Nicholas 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 Nicholas County circuit, family, and magistrate courts handle the criminal, civil, juvenile, and family matters listed below, with records kept by the county circuit clerk and the magistrate court clerk.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access, with Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search |
| Handles | Circuit court criminal, civil, and juvenile cases; family court cases; magistrate court cases, including civil disputes up to $20,000 |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for West Virginia |
| Circuit and Family Court Records | Kept by the county circuit clerk |
| Magistrate Court Records | Kept by the magistrate court clerk; the Supreme Court administers the magistrate courts |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments; the page does not state whether fines or court costs are covered |
How to Search Nicholas County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
Search Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts for all 55 counties.
Review the case details shown in the results.
Best for: Quick lookups by name or case number
In Person
Go to the county circuit clerk's office for circuit and family court records.
Go to the magistrate court clerk's office for magistrate court records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Find the clerk's contact details on the West Virginia Judiciary website.
Ask which office holds your case type before you call.
Have the case number and approximate dates ready.
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
Nicholas County Court Statistics (2025)
Nicholas County courts handled an estimated 3,127 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 3,039. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~3,127
Total filings in 2025
~3,039
Total dispositions in 2025
~1,564
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~3,127 | ~3,167 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~3,039 | ~3,080 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,802 | ~1,919 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~878 | ~814 | ~+7.9% |
| Family Law Filings | ~267 | ~245 | ~+9.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~20 | ~22 | ~-9.1% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~67 | ~65 | ~+3.1% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~113 | ~122 | ~-7.4% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Nicholas County's 1.36% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Nicholas County?
Estimated total filings in Nicholas 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 | ~3,127 | ~3,039 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~3,167 | ~3,080 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~3,283 | ~3,202 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~3,124 | ~3,053 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~3,114 | ~3,039 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 3,114 to 3,127. 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 Nicholas County's 1.36% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Nicholas County?
Civil cases make up the largest share of Nicholas County circuit filings in 2025, at 50.2% of 500. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 251 | 50.2% | -11.0% |
| General Civil | 132 | 26.4% | +21.1% |
| Mental Health | 66 | 13.2% | 0.0% |
| Other Civil Cases | 26 | 5.2% | -40.9% |
| Adoption | 14 | 2.8% | -63.2% |
| Guardianship | 11 | 2.2% | -45.0% |
| Admin Agency Appeals | 1 | 0.2% | New in 2025 |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 0.2% | -75.0% |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0.0% | No change |
| Other Domestic Relations | 0 | 0.0% | No change |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Juvenile | 155 | 31.0% | -1.9% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 128 | 25.6% | +10.3% |
| Delinquency | 15 | 3.0% | -31.8% |
| Status Offenses | 12 | 2.4% | -40.0% |
| Criminal | 94 | 18.8% | -35.2% |
| Felonies | 64 | 12.8% | -25.6% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 29 | 5.8% | -50.0% |
| Misdemeanor | 1 | 0.2% | 0.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | No change |
| Family law (domestic filings, reported separately) | 401 | Not in circuit total | ~-30.5% |
The fastest-growing case type was General Civil (civil group) at +21.1%, and the fastest-falling was Personal Safety Appeals (civil group) at -100.0%.
Family domestic filings of 401 in 2025 are reported separately and are not included in the circuit total, and no 2024 comparison is published.
How Does Nicholas County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Nicholas County is estimated to account for about 1.36% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Nicholas County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,127 | 230,414 | ~1.36% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,564 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,520 | 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 Nicholas County's 1.36% share of the state population.
Nicholas County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Nicholas 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 Nicholas County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Nicholas County Courthouse Locations
Nicholas County court proceedings are held at the Nicholas County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas County Courthouse | 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV 26651 | See location page | 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 Nicholas County?
Cases in Nicholas County are heard by the Nicholas County Magistrate Court, Circuit Court, and Family Court, depending on the matter. Federal matters belong in the U.S. District Court, not the state courts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Nicholas County Magistrate Court, or a municipal court if issued within a city | The citation lists where to appear or pay. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are usually handled by the issuing municipality. |
| Misdemeanor | Nicholas County Magistrate Court | Magistrate court handles most misdemeanor charges. |
| Felony | Nicholas County Circuit Court | Felonies begin in magistrate court and are tried in circuit court. |
| DUI | Nicholas County Magistrate Court | Initial DUI misdemeanor charges are typically filed in magistrate court. |
| Domestic violence | Nicholas County Magistrate Court or Family Court | Protective order requests and related charges are filed with the clerk. |
| Civil lawsuit | Nicholas County Circuit Court, or Magistrate Court for smaller claims | The amount in dispute decides which court hears the case. |
| Small claims | Nicholas County Magistrate Court | Magistrate court hears small civil claims. |
| Eviction | Nicholas County Magistrate Court | Landlord and tenant matters are filed with the magistrate clerk. |
| Divorce | Nicholas County Family Court | Family court handles divorce and related matters. |
| Child custody or support | Nicholas County Family Court | Family court handles custody, visitation, and support. |
| Probate or estate | Nicholas County Commission and County Clerk | Probate in West Virginia is handled through the county commission and clerk. |
| Juvenile case | Nicholas County Circuit Court | Juvenile matters are heard in circuit court. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia | Appeals move from the county to the state appellate courts. |
Are Nicholas County Court Records Public?
