Preston County Court Records

Preston County court records are the official documentation of civil, criminal, family, and other judicial proceedings that take place within the county’s court system. These records provide insight into court actions and decisions, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the judicial process. Court records typically include dockets, orders, case filings (such as petitions and complaints), transcripts of proceedings, judgments, and electronic audio or video recordings when available.

Are Court Records Public in Preston County?

In most cases, yes. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WV Code §§29B-1-1 through 29B-1-7), the general public has the right to access government records, including those maintained by the courts, unless a specific legal provision restricts disclosure. As a result, most Preston County court records are open to public inspection.

However, certain categories of records are not publicly accessible. Federal and state laws protect sensitive information and certain classes of records. For example:

• Social Security Numbers: WV Code §5A-8-22 prohibits the disclosure of personal identifiers like Social Security numbers.
• Juvenile Court Records: WV Code §49-5-103 restricts public access to records of juvenile proceedings.
• Adoption Records, Medical Records, and Records Sealed or Expunged by Court Order: These are also generally exempt from public disclosure.

Preston County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking court records can begin their search through several avenues:

1. Clerk’s Offices in Local Courthouses:
   The Circuit Clerk, Magistrate Clerk, and Family Court Clerk maintain their respective court documents. Interested parties may visit these offices in person to request case files.
2. West Virginia Judiciary’s Magistrate Court Case Search:
   Magistrate-level case information can be found online through the West Virginia Judiciary’s Magistrate Case Search portal, accessible at the state’s official judiciary website.
3. Reputable Third-Party Websites:
   Some trusted non-government websites compile and provide court record searches. While potentially convenient, users should verify the credibility of these sources, as government agencies do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of third-party listings.

Preston County Courts

The Preston County court system consists of the Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, and Family Court. Additionally, several municipalities within the county may hold limited-jurisdiction municipal courts that oversee ordinance violations and other minor matters.

• Preston County Circuit Court
  Preston County Courthouse
  101 West Main Street, Suite 201
  Kingwood, WV 26537
  Phone: (304) 329-0066
  Fax: (304) 329-3418
• Preston County Magistrate Court
  Preston County Courthouse Annex
  106 West Main Street
  Kingwood, WV 26537
  Phone: (304) 329-2764
  Fax: (304) 329-2794
• Preston County Family Court
  Preston County Courthouse Annex
  106 West Main Street
  Kingwood, WV 26537
  Phone: (304) 329-4145

Municipal Courts in Preston County

Several towns in Preston County have municipal courts or a similar local judicial body to handle city-level infractions:

• Kingwood Municipal Court
  Kingwood City Hall
  313 Price Street
  Kingwood, WV 26537
  Phone: (304) 329-1225
• Terra Alta Municipal Court
  Terra Alta Town Hall
  701 East State Avenue
  Terra Alta, WV 26764
  Phone: (304) 789-6661
• Rowlesburg Municipal Court
  Rowlesburg Town Hall
  P.O. Box 458
  Rowlesburg, WV 26425
  Phone: (304) 454-2441
• Masontown Municipal Court
  Masontown Town Hall
  101 East Main Street
  Masontown, WV 26542
  Phone: (304) 864-5555
• Reedsville Municipal Court
  Reedsville Town Hall
  152 Main Street
  Reedsville, WV 26547
  Phone: (304) 864-3437
• Tunnelton Municipal Court
  Town of Tunnelton
  P.O. Box 186
  Tunnelton, WV 26444
  Phone: (304) 568-2204
• Albright Municipal Court
  Albright Town Hall
  P.O. Box 242
  Albright, WV 26519
  Phone: (304) 329-4109
• Brandonville Municipal Court
  Brandonville Town Hall
  P.O. Box 33
  Brandonville, WV 26525
  Phone: (304) 735-5414
• Newburg Municipal Court
  Newburg Town Hall
  P.O. Box 1
  Newburg, WV 26410
  Phone: (304) 892-3838

Not all municipalities may hold regular municipal court proceedings. For the most current information, individuals should contact the respective town hall.

