Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas 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 | Pocahontas County Circuit Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access |
| 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 Pocahontas County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Pocahontas 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
Pocahontas County Court Statistics (2025)
Circuit court filings in Pocahontas County totaled 145 in 2025, compared with 158 in 2024. The totals combine criminal, civil, and juvenile filings as published in the Supreme Court of Appeals annual statistical reports.
145
Circuit filings in 2025 (criminal, civil, and juvenile)
305
Family domestic filings in 2025 (sum of published categories)
18.9
Circuit filings per 1,000 residents in 2025, using the 2024 population of 7,653
-8.2%
Change in circuit filings vs 2024 (158)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal filings | 44 | 52 | -15.4% |
| Civil filings | 89 | 79 | +12.7% |
| Juvenile filings | 12 | 27 | -55.6% |
| Total circuit filings | 145 | 158 | -8.2% |
The largest change came from juvenile filings, which fell from 27 to 12.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Pocahontas County?
Estimated total filings in Pocahontas 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 | ~996 | ~969 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~1,009 | ~981 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~1,046 | ~1,020 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~995 | ~973 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~992 | ~969 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 992 to 996. 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 Pocahontas County's 0.43% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pocahontas County?
Civil cases are the largest category at 61.4% of the 145 circuit filings in Pocahontas 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 | 30.3% | -15.4% |
| Felonies | 25 | 17.2% | -30.6% |
| Misdemeanors | 6 | 4.1% | +20.0% |
| Other criminal cases | 12 | 8.3% | +20.0% |
| Magistrate appeals (criminal) | 1 | 0.7% | 0.0% |
| Civil | 89 | 61.4% | +12.7% |
| General civil | 36 | 24.8% | +33.3% |
| Adoption | 4 | 2.8% | +33.3% |
| Mental health | 16 | 11.0% | +6.7% |
| Guardianship | 6 | 4.1% | -25.0% |
| Other civil cases | 19 | 13.1% | +35.7% |
| Magistrate appeals (civil) | 5 | 3.4% | +25.0% |
| Personal safety appeals | 3 | 2.1% | -62.5% |
| Juvenile | 12 | 8.3% | -55.6% |
| Delinquency | 3 | 2.1% | -40.0% |
| Child abuse or neglect | 8 | 5.5% | -61.9% |
| Status offenses | 1 | 0.7% | 0.0% |
The fastest-growing category was Other civil cases (+35.7%), and the fastest-falling was Personal safety appeals (-62.5%).
How Does Pocahontas County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Pocahontas County is estimated to account for about 0.43% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Pocahontas County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~996 | 230,414 | ~0.43% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~996 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~969 | 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 Pocahontas County's 0.43% share of the state population.
Pocahontas County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Pocahontas County Courthouse Locations
Pocahontas County court proceedings are held at the Pocahontas County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocahontas County Courthouse | 900 Tenth Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954 | 304-799-4604 | 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 Pocahontas County?
Use this table to find the court for common matters in Pocahontas County, and confirm the assigned court with the clerk.
| 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 Pocahontas County Court Records Public?
Some Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County Court Records Online
Use the official West Virginia court search tools to find Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County
Magistrate court payments for Pocahontas 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.
Pocahontas County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County each year?
Circuit court filings totaled 145 in 2025, compared with 158 in 2024, a change of -8.2%.
What is the most common type of case?
Civil cases were the largest group at 89, or 61.4% of the 145 circuit filings in 2025.
Is crime in Pocahontas 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
Pocahontas County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 900 Tenth Avenue, Marlinton, WV, 24954 |
| Phone Number: | 304-799-4604 |
| Fax: | 304-799-0833 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/pocahontas.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia The West Virginia Judiciary's official site offers access to the state's court information, including opinions, rules, and more.
- Pocahontas County, WV - Government Official website providing comprehensive information on county government departments and services, including court-related resources.
- West Virginia Court Clerks - West Virginia Judiciary Find detailed contact information and resources related to local court clerks in West Virginia, including Pocahontas County.
- Pocahontas County, West Virginia Explore Pocahontas County's official resources, including court services, public records, and other legal information.
- WV Community Advancement and Development Resourceful non-profit organization aiding community development, including advocacy for access to legal services and public information.
- West Virginia Legislature Official legislative resource providing legal codes, statutes, and regulations applicable across the state, useful for legal research.
- LawHelp.org/West Virginia A nonprofit platform providing free legal aid resources, self-help tools, and information on court procedures in West Virginia.
- National Association of Secretaries of State - Can I Vote Find out voting and election information related to Pocahontas County, including how local court decisions may impact procedures.
- Pocahontas County Circuit Court - RecordsFinder An external platform providing access to public court records and case lookups specific to Pocahontas County.
- Pocahontas County Court Records - Public Records Comprehensive guide to accessing court records and public documents within Pocahontas County provided by Public Records.
- West Virginia Legal Services Offering information and resources to help residents of West Virginia access legal services, including court navigation assistance.
- ACLU West Virginia The ACLU provides legal advocacy and information about civil rights issues, which can influence court cases in Pocahontas County.
- Pocahontas County Public Records - Online Searches A detailed directory facilitating online searches for public records, including court records, specific to Pocahontas County.
- CourtReference.com - Pocahontas County, WV Uncover links to online court record searches, court forms, and other legal resources for Pocahontas County.
- Family Violence Appellate Project (FVAP) - Survivor Resources Provides support and legal resources for survivors navigating the court systems, including in West Virginia counties.
- West Virginia Courts - Court Reference Statewide court resource offering information about accessing court records, including links specific to Pocahontas County services.
- Southern District of West Virginia - U.S. District Court Information regarding federal court jurisdiction that covers Pocahontas County issues, useful for federal case proceedings.
- Nolo - Legal Information on West Virginia Provides comprehensive legal information including updates on local legislation affecting court systems and records in West Virginia.
- The White House Get updated federal legislation and policy initiatives that can affect state and county court procedures including Pocahontas County.
- U.S. Census Bureau Provides demographic and statistics data useful for understanding trends that might influence court services in Pocahontas County.
Table of Contents
- Pocahontas County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Pocahontas County Court Records
- Pocahontas County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Pocahontas County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pocahontas County?
- How Does Pocahontas County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Pocahontas County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Pocahontas County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Pocahontas County?
- Are Pocahontas County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Pocahontas County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pocahontas County
- Pocahontas County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links