Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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
Pendleton County Court Statistics (2025)
Pendleton County courts handled an estimated 774 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 752. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~774
Total filings in 2025
~752
Total dispositions in 2025
~774
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~774 | ~784 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~752 | ~762 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~446 | ~475 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~217 | ~202 | ~+7.4% |
| Family Law Filings | ~66 | ~61 | ~+8.2% |
| Probate Filings | ~5 | ~5 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~17 | ~16 | ~+6.2% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~28 | ~30 | ~-6.7% |
| 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 Pendleton County's 0.34% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Pendleton County?
Estimated total filings in Pendleton 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 | ~774 | ~752 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~784 | ~762 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~813 | ~793 | ~+5.2% |
| 2022 | ~773 | ~756 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~771 | ~752 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 771 to 774. The largest annual change was +5.2% in 2023. The latest change of -1.3% reflects statewide West Virginia trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Pendleton County's 0.34% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pendleton County?
Civil cases make up the largest share of Pendleton County circuit filings in 2025, at 35.2% of 88. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 31 | 35.2% | -38.0% |
| General Civil | 16 | 18.2% | -20.0% |
| Adoption | 6 | 6.8% | -57.1% |
| Other Civil Cases | 5 | 5.7% | +150.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 2 | 2.3% | +100.0% |
| Guardianship | 1 | 1.1% | -80.0% |
| Mental Health | 1 | 1.1% | -83.3% |
| Admin Agency Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | No change |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0.0% | No change |
| Other Domestic Relations | 0 | 0.0% | No change |
| Personal Safety Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Juvenile | 29 | 33.0% | +52.6% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 23 | 26.1% | +43.8% |
| Delinquency | 4 | 4.5% | +33.3% |
| Status Offenses | 2 | 2.3% | New in 2025 |
| Criminal | 28 | 31.8% | -28.2% |
| Felonies | 21 | 23.9% | -30.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 6 | 6.8% | -25.0% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 1.1% | New in 2025 |
| Misdemeanor | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Family law (domestic filings, reported separately) | 127 | Not in circuit total | ~-12.1% |
The fastest-growing case type was Other Civil Cases (civil group) at +150.0%, and the fastest-falling was Misdemeanor (criminal group) at -100.0%.
Family domestic filings of 127 in 2025 are reported separately and are not included in the circuit total, and no 2024 comparison is published.
How Does Pendleton County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Pendleton County is estimated to account for about 0.34% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Pendleton County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~774 | 230,414 | ~0.34% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~774 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~752 | 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 Pendleton County's 0.34% share of the state population.
Pendleton County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Pendleton 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 Pendleton County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Pendleton County Courthouse Locations
Pendleton County court proceedings are held at the Pendleton County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pendleton County Courthouse | 10 South Main Street, Franklin, WV 26807 | 304-358-7067 | 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 Pendleton County?
Cases in Pendleton County are heard by the Pendleton 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 | Pendleton 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 | Pendleton County Magistrate Court | Magistrate court handles most misdemeanor charges. |
| Felony | Pendleton County Circuit Court | Felonies begin in magistrate court and are tried in circuit court. |
| DUI | Pendleton County Magistrate Court | Initial DUI misdemeanor charges are typically filed in magistrate court. |
| Domestic violence | Pendleton County Magistrate Court or Family Court | Protective order requests and related charges are filed with the clerk. |
| Civil lawsuit | Pendleton County Circuit Court, or Magistrate Court for smaller claims | The amount in dispute decides which court hears the case. |
| Small claims | Pendleton County Magistrate Court | Magistrate court hears small civil claims. |
| Eviction | Pendleton County Magistrate Court | Landlord and tenant matters are filed with the magistrate clerk. |
| Divorce | Pendleton County Family Court | Family court handles divorce and related matters. |
| Child custody or support | Pendleton County Family Court | Family court handles custody, visitation, and support. |
| Probate or estate | Pendleton County Commission and County Clerk | Probate in West Virginia is handled through the county commission and clerk. |
| Juvenile case | Pendleton 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 Pendleton County Court Records Public?
Some Pendleton 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 Pendleton County Court Records Online
Case information for Pendleton 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 Pendleton County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Pendleton 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 Pendleton County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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.
Pendleton County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton County each year?
The circuit courts recorded 88 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 108 in 2024.
What is the most common case type?
Civil filings were the largest group in 2025 at 31 of 88 circuit filings (35.2%).
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
Pendleton County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 100 South Main Street, Franklin, WV, 26807 |
| Phone Number: | 304-358-7067 |
| Fax: | 304-358-2152 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/pendleton.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia - Comprehensive source for accessing court opinions, rules, and forms in West Virginia.
- Pendleton County, West Virginia - Official Government Website - Find county-specific resources including local court information and public service announcements.
- West Virginia Court Integrated Services - Access to Court Information - Offers public access to court records and electronic filing services in the state of West Virginia.
- West Virginia Magistrate Court System - Get detailed information about the magistrate court system, its role, and functions within the state.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia - Provides low-cost or free legal aid to qualified residents in Pendleton County and beyond.
- West Virginia Public Defender Services - Essential resource providing legal defense information and assistance for West Virginians in need.
- West Virginia Legislature - Official site for state legislative information, lawmaking processes, and legal resources.
- West Virginia Law Libraries - Repository of legal books, resources and government documents accessible to the public.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Find legal professionals, bar membership information, and legal education opportunities throughout West Virginia.
- West Virginia Bar Foundation - Promotes the mission and support of the legal system and professional excellence in West Virginia.
- Office of Justice Programs (OJP) - U.S. Department of Justice - Federal resource providing assistance and information to improve law enforcement practices.
- National Association for Court Management - Professional organization dedicated to improving court management and operation nationwide.
- West Virginia Personal Services Inventory and Management System - System dedicated to resource allocation, public records, and personnel management in West Virginia's judiciary.
- National Center for State Courts - Comprehensive judicial resource for court professionals and legal system improvements nationwide.
- Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Forms and Information - Resource for federal defender services, including forms and procedures under the CJA framework.
- West Virginia Continuing Judicial Education - Educational resources and programs for current professionals in the West Virginia Judiciary.
- Pendleton County Clerk Records - Access court records, vital statistics, and historical data stored by the Pendleton County Clerk’s Office.
- United States Courts - Federal Courts Overview - Access to federal court forms, records, and case information top ensure nationwide legal compliance.
- Federal Judicial Center - Dedicated to education and research for improvement in federal judicial administration and efficiency.
- NACM Correspondent - Online magazine for court managers and affiliated professionals interested in advances in court management.
Table of Contents
- Pendleton County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Pendleton County Court Records
- Pendleton County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Pendleton County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pendleton County?
- How Does Pendleton County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Pendleton County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Pendleton County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Pendleton County?
- Are Pendleton County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Pendleton County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pendleton County
- Pendleton County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links