Summers 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 Summers County trial courts include the circuit court, family court, and magistrate court. The county circuit clerk keeps circuit and family court records, and magistrate court clerks keep magistrate records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Summers County Circuit Court, Family Court, and Magistrate Court |
| Website | courtswv.gov |
| Handles | Circuit court: felonies, general civil cases, and juvenile matters. Family court: divorce and other domestic relations, including domestic violence. Magistrate court: civil disputes up to $20,000 |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for West Virginia. Appeals go to the appellate courts, not to the Summers County trial courts |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access |
| Pay Court Payments Online | Magistrate Court Payments |
| Record Keeping | County circuit clerk for circuit and family court records; magistrate court clerk for magistrate records |
How to Search Summers County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search Summers County court records.
Online
Go to Court Records Access on courtswv.gov to start a search.
Search circuit and magistrate court records by name or case number.
Confirm details with the clerk before relying on search results.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the Summers County circuit clerk's office to request records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office holds your circuit or magistrate records.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Summers County circuit clerk to ask how to request records.
Ask which records the clerk can provide and what information is needed.
Find current clerk contact details at courtswv.gov before calling.
Best for: Requests you cannot make in person
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
Summers County Court Statistics (2025)
The circuit courts in Summers County recorded 205 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 186 in 2024. Totals below are sums of the published case types, and family domestic filings are shown for 2025 only.
205
Circuit criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025
+10.2%
Change in circuit filings vs 2024 (186)
177
Family domestic filings in 2025 (sum of published case types)
38
Juvenile filings in 2025 (published total)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Criminal Filings | 72 | 45 | +60.0% |
| Circuit Civil Filings | 95 | 85 | +11.8% |
| Circuit Juvenile Filings | 38 | 56 | -32.1% |
| Total Circuit Filings | 205 | 186 | +10.2% |
Criminal filings drove most of the change, moving +27 cases between 2024 and 2025.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Summers County?
Estimated total filings in Summers 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 | ~1,503 | ~1,461 | ~-1.2% |
| 2024 | ~1,522 | ~1,481 | ~-3.5% |
| 2023 | ~1,578 | ~1,539 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~1,501 | ~1,467 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~1,497 | ~1,461 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 1,497 to 1,503. 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 Summers County's 0.65% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Summers County?
Civil filings are the largest group in Summers County, at 95 of 205 circuit filings in 2025 (46.3%). Shares use the 2025 circuit total.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 72 | 35.1% | +60.0% |
| Felonies | 55 | 26.8% | +129.2% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Misdemeanor | 6 | 2.9% | -45.5% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 11 | 5.4% | +22.2% |
| Civil | 95 | 46.3% | +11.8% |
| Adoption | 5 | 2.4% | -28.6% |
| General Civil | 52 | 25.4% | +44.4% |
| Guardianship | 11 | 5.4% | +22.2% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Mental Health | 16 | 7.8% | +6.7% |
| Other Civil Cases | 11 | 5.4% | -35.3% |
| Juvenile | 38 | 18.5% | -32.1% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 20 | 9.8% | -41.2% |
| Delinquency | 8 | 3.9% | -50.0% |
| Status Offenses | 10 | 4.9% | +66.7% |
Felonies (Criminal) grew fastest at +129.2%, and Delinquency (Juvenile) fell fastest at -50.0%, comparing case types that had filings in both years.
How Does Summers County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Summers County is estimated to account for about 0.65% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Summers County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,503 | 230,414 | ~0.65% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.2% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,503 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,461 | 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 Summers County's 0.65% share of the state population.
Summers County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Summers 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 Summers County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Summers County Courthouse Locations
Summers County court proceedings are held at the Summers County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summers County Courthouse | 120 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV 25951 | 304-466-7103 | 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 Summers County?
Cases from Summers County go to the circuit court, the family court, or the magistrate court, depending on the case type and amount. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for West Virginia.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court, Criminal | Felony cases are heard in circuit court. |
| Civil lawsuit up to $20,000 | Magistrate Court, Civil | Magistrate courts hear civil disputes up to $20,000. |
| Civil lawsuit over $20,000 | Circuit Court, Civil | Claims above the magistrate limit go to circuit court. |
| Divorce | Family Court | Divorce cases are heard in family court. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Domestic relations matters are heard in family court. |
| Domestic violence | Family Court | Domestic violence cases are part of the family court caseload. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, Juvenile | Juvenile delinquency and child abuse or neglect cases are heard in circuit court. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals | Appeals go to the state appellate courts. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for West Virginia | County courts do not hear federal cases. |
Are Summers County Court Records Public?
Many Summers County court records can be searched online through the statewide Court Records Access page, but records that law or a court order makes confidential are restricted.
Public records
Circuit court and magistrate court case information for Summers County can be searched through the statewide Court Records Access page.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that law or a court order makes confidential are not released through the search tools. Ask the clerk which records you can request.
Online access
The Court Records Access page offers Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search for all 55 counties. Business Court cases are searched at the Business Court Case Search page.
