Kanawha County Court Records
What Is Kanawha County Court Records
Court records in Kanawha County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. 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
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate documents and estate inventories
It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Kanawha County. While property records, vital statistics, and tax documents are also public records, they are typically maintained by different county departments rather than the court system.
The Kanawha County court system includes several courts that generate and maintain records:
- Circuit Court (8th Judicial Circuit)
- Family Court (11th Family Court Circuit)
- Magistrate Court
- Municipal Courts (including Charleston Municipal Court)
These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations, all generating distinct record types that become part of the county's judicial archives.
Are Court Records Public In Kanawha County
Court records in Kanawha County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act 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 West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has established specific rules governing public access to court records through Administrative Rule 10, which balances transparency with privacy concerns. Under this rule, the following court records are typically available to the public:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments, orders, and opinions
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Records of court proceedings that were open to the public
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile records (except in limited circumstances)
- Mental hygiene proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing sensitive personal identifiers
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain family court matters involving children
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia (which includes Kanawha County) are governed by federal rules rather than state provisions, though they generally maintain similar public access principles.
How To Find Court Records in Kanawha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Kanawha County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital systems for record retrieval.
To obtain court records in person:
- Identify the specific court that holds the records of interest (Circuit, Family, Magistrate, or Municipal).
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, providing case numbers or party names.
- Present valid identification if required.
- Pay any applicable search or copying fees.
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk's Office
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-357-0400
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
For remote access to court records:
- Access the West Virginia Judiciary's online portal for circuit court records.
- Use the Magistrate Case Record Search for magistrate court cases.
- Submit a written request via mail to the appropriate clerk's office, including:
- Specific case information
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
Pursuant to West Virginia Code §59-1-11, the clerk may charge reasonable fees for searching and copying records. Currently, copy fees are $1.00 per page for most court documents, with certified copies incurring additional charges.
For records that are not available online, requestors may need to submit a formal records request under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which requires agencies to respond within five business days.
How To Look Up Court Records in Kanawha County Online?
Kanawha County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary. Each system contains different record types and requires specific search parameters.
For Circuit Court records:
- Navigate to the West Virginia Judiciary's Circuit Court Records Search.
- Select "Circuit Court Case Information" from the available options.
- Choose Kanawha County from the dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or filing date range.
- Review the search results, which typically include case type, filing date, party names, and case status.
- Note that while docket information is available online, full document images may require in-person retrieval.
For Magistrate Court records:
- Access the Magistrate Case Record Search portal.
- Select Kanawha County from the jurisdiction options.
- Enter search parameters including defendant name, case number, or citation number.
- Review the case summary information provided.
- As noted on the Magistrate Record Search information page, users seeking copies of specific documents must contact the magistrate court clerk directly.
For Family Court matters:
- Limited information is available through the Circuit Court Records Search.
- Due to confidentiality concerns, many family court records require in-person requests.
- Case status and hearing dates may be viewable online, but document contents typically are not.
For Charleston Municipal Court:
- Visit the Charleston Municipal Court website.
- Follow the instructions for online case lookup if available.
- Note that municipal court records may have limited online availability.
Users should be aware that pursuant to West Virginia Trial Court Rule 10.04, certain sensitive information is redacted from online court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.
How To Search Kanawha County Court Records for Free?
West Virginia law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under West Virginia Code §59-1-11(b)(4), "The clerk shall permit a person to examine the record or document without charge."
Free access options for Kanawha County court records include:
-
In-person inspection at the clerk's office during regular business hours:
- Circuit Court records may be viewed at the Kanawha County Courthouse
- Magistrate Court records are available at the Kanawha County Judicial Building
- Family Court records (with certain restrictions) at the Family Court offices
-
Online search systems with no access fees:
- The West Virginia Judiciary's Circuit Court Records Search provides free access to basic case information
- The Magistrate Case Record Search allows free searches of magistrate court cases
- The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals offers free access to appellate case information
Public access terminals are also available at the Kanawha County Courthouse for individuals without internet access. These terminals provide free access to the same online systems available remotely.
While searching records is free, requestors should note that:
- Printing or copying documents incurs fees (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies have additional charges
- Extensive research assistance by clerk staff may result in research fees
- Some specialized searches may require payment of statutory fees
The Kanawha County Public Library also offers free internet access where patrons can utilize the court's online search systems without charge.
What's Included in a Kanawha County Court Record?
Kanawha County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents are governed by West Virginia Trial Court Rule 10.01, which defines court records as "any document, information, data, or other item created, collected, received, or maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding."
Circuit Court records typically include:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Responsive pleadings (answers, motions to dismiss)
- Court orders and judgments
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Witness and exhibit lists
- Trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Verdict forms and judgment orders
- Appeal notices and related documents
Magistrate Court records generally contain:
- Criminal complaints and warrants
- Civil complaints and summonses
- Financial affidavits
- Judgment orders
- Payment records for fines and costs
- Bond documentation
- Case disposition information
Family Court files may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Financial disclosures
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Mediation agreements
- Custody evaluation reports
Municipal Court records typically contain:
- Citations and tickets
- Plea information
- Sentencing orders
- Fine and court cost assessments
- Compliance documentation
Each record also contains a docket sheet or register of actions that chronologically lists all events in the case, including hearings, filings, and judicial actions. Case management information such as scheduling data, party contact information, and attorney appearances is also maintained.
Pursuant to West Virginia Code §51-4-3, court clerks must ensure all records are properly indexed to facilitate retrieval by case number, party name, and filing date.
How Long Does Kanawha County Keep Court Records?
