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Kanawha County, West Virginia State Court Records

Kanawha County court records are official documents on legal proceedings within the county's Circuit, Magistrate, Family, and Municipal Courts. These documents are a permanent record of legal trials. They ensure fairness and accountability, and maintain the integrity of the county's judicial processes. According to Section 51-3-4 of the West Virginia Code, courts throughout the state are required to maintain records of their proceedings. This rule requires the clerk of court to:

  • Maintain dockets and case files.
  • Preserve orders, judgments, and filings.
  • Record or transcribe legal proceedings when required.

In Kanawha County, the Circuit and Magistrate Courts Clerk's Offices maintain the county's court records and make them accessible in compliance with Section 51-4-2 of the West Virginia Code and Article III, § 17 of the West Virginia Constitution.

Kanawha County's court records may overlap with other public records. For instance, criminal cases may reference arrest records, and divorce cases may lead to vital records. Nonetheless, different agencies maintain these documents through separate systems.

Are Kanawha County Court Records Public?

Yes, Kanawha County's court records are public. Access to court records is guaranteed by the West Virginia Code § 51-1-4a and the West Virginia Constitution Article III, § 17. Nevertheless, public access depends on the type of case and whether there are any legal restrictions. Generally, West Virginia permits public access to most civil, criminal, probate, and traffic case files. However, for privacy and safety reasons, individuals cannot access:

  • Juvenile case files
  • Adoption records
  • Mental health proceedings or involuntary commitments
  • Certain family law matters
  • Records sealed by courts.

Custodians of Kanawha County's court records will also redact sensitive information, such as:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account details
  • Medical or sensitive personal information.

Access to restricted court records is limited to the individuals involved in the case, attorneys of record, and authorized agencies or court personnel.

What Information is Available in Kanawha County Court Records?

While Kanawha County's court records are public, in most cases, access is restricted to basic details. A public-facing Kanawha County court record displays the following types of information:

Case Identification Details

  • Case number
  • Case type (criminal, civil, family, or probate)
  • Filing date
  • Case status (open, closed, or pending)
  • Court location and division handling the case.

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff/Petitioner
  • Defendant/Respondent
  • Attorneys representing each party
  • Judges assigned to the case.

Charges or Claims

  • Criminal case charges filed, and statutes allegedly violated
  • Civil case claims, including complaints or legal disputes
  • Family case issues, such as divorce, custody, or support.

Filings and Legal Documents

  • Complaints, petitions, or indictments
  • Motions filed by either party
  • Responses, answers, and briefs
  • Evidence filings or exhibit lists (availability may vary).

Hearings and Court Proceedings

  • Scheduled hearing and trial dates
  • Docket entries
  • Minutes or summaries of proceedings
  • Transcripts (if requested or prepared).

Orders and Judgments

  • Court orders (temporary or final)
  • Judgments or verdicts
  • Sentencing details in criminal cases
  • Final decrees in civil or family matters.

Financial Information (if applicable)

  • Filing fees and court costs
  • Fines, restitution, or damages awarded
  • Payment status or outstanding balances.

Kanawha County Court Records Search

Kanawha County provides a straightforward process for accessing public court records. Information seekers locate these records through the West Virginia Judiciary Court Records Access System. This system enables users to search for Kanawha County Circuit and Magistrate Court case files by party names, case number, or filing date range.

Interested parties also obtain information by calling (304) 357-0440, visiting the Kanawha County Circuit or Magistrate Court in person, or submitting written requests to the following address:

Kanawha County Judicial Building

111 Court Street,

Charleston,

WV 25301.

Fees for Court Records in Kanawha County

While individuals can access Kanawha County's court records for free, obtaining copies of these documents from their custodians may involve fees. State laws establish the fees for court records. Consequently, the following charges apply when individuals request copies of Kanawha County court records:

  • Standard copies - $1.00 per page
  • Certified copy - $1.00 to $5.00, plus the copy fees
  • Abstract judgment - $5.00
  • Duplicate Audio/CD - $5.00 to $34.00

Individuals who are unable to afford the fees for copies of court records can complete and submit the West Virginia Judiciary Fee Waiver Forms (SCA-C&M201).

For copies of Kanawha County vital records, the Kanawha County Clerk-Recorder's Office charges $5.00 per copy of a document. By comparison, access through the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Health Statistics Center costs $12.00 per copy.

