Wirt 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
Wirt 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 Wirt 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 Wirt County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Wirt 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 Wirt.
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
Wirt County Court Statistics (2025)
Wirt County's circuit courts recorded 143 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, +36.2% from 105 in 2024. Family domestic filings for 2025 are reported separately. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
143
Circuit filings in 2025 (criminal, civil, and juvenile)
189
Family domestic filings in 2025 (as published)
29.0
Circuit filings per 1,000 residents (2024 population 4,924)
+36.2%
Change in circuit filings vs 2024
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total circuit filings | 143 | 105 | +36.2% |
| Criminal filings | 49 | 31 | +58.1% |
| Civil filings | 40 | 51 | -21.6% |
| Juvenile filings | 54 | 23 | +134.8% |
| Family domestic filings | 189 | ~124 | ~+51.9% |
The largest change came from juvenile filings, which moved +31 cases from 2024 to 2025.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Wirt County?
Estimated total filings in Wirt 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 | ~641 | ~623 | ~-1.2% |
| 2024 | ~649 | ~632 | ~-3.6% |
| 2023 | ~673 | ~657 | ~+5.2% |
| 2022 | ~640 | ~626 | ~+0.3% |
| 2021 | ~638 | ~623 | ~+0.3% |
Estimated filings changed +0.5% between 2021 and 2025, from 638 to 641. The largest annual change was +5.2% in 2023. The latest change of -1.2% reflects statewide West Virginia trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: West Virginia statewide figures scaled by Wirt County's 0.28% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Wirt County?
Felonies was the largest category in Wirt County's 2025 circuit caseload, with 38 filings, or 26.6% 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 | 49 | 34.3% | +58.1% |
| Felonies | 38 | 26.6% | +46.2% |
| Other Criminal Cases | 11 | 7.7% | +120.0% |
| Civil total | 40 | 28.0% | -21.6% |
| Adoption | 5 | 3.5% | -44.4% |
| General Civil | 19 | 13.3% | +5.6% |
| Guardianship | 2 | 1.4% | -33.3% |
| Magistrate Appeals | 1 | 0.7% | -50.0% |
| Mental Health | 7 | 4.9% | -22.2% |
| Other Civil Cases | 6 | 4.2% | -33.3% |
| Personal safety appeals | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Juvenile total | 54 | 37.8% | +134.8% |
| Child Abuse / Neglect | 34 | 23.8% | +78.9% |
| Delinquency | 17 | 11.9% | +1600.0% |
| Status Offenses | 3 | 2.1% | +0.0% |
| Family domestic (reported separately) | 189 | Not included in shares | ~+115.9% |
Fastest-growing category: child abuse / neglect (+78.9%). No category with at least 10 filings in 2024 declined.
How Does Wirt County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
Wirt County is estimated to account for about 0.28% of the 230,414 cases filed in West Virginia courts in 2025.
| Metric | Wirt County | West Virginia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~641 | 230,414 | ~0.28% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.2% | -1.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~641 | 1,829 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~623 | 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 Wirt County's 0.28% share of the state population.
Wirt County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are West Virginia statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Wirt 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 Wirt County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Wirt County Courthouse Locations
Wirt County court proceedings are held at the Wirt County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wirt County Courthouse | 19 Court Street, Elizabeth, WV 26143 | 304-275-6597 | 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 Wirt 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 Wirt County Court Records Public?
Some Wirt 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 Wirt County Court Records Online
Case information for Wirt 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 Wirt County if asked.
- Review the case details and docket entries.
- Contact the Wirt 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 Wirt County clerk. |
| Probate | West Virginia Judiciary | Probate is handled by the county commission and clerk. | Not in the general portal; contact the Wirt 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 Wirt 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.
Wirt County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Wirt 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 Wirt 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?
Wirt County circuit courts recorded 143 criminal, civil, and juvenile filings in 2025, +36.2% from 105 in 2024. Family domestic filings were 189 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
In 2025, felonies was the largest category with 38 filings, or 26.6% 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
Wirt County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 19 Court Street, Elizabeth, WV, 26143 |
| Phone Number: | 304-275-6597 |
| Fax: | 304-275-3230 |
| Website: | http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/wirt.html |
Useful Links
- West Virginia Judiciary - Supreme Court of Appeals The official website offers resources about the appellate court system, opinions, and access to state-level court services.
- Wirt County, West Virginia Government Provides general information about county services, local government offices, and public resources including contact details.
- Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority Find detainee information and visitor guidelines for facilities serving counties including Wirt in West Virginia.
- Legal Aid of West Virginia Offers free legal assistance, resources, and information for low-income individuals in Wirt County and beyond.
- West Virginia State Auditor's Office Access financial reports, public records, and transparency resources related to state and local government expenditures.
- West Virginia State Bar Provides information on membership, legal ethics, and access to legal resources for the public and attorneys.
- West Virginia Legislature Explore bills, session calendars, and contact information for legislators relevant to Wirt County and state governance.
- West Virginia Family Courts Provides access to family court information, forms, and resources for handling cases such as divorce and custody.
- West Virginia Secretary of State Offers election information, business services, and public records including access to state licensing databases.
- West Virginia Health Statistics Center Provides vital records data, including birth and death certificates, relevant to public health in Wirt County.
- Courthouse Directory - West Virginia Court Directory An unofficial resource for locating courthouse contact information and services across different West Virginia counties.
- Wirt County Public Records Directory Offers links to public records searches for various county departments such as property, court, and vital records.
- West Virginia Vital Registration Office Provides access to vital records and historical documents including birth, marriage, and death records of state residents.
- West Virginia Court Self-Help Center Offers self-help legal resources, guides, and videos for those navigating the court system without formal representation.
- West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund Provides information on obtaining compensation for victims of crime directly impacting residents of counties like Wirt.
- West Virginia Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Useful for legal professionals seeking continuing education opportunities in West Virginia, benefitting attorneys in Wirt County.
- West Virginia Directory A comprehensive directory that includes listings for legal, governmental, and local business services throughout the state.
- The West Virginia Record An online legal journal providing news and information related to legal and court-related matters in West Virginia.
- West Virginia Counts An initiative for improving civic engagement and information access, impacting counties like Wirt by fostering greater community participation.
- National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) Though national, NARC supports collaboration and development efforts beneficial to counties and regions, including Wirt in West Virginia.
Table of Contents
- Wirt County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Wirt County Court Records
- Wirt County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Wirt County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Wirt County?
- How Does Wirt County Compare With West Virginia Overall?
- Wirt County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Wirt County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Wirt County?
- Are Wirt County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Wirt County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Wirt County
- Wirt County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links