Monongalia County Court Records

What Is Monongalia County Court Records

Court records in Monongalia County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under West Virginia Code §51-4-2, which mandates the maintenance of court records by court clerks throughout the state.

Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and proceedings
• Court orders and judgments issued by judicial officers
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

In Monongalia County, which is part of the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit, court records are maintained by several courts:

• Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000)
• Family Court (domestic relations, child custody, support)
• Magistrate Court (misdemeanors, small claims, preliminary hearings)

The West Virginia Judiciary maintains these records according to established protocols under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, which oversees the entire state court system.

Are Court Records Public In Monongalia County

Court records in Monongalia County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B-1-1 and the open courts provision in Article III, Section 17 of the West Virginia Constitution. These legal frameworks establish the presumption that court records should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
• Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
• Court judgments and orders
• Docket sheets listing case events and scheduled proceedings
• Court calendars and hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (except in limited circumstances)
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Adoption records
• Records sealed by court order
• Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined in West Virginia Trial Court Rule 10.04

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has established specific rules governing public access to court records through its Trial Court Rules. These rules balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia (which includes Monongalia County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Monongalia County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Monongalia County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval, accommodating both in-person and remote access options.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Monongalia County Circuit Clerk's Office
75 High Street, Room 231
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7230
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

When requesting records in person:

1. Complete a records request form available at the clerk's counter
2. Provide specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
3. Present valid photo identification
4. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
5. Allow time for staff to retrieve requested documents

For remote access, requestors may:

1. Submit written requests via mail to the Circuit Clerk's address above
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for document return
3. Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
4. Provide detailed case information to facilitate record location

Additionally, many court records are now accessible through the West Virginia Judiciary's online portal, which allows users to search for case information by name, case number, or filing date. This system continues to expand its available records inventory.

For specialized records such as family court matters, requestors should contact:

Monongalia County Family Court
75 High Street, Room 311
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7280
West Virginia Family Courts

Pursuant to West Virginia Code §51-4-3, certified copies of court records may be obtained for official purposes with additional authentication fees.

How To Look Up Court Records in Monongalia County Online?

Monongalia County court records are increasingly available through digital platforms maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary. These online resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring physical visits to courthouse facilities.

The primary online resources include:

1. West Virginia Magistrate Court Case Search This system provides access to magistrate court records throughout the state, including Monongalia County. Users can search by:

   • Party name (first and/or last name)
   • Case number
   • Citation number

   The Magistrate Case Record Search system includes cases filed from 2014 forward, with some limitations on available information.

2. West Virginia Circuit Court Information System For circuit court cases, the West Virginia Judiciary maintains a separate portal that includes:

   • Civil case information
   • Criminal felony cases
   • Appeals from lower courts

   This system can be accessed through the Court Record Access portal maintained by the state judiciary.

3. Family Court Case Information Limited family court information may be available online, though sensitive information is typically restricted. Basic case status and scheduling information can be accessed through the judiciary portal.

To conduct an online search:

1. Navigate to the appropriate court system portal
2. Select Monongalia County from the jurisdiction options
3. Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
4. Review search results for relevant cases
5. Note that document images may not be available for all records
6. Follow instructions for requesting complete file information if needed

The West Virginia Judiciary continues to expand its online offerings, with additional courts and case types being added to digital platforms regularly. Users should check the West Virginia Judiciary website for the most current information on available online records.

How To Search Monongalia County Court Records for Free?

Monongalia County residents and other interested parties may access certain court records without payment through several channels, as provided under West Virginia law. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B-1-3 establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.

Free access options include:

1. In-Person Inspection Members of the public may visit the Monongalia County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours to review non-confidential court records without charge. Visitors must:

   • Sign in at the clerk's counter
   • Provide case information for record retrieval
   • Review materials in designated areas
   • Return all documents to staff when finished

2. Online Magistrate Court Records The West Virginia Judiciary offers free access to basic magistrate court case information through its Magistrate Record Search system. This resource provides:

   • Case status information
   • Party names
   • Charge information in criminal cases
   • Hearing dates
   • Case outcomes

3. Public Access Terminals Computer terminals available at the courthouse provide free access to electronic court records. These terminals offer more comprehensive access than remote online systems and are available during regular business hours at:

   Monongalia County Justice Center
   75 High Street
   Morgantown, WV 26505
   (304) 291-7230

4. Court Calendars and Dockets Daily court schedules and hearing information are typically posted in public areas of the courthouse and may be viewed without charge.