Preston County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records in Preston County document an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, judgments, and sentencing. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Preston County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments, generate arrest records and related documentation. Meanwhile, the courts maintain records of criminal case filings, proceedings, and outcomes.

For state-level background checks, interested parties can submit requests to the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) Criminal Identification Bureau. Third-party requesters must have a signed, notarized authorization from the individual named in the record. To learn more about obtaining state-level criminal background checks, visit the WVSP website or contact the bureau by phone at (304) 746-2450 or fax at (304) 746-2294.

Preston County’s civil court cases are generally heard in either the Magistrate Court (claims of $10,000 or less) or the Circuit Court (claims over $300). Individuals seeking civil case records can:

• For Circuit Court Cases:
  Contact the Preston County Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Preston County Courthouse. Providing the case number, litigant names, or filing dates will help staff locate the requested files.
• For Magistrate Court Cases:
  Use the West Virginia Judiciary’s Magistrate Case Search online portal or request records in person through the Magistrate Clerk’s Office at the Preston County Courthouse Annex.

Preston County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Preston County are maintained by the County Clerk’s Office. Certified copies of marriage certificates are generally accessible to the spouses, their immediate family members, and other authorized individuals. To request a certified marriage certificate:

1. Complete the Application for Certified Copies of Vital Records available from the County Clerk.
2. Include a copy of a valid, government-issued photo ID.
3. Enclose the required fee (often $5 per certified copy—contact the Clerk’s Office for confirmation).

Submit the completed application and required documentation by mail or in person to:

Preston County Clerk’s Office
106 W. Main Street, Room 103
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0070

Certified copies of Preston County marriage records can also be obtained through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). The DHHR charges $12 per certified copy. Requests can be mailed to:

Vital Registration Office
Room 165
350 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301-3701
Phone: (304) 558-2931

Preston County Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings and other family law matters in Preston County fall under the jurisdiction of the Family Court. Divorce records are considered sensitive and are only available to the former spouses, their legal representatives, or individuals granted access by court order. To request divorce records, contact:

Preston County Circuit Clerk (serving Family Court)
101 West Main Street, Suite 201
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0066

Preston County Birth and Death Records

The Preston County Clerk’s Office maintains birth and death records. These are considered privileged documents; certified copies are limited to the subject of the record, their immediate family members (parents, current spouse, children, siblings), and authorized attorneys. To request a birth or death certificate:

1. Complete the Application for Certified Copies of Vital Records form.
2. Include a photocopy of your valid government-issued ID.
3. Pay the required fee (commonly $5 per certified copy—verify with the Clerk’s Office).

Mail the completed application, ID, and fees to:

Preston County Clerk’s Office
106 W. Main Street, Room 103
Kingwood, WV 26537

Alternatively, eligible parties can obtain state-certified copies of birth and death records through the DHHR at the address and phone number listed above. The DHHR charges $12 per certified copy and requires a valid ID.

Preston County Probate Court Records

Probate matters, such as estate administration and guardianships, are handled through the Probate Division of the Preston County court system. Interested persons may obtain probate records or related information from the Probate Office, located in the Preston County Courthouse. Contact the Circuit Clerk or the County Clerk’s Office for inquiries and to determine if an appointment is required.

Preston County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, liens, and property assessments, are maintained by both the County Clerk’s Office and the County Assessor’s Office. These records may be accessed online through official inquiry portals or by visiting the respective offices:

• Preston County Assessor’s Office
  106 W. Main Street
  Kingwood, WV 26537
  Phone: (304) 329-1220
• Preston County Clerk’s Office (for deeds and land records)
  106 W. Main Street, Room 103
  Kingwood, WV 26537
  Phone: (304) 329-0070

Preston County Court Records Online

While official county and state portals are often the most reliable means of accessing court records, certain third-party websites like Westvirginacourtrecords.us also provide search services. Although potentially convenient, these websites are not affiliated with government agencies and cannot guarantee complete accuracy or comprehensiveness. For official or certified records, it is best to work directly with the respective Preston County offices or the West Virginia Judiciary’s authorized online platforms.