Monroe 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 Monroe County Circuit Court is the county's trial court for felony and other criminal cases, civil cases, juvenile matters, and family court domestic matters, and the county circuit clerk keeps its records. Magistrate courts handle matters of limited jurisdiction.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Monroe County Circuit Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Handles | Felony 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 Monroe County Circuit Clerk |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Statewide Magistrate Court payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP; confirm which tickets it accepts |
How to Search Monroe County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Monroe 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 or case number, then open the case details.
Best for: Quick lookups of circuit and magistrate cases
In Person
Go to the Circuit Clerk's office for Monroe County.
Bring the party names and any case details you have.
Ask the Circuit Clerk which records are available in person.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Find the Circuit Clerk's contact details on courtswv.gov before you call.
Call and ask which office holds your case.
Confirm what to bring before you visit in person.
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
Monroe County Court Statistics (2025)
Monroe County courts handled an estimated 1,622 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 1,577. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~1,622
Total filings in 2025
~1,577
Total dispositions in 2025
~1,622
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~1,622 | ~1,643 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~1,577 | ~1,598 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~935 | ~996 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~456 | ~423 | ~+7.8% |
| Family Law Filings | ~138 | ~127 | ~+8.7% |
| Probate Filings | ~10 | ~11 | ~-9.1% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~35 | ~34 | ~+2.9% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~58 | ~63 | ~-7.9% |
| 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 Monroe County's 0.70% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Monroe County?
Estimated total filings in Monroe 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 | ~1,622 | ~1,577 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~1,643 | ~1,598 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~1,703 | ~1,662 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~1,621 | ~1,584 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~1,616 | ~1,577 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 1,616 to 1,622. 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 Monroe County's 0.70% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Monroe County?
Family law filings make up the largest share of Monroe County filings at 55.9% of the 333 cases listed for 2025, counting circuit criminal, civil and juvenile filings and family domestic filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 50 | 15.0% | -15.3% |
| Felonies | 36 | 10.8% | -5.3% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 2 | 0.6% | -66.7% |
| Misdemeanors | 1 | 0.3% | 0.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 11 | 3.3% | -21.4% |
| Civil | 83 | 24.9% | -13.5% |
| Adoption | 8 | 2.4% | -11.1% |
| General Civil | 51 | 15.3% | +24.4% |
| Guardianship | 6 | 1.8% | -14.3% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 3 | 0.9% | -66.7% |
| Mental Health | 3 | 0.9% | -40.0% |
| Other Civil Cases | 12 | 3.6% | -45.5% |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Family law | 186 | 55.9% | ~-31.2% |
| Divorce | 54 | 16.2% | ~-31.2% |
| Domestic Violence | 74 | 22.2% | ~-31.2% |
| Other Domestic Relations | 39 | 11.7% | ~-31.2% |
| Modifications | 5 | 1.5% | ~-31.2% |
| Contempt | 14 | 4.2% | ~-31.2% |
| Juvenile | 14 | 4.2% | -46.2% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 3 | 0.9% | -70.0% |
| Delinquency | 8 | 2.4% | -38.5% |
| Status Offenses | 3 | 0.9% | 0.0% |
The fastest-growing category was general civil (+24.4%), and the fastest-falling was personal safety appeals (-100.0%). Family domestic filings are not published for 2024, so no change is shown for them.
How Does Monroe County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Monroe County is estimated to account for about 0.70% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Monroe County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,622 | 230,414 | ~0.70% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,622 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,577 | 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 Monroe County's 0.70% share of the state population.
Monroe County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Monroe 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 Monroe County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Monroe County Courthouse Locations
Monroe County court proceedings are held at the Monroe County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe County Courthouse | 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983 | 304-772-3096 | 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 Monroe County?
Most Monroe County cases are heard in the circuit court, the magistrate court, or the family court, depending on the type and amount of the case.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court | Felony cases are heard in the circuit court, which keeps the criminal records. |
| Civil lawsuit up to $20,000 | Magistrate Court | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes with up to $20,000 in dispute. |
| Civil lawsuit above $20,000 | Circuit Court | Circuit courts hear civil cases above the magistrate court limit. |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Small civil disputes up to $20,000 are heard in magistrate court. |
| Divorce | Family Court | Family court handles domestic matters, including divorce. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Family court handles domestic relations matters, including custody and support. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court (juvenile) | Circuit court juvenile filings include child abuse and neglect, delinquency, and status offenses. |
| Appeal | Supreme Court of Appeals or Intermediate Court of Appeals | Appellate courts review decisions made by the trial courts. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for West Virginia | County courts do not handle federal cases. |
Are Monroe County Court Records Public?
Yes, most court records in Monroe County are open to the public, but some are restricted by law or court order. Circuit and magistrate case information can be searched on the Court Records Access page.
Public records
Case information for circuit court and magistrate court cases in Monroe County can be searched through the statewide Court Records Access page.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that the law or a court order makes confidential are not available through public search. Ask the circuit clerk which records are restricted in a specific case.
