Raleigh County Court Records Search
WestVirginiaCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on WestVirginiaCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Raleigh County sits within West Virginia’s Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, with the county seat in Beckley. The county’s court system—comprising the Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, and several municipal courts—generates and preserves extensive records spanning criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters, probate proceedings, and local ordinance violations. These records document every stage of a case, from initial filings through final disposition, and are maintained primarily by the Circuit Clerk’s office at the Raleigh County Judicial Center.
Court records in Raleigh County can be located through a combination of official online tools, in-person visits, and written requests. West Virginia’s unified judicial system provides statewide search capabilities for both circuit and magistrate court cases through its official website, and WestVirginiaCourts.us may assist users in identifying publicly available case information. The Circuit Clerk’s office serves as the primary records custodian for circuit and family court filings, while the Magistrate Court Clerk handles records from proceedings before the county’s magistrates. Public-access terminals at the Raleigh County Judicial Center allow visitors to review electronic case information during office hours, and the West Virginia Judiciary maintains online search portals that provide remote access to certain case data.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Raleigh County?
There are several methods for locating court case information in Raleigh County, depending on the court that handled the matter and the type of information needed.
Online searches
The West Virginia Judiciary provides two primary online search tools:
- West Virginia Public Access Search System (WVPASS) — The WVPASS portal offers online access to publicly available circuit court documents from all 55 West Virginia counties, including Raleigh County. The system contains records dating back to 1999. Users can search by party name, case number, or other identifying details to locate civil, criminal, and family court records filed in the Circuit Court.
- Magistrate Court Record Search — The Magistrate Record Search tool allows anyone with an internet-enabled device to look up magistrate court case information statewide. A search by first or last name or by case number generates a list of up to 30 matching records, displaying basic case details such as charges, parties, and disposition information.
In-person requests
Anyone may visit the Circuit Clerk’s office during regular business hours to view or request copies of court records. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk
Raleigh County Judicial Center
222 Main Street
P.O. Box 2518
Beckley, WV 25802
Phone: (304) 255-9135
Fax: (304) 255-9353
Written requests can be submitted by mail to the same address. Requesters should include the case number (if known), the names of the parties involved, the approximate year of filing, and a description of the specific documents sought.
Copy fees
The Circuit Clerk charges fees for document reproduction. Under WV Code § 59-1-11, the clerk collects $1 per page for transcripts, copies, or papers prepared for use outside the office. The Raleigh County Clerk’s Office maintains a separate fee schedule for recorded documents, with charges varying based on the number of pages, certification requirements, and postage. Payment is accepted by check, money order, cash (in person), or credit card.
Court locations
The following courts operate within Raleigh County:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh County Circuit Court | 222 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801 | (304) 255-9135 |
| Raleigh County Magistrate Court | 222 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801 | (304) 255-9197 |
| Raleigh County Family Court | 222 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801 | (304) 256-6749 |
| Beckley Municipal Court | 340 West Prince Street, Beckley, WV 25801 | (304) 256-1719 |
| Sophia Municipal Court | 100 East Railroad Avenue, Sophia, WV 25921 | (304) 683-4456 |
| Mabscott Municipal Court | 302 White Stick Street, Mabscott, WV 25871 | (304) 253-5654 |
| Lester Municipal Court | 122 Grandison Road, Lester, WV 25865 | (304) 934-6301 |
Are Court Records Public in Raleigh County?
The default rule in West Virginia is that court records are open to public inspection. WV Code § 51-4-2 requires clerks of court to make the records and papers of every court proceeding available for public inspection and to furnish copies when requested. This statutory mandate applies across all court levels in Raleigh County, including the Circuit Court, Family Court, and Magistrate Court.
WV Trial Court Rule 10.04 reinforces this principle by authorizing public members to obtain updated and complete information about judicial operations, except where specific statutes or court orders impose restrictions. When access to a record is limited, the court clerk may provide information about the nature of the restriction, its duration, and the basis for it.
Records that are generally accessible to the public in Raleigh County include:
- Criminal case filings, including complaints, indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and judgments
- Civil case documents, including complaints, motions, orders, and final judgments
- Family court filings, including divorce petitions and decrees (though certain attachments may be restricted)
- Magistrate court records for civil and criminal matters
- Probate records, including estate administration filings and will proceedings
- Property records, including deeds, trust deeds, and liens
Records that are restricted or confidential include:
- Sealed records — Under WV Code § 53-8-17, sealed records are not available for public viewing or copying. A person seeking access to a sealed record must petition the court and demonstrate a legitimate reason. The court may grant access under specific terms and conditions.
