Pleasants 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 Pleasants County Circuit Court hears felony, civil, and juvenile cases, and the family court handles domestic relations matters. Magistrate courts have limited jurisdiction, including civil disputes up to $20,000.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Pleasants County Circuit Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access |
| Family Court Circuit | 3rd Family Court Circuit, shared with Wood County |
| Handles | Felonies, civil cases, and juvenile cases in circuit court; family court domestic matters; magistrate matters with limited jurisdiction |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which are heard in the U.S. District Court for West Virginia; civil disputes above $20,000 in magistrate court |
How to Search Pleasants County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Pleasants County court records.
Online
Go to Court Records Access on www.courtswv.gov to search circuit and magistrate cases.
Search by party name or case number to see case details.
Confirm details with the clerk before relying on them.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Go to the county circuit clerk's office for circuit and family court records.
Confirm the office address on courtswv.gov before you visit.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Best for: Records not available online
Contact the Clerk
Contact the county circuit clerk for records that are not shown online.
Confirm the clerk's phone number on courtswv.gov before you call.
Ask the magistrate court clerk about magistrate court records.
Best for: Requests the online search cannot answer
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
Pleasants County Court Statistics (2025)
Circuit court filings in Pleasants County totaled 115 in 2025, compared with 148 in 2024. The totals combine criminal, civil, and juvenile filings as published in the Supreme Court of Appeals annual statistical reports.
115
Circuit filings in 2025 (criminal, civil, and juvenile)
185
Family domestic filings in 2025 (sum of published categories)
15.6
Circuit filings per 1,000 residents in 2025, using the 2024 population of 7,358
-22.3%
Change in circuit filings vs 2024 (148)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal filings | 44 | 50 | -12.0% |
| Civil filings | 62 | 62 | 0.0% |
| Juvenile filings | 9 | 36 | -75.0% |
| Total circuit filings | 115 | 148 | -22.3% |
The largest change came from juvenile filings, which fell from 36 to 9.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Pleasants County?
Estimated total filings in Pleasants 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 | ~958 | ~931 | ~-1.2% |
| 2024 | ~970 | ~944 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~1,006 | ~981 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~957 | ~935 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~954 | ~931 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 954 to 958. The largest annual change was +5.1% in 2023. The latest change of -1.2% reflects statewide West Virginia trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Pleasants County's 0.42% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pleasants County?
Civil cases are the largest category at 53.9% of the 115 circuit filings in Pleasants County in 2025. Family domestic filings are reported separately in the statistics section because they are not published for 2024.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 44 | 38.3% | -12.0% |
| Felonies | 18 | 15.7% | -43.8% |
| Other criminal cases | 26 | 22.6% | +44.4% |
| Civil | 62 | 53.9% | 0.0% |
| General civil | 32 | 27.8% | -3.0% |
| Adoption | 8 | 7.0% | +33.3% |
| Mental health | 6 | 5.2% | -33.3% |
| Guardianship | 1 | 0.9% | -66.7% |
| Other civil cases | 14 | 12.2% | +40.0% |
| Magistrate appeals (civil) | 1 | 0.9% | 0.0% |
| Juvenile | 9 | 7.8% | -75.0% |
| Delinquency | 6 | 5.2% | -62.5% |
| Child abuse or neglect | 1 | 0.9% | -94.7% |
| Status offenses | 2 | 1.7% | +100.0% |
The fastest-growing category was Status offenses (+100.0%), and the fastest-falling was Child abuse or neglect (-94.7%).
How Does Pleasants County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Pleasants County is estimated to account for about 0.42% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Pleasants County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~958 | 230,414 | ~0.42% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.2% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~958 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~931 | 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 Pleasants County's 0.42% share of the state population.
Pleasants County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Pleasants 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 Pleasants County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Pleasants County Courthouse Locations
Pleasants County court proceedings are held at the Pleasants County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasants County Courthouse | 301 Court Lane, St. Marys, WV 26170 | 304-684-3513 | 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 Pleasants County?
Use this table to find the court for common matters in Pleasants County, and confirm the assigned court with the clerk. Family court matters for Pleasants County are heard in the 3rd Family Court Circuit, which also covers Wood County.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit court | Felony cases go to circuit court, which keeps circuit criminal records. |
| Civil lawsuit | Magistrate court or circuit court | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000, and circuit courts hear civil filings. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit court | Juvenile delinquency, status offense, and child abuse or neglect cases are filed in circuit court. |
| Divorce | Family court | Family court handles domestic relations matters, including divorce filings. |
| Child custody or support | Family court | Ask the clerk to confirm where a custody or support case is filed. |
| Appeal | Appellate court | The Supreme Court of Appeals and the Intermediate Court of Appeals hear appeals from trial courts. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for West Virginia | Federal cases are not heard in county courts. |
Are Pleasants County Court Records Public?
Some Pleasants County court records are public, and some are restricted, so confirm access with the clerk before you request a record.
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
Some records are restricted, and the clerk can confirm which records are available before you request them.
Online access
Use Court Records Access to search circuit and magistrate court cases, and confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
In-person access
Visit or contact the county circuit clerk for circuit and family court records, or the magistrate court clerk for magistrate records.