Kanawha County Courthouse Locations

In Kanawha County, the court structure comprises Circuit, Magistrate, Family, and Municipal Courts. The Kanawha County Judicial Building houses the county's Circuit, Magistrate, and Family Courts. Interested parties can contact the various courts in Kanawha County at the following locations:

Kanawha County Circuit, Magistrate, and Family Courts

111 Court Street,

Charleston,

WV 25301

Phone: (304) 357-0440 (Circuit and Magistrate Courts), (304) 558-2567, (304) 357-0474 (Family Court)

Charleston Municipal Court

501 Virginia Street,

Charleston,

WV 25330

Phone: (304) 348-8079

Chesapeake Municipal Court

12404 MacCorkle Avenue SE,

Chesapeake,

WV 25315

Phone: (304) 949-1496

Clendenin Municipal Court

103 1st Street,

Clendenin,

WV 25045

Phone: (304) 548-4192

Dunbar Municipal Court

210 12th Street,

Dunbar,

WV 25064

Phone: (304) 766-0208

East Bank Municipal Court

201 Walnut Street,

East Bank,

WV 25067

Phone: (304) 595-1605.

Criminal Records Access in Kanawha County

The best option to access criminal records in Kanawha County depends on the document type. While Kanawha County's criminal case records are accessible through the West Virginia Judiciary Court Records Access System or local court clerk's offices, the West Virginia State Police Criminal History Unit maintains and issues official criminal history information at the state level. This agency is the central repository for all criminal convictions and arrest information throughout the state. Eligible entities can request official criminal history reports for employment background checks, licensing purposes, or legal and security screenings through the West Virginia State Police.

Kanawha County Probate Records

Kanawha County probate court records are official documentation on how the Kanawha County Clerk's Office Fiduciary (Probate) Division handles a person's assets or personal affairs after their demise or during periods of incapacity. These records encompass documents relating:

  • Will probates
  • Guardianships
  • Conservatorships
  • Trust administration
  • Intestate successions.

Similar to most court records, Kanawha County's probate records are public. However, certain will and probate filings are confidential, especially information about minors, mental health, or sensitive financial details.

Kanawha County Family Court Records

Kanawha County family court records are official documents of legal trials within the Kanawha County Family Court. These include documentation on family-related matters, such as divorce, child custody, visitation, adoption, and child or spousal support within the Kanawha County Family Court.

In Kanawha County, family court records are public. However, for privacy reasons, sensitive case deals, such as those involving adoption, minors, or domestic violence protections, are often confidential and not publicly accessible by law.

While individuals may find basic case details such as party names, case status, and hearing dates through the West Virginia Judiciary Court Records Access System, access to full case files and certified copies of Kanawha County's family court records requires a formal request through the clerk's office of the Kanawha County Family Court at:

Kanawha County Judicial Building

111 Court Street,

Charleston,

WV 25301.

Additionally, access to certified copies of Kanawha County family court records requires valid government-issued photo identification documents.

Federal Court Records in Kanawha County

The United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia handles federal cases originating from Kanawha County. This includes the following categories of civil and criminal trials:

Federal criminal cases

  • Violations of federal law (for instance, drug trafficking, mail and wire fraud, and tax evasion)
  • Federal firearms or weapons offenses
  • White-collar crimes involving interstate activity

Civil Cases

  • Civil rights claims under federal statutes
  • Employment or labor disputes under federal law
  • Personal injury or tort cases with federal jurisdiction
  • Diversity cases where parties are from different states, and the amount in controversy exceeds federal thresholds.

Bankruptcy Cases

  • Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 cases involving individuals or businesses

Specialized Federal Cases

  • Patent and intellectual property disputes
  • Environmental and regulatory law cases under federal statutes
  • Federal contract disputes and government litigation
  • Habeas corpus petitions and challenges to federal detentions.

Online access to U.S. federal case files is through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). PACER is a nationwide online system that allows users to search and view:

  • Federal docket entries
  • Court filings and pleadings
  • Orders and judgments
  • Bankruptcy documents
  • Miscellaneous filings, such as:
  • Notices of appeal or appellate filings
  • Habeas corpus petitions or other specialized filings
  • Case-related administrative documents.

For offline access to case files on federal trials emanating from Kanawha County, interested parties should contact the Clerk's Office for the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at:

Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse

300 Virginia Street East, Suite 2400,

Charleston,

WV 25301

Phone: (304) 347-3000, (304) 347-3002 (general inquiries)

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 2546,

Charleston,

WV 25329.