- Juvenile proceedings — Records involving minors in delinquency or status offense cases are confidential by statute.
- Adoption records — Adoption files are sealed and require a court order to access.
- Mental hygiene proceedings — Records from involuntary hospitalization and commitment cases are restricted.
- Certain domestic relations filings — Financial affidavits, psychological evaluations, and other sensitive documents filed in family court cases may be subject to access limitations.
The Circuit Clerk may destroy records in accordance with the record retention schedule established under WV Code § 51-4-3. Once records are destroyed pursuant to the schedule, they are no longer available.
Vital records access follows a separate timeline. Under WV Code § 16-5 and the corresponding state regulation, vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates) become publicly accessible 100 years after the date of birth or 50 years after the date of death, marriage, divorce, or annulment. Before those thresholds, access to certified copies is limited to authorized individuals.
Raleigh County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Raleigh County are handled primarily by the Circuit Court and the Magistrate Court. The Circuit Court, as the general jurisdiction trial court, adjudicates felony cases and more serious misdemeanors. Magistrate Court handles misdemeanor cases, conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases, and processes criminal complaints, arrest warrants, search warrants, and bail determinations. Magistrates also have jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed $20,000.
Searching criminal court records
Criminal case records from the Circuit Court can be searched through the WVPASS portal, which provides access to publicly available circuit court documents statewide. For magistrate-level criminal cases, the Magistrate Court Record Search offers free online access to case data. In-person requests for detailed criminal case documents should be directed to the Circuit Clerk at (304) 255-9135 or the Magistrate Court Clerk at (304) 255-9197.
Arrest records and law enforcement sources
The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office generates and maintains arrest records for incidents handled by county deputies. The Sheriff’s Office offers an online services portal through which individuals can purchase local criminal background checks for $20 (plus a processing surcharge of 2.2% + $1.00 for online transactions).
City police departments within the county also maintain arrest records. The Beckley Police Department’s Records Division processes requests for police reports and arrest information within city limits.
Statewide criminal history checks
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau serves as the state repository for criminal history records. The bureau processes fingerprint-based background checks through its approved vendor, IdentoGO. Individuals needing a formal criminal background check that covers statewide records should contact the Criminal Identification Bureau at (304) 746-2179 or visit the IdentoGO website to schedule an appointment.
Criminal case filing fees
Under WV Code § 59-1-11, the Circuit Clerk collects the following fees in criminal cases upon conviction:
- Misdemeanor conviction: $85
- Felony conviction: $105 (of which $10 is deposited in the Courthouse Facilities Improvement Fund)
- Criminal bond processing: $25 per bond
Raleigh County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Raleigh County is distributed between the Circuit Court and the Magistrate Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court handles civil cases involving claims exceeding $300, including breach of contract, personal injury, property disputes, foreclosures, landlord-tenant matters, habeas corpus proceedings, and equitable actions. The Magistrate Court handles small claims and civil disputes where the financial amount does not exceed $20,000.
Filing fees for civil actions
The fees for instituting civil actions in the Circuit Court, as established by WV Code § 59-1-11, are:
- General civil action: $200
- Medical professional liability action: $280
- Each additional defendant or respondent beyond the first: $15
- Counterclaim, cross-claim, third-party complaint, or motion to intervene: $200
- Filing a suggestion and serving notice by certified mail: $25
- Issuing an execution: $25
- Preparing an abstract of judgment: $5
- Per-page copy fee for transcripts or papers leaving the office: $1
Small claims and civil matters within the Magistrate Court’s jurisdiction carry separate filing fees as set by statute.
Requesting civil court records
To obtain copies of civil case documents from the Circuit Court, individuals may visit the Circuit Clerk’s office in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), submit a written request by mail to P.O. Box 2518, Beckley, WV 25802, or call (304) 255-9135 for assistance. The WVPASS portal provides online access to circuit court civil case documents, while the Magistrate Court Record Search covers cases filed in Magistrate Court.
Property-related civil records
Civil actions related to property—including foreclosures, evictions, partitions, and lien disputes—are filed in the Circuit Court. For recorded property documents such as deeds, trust deeds, right-of-way agreements, and liens, the Raleigh County Clerk’s Office maintains the county’s official property records. The record room can be reached by email at recordroom@raleighcounty.gov. The Raleigh County Assessor’s Office also provides a Real Property Search portal that allows the public to look up parcel information by owner name, address, parcel ID, or deed book and page.
