated 2,232 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 2,170. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,232
Total filings in 2025
~2,170
Total dispositions in 2025
~2,232
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,232 | ~2,261 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,170 | ~2,199 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,286 | ~1,370 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~627 | ~581 | ~+7.9% |
| Family Law Filings | ~191 | ~175 | ~+9.1% |
| Probate Filings | ~14 | ~16 | ~-12.5% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~48 | ~47 | ~+2.1% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~80 | ~87 | ~-8.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by McDowell County's 0.97% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Mcdowell County?
Estimated total filings in McDowell 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 | ~2,232 | ~2,170 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~2,261 | ~2,199 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~2,344 | ~2,286 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~2,230 | ~2,180 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~2,223 | ~2,170 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 2,223 to 2,232. 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 McDowell County's 0.97% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mcdowell County?
Criminal is the largest circuit category in McDowell County, at 42.8% of the 437 circuit filings in 2025.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Circuit Total | Filings 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 187 | 42.8% | 205 | -8.8% |
| Felonies | 89 | 20.4% | 105 | -15.2% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 2 | 0.5% | 4 | -50.0% |
| Misdemeanor | 5 | 1.1% | 1 | +400.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 91 | 20.8% | 95 | -4.2% |
| Civil | 169 | 38.7% | 178 | -5.1% |
| Adoption | 7 | 1.6% | 11 | -36.4% |
| General Civil | 85 | 19.5% | 60 | +41.7% |
| Guardianship | 9 | 2.1% | 15 | -40.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 4 | 0.9% | 7 | -42.9% |
| Mental Health | 45 | 10.3% | 63 | -28.6% |
| Other Civil Cases | 18 | 4.1% | 20 | -10.0% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 1 | 0.2% | 2 | -50.0% |
| Juvenile | 81 | 18.5% | 116 | -30.2% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 63 | 14.4% | 97 | -35.1% |
| Delinquency | 13 | 3.0% | 13 | +0.0% |
| Status Offenses | 5 | 1.1% | 6 | -16.7% |
No circuit category grew, and Juvenile filings fell most at -30.2%.
Family domestic filings for 2025 are published separately and are not included in these shares.
How Does Mcdowell County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
McDowell County is estimated to account for about 0.97% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | McDowell County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,232 | 230,414 | ~0.97% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,232 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,170 | 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 McDowell County's 0.97% share of the state population.
Mcdowell County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for McDowell 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 McDowell County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Mcdowell County Courthouse Locations
McDowell County court proceedings are held at the McDowell County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDowell County Courthouse | 90 Wyoming Street, Welch, WV 24801 | 304-436-8560 | 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 Mcdowell County?
Most McDowell County cases start in the circuit court, family court or magistrate court, depending on the case type and amount.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit court | Felony cases are counted in the circuit criminal caseload. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit court, or magistrate court for disputes up to $20,000 | Magistrate courts have limited jurisdiction and hear civil disputes up to $20,000. |
| Small claims | Magistrate court | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000 in dispute. |
| Domestic violence | Family court | Domestic violence filings are part of the family court domestic caseload. |
| 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 filings are part of the circuit court juvenile caseload. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals | Appeals from trial court decisions go to West Virginia's appellate courts. |
Are Mcdowell County Court Records Public?
Many McDowell County court records are open to the public, but some records are restricted. Confirm access for a specific case with the clerk before you request it.
Public records
Case information for circuit and magistrate court cases can be searched through the statewide court search on Court Records Access.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records are restricted by law or court order. Ask the circuit clerk which records you can view or copy.
Online access
Search circuit and magistrate court cases on Court Records Access. Business Court Division cases are in the separate Business Court case search.
In-person access
Visit the McDowell Circuit Clerk's office to view or request records, and call ahead to confirm which office holds your case.
How to Search Mcdowell County Court Records Online
Case information for McDowell 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 McDowell County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the McDowell 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 McDowell County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the McDowell 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 Mcdowell County
Fines and citations for McDowell County cases can be paid through the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal or through the court clerk.
- Online: Pay at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP. Confirm your citation or case is listed on the portal before you pay.
- Clerk: Ask the McDowell Circuit Clerk which payment methods it accepts for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the courts.
Mcdowell County Court Records FAQ
How do I search McDowell County court records?
Use Court Records Access on courtswv.gov to search circuit and magistrate court cases, or contact the circuit clerk for records that are not online.
Are McDowell County court records public?
Many are open to the public, but some records are restricted by law or court order, so confirm access with the clerk.
How do I find a criminal case?
Use the circuit court search on Court Records Access, or ask the McDowell Circuit Clerk for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your summons or notice first, then ask the McDowell Circuit Clerk to confirm the date for your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Check whether your ticket is listed on Magistrate Court Payments, or ask the clerk which payment methods it accepts.
How many cases are filed in McDowell County each year?
Circuit court filings totaled 437 in 2025, down 12.4% from 499 in 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
Criminal is the largest circuit category, with 187 of the 437 circuit filings in 2025.
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
Mcdowell County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 90 Wyoming St., Welch, WV, 24801 |
| Phone Number: | 304-436-8535 |
| Fax: | 304-436-6994 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/mcdowell.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Offers a comprehensive overview of the state's judicial system including court opinions, rules, and public resources.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Court System Information Details the structure and organization of courts within the State of West Virginia, including McDowell County specifics.
- McDowell County Circuit Court - McDowell County Government Provides information on the Circuit Court in McDowell County, including contact details and service information.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Links for Legal Community A curated list of resources relevant to lawyers, including links to laws, rules, and legal organizations in West Virginia.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Public Resources Public access to various resources such as forms, opinions, court rules, and self-help options for individuals.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Court Calendars Information on court schedules, including Circuit and Family Court timings across West Virginia, benefiting legal representatives and visitors.
- McDowell County Government Home Official website offering a wide range of resources and information related to McDowell County government operations and services.
- McDowell County Family Court Information about the Family Court services in McDowell County, including domestic relations cases and child support matters.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Protecting the Public The official site for the West Virginia State Bar, providing resources for attorneys and the public, including licensing and ethics.
- West Virginia Judiciary - E-Filing Offers detailed guidelines and instructions on electronic filing, exemplifying modernization of case management in West Virginia.
- West Virginia Code - The West Virginia Legislature A complete database of the West Virginia statutes, accessible for legal research and public reference.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia Non-profit organization offering free advocacy and legal help for low-income residents across West Virginia, including McDowell County.
- West Virginia VINELink Provides victims and concerned citizens with secure access to timely information regarding offenders in West Virginia custody.
- West Virginia Self-Help Center A helpful resource providing forms, guides, and assistance for individuals representing themselves in court.
- West Virginia Association of Counties An association supporting county governments in West Virginia with resources, training, and advocacy information.
- National Association of Counties (NACo) Organization representing county governments across America, including resources beneficial for McDowell County operations.
- West Virginia Public Records Resources A PDF guide providing an overview of accessing various public records within West Virginia, illustrating transparency practice.
- Public Defender Services - State of West Virginia Details services available for individuals in need of criminal defense, highlighting public defender availability and operations.
- Attorney General of West Virginia Home Insight into the responsibilities and programs of the state attorney general, including consumer protection and legal opinion details.
- e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Resourceful database providing historical and cultural data related to the people, places, and events in West Virginia.
Table of Contents
- Mcdowell County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Mcdowell County Court Records
- Mcdowell County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Mcdowell County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mcdowell County?
- How Does Mcdowell County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Mcdowell County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Mcdowell County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Mcdowell County?
- Are Mcdowell County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Mcdowell County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mcdowell County
- Mcdowell County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links