Kanawha County courts retain records according to schedules established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals under its constitutional authority to administer the state court system. The retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
The West Virginia Court Records Management and Preservation Act provides the statutory framework for records retention, with specific schedules detailed in the West Virginia Court Records Retention Schedule.
Common retention periods include:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 50 years after final decree
- Probate matters: Permanently maintained
- Juvenile proceedings: Until subject reaches age 25, then destroyed (with exceptions)
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Cases of historical or precedential significance are identified for permanent retention regardless of case type. Additionally, case indices and docket books are permanently maintained even when underlying case files may be destroyed.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The West Virginia Supreme Court has implemented a digital archiving system to ensure long-term preservation of electronic court records.
Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the court clerk and circuit judge before disposal. Parties to cases scheduled for destruction may request copies before the destruction date by contacting the appropriate clerk's office.
Researchers seeking historical court records should note that older records may be transferred to the West Virginia State Archives, particularly those predating the 20th century.
Types of Courts In Kanawha County
Kanawha County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority as established under the West Virginia Constitution and state law.
Kanawha County Circuit Court (8th Judicial Circuit)
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-357-0400
Kanawha County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Kanawha County Family Court (11th Family Court Circuit)
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-357-0401
Kanawha County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Kanawha County Magistrate Court
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-357-0350
Kanawha County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (24-hour availability for emergencies)
Charleston Municipal Court
501 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
304-348-8079
Charleston Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The court hierarchy in West Virginia proceeds from limited-jurisdiction courts (Magistrate and Municipal) to general jurisdiction courts (Circuit), with appeals ultimately reaching the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. The West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals, established in 2022, now serves as an intermediate appellate body between the Circuit Courts and Supreme Court of Appeals.
Each court level maintains its own clerk's office responsible for record-keeping functions. The Circuit Clerk serves both the Circuit and Family Courts, while Magistrate and Municipal Courts maintain separate record systems.
What Types of Cases Do Kanawha County Courts Hear?
Each court within Kanawha County's judicial system has specific jurisdictional authority to hear certain case types as prescribed by West Virginia law.
Circuit Court (8th Judicial Circuit) handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $10,000 in controversy
- Appeals from Magistrate Court, Family Court, and administrative agencies
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Mental hygiene matters
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Injunctions and other equitable remedies
- Probate of wills and estate administration
- Land disputes and property rights cases
Family Court (11th Family Court Circuit) presides over:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child and spousal support matters
- Paternity establishment
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Name change petitions
- Grandparent visitation rights
- Property division in domestic relations cases
- Pre-nuptial agreement enforcement
Magistrate Court adjudicates:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $10,000
- Small claims proceedings (up to $5,000)
- Emergency protective orders
- Search and arrest warrant issuance
- Traffic violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Public intoxication and minor offenses
Charleston Municipal Court handles:
- City ordinance violations
- Certain traffic offenses occurring within city limits
- Parking violations
- Public nuisance cases
- Building code violations
- Animal control matters
- Minor misdemeanors within city jurisdiction
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules 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 authority derives from city charters and West Virginia Code §8-10-1.
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals provides administrative oversight for all courts within the state judicial system, ensuring uniform procedures and case management practices.
How To Find a Court Docket In Kanawha County
Court dockets in Kanawha County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods.
For Circuit Court dockets:
- Visit the West Virginia Judiciary's Circuit Court Records Search portal.
- Select "Circuit Court Case Information" from the available options.
- Choose Kanawha County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Search by case number, party name, or date range.
- Review the docket entries, which typically include filing dates, document titles, and hearing information.
For Magistrate Court dockets:
- Access the Magistrate Case Record Search system.
- Select Kanawha County as the jurisdiction.
- Enter search criteria such as defendant name or case number.
- View the chronological listing of case events and scheduled proceedings.
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours.
- Request to view the daily or weekly court calendar.
- Provide case-specific information if seeking a particular matter.
- Review physical docket books or access public terminals.
For hearing schedules:
- Contact the specific court division where the case is pending.
- Provide the case number or party names.
- Request information about upcoming hearings or proceedings.
Pursuant to West Virginia Trial Court Rule 10.03, court dockets are public records available for inspection unless specifically sealed by court order. Daily court calendars are typically posted near courtroom entrances and may also be available on the court's website or through the clerk's office.
Attorneys registered with the West Virginia State Bar may have additional access to docket information through the court's e-filing system, which provides electronic notifications of case activities and scheduled hearings.
Which Courts in Kanawha County Are Not Courts of Record?
In West Virginia's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive documentation of all case activities. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically maintain more limited documentation and do not routinely create verbatim transcripts.
Pursuant to West Virginia Code §50-5-8, Magistrate Courts are classified as courts not of record. In Kanawha County, this includes:
Kanawha County Magistrate Court
111 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-357-0350
Kanawha County Magistrate Court
Similarly, municipal courts throughout Kanawha County are not courts of record, including:
Charleston Municipal Court
501 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
304-348-8079
Charleston Municipal Court
The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) rather than based on review of a transcript
- Proceedings are not routinely recorded verbatim, though audio recordings may be made
- Documentation focuses on essential orders, judgments, and case disposition information
- Formal rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
By contrast, Kanawha County Circuit Court and Family Court are courts of record as defined by West Virginia Code §51-2-1 and §51-2A-1 respectively. These courts maintain comprehensive records including verbatim transcripts of proceedings when requested.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new proceeding rather than reviewing the lower court's record for errors.
Lookup Court Records in Kanawha County
West Virginia Judiciary Circuit Court Records Search
Magistrate Court Case Search System
Kanawha County Court Information