Mercer 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 trial courts for Mercer County are the circuit court and the county magistrate court, which handle different case types and dollar amounts. Use the table to find the official search, payment, and clerk information for the county's court records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court of Mercer County |
| Circuit Clerk | Keeps circuit and family court records for Mercer County |
| Magistrate Court | Limited jurisdiction, including civil disputes up to $20,000; the magistrate court clerk keeps magistrate court records |
| Handles | Circuit court criminal, civil and juvenile cases, and family court domestic cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which are heard in the U.S. District Court for West Virginia; appeals, which go to the appellate courts |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access (Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments (statewide portal) |
| Website | courtswv.gov |
How to Search Mercer County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you have one, and approximate dates ready before you search Mercer County court records.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
Choose the Circuit Courts or Magistrate Courts search for the county.
Check results with the court before relying on them.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Go to the Mercer County circuit clerk's office for circuit and family court records.
Ask the magistrate court clerk for magistrate court records.
Confirm the office location on courtswv.gov before you visit.
Best for: Records not available through online search
By Clerk Contact
Visit courtswv.gov to find clerk contact details for Mercer County.
Ask the clerk which office holds the case you need.
Confirm the record type before you request copies.
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
Mercer County Court Statistics (2025)
Mercer County courts handled an estimated 7,488 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 7,280. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~7,488
Total filings in 2025
~7,280
Total dispositions in 2025
~1,872
Filings per judicial position (4 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~7,488 | ~7,584 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~7,280 | ~7,377 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~4,315 | ~4,597 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~2,103 | ~1,951 | ~+7.8% |
| Family Law Filings | ~639 | ~588 | ~+8.7% |
| Probate Filings | ~47 | ~52 | ~-9.6% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~162 | ~156 | ~+3.8% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~270 | ~293 | ~-7.8% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~4 | ~4 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Mercer County's 3.25% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Mercer County?
Estimated total filings in Mercer 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 | ~7,488 | ~7,280 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~7,584 | ~7,377 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~7,863 | ~7,670 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~7,481 | ~7,312 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~7,459 | ~7,280 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 7,459 to 7,488. 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 Mercer County's 3.25% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mercer County?
Civil cases were the largest group of Mercer County circuit filings in 2025 at 843, or 41.6% of the 2,025 total.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 829 | 40.9% | +3.9% |
| Felonies | 201 | 9.9% | -8.2% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 6 | 0.3% | -64.7% |
| Misdemeanor | 3 | 0.1% | -50.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 619 | 30.6% | +11.3% |
| Civil | 843 | 41.6% | +3.4% |
| Adoption | 63 | 3.1% | +53.7% |
| General Civil | 337 | 16.6% | +0.9% |
| Guardianship | 72 | 3.6% | +22.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 13 | 0.6% | -51.9% |
| Mental Health | 243 | 12.0% | +4.7% |
| Other Civil Cases | 100 | 4.9% | +3.1% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 15 | 0.7% | -40.0% |
| Juvenile | 353 | 17.4% | -14.1% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 229 | 11.3% | -20.5% |
| Delinquency | 70 | 3.5% | +4.5% |
| Status Offenses | 54 | 2.7% | -3.6% |
The fastest-growing category was Adoption (+53.7%), and the fastest-falling was Magistrate Appeals (-64.7%).
How Does Mercer County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Mercer County is estimated to account for about 3.25% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Mercer County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~7,488 | 230,414 | ~3.25% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,872 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,820 | 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 Mercer County's 3.25% share of the state population.
Mercer County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Mercer 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 Mercer County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Mercer County Courthouse Locations
Mercer County court proceedings are held at the Mercer County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Courthouse | 1501 Main Street, Princeton, WV 24740 | 304-487-8323 | 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 Mercer County?
Cases in Mercer County are heard in circuit, family, or magistrate court, depending on the case type and the amount in dispute. Use the table to find the court for your matter.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit court | Circuit criminal filings included 201 felonies in 2025. |
| Civil lawsuit up to $20,000 | Magistrate court | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000. |
| Civil lawsuit over $20,000 | Circuit court | Disputes above the $20,000 magistrate court limit go to circuit court. |
| Divorce | Family court | Family court domestic filings included 291 divorce cases in 2025. |
| Domestic violence | Family court | Family court domestic filings included 467 domestic violence cases in 2025. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit court (juvenile) | Circuit juvenile filings totaled 353 in 2025. |
| Appeal | Supreme Court of Appeals or Intermediate Court of Appeals | These are the appellate courts of West Virginia. |
Are Mercer County Court Records Public?
Court records for Mercer County are available through the official West Virginia court search tools, and the county circuit clerk can confirm which records are available to you.
Public records
Circuit and family court records are kept by the county circuit clerk, and magistrate court records are kept by the magistrate court clerk.
Restricted or confidential records
The clerk can confirm which records are restricted or confidential before you request them.