How to Search Pleasants County Court Records Online
Use the official West Virginia court search tools to find Pleasants County cases by type, and ask the clerk for records that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, juvenile, family, or magistrate.
- Open Court Records Access and choose the circuit or magistrate search.
- Search by party name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, and confirm them with the clerk before relying on them.
- Contact the clerk for the court that holds the case to request records that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal | Circuit Courts search | Circuit court case records, including felony cases | Confirm results with the clerk; they are not official court records |
| Magistrate | Magistrate Courts search | Magistrate court case records | Confirm results with the clerk; they are not official court records |
| Circuit civil | Circuit Courts search | Circuit civil case records | Confirm results with the clerk; they are not official court records |
| Family law | Contact the circuit clerk | Family court records kept by the circuit clerk | Ask the clerk which records you can request |
| Juvenile | Contact the circuit clerk | Juvenile case information through the clerk | Ask the clerk which juvenile records you can request |
| Business court | Business Court Case Search | Business Court Division cases | Only for Business Court matters |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pleasants County
Magistrate court payments for Pleasants County can be made through the statewide Magistrate Court Payments page.
- Online: Pay through Magistrate Court Payments. Check the page for the fines and court costs it accepts.
Other payment methods are not listed here, so ask the court clerk which methods the court accepts.
Pleasants County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Pleasants County court records?
Use Court Records Access to search circuit and magistrate court cases by name or case number, then confirm results with the clerk.
Are Pleasants County court records public?
Some records are public and some are restricted, so ask the county circuit clerk before you request a record.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by party name in Court Records Access, using the circuit search for felony cases and the magistrate search for magistrate cases.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or paperwork, and contact the county circuit clerk to confirm the court date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Check your ticket for the court and case number, then use the Magistrate Court Payments page to see which payments it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Pleasants County each year?
Circuit court filings totaled 115 in 2025, compared with 148 in 2024, a change of -22.3%.
What is the most common type of case?
Civil cases were the largest group at 62, or 53.9% of the 115 circuit filings in 2025.
Is crime in Pleasants 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
Pleasants County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 301 Court Lane, St. Marys, WV, 26170 |
| Phone Number: | 304-684-3513 |
| Fax: | 304-684-3514 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/pleasants.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Vital Research Records - Search Marriage, Death, and Birth Records Access historical vital records in West Virginia including marriage, birth, and death records for genealogy research.
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals Find information on the Supreme Court, lower courts, legal resources, and e-filing services in West Virginia.
- West Virginia Judiciary: Public Court Record Search - Secure Access Provides access to case information, docket entries, and proceedings available to the public in the West Virginia court system.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Legal Assistance and Resources Offers legal resources, lawyer directories, and legal education information for residents of West Virginia.
- West Virginia Legislature - Bill Status and Legislative Information Access legislative materials, track bill statuses, and find information on all legislative activities in West Virginia.
- Pleasants County, WV - Government and Community Resources Official county website providing information on local government services, community events, and public resources.
- U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia Federal prosecutor's office resources including news, contact information, and updates from West Virginia's Southern District.
- Pleasants County Family Court - Resources and Contact Information Comprehensive contact details and information about family court services available for residents of Pleasants County.
- National Judicial College - Training and Judicial Resources Provides continuing education and training resources for judiciary members across the United States, including West Virginia Judges.
- West Virginia State Auditors and Inspectors – Reports and Resources The directory for audit and inspection reports for legal and administrative compliance in West Virginia.
- West Virginia Self-Help Resources for Unrepresented Litigants Information and assistance for individuals representing themselves in court, including toolkits and guided forms.
- American Civil Liberties Union – West Virginia Division Legal advocacy resources and updates from the ACLU, focusing on the protection and expansion of civil liberties in West Virginia.
- Public Interest Lawyer Network - West Virginia Programs Connects individuals to public interest legal services throughout West Virginia, providing justice and advocacy.
- West Virginia University College of Law Academic resource with continuing legal education programs, research projects, and law clinic opportunities available to the public.
- Just Landed - Livingston County Public Record Overview Access and retrieve public records concerning Livingston County. Provides a guide to government offices and processes.
- WashLaw Legal Research on the Web - National & State Resources Comprehensive directory of online legal information, including West Virginia-specific resources, laws, and case databases.
- National Association for Court Management Offers resources on court technology management, governance, and leadership to improve justice in courts nationwide.
- West Virginia Public Broadcasting – News and Programs Offers West Virginia residents valuable news insights and legal updates relating to state and national court matters.
- United States Courts – Federal Judiciary Homepage Information about the U.S. federal court system, rules, resources, and access to federal court case records.
- Court Records – Nationwide Public Records Search Tool and information regarding court records access for all U.S. states including West Virginia, including case history searches.
Table of Contents
- Pleasants County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Pleasants County Court Records
- Pleasants County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Pleasants County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pleasants County?
- How Does Pleasants County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Pleasants County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Pleasants County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Pleasants County?
- Are Pleasants County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Pleasants County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pleasants County
- Pleasants County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links