Some Nicholas County court records can be searched online through Court Records Access, but not every record or document is available there. Ask the county circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk which records you may inspect and which are restricted.
Online access
The Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov lets you search Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts records. Search results show case information, which may not include every document.
In-person access
Visit the county circuit clerk's office for circuit and family court records, or the magistrate court clerk's office for magistrate records. Call ahead to confirm which office holds your record.
Restricted or confidential records
Ask the clerk which records are restricted or confidential before you request them. Do not assume every file is available online.
How to Search Nicholas County Court Records Online
Case information for Nicholas 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 Nicholas County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Nicholas 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 Nicholas County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Nicholas 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 Nicholas County
The statewide Magistrate Court Payments portal is the online option for court payments in West Virginia.
- Online: Pay at Magistrate Court Payments. The page does not state whether fines or court costs are covered, so confirm with the clerk first.
- Phone or in person: Contact the county circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk to confirm which payment methods they accept.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued the ticket, so confirm how to pay with that agency.
Nicholas County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Nicholas County court records?
Use the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to search circuit and magistrate court records by name or case number. Results are not official court records, so confirm details with the clerk.
Are Nicholas County court records public?
Some records are searchable online, but not every record or document is. Ask the county circuit or magistrate court clerk which records are open and which are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Nicholas County?
Search by the defendant's name on Court Records Access, then confirm with the clerk that holds the case.
How do I find a court date in Nicholas County?
Check your ticket, notice, or summons first, then search the case by name or case number on Court Records Access.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Nicholas County?
Use the Magistrate Court Payments portal, after confirming it covers your ticket, since the page does not state whether fines or court costs are included.
How many cases are filed in Nicholas County each year?
The circuit courts recorded 500 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 585 in 2024.
What is the most common case type?
Civil filings were the largest group in 2025 at 251 of 500 circuit filings (50.2%).
What is 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
Nicholas County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV, 26651 |
| Phone Number: | 304-872-7810 |
| Fax: | 304-872-7863 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/nicholas.html |
Useful Links
- Nicholas County - West Virginia Judiciary - This page provides an overview of the court structure specifically within Nicholas County, including magistrate and family courts.
- Nicholas County Government Official Website - Offers access to various county services, including links to court and legal resources in Nicholas County, WV.
- Nicholas County West Virginia Court Directory - A comprehensive directory providing contact information and other details for all courts located in Nicholas County, WV.
- West Virginia Legislature - Official Website - Legislative information that impacts court proceedings with appropriate links to laws, bills, and legislative processes in WV.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Lawyer Referral - Offers resources for finding lawyers in the area and provides public access to legal information for residents.
- Public Defender Services - West Virginia - Provides public defense services and resources regarding legal representation for those unable to afford private counsel.
- West Virginia Legal Aid - Free Legal Help - Non-profit organization offering free legal services to those in need, including family, housing, and civil legal issues.
- West Virginia State Records Online Database - Access public records and information from county and circuit courts across West Virginia, including Nicholas County.
- Nicholas County Sheriff's Office - Records Division - Information on obtaining police records, accident reports, and other related documents maintained by the Sheriff's office.
- Nicholas County Clerk - Official Records Access - Provides public access to land, marriage, and probate records maintained by the Nicholas County Clerk's office.
- West Virginia Association of Counties - Offers information about the counties in WV, including resources for understanding county government and intergovernmental services.
- Nicholas County Prosecuting Attorney - Legal Process - Information about the prosecuting attorney’s office, which handles criminal cases within Nicholas County, WV.
- LegalZoom - Simplifying Legal Matters - Provides general legal information and services, although not specific to Nicholas County, still a useful legal reference.
- West Virginia Coalition Against the Death Penalty - Advocacy group providing resources and information regarding death penalty policies and reforms within West Virginia.
- West Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates - This organization supports court appointed volunteers helping to advocate for abused and neglected children in court systems.
- Nicholas County Vital Statistics - Record Services - Access birth, death, marriage, and other vital statistics records provided by Nicholas County's government offices.
- West Virginia Public Broadcasting - Legal News - Offers news and updates related to court cases and legal matters affecting communities throughout West Virginia.
- West Virginia Secretary of State - Public Records - State-level resource providing access to business, election, and other public records across West Virginia, including Nicholas County.
- Intermediate Court Rules - West Virginia Judiciary - Court rules and procedures for intermediate courts; provides structure for appeals processes within the West Virginia judicial system.
- Nicholas County Health Department - Public Records - Offers access to public health records and emergency services information for residents in Nicholas County, WV.
Table of Contents
- Nicholas County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Nicholas County Court Records
- Nicholas County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Nicholas County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Nicholas County?
- How Does Nicholas County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Nicholas County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Nicholas County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Nicholas County?
- Are Nicholas County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Nicholas County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Nicholas County
- Nicholas County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links