Mercer County
Located in southern West Virginia, Mercer County was established in 1837. The county has a land area of 419.0 square miles and a population of over 59,000 residents. Its county seat is Princeton City.
Mercer County's trial court system consists of a Circuit Court, a Magistrate Court, a Family Court, and five municipal courts. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over cases arising in the county, including civil claims, felonies, prerogative reliefs, probate matters, and certain misdemeanors. The court also handles appeals of the decisions of the lower courts. The jurisdiction of the Magistrate Court covers misdemeanor offenses, preliminary hearings for felony cases, and civil claims not exceeding $10,000 in value. The Family Court adjudicates domestic matters such as divorce, family support, paternity, domestic violence, and parental responsibility. Furthermore, some cities and towns in the county, including Bluefield, Matoaka, and Princeton, have municipal courts that handle cases of municipal ordinance violations.
Mercer County public records refer to the collection of official documents generated during legal proceedings of the Circuit, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts. The Mercer County Circuit Clerk maintains official records of the Circuit and Family Court, including civil records, criminal records, family law records, and probate records. Meanwhile, the clerk of the Magistrate Court maintains records of small claims, misdemeanors, and other cases handled by the court. Each municipal court maintains records of its legal proceedings.
To obtain copies of court records from the Circuit Clerk's office, submit a request in person or by mail at the location below:
Mercer County Circuit Clerk
1501 W. Main Street
Suite 111
Princeton, WV 24740
Magistrate Court records may be accessed online through the Magistrate Court Record Search or by contacting the court's clerk at the location below:
120 Scott Street, Suite 103
Princeton, WV 24740
Phone: (304) 431-7115
Fax: (304) 425-6106
Record seekers may obtain case records of the municipal courts by contacting the courthouse where the case was heard.
