Wetzel 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
Wetzel County's circuit court handles criminal, civil, and juvenile cases, and the county circuit clerk keeps circuit and family court records. Magistrate courts handle matters of limited jurisdiction.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court of Wetzel County and the county's magistrate courts |
| Website | courtswv.gov |
| Handles | Circuit court: criminal, civil, juvenile, and family matters. Magistrate court: limited jurisdiction, including civil cases with up to $20,000 in dispute |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for West Virginia); parking tickets (the issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Court Records Access (Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts search) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Magistrate Court Payments |
How to Search Wetzel County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Wetzel County circuit records are kept by the county circuit clerk.
Online
Go to the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov.
Search Circuit Courts records for all 55 counties, including Wetzel.
Search Magistrate Courts records on the same page.
Best for: Checking circuit or magistrate cases from home
In Person
Go to the county circuit clerk's office; confirm the address on courtswv.gov first.
Bring the case name, case number, or approximate dates.
Ask clerk staff about records not available online.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Find the circuit clerk's phone number on courtswv.gov before calling.
Ask which request methods the clerk's office accepts.
Ask how to receive copies of the records you request.
Best for: Questions about a specific record
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
Wetzel County Court Statistics (2025)
Wetzel County's circuit courts recorded 306 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, -17.5% from 371 in 2024. Family domestic filings for 2025 are reported separately. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
306
Circuit filings in 2025 (criminal, civil, and juvenile)
227
Family domestic filings in 2025 (as published)
22.2
Circuit filings per 1,000 residents (2024 population 13,766)
-17.5%
Change in circuit filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total circuit filings | 306 | 371 | -17.5% |
| Criminal filings | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
| Civil filings | 162 | 202 | -19.8% |
| Juvenile filings | 60 | 69 | -13.0% |
| Family domestic filings | 227 | ~272 | ~-16.6% |
The largest change came from civil filings, which moved -40 cases from 2024 to 2025.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Wetzel County?
Estimated total filings in Wetzel 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 | ~1,792 | ~1,742 | ~-1.3% |
| 2024 | ~1,815 | ~1,765 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~1,882 | ~1,835 | ~+5.1% |
| 2022 | ~1,790 | ~1,750 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~1,785 | ~1,742 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.4% between 2021 and 2025, from 1,785 to 1,792. 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 Wetzel County's 0.78% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Wetzel County?
General Civil was the largest category in Wetzel County's 2025 circuit caseload, with 75 filings, or 24.5% of circuit filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Case Type | Filings 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal total | 84 | 27.5% | -16.0% |
| Felonies | 70 | 22.9% | -16.7% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 0.3% | ~+22.3% |
| Misdemeanors | 1 | 0.3% | -75.0% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 12 | 3.9% | +0.0% |
| Civil total | 162 | 52.9% | -19.8% |
| Adoption | 11 | 3.6% | -50.0% |
| General Civil | 75 | 24.5% | +21.0% |
| Guardianship | 5 | 1.6% | -28.6% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 3 | 1.0% | +200.0% |
| Mental Health | 42 | 13.7% | -22.2% |
| Other Civil Cases | 26 | 8.5% | -53.6% |
| Juvenile total | 60 | 19.6% | -13.0% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 35 | 11.4% | -35.2% |
| Delinquency | 20 | 6.5% | +42.9% |
| Status Offenses | 5 | 1.6% | +400.0% |
| Family domestic (reported separately) | 227 | Not included in shares | ~+22.3% |
Fastest-growing category: delinquency (+42.9%); fastest-falling: other civil cases (-53.6%), comparing categories with at least 10 filings in 2024.
How Does Wetzel County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Wetzel County is estimated to account for about 0.78% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Wetzel County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,792 | 230,414 | ~0.78% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.3% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,792 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,742 | 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 Wetzel County's 0.78% share of the state population.
Wetzel County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Wetzel 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 Wetzel County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Wetzel County Courthouse Locations
Wetzel County court proceedings are held at the Wetzel County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wetzel County Courthouse | 200 Main Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155 | 304-455-8234 | 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 Wetzel County?
Start with the type of case, then go to the court that handles it. Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court (criminal) | Felony cases are counted in the circuit criminal filings for the county. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court (civil) | Civil disputes above $20,000 are handled in circuit court. |
| Small claims | Magistrate Court | Magistrate courts handle civil disputes with up to $20,000 in dispute. |
| Divorce | Family Court | The circuit clerk keeps family court records. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | The circuit clerk keeps family court records. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court (juvenile) | Juvenile cases appear in the circuit court's juvenile filings. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Appeal | Intermediate Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Appeals | Appeals go to the state appellate courts, not the county court. |
Are Wetzel County Court Records Public?