Online access
The Court Records Access page at courtswv.gov offers Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search for all 55 counties, including Mercer County. Business Court cases can be searched at the Business Court case search.
In-person access
Visit the county circuit clerk's office for Mercer County to view or request records that are not available through online search.
How to Search Mercer County Court Records Online
Use the official West Virginia court search tools to look up Mercer County cases, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, family, juvenile, or magistrate.
- Open the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
- Search by name or case number in the Circuit Courts or Magistrate Courts search.
- Review the case details and note the case number.
- Contact the circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk for documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Circuit criminal case information | Documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Civil (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Circuit civil case information | Documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Courts search | Family court case information | Family court records are kept by the circuit clerk |
| Magistrate cases | Magistrate Courts search | Magistrate court case information | Magistrate records are kept by the magistrate court clerk |
| Juvenile | Contact the county circuit clerk | Juvenile case information through the clerk | Juvenile cases are not listed for online search on this page |
| Business court | Business Court case search | Business Court Division cases | Limited to Business Court Division cases |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mercer County
The official online payment option listed for Mercer County is the statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal.
- Online: Pay through the Magistrate Court Payments portal. Confirm with the magistrate court clerk which fines and court costs the portal accepts.
- Clerk contact: Ask the court that issued your citation or case about other payment methods, since they are not listed here.
For parking tickets, contact the agency that issued the ticket, because this page covers court payments only.
Mercer County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Mercer County court records?
Use the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to search Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts records by name or case number.
Are Mercer County court records public?
Records are available through the official West Virginia court search tools, and the county circuit clerk can confirm which records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Mercer County?
Search the Circuit Courts search on courtswv.gov by name, or contact the circuit clerk for help locating the case.
How do I find a court date in Mercer County?
Check your notice or paperwork, and contact the clerk of the court that holds your case to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
The statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal is the official online option listed here, so confirm with the magistrate court clerk which tickets it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Mercer County each year?
Circuit criminal, civil and juvenile filings totaled 2,025 in 2025 and 2,024 in 2024, and family court domestic filings totaled 1,102 in 2025.
What is the most common case type in Mercer County?
Civil filings were the largest circuit group in 2025, at 843 cases, or 41.6% of the 2,025 circuit filings.
Is crime rising or falling in West Virginia?
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
Mercer County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1501 W Main St #111, Princeton, WV, 24740 |
| Phone Number: | 304-487-8323 |
| Fax: | 304-425-1598 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/mercer.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Official website for the West Virginia court system, offering comprehensive access to legal resources and court information.
- West Virginia Lower Courts - Mercer County - Dedicated page for Mercer County's court contact details and resources within the West Virginia Judiciary website.
- Mercer County, WV Government - Official Mercer County government site providing public records, county services, and local government information.
- Mercer County Circuit Clerk - Resource for accessing court dockets, case information, and other services provided by the Mercer Circuit Clerk's office.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia - Non-profit organization offering legal assistance and resources for West Virginia residents, including Mercer County.
- West Virginia Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) - Federal government's electronic public access service for court information, covering District and Bankruptcy Court records.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Providing legal resources, attorney services, and court-related information for residents throughout West Virginia.
- ABA Journal - West Virginia - American Bar Association's legal news and articles related to courts, laws, and legal practices within West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Auditor - Offers public access to state financial records and related legal documents useful for understanding governmental operations.
- FindLaw - West Virginia Law - Provides legal information, free resources, and data on West Virginia's laws, courts, and public records access.
- Justia - West Virginia - Contains links to West Virginia court resources, laws, and free legal information for those seeking assistance.
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC) - Provides research and resources supporting courts nationwide, including studies and data relevant to West Virginia's judiciary.
- Courts in West Virginia - Ballotpedia - Detailed overview and analysis of the structure and function of courts within West Virginia, including Mercer County.
- West Virginia Court Directory - CourtReference.com - A directory for finding court information and resources throughout West Virginia, categorized by county.
- State of West Virginia - Provides resources, contact information, and links to various state services, including court-related information.
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources - Access services related to child support and family court cases, as well as general legal assistance.
- Full Text of 'The Courts and Judicial Review in West Virginia': A comprehensive academic report - Comprehensive academic report addressing judicial review and court systems within West Virginia.
- West Virginia Juvenile Justice System - Pew Charitable Trusts - Provides insights and research into the state's juvenile justice reform efforts and systems.
- Be Forward - WVDE - West Virginia Department of Education resource offering information on student legal rights and educational planning.
- The Sentencing Project - Organization focused on addressing unjust sentencing, providing data and resources related to incarceration in West Virginia.
Table of Contents
- Mercer County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Mercer County Court Records
- Mercer County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Mercer County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mercer County?
- How Does Mercer County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Mercer County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Mercer County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Mercer County?
- Are Mercer County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Mercer County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mercer County
- Mercer County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links