While inspection of records is generally free, fees apply for copies, certified documents, and extensive research assistance. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page for most court documents, with additional charges for certified copies as established under West Virginia Code §59-1-11.

What's Included in a Monongalia County Court Record?

Court records in Monongalia County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. These records provide a comprehensive account of proceedings from initiation through disposition.

For Circuit Court cases, records typically include:

• Case initiation documents (complaints, indictments, petitions)
• Responsive pleadings (answers, motions to dismiss)
• Evidentiary filings and exhibits
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
• Verdict forms and jury instructions in jury trials
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Appeal documentation
• Case financial information (fees, costs, restitution)

Magistrate Court records generally contain:

• Criminal complaints or citations
• Warrants and bond information
• Preliminary hearing documentation
• Civil complaints and responses in small claims matters
• Judgment orders
• Payment records for fines and costs

Family Court files include:

• Petitions for divorce or separate maintenance
• Parenting plans and custody agreements
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Financial disclosures from parties
• Domestic violence protective orders
• Mediation reports
• Final divorce decrees

Each court record also contains a docket sheet or register of actions that chronologically lists all events in the case, including:

• Filing dates for all documents
• Hearing and trial dates
• Appearances by parties and counsel
• Issuance of orders and judgments
• Service of process information
• Case status changes

Pursuant to West Virginia Trial Court Rule 10.03, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children.

How Long Does Monongalia County Keep Court Records?

Monongalia County adheres to the records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals for maintaining court records. These retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance of the materials.

The primary retention periods include:

Circuit Court Records:

• Felony cases: Permanently maintained
• Civil cases: 20 years after case closure
• Appeals from lower courts: 10 years after final disposition
• Adoption cases: Permanently maintained
• Mental hygiene cases: 10 years after case closure
• Naturalization records: Permanently maintained

Magistrate Court Records:

• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
• Traffic cases: 3 years after disposition for most violations
• Civil cases: 10 years after judgment
• Small claims: 5 years after disposition

Family Court Records:

• Divorce cases: 50 years after final decree
• Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches age 21
• Domestic violence proceedings: 5 years after expiration of order
• Paternity cases: Permanently maintained

These retention periods are established pursuant to West Virginia Code §51-4-3, which authorizes the Supreme Court of Appeals to establish records management policies for the state court system.

After the designated retention period expires, records may be:

• Transferred to the West Virginia State Archives
• Converted to microfilm or digital format
• Destroyed according to approved procedures

Records with historical or genealogical significance are typically preserved permanently, even beyond standard retention periods. Additionally, case indices are maintained permanently to provide reference to destroyed case files.

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals periodically reviews and updates retention schedules to accommodate changing legal requirements and technological capabilities.

Types of Courts In Monongalia County

Monongalia County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities within the West Virginia court structure. The county is part of the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit and hosts the following courts:

Monongalia County Circuit Court
75 High Street, Room 231
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7230
West Virginia Circuit Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, appeals from lower courts, and juvenile proceedings. Two circuit judges currently serve Monongalia County.

Monongalia County Family Court
75 High Street, Room 311
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7280
West Virginia Family Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Court handles domestic relations matters including divorce, child custody, support, and domestic violence protective orders. Monongalia County is part of the Twentieth Family Court Circuit along with Preston County.

Monongalia County Magistrate Court
75 High Street, Room 230
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7290
West Virginia Magistrate Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (24-hour emergency services available)

Magistrate Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims civil matters (under $10,000), preliminary hearings in felony cases, and issues arrest and search warrants. Four magistrates serve Monongalia County.

Monongalia County Municipal Court (City of Morgantown)
389 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 284-7490
City of Morgantown Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, including traffic infractions, within Morgantown city limits.

These courts operate within a hierarchical structure where appeals from Magistrate and Municipal Courts proceed to Circuit Court, and appeals from Circuit Court proceed to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals (or in some cases, to the Intermediate Court of Appeals established in 2022).

What Types of Cases Do Monongalia County Courts Hear?

Each court within Monongalia County's judicial system maintains specific jurisdictional authority to hear designated case types as established by West Virginia law. This distribution of case responsibilities ensures efficient administration of justice across various legal matters.