Some Wetzel County court records are open to the public, but access depends on the case type and on any court order that restricts a file.
Public records
Circuit and magistrate court case information can be searched on the statewide Court Records Access page.
Restricted or confidential records
Records restricted by law or by court order are not available through the public search.
Online access
Use the Circuit Courts search and the Magistrate Courts search on the Court Records Access page. Search results show case information, and documents may not be online.
In-person access
Visit the county circuit clerk's office to view or request records. Confirm its address on courtswv.gov first.
How to Search Wetzel County Court Records Online
Case information for Wetzel 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 Wetzel County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Wetzel 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 Wetzel County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Wetzel 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 Wetzel County
Pay a citation through the court that issued it, and check the payment page for the methods that apply.
- Online: Check the Magistrate Court Payments page at apps.wv.gov for the payments it accepts.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Wetzel County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Wetzel County court records?
Use the Court Records Access page on courtswv.gov to search circuit and magistrate court cases, or contact the circuit clerk.
Are Wetzel County court records public?
Access depends on the case type and on any court order that restricts a file. Some records are available online, and others require a request to the circuit clerk.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts searches on the Court Records Access page by full name, then confirm details with the circuit clerk.
How do I find a court date?
Check the notice or paperwork you received, then search the case on the Court Records Access page or contact the circuit clerk.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Check the Magistrate Court Payments page for the payment methods it accepts, or ask the circuit clerk.
How many cases are filed each year?
Wetzel County circuit courts recorded 306 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, -17.5% from 371 in 2024. Family domestic filings were 227 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
In 2025, general civil was the largest category with 75 filings, or 24.5% of circuit filings.
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
Wetzel County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 200 Main Street, New Martinsville, WV, 26155 |
| Phone Number: | 304-455-8234 |
| Fax: | 304-455-1069 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/wetzel.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Wetzel County: Comprehensive portal for Wetzel County's court system with information on local court offices, contacts, and services.
- Wetzel County Clerk's Office - Public Documents: Gateway to public records in Wetzel County, including property records, court cases, and vital statistics.
- Vital Registration Office – West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources: Access West Virginia's vital records including birth, death, and marriage documents essential for legal processes.
- West Virginia State Auditor's Office: Find financial records and other public documents maintained by the state’s auditor that may impact legal proceedings.
- West Virginia Law Review: Legal journal providing scholarly articles, analyses, and insights into the legal systems and court decisions in West Virginia.
- The West Virginia State Bar: Essential resource for finding attorneys, legal resources, and professional guidance concerning legal matters in West Virginia.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia: Non-profit organization offering free legal assistance to qualified individuals and resources on navigating the legal system.
- West Virginia Government - Legal Resources: Central resource for accessing laws, legal information, and justice-related resources offered by the state government.
- Wetzel County Court Records Directory: Online directory for accessing court records in Wetzel County, offering public access to case files and other legal documents.
- National Association of Secretaries of State - Can I Vote: National tool to verify voting registration status and find out about voting rights and laws in your state.
- National Center for State Courts: Resource center providing information on improving the justice system, including court operations, management ideas, and model programs.
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health: Health services and vital statistics that might intersect with judicial matters in public health and safety within Wetzel County.
- West Virginia Archives and History: Repository of historical records and archives which may be useful in legal historical research and understanding local jurisdictional changes.
- WVU Law Library: West Virginia University's legal research center offering resources, databases, and reference materials for legal professionals and scholars.
- Court Reference - West Virginia Courts: Detailed guide to courts by county in West Virginia, assisting you in finding the right court and resources.
- West Virginia Ethics Commission: Provides information about state ethics laws, advisory opinions, file disclosures, and public access to ethics-related court cases.
- West Virginia Secretary of State - Records Management: Access business, administrative, and legal records which are important for court-related investigations and historical data.
- West Virginia Public Broadcasting: Source of news and information, including updates on court cases and legal stories impacting West Virginians.
- U.S. Marshals Service – Northern District of West Virginia: Provides security for the judiciary, apprehends federal fugitives, and protects witnesses in West Virginia.
- United States Courts: Official site for the federal judiciary, offering access to court records, legal documents, and administrative office resources for nationwide federal courts.
Table of Contents
- Wetzel County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Wetzel County Court Records
- Wetzel County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Wetzel County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Wetzel County?
- How Does Wetzel County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Wetzel County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Wetzel County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Wetzel County?
- Are Wetzel County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Wetzel County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Wetzel County
- Wetzel County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links