West Virginia Courts System is a state-level court system that is divided into the Supreme Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, Magistrate Courts, and Family Courts. The West Virginia court system is dedicated to making sure everyone has access to fair and just proceedings.
From Ritchie County, West Virginia’s two circuit courts to magistrate courts handling criminal misdemeanors, and family courts processing adoptions, guardianships, and name changes, West Virginia’s court system strives to deliver impartial rulings.
Every West Virginian should familiarize themselves with the laws governing their county or state so they can ensure that they are treated fairly by the judicial process. The West Virginia court system serves as a pillar of justice throughout the state and will continue to do so for generations to come. West Virginia residents should take advantage of the West Virginia Court System to ensure that justice is served in their communities and lives.
Circuit Courts in West Virginia
The Circuit Courts are the highest trial courts in West Virginia and have jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. They have exclusive jurisdiction over capital offenses, habeas corpus petitions, appeals from magistrate court judgments, and appeals from family court matters. Ritchie County West Virginias has two circuit courts located in Harrisville and Pennsboro.
Circuit Courts are the courts of general jurisdiction in West Virginia. Ritchie County West Virginia is part of the fourth Judicial Circuit and its circuit court is located in Harrisville, West Virginia. The Circuit Court hears cases involving civil matters such as divorces, personal injury claims, contract disputes, and various other areas of law. Furthermore, it hears criminal trials for felonies and misdemeanors, probates wills and estates, handles guardianship matters, and hears appeals from lower courts.
Court Information
Ritchie County Courthouse
115 East Main Street, Room 301
Harrisville, WV 26362
Phone: 304-643-2164 ext. 229
Fax: 304-643-2534
It is the only court in West Virginia that can impose a life sentence for criminal convictions. The family law division of the Circuit Court handles cases such as divorces, name changes, adoption proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases. In West Virginia, the Circuit Court is the court of original jurisdiction for all criminal felony cases. The Circuit Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $10,000 in dispute. West Virginia Circuit Court Judges are elected to serve eight-year terms and are subject to retention elections every eight years after that.
Magistrate Courts
Magistrate Courts in WV are located in each county and serve as the state’s trial court. Magistrate Courts have limited jurisdiction to hear criminal and civil cases, including traffic infractions. In Ritchie County West Virginia, there is one magistrate court located in Harrisville. This court has jurisdiction over all local ordinances, misdemeanors, landlord-tenant disputes, small civil claims (under $5,000), traffic infractions, preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases, and other miscellaneous matters. Magistrate Courts can also issue search warrants and arrest warrants. As West Virginia’s trial court, the magistrate court acts as a fact finder in most matters that come before it. The court hears evidence from both sides of a dispute and makes determinations based on the law and the evidence presented.
Court Information
Lora Nutt, Clerk
Ritchie County Magistrate Court
100 West Main Street
Harrisville, WV 26362
Phone: 304-643-4409
Fax: 304-643-2311
West Virginia Family Courts
West Virginia Family Courts hear cases involving juvenile matters, domestic violence, and related proceedings, adoptions, guardianships, and name changes. They also have jurisdiction over civil actions between family members or involving children.
In West Virginia’s Ritchie County, there is one Family Court located in the county seat of Harrisville. The Family Court handles all matters about family law and juvenile delinquency, including child custody disputes, adoption proceedings, and domestic violence cases. This court is presided over by a single judge who must be admitted to practice law in West Virginia.
Court Information
Judge Steve Jones
Ritchie County Family Court
101 West Main Street
Harrisville, WV 26362
Phone: 304-643-5667
Fax: 304-643-5668
The Court System takes great pains to ensure that justice is served to all those who are brought before the court. The West Virginia Family Court is no exception, and they strive to provide a fair and equitable forum for resolving family matters in West Virginia. If you have any questions or need more information regarding West Virginia’s Family Court system, please contact the West Virginia Supreme Court at (304) 558-2414.
In Essence
West Virginia Courts System is an important mechanism for ensuring justice in the state. It is important to understand how the court system works to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly by the courts. The court system is a critical part of the legal system in West Virginia and serves an important role in upholding justice for all individuals. Understanding how the West Virginia Court System works is an essential step toward protecting your rights and seeking justice.