Charleston Municipal Court

Charleston Municipal Court cases in Kanawha County, Charleston, WV

Charleston Municipal Court is a municipal court of limited jurisdiction serving the City of Charleston, West Virginia. It adjudicates violations of city ordinances occurring within city limits, including traffic and parking offenses, code-enforcement matters (e.g., housing, building, and nuisance violations), and other municipal misdemeanor offenses prosecuted under local ordinances. The court conducts arraignments, bench trials, and sentencing, may issue summonses and warrants as authorized, and imposes fines, costs, or other sanctions permitted by ordinance and state law. It does not hear general civil lawsuits, family law, juvenile, or felony matters; those are handled by Kanawha County magistrate, family, or circuit courts. Appeals from municipal court typically proceed to the Kanawha County Circuit Court for a trial de novo.

Charleston Municipal Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Charleston Municipal Court

Charleston Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and misdemeanor criminal charges occurring within city limits. Services include: case intake and filings (citations, complaints, motions), case information and records requests, fine/fee payments and payment plans, issuance of warrants and subpoenas, bond/arraignment proceedings, pretrial conferences, bench and jury trials, and sentencing/compliance reviews. The court manages jury services (summons, qualification, scheduling, and juror assistance). It schedules and conducts hearings, including initial appearances and trial dockets, and posts calendars to inform parties. For protective orders, the court provides guidance and referrals to the appropriate court (e.g., family or magistrate), consistent with state law. Public-facing support includes interpreters/ADA accommodations, diversion or community service options where available, and instructions for continuances, failure-to-appear remedies, and appeal procedures.