Raleigh County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Raleigh County are adjudicated by the Family Court, which is part of the Thirteenth Family Court Circuit (covering Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties). The Family Court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child visitation, child support, paternity, domestic violence petitions, and related domestic relations matters. The Circuit Clerk’s office serves as the official record keeper for all Family Court filings.
Raleigh County Family Court
Raleigh County Judicial Center
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: (304) 256-6749
Fax: (304) 256-6811
Filing fees for family actions
Under WV Code § 59-1-11, the fees for family court matters include:
- Divorce, separate maintenance, or annulment: $135
- Modification of child custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support: $85
- Expedited modification of child support: $35
Marriage licenses and certificates
Marriage licenses are issued by the Raleigh County Clerk’s Office. Couples must appear together in person by appointment. To schedule, call (304) 255-9123. The license fee is $57 (cash, personal check, or credit card), reduced to $37 if applicants present a premarital education course completion certificate. The license is valid for 60 days and effective only in West Virginia.
Applicants must provide:
- Valid photo identification proving age (driver’s license, state-issued ID, military ID, passport, or passport card)
- Social Security numbers
- Parents’ full birth names and birthplaces
- Date, manner, and documentation of any prior marriage ending (divorce decree or death certificate required if the prior marriage ended within six months)
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for $5 per copy from the County Clerk’s Office. Requests can be submitted in person, by email to countyclerk@raleighcounty.gov, or by mail using the Marriage Certificate Application form. Mail requests should include a copy of a state-issued ID and a check or money order payable to the Raleigh County Clerk, plus $1 for shipping and handling (for up to five copies). Send requests to:
Raleigh County Clerk’s Office
Attn: Vital Registration
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Divorce records
Divorce decrees and related case documents are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s office. Individuals can request copies by visiting the office or submitting a written request. The West Virginia Vital Registration Office in Charleston also issues certified copies of divorce certificates for $12 per copy. Mail requests should include the completed application form, a color copy of photo identification, and a check or money order sent to the Vital Registration Office, 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301-3701. In-person orders at the Charleston office are typically processed the same day, while mail requests take five to 15 business days.
Birth and death records
Certified copies of birth and death certificates are available from the Raleigh County Clerk’s Office for $5 each (plus postage). The Clerk’s office holds vital records dating back to the county’s formation in 1850. Requests can be submitted using the birth certificate application or death certificate application in person, by email, or by mail. Access to certified copies is limited to the person named on the record, spouses, parents, children, immediate family members, legal representatives, guardians, or persons who can demonstrate proof of relationship. Mail requests must include a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license.
Certified copies can also be ordered from the state Vital Registration Office for $12 per copy, with the same identification and eligibility requirements.
Raleigh County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Raleigh County are administered by the County Clerk’s probate office rather than the Circuit Court. The probate office handles estate administration, appointment of executors and administrators, will proceedings, guardianships, and related matters.
Types of probate proceedings
The Raleigh County probate office processes estates through several methods:
- Testate — When the decedent left an original signed will.
- Intestate — When the decedent died without a will.
- Ancillary — When the decedent was not a West Virginia resident but owned real estate in Raleigh County.
- Small Estate Affidavit — A simplified process available for estates with assets below a certain threshold. This option is at the discretion of the probate office and is not available when the estate includes real estate, per WV Code § 44-1A-2. Some financial institutions may decline to accept a Small Estate Affidavit and require full probate instead.
Required documents
Before initiating estate proceedings, the probate office requires either a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate or a letter from the funeral home (on letterhead) that includes the decedent’s date of death, county of residence, and Social Security number. Individuals with real estate in the estate should contact the Raleigh County Assessor’s Office at (304) 255-9120 to confirm property values before visiting the probate office.
Fees and contact information
Probate fees are determined at the time of appointment based on the type of administration. Payment is accepted by cash, check, credit card, or money order payable to the Raleigh County Clerk. For questions about the probate process or to schedule an appointment, contact the probate office:
Raleigh County Probate Office
Phone: (304) 252-0161
Email: probate@raleighcounty.gov
Raleigh County Clerk’s Office
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: (304) 255-9123
Email: countyclerk@raleighcounty.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Vital Registration/Probate)
Probate records generated during estate proceedings are maintained by the County Clerk’s office and are generally accessible to the public, consistent with the open records provisions of WV Code § 51-4-2. Individuals seeking copies should contact the probate office directly or visit the Clerk’s Office during business hours.