In-person access
Visit the Summers County circuit clerk for circuit and family court records, or the magistrate court clerk for magistrate records. Confirm the office location through courtswv.gov.
How to Search Summers County Court Records Online
Use the statewide Court Records Access page to search Summers County cases by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as circuit, family, magistrate, or business court.
- Open the Court Records Access page at courtswv.gov and choose the Circuit Courts or Magistrate Courts 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 county clerk before relying on them.
- Contact the circuit clerk or magistrate court clerk to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit criminal | Circuit Courts search at Court Records Access | Case information for circuit criminal cases | Confirm documents with the circuit clerk |
| Circuit civil | Circuit Courts search at Court Records Access | Case information for circuit civil cases | Confirm documents with the circuit clerk |
| Magistrate | Magistrate Courts search at mcrsearch.courtswv.gov | Magistrate court case information | Magistrate records are kept by the magistrate court clerk |
| Family law | Ask the Summers County circuit clerk, who keeps family court records | Family court case information | Online search coverage for family cases is not stated here |
| Business Court | Business Court Case Search | Business Court case information | Separate from the circuit and magistrate search |
| Juvenile | Ask the Summers County circuit clerk | Juvenile case information through the clerk | Online search coverage for juvenile cases is not stated here |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Summers County
The statewide Magistrate Court Payments page is one official way to pay magistrate court balances, and the clerk can confirm other options for Summers County.
- Online: Pay at Magistrate Court Payments. Confirm on the page which fines and costs it accepts.
- Clerk: Contact the magistrate court clerk for Summers County to ask about other payment methods. Options are not listed here, so confirm before you go.
For a parking ticket, contact the agency that issued the ticket to ask how to pay.
Summers County Court Records FAQ
How do I search county court records?
Use the Court Records Access page at courtswv.gov, which offers Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search.
Are court records public?
Many are searchable online, but records that law or a court order makes confidential are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number on the Circuit Courts search page, or contact the county circuit clerk.
How do I find a court date?
Check your paperwork first, then search the case on Court Records Access or ask the clerk for the scheduled date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use the Magistrate Court Payments page at apps.wv.gov/Courts/MFP, or contact the magistrate court clerk to confirm options for your ticket.
How many cases are filed in Summers County each year?
The circuit courts recorded 205 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, compared with 186 in 2024 (+10.2%).
What is the most common type of case?
Civil filings were the largest group in 2025, at 95 of 205 circuit filings.
Is crime in West Virginia 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
Summers County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 120 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV, 25951 |
| Phone Number: | 304-466-7103 |
| Fax: | 304-466-7124 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/summers.html |
Useful Links
- Lower Court Information for Summers County - West Virginia Judiciary : Access detailed information about the lower courts in Summers County, including court location and contact info.
- Request Public Records - West Virginia Judiciary : Learn how to request public records from West Virginia courts, including forms and contact details.
- Self-Representation - West Virginia Judiciary : Resources for representing yourself in court including guides and advice for self-representation in West Virginia.
- Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia : Information on the Supreme Court of Appeals, including opinions, rules, and more for West Virginia.
- U.S. District Court Southern District of West Virginia : Access records and resources for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia.
- West Virginia State Bar : Provides resources and information for attorneys and the public about legal services, regulations, and more.
- West Virginia Legislature : Legislative information including bills, resolutions, and legislative procedures relevant to state governance.
- Summers County, West Virginia Official Government Website : Official government site providing access to county services, departments, and contact information.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia : Offers free legal services to low-income individuals in West Virginia, including advice and representation.
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders - West Virginia Judiciary : Resources and procedures for obtaining protection orders related to domestic violence incidents.
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC) : Provides nationwide resources and information on state courts, including data analysis and best practices.
- West Virginia State Police : Information on obtaining criminal records, fingerprinting services and security-related insights offered by the WV State Police.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia : Offers assistance with consumer, family, housing, and public benefits legal matters for eligible individuals.
- West Virginia Law - FindLaw : Comprehensive repository of West Virginia legal information including statutes, case law, and more.
- Summers County West Virginia Free Public Records Directory : Directory for accessing free public records in Summers County, including court data, licenses, and permits.
- Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System : Provides an example UJS resource, case search, and public access to court information relevant to neighboring Pennsylvania.
- Summers County Public Library : Community resource offering access to legal books, journals, and online databases for extended research.
- West Virginia County Clerks Association : Offers access to information about county clerk services, including vital statistics and public records.
- West Virginia Lawyers - Justia : Directory to find qualified attorneys in West Virginia specializing in various areas of legal practice.
- AllOnGeorgia - West Virginia : News site providing updates and information on local governance, laws, and public records in West Virginia.
Table of Contents
- Summers County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Summers County Court Records
- Summers County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Summers County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Summers County?
- How Does Summers County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Summers County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Summers County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Summers County?
- Are Summers County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Summers County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Summers County
- Summers County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links