Fayette County
In February 1831, the Virginia General Assembly established Fayette County, which is named after Marquis de la Fayette. This county is part of the Beckley Metropolitan Statistical Area and covers an area of 668 square miles. Its estimated population is 39,072, and Fayetteville serves as its county seat.
The Fayette County court system includes Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, and several Municipal Courts, each handling distinct subject matters. The Circuit Court serves as the state's trial court of general jurisdiction, addressing all felonies, certain misdemeanors, equity matters, and habeas corpus proceedings. It also hears appeals from the Magistrate and Municipal Courts.
The Fayette Family Court handles a range of family law matters, including paternity, allocation of parental responsibilities, annulments, divorces, and child abuse proceedings. Municipal Courts in Fayette County are limited to cases that arise within their respective municipalities, such as ordinance violations, minor criminal offenses, and traffic violations.
Preliminary hearings in felony cases, misdemeanors, and civil cases in which the amount in dispute does not exceed $10,000 are decided in the Magistrate Court. Additionally, it is responsible for issuing and recording affidavits, arrest warrants, and complaints.
The Circuit Clerk serves as the official records keeper for court documents generated in Circuit and Family Court proceedings. In contrast, records for municipal and magistrate court proceedings are maintained by their respective courts. Most court records are accessible to the public unless sealed by a court order. To access records for criminal, family, and civil cases heard in the Circuit and Family Courts, visit the Clerk's Office in person at 100 Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840.
Fayette County residents can also access information about cases heard in the Magistrate Court online using the Magistrate Records Search resource. By providing details such as the party name, filing date, case ID, party type, or citation number, users can obtain information on the following case types:
- Felony
- Citation
- Worthless check
- Civil
- Wrongful occupation
- Misdemeanor
