Circuit Courts - Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction

The circuit courts are West Virginia’s only general jurisdiction trial courts of record. Circuit courts have jurisdiction over all civil cases at law over $300; all civil cases in equity; proceedings in habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, prohibition, and certiorari; and all felonies and misdemeanors. The circuit courts receive appeals from magistrate court, municipal court, and administrative agencies, excluding workers’ compensation appeals. The circuit courts also hear appeals of family court decisions unless both parties agree to appeal directly to the Supreme Court of Appeals. The circuit courts receive recommended orders from judicial officers who hear mental hygiene and juvenile matters. The Supreme Court of Appeals receives appeals of circuit court decisions.

West Virginia’s 55 counties are divided into 31 circuits with 70 circuit judges. A map of West Virginia’s judicial circuits can be found here. The circuits range in size from one with seven judges to 11 with one judge. Although as few as one or as many as four counties comprise a circuit, each county has a courthouse where the circuit judge presides.

Circuit judges are elected in partisan elections to eight-year terms. They must have practiced law for at least five years. The governor appoints circuit judges to fill vacancies. An appointee who wishes to remain in office must run in the next election.

Map of West Virginia's Judicial Circuits with links to county contact information

Supreme Court | Family Courts
Mental Hygiene | Juvenile | Magistrate Courts | Municipal Courts