Online access
Use the Court Records Access page to choose the Circuit Courts search or the Magistrate Courts search. Online results show case information, and documents may require a request to the clerk.
In-person access
Circuit and family court records are kept by the Circuit Clerk for Monroe County. Magistrate court records are kept by the magistrate court clerk.
How to Search Monroe County Court Records Online
Use the official statewide search tools to look up Monroe County court cases by case type, and ask the circuit clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
- Choose the Circuit Courts search or the Magistrate Courts search, then search by name or case number.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the circuit clerk to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Courts search on the Court Records Access page | Circuit criminal case information | Documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Civil | Circuit Courts search on the Court Records Access page | Circuit civil case information | Documents may require the circuit clerk |
| Small claims and magistrate matters | Magistrate Courts search on the Court Records Access page | Magistrate case information | Magistrate records are kept by the magistrate court clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Clerk (family court records) | Family court case information | Confirm what the clerk can provide |
| Juvenile | Circuit Clerk | Juvenile case information through the clerk | Confirm what the clerk can release |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Monroe County
Pay Monroe County court fines and citations through the statewide Magistrate Court payments portal, or ask the circuit clerk which payment methods the office accepts.
- Online: Use the Magistrate Court payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP. Confirm the portal accepts your case type before you pay, since the page does not list every fine or cost it covers.
- By phone or in person: Contact the Circuit Clerk's office for Monroe County and ask which payment methods the office accepts.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the circuit or magistrate courts.
Monroe County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Monroe County court records?
Use the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to search circuit and magistrate cases by name or case number, or contact the circuit clerk.
Are Monroe County court records public?
Most court records are open to the public, but records restricted by law or court order are not available through public search.
How do I find a criminal case in Monroe County?
Search the Circuit Courts search on the Court Records Access page by name, or ask the circuit clerk which office holds the case.
How do I find a court date in Monroe County?
Check your summons or notice first, then contact the circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk for the schedule.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use the Magistrate Court payments portal at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP, or ask the clerk which payment methods the office accepts.
How many cases are filed in Monroe County each year?
The circuit courts recorded 147 criminal, civil and juvenile filings in 2025, a change of -18.8% from 181 in 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
Family law filings were the largest group in 2025, at 186 of 333 listed filings (55.9%).
Is crime in the county 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
Monroe County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 350 Main Street, Union, WV, 24983 |
| Phone Number: | 304-772-3017 |
| Fax: | 304-772-4497 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/monroe.html |
Useful Links
- Monroe County, WV - County Clerk: Visit the Monroe County Clerk's website for official public records, vital records, and legal document access.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia: Official site for West Virginia's judicial system, providing resources, court opinions, and administrative information.
- WV Courts Public Access - Trial Court Public Access: Search trial court cases and legal information in West Virginia through this public access portal.
- West Virginia Legislature: Comprehensive resource for state legal codes, laws, and legislative information pertinent to court proceedings.
- West Virginia State Auditor's Office: Official site offering financial transparency, audit reports, and state financial records access.
- West Virginia Court Improvement Program (CIP): Program aimed at enhancing court processes for child abuse and neglect cases, providing valuable legal resources.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia: Non-profit organization offering legal assistance and resources to low-income individuals and families across West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Bar: Statewide organization providing attorney resources, public legal education, and ethical guidelines for legal practice.
- Monroe County Sheriff, WV: Offers public safety information and links to county law enforcement and judicial services.
- West Virginia County Records Online: Platform providing online access to county court records and official documents throughout West Virginia.
- WV State Records: Comprehensive access to state and county public records, including criminal, court, and vital records.
- West Virginia Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program: Focuses on professional development and support for judicial officers and legal practitioners in West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Police: Official website of the WV State Police providing crime data, public safety resources, and legal informaion.
- County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia: Supports county governments and offers resources related to county-level court services and administrative contacts.
- Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) for WV: Access electronic court records for West Virginia's legal cases efficiently through PACER.
- Legal Forms and Resources - Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library: Provides free legal forms and court-related resources useful for legal proceedings in West Virginia.
- National Center for State Courts - Court Records Information: Offers information and resources about accessing court records and understanding the judicial process.
- CourthouseDirect.com - Public Records Search: Database for searching public court records, legal documents, and official information across multiple jurisdictions.
- Know Your Rights - American Civil Liberties Union: Provides educational resources and legal assistance information to protect individual rights in legal situations.
- FindLaw for Legal Professionals: Comprehensive legal resource offering case laws, statutes, legal news, and public interest resources relevant to legal professionals.
Table of Contents
- Monroe County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Monroe County Court Records
- Monroe County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Monroe County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Monroe County?
- How Does Monroe County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Monroe County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Monroe County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Monroe County?
- Are Monroe County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Monroe County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Monroe County
- Monroe County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links