Docket information about public cases filed in West Virginia magistrate courts is now available online to the public for free.
“The Magistrate Case Record Search system greatly improves access to court records. The Supreme Court continues to fulfill its commitment to make the court system more open to the public,” said Chief Justice Tim Armstead during a media conference on Thursday, Jan. 25, in the West Virginia Law Library.
The link to access the records is https://MCRSearch.courtswv.gov.
“The search system is free to use and does not require registration.” Chief Justice Armstead said. Anyone with a computer or mobile device can enter a first or last name or a case number and the system will generate search results. A typical list contains names and birthdates, as well as general details of each case, such as the date each case was filed, charge, disposition, and a list of documents in the court file.
Users should call or visit the magistrate court clerk in the county where a case is filed to obtain copies of specific court records. Clerks charge a nominal fee required by law for copies. The search system helps callers and visitors to know what to ask for and which county they need to contact. The public can continue to use existing public access terminals located in each magistrate court clerk’s office, which will be enhanced to include search results from all counties statewide.
“We are making this announcement in the West Virginia Law Library to emphasize that users can now search magistrate court records from anywhere at any time, including from their own computers, mobile devices, or computers located in public libraries,” Chief Justice Armstead said. “Our Court recognizes that our court system is here to serve our citizens. This represents the latest step in our Court’s ongoing efforts to make our legal proceedings more open and accessible.”