Find Lawyers in West Virginia

Within the West Virginia judicial branch, there are two federal district courts, a state supreme court of appeals, an intermediate court of appeals, and multiple trial courts.

• City Courts
• District Courts
• Circuit Courts
• West Virginia Court of Appeals
• West Virginia Supreme Court

It’s interesting to note that the vast majority of cases will be held in front of a District Court, then depending on the outcome, the case can be elevated to higher courts.  In the end,  the Supreme Court is considered the highest authority.

The Federal District Courts in West Virginia are:

• Northern District of West Virginia
• Southern District of West Virginia

Trial Courts:

West Virginia Magistrate Courts

In West Virginia, there are 158 magistrate courts, and are the lowest courts in the state.   They hear minor cases, perform preliminary investigations in felony proceedings, and listen to civil disputes involving $5,000 or less. Circuit courts can hear appeals for cases lost in magistrate court.

West Virginia Circuit Courts

In West Virginia, there are a total of  31 circuit courts. These courts have a wide jurisdiction in West Virginia and deal with civil disputes such as private property rights.  Generally, the Circuit Courts don’t deal with criminal activities.

West Virginia Family Courts

Family courts are the venues for hearing and resolving conflicts involving children and families.  Depending on the nature of the case, decisions from the family court can be appealed to circuit courts or the Supreme Court.

West Virginia Municipal Courts

The municipal courts deal with simple cases regarding municipal or city bylaw violations.

Facts:

Did you know there are 4,673 lawyers currently practicing law in the state?

Other Links:

• West Virginia Judiciary
• West Virginia State Bar
• West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Library
• West Virginia Legal Aid