Circuit Court Cases:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
• Real property disputes and property rights cases
• Appeals from Magistrate Court decisions
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Child abuse and neglect cases
• Habeas corpus petitions
• Name change petitions
• Expungement proceedings
• Mental hygiene commitments
• Guardianship and conservatorship matters
• Appeals from administrative agencies

Family Court Cases:

• Divorce and annulment proceedings
• Child custody and visitation determinations
• Child support establishment and modification
• Spousal support (alimony) matters
• Equitable distribution of marital property
• Paternity establishment
• Domestic violence protective orders
• Grandparent visitation rights
• Modification of prior family court orders
• Contempt proceedings for violation of family court orders
• Name changes in connection with family law matters

Magistrate Court Cases:

• Misdemeanor criminal offenses
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Civil actions with claims up to $10,000
• Small claims proceedings (up to $5,000)
• Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
• Issuance of emergency protective orders
• Search and arrest warrant applications
• Setting of initial bail in criminal cases
• Traffic violations (non-municipal)
• Public intoxication and minor disturbances
• Worthless check cases

Municipal Court Cases (City of Morgantown):

• Violations of city ordinances
• Municipal traffic infractions
• Parking violations
• Noise complaints
• Building code violations
• Animal control violations
• Public nuisance cases
• Business license violations
• Open container violations
• Other minor offenses within city limits

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in the West Virginia Code §51-2-2 for Circuit Courts, §51-2A-2 for Family Courts, and §50-2-1 for Magistrate Courts. Municipal court jurisdiction is established by city charter and state enabling legislation.

How To Find a Court Docket In Monongalia County

Court dockets in Monongalia County provide essential information about scheduled court proceedings, including hearing dates, times, assigned courtrooms, and case participants. These schedules are accessible through several methods to accommodate public interest in court operations.

To access court docket information:

1. Online Docket Access The West Virginia Judiciary provides online access to certain court schedules through its Court Record Access portal. Users can search for upcoming hearings by:

   • Date range
   • Judge assignment
   • Case type
   • Party name

   This system includes docket information for Circuit Court and, to a limited extent, Family Court proceedings.

2. Magistrate Court Dockets Magistrate Court schedules can be viewed through the Magistrate Case Record Search system, which displays upcoming hearing dates for specific cases when searched by party name or case number.

3. In-Person Docket Review Physical copies of court dockets are posted daily in public areas of the courthouse, typically near courtroom entrances. These printed schedules include:

   • Cases scheduled for the current day
   • Assigned courtroom
   • Presiding judge
   • Scheduled hearing time
   • Case caption information

4. Clerk's Office Inquiry The Circuit Clerk's Office can provide docket information upon request:

   Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
   75 High Street, Room 231
   Morgantown, WV 26505
   (304) 291-7230

   Staff can search for specific cases or provide general docket information for upcoming court sessions.

5. Attorney Access Attorneys registered with the West Virginia State Bar have access to additional docket information through secure portals that may include more detailed scheduling information.

When reviewing docket information, please note:

• Schedules are subject to change, sometimes with limited notice
• Emergency matters may be added to dockets without advance publication
• Some sensitive proceedings (juvenile, mental health) may not appear on public dockets
• Case scheduling may be affected by weather emergencies or courthouse closures

For the most current docket information, contacting the appropriate clerk's office directly is recommended, particularly for matters scheduled more than 24 hours in advance.

Which Courts in Monongalia County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the West Virginia judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and appellate structure. This distinction, established under West Virginia Code §50-5-13, determines how proceedings are documented and how appeals are handled.

Courts not of record in Monongalia County include:

Monongalia County Magistrate Court
75 High Street, Room 230
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-7290
West Virginia Magistrate Courts

City of Morgantown Municipal Court
389 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 284-7490
City of Morgantown Municipal Court

These courts are classified as "not of record" because:

1. Proceedings are not routinely recorded verbatim by court reporters
2. Appeals from these courts result in completely new trials (de novo review) at the Circuit Court level
3. The formal rules of evidence and procedure may be applied less stringently
4. Judges in these courts are not required to be attorneys (though many are)

While these courts do maintain case files and docket information, they do not produce official transcripts of proceedings. Instead, they document:

• Case initiation documents
• Parties' appearances
• Evidence submitted
• Judgments rendered
• Orders issued
• Financial transactions

When a case is appealed from Magistrate or Municipal Court to Circuit Court, the matter is heard completely anew, as if the lower court proceeding had not occurred. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, where appellate review is limited to the existing record and legal errors.

Courts of record in Monongalia County include:

• Circuit Court
• Family Court

These courts maintain comprehensive records of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested, and appeals from these courts are based on the established record rather than de novo review.

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Monongalia County court information

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