Upshur 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 Upshur County Circuit Court handles felony, misdemeanor, civil, juvenile, and family domestic cases. The circuit clerk keeps circuit and family court records, and magistrate court clerks keep magistrate court records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Upshur County Circuit Court |
| Official Website | courtswv.gov (West Virginia Judiciary) |
| Handles | Felony, misdemeanor, and other criminal cases; general civil, mental health, adoption, guardianship, and other civil cases; juvenile cases; family domestic cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (the U.S. District Court for West Virginia); magistrate court records, which the magistrate court clerk keeps |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access page |
| Records Requests | Circuit Clerk's Office for circuit and family court records |
How to Search Upshur County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you have one, and approximate dates ready before you search Upshur County records.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
Search Upshur County circuit or magistrate court records by name.
Check results with the clerk before relying on them.
Best for: Quick case lookups before visiting
In Person
Go to the Upshur County Circuit Clerk's Office for circuit and family court records.
Go to the magistrate court clerk for magistrate court records.
Confirm the office address on the official courts website before you visit.
Best for: Records not found in online search
By Phone
Call the Upshur County Circuit Clerk's Office to ask what records are available.
Have the case number and party names ready when you call.
Find the clerk's number on courtswv.gov.
Best for: Questions about a specific 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
Upshur County Court Statistics (2025)
Upshur County courts handled an estimated 3,079 new cases in 2025 and disposed of an estimated 2,993. The estimate scales West Virginia statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~3,079
Total filings in 2025
~2,993
Total dispositions in 2025
~1,540
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~-1.3%
Change in total filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~3,079 | ~3,118 | ~-1.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,993 | ~3,033 | ~-1.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,774 | ~1,890 | ~-6.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~864 | ~802 | ~+7.7% |
| Family Law Filings | ~263 | ~242 | ~+8.7% |
| Probate Filings | ~20 | ~21 | ~-4.8% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~66 | ~64 | ~+3.1% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~111 | ~120 | ~-7.5% |
| 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 Upshur County's 1.34% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Upshur County?
Estimated total filings in Upshur 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 | ~3,079 | ~2,993 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~3,118 | ~3,033 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~3,233 | ~3,153 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~3,076 | ~3,006 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~3,067 | ~2,993 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 3,067 to 3,079. 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 Upshur County's 1.34% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Upshur County?
Criminal cases make up 30.1% of Upshur County circuit filings in 2025, with 161 of 534 total filings. Civil cases make up 39.7% and juvenile cases make up 30.1%.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Circuit Filings | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 161 | 30.1% | +7.3% |
| Felonies | 112 | 21.0% | +0.9% |
| Misdemeanor | 24 | 4.5% | +71.4% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 25 | 4.7% | +4.2% |
| Civil | 212 | 39.7% | +25.4% |
| Adoption | 21 | 3.9% | +0.0% |
| General Civil | 99 | 18.5% | +20.7% |
| Guardianship | 10 | 1.9% | +11.1% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 2 | 0.4% | -33.3% |
| Mental Health | 37 | 6.9% | +117.6% |
| Other Civil Cases | 43 | 8.1% | +16.2% |
| Juvenile | 161 | 30.1% | +11.8% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 91 | 17.0% | +23.0% |
| Delinquency | 53 | 9.9% | -13.1% |
| Status Offenses | 17 | 3.2% | +88.9% |
Mental Health grew fastest at +117.6%, while Magistrate Appeals had the slowest change at -33.3%. Family domestic filings for 2025 total 290 and are reported separately.
How Does Upshur County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Upshur County is estimated to account for about 1.34% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Upshur County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,079 | 230,414 | ~1.34% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,540 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,496 | 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 Upshur County's 1.34% share of the state population.
Upshur County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Upshur 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 Upshur County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Upshur County Courthouse Locations
Upshur County court proceedings are held at the Upshur County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upshur County Courthouse | 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201 | 304-472-2370 | 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 Upshur County?
Trial-level cases in Upshur County go to the circuit court, the family court, or a magistrate court, depending on the case type and amount in dispute.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court, Criminal | The circuit court reported 112 felony filings in 2025. |
| Misdemeanor | Circuit Court, Criminal | Circuit criminal filings include 24 misdemeanor cases in 2025; check your paperwork for the court listed. |
| Civil dispute up to $20,000 | Magistrate Court | Magistrate courts have limited jurisdiction, with civil cases up to $20,000 in dispute. |
| Civil dispute above $20,000 | Circuit Court, Civil | The circuit court hears civil cases above the magistrate limit. |
| Divorce | Family Court | Family court records are kept by the circuit clerk. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Family court records are kept by the circuit clerk, and modifications and contempt are reported in family domestic filings. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, Juvenile | Juvenile delinquency and child abuse or neglect cases are reported with circuit court filings. |
| Appeal | Supreme Court of Appeals or Intermediate Court of Appeals | State appeals are heard by the appellate courts, not the county court. |
Are Upshur County Court Records Public?
Access to Upshur County court records runs through the circuit and magistrate court clerks and the statewide Court Records Access search. Confirm what a clerk can release before you request a file.
Online access
Search circuit and magistrate court records through the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov. Online results may not show every document.
In-person access
Visit the Upshur County Circuit Clerk's Office for circuit and family court records, or the magistrate court clerk for magistrate records. Confirm the office address on courtswv.gov before you go.
How to Search Upshur County Court Records Online
Use the statewide court search to find Upshur County cases by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, family, magistrate, or juvenile.
- Open the Court Records Access page and choose the circuit or magistrate court search.
- Search by name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the clerk's office to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Circuit court case information | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Civil (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Circuit court case information | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Family law (circuit) | Circuit Courts search | Family court case information | Family court records are kept by the circuit clerk |
| Magistrate court cases | Magistrate Courts search | Magistrate court case information | Magistrate records are kept by the magistrate court clerk |
| Business court cases | Business Court Case Search | Business Court Division case information | Covers only Business Court Division cases |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Upshur County
Fines for Upshur County court cases can be paid through the statewide payment portal listed below.
- Online: Pay through the Magistrate Court Payments portal on apps.wv.gov. Check the portal for the charges it accepts.
Parking tickets are not paid through the court; contact the agency that issued the ticket.
Upshur County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records?
Use the Court Records Access page to search circuit and magistrate court records, or contact the clerk for records that are not online.
Are court records public?
Access runs through the circuit and magistrate court clerks, so confirm what a clerk can release before you request a file.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search circuit court records on the Court Records Access page by name, or call the Upshur County Circuit Clerk's Office with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket for the date, and call the clerk's office to confirm it.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay through the Magistrate Court Payments portal at apps.wv.gov, and check the charges it accepts.
How many cases are filed in a year?
Upshur County circuit court recorded 534 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, up from 463 in 2024 (+15.3%).
What is the most common type of case?
Civil cases were the largest circuit category in 2025 at 212 filings, with general civil at 99 of the civil total.
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
Upshur County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV, 26201 |
| Phone Number: | 304-472-2370 |
| Fax: | 304-472-2168 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/upshur.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia The official website of the West Virginia Judiciary for accessing court records, opinions, and news updates from the state.
- Upshur County Courthouse - Upshur County Commission Access information about the Upshur County Courthouse, including hours, contact details, and court services available to the public.
- Upshur County Circuit Clerk - Official County Website Provides details on the Circuit Clerk's responsibilities and services, including record keeping and public access to court documents.
- The West Virginia State Bar - Legal Resources Offers resources for finding legal help, understanding legal processes, and connecting with attorneys licensed in West Virginia.
- West Virginia Vital Research Records - Division of Culture and History A rich repository of historical vital records allowing public access to birth, death, and marriage records in West Virginia.
- Upshur County Magistrate Court - Local Judicial Information Information on Upshur County Magistrate Court operations, including small claims, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings available to residents.
- West Virginia Legislature - Legislative Branch Information Offers legislative resources for understanding West Virginia state laws, current bills, legislative activities, and accessing archived documents.
- West Virginia Community Action - Legal Aid Assistance Resources for eligible low-income individuals to access legal aid services for civil cases throughout West Virginia, including Upshur County.
- West Virginia Court Service Directory - Superseding & Preceding Evaluations Comprehensive resources on court service evaluations providing insights into procedural precedents and access facilitation for court users.
- West Virginia Supreme Court Public Resources - User Access Guidance Essential guidance for accessing court resources, including procedural histories, hearing announcements, and official judiciary correspondences.
- Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney - Local Government Information Provides information on the functions, responsibilities, and resources of the Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney's office for residents.
- Upshur County Assessor's Office - Tax and Property Information Open access to property and tax records, assessment information, and related resources managed by the Upshur County Assessor’s Office.
- Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System - Docket Sheets Even though not a West Virginia resource, this helpful guide provides insights into understanding court docket queries.
- National Register of Historic Places - Upshur County Listings Provides historical context and registers of protected places within Upshur County as recognized by the national conservation efforts.
- FamilySearch - Genealogical Resources and Historical Records A platform offering historical and genealogical records which can complement court and public records for family research.
- Upshur County Community Resources - Government and Family Services Enriching the community with access to social, health, familial, and governmental services available for local residents in need.
- RecordsFinder - Upshur County Circuit Court Records A directory for locating Upshur County Circuit Court records and an overview of available public records resources.
- West Virginia Senior Legal Aid, Inc. - Elder Law Resources Non-profit resource providing legal aid and advocacy to West Virginia seniors, offering critical legal services and advice.
- Upshur County 911 Emergency Services - Local Agency Information Describes the operational functionalities of Upshur County’s emergency services, including emergency response contact details and procedures.
- Nolo Legal Encyclopedia - West Virginia Small Claims Court Extensive guide on navigating West Virginia’s Small Claims Court procedures for individuals and businesses seeking small claims resolutions.
Table of Contents
- Upshur County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Upshur County Court Records
- Upshur County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Upshur County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Upshur County?
- How Does Upshur County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Upshur County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Upshur County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Upshur County?
- Are Upshur County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Upshur County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Upshur County
- Upshur County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links