Hampshire County Public Records /Hampshire County Court Records

Hampshire County Court Records

What Is Hampshire County Court Records

Hampshire County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the Hampshire County courts.

Court records in Hampshire County typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce decrees in family court matters
Probate filings and estate settlements

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Hampshire County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth and death certificates), and tax records. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and their outcomes.

In Hampshire County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:

Hampshire County Circuit Court
15 Allen Drive
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-5022
Hampshire County Circuit Court

Hampshire County Magistrate Court
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-8530
Hampshire County Magistrate Court

The maintenance and accessibility of court records in Hampshire County are governed by West Virginia Code §51-4-2, which establishes the Circuit Clerk as the official custodian of court records and outlines responsibilities for record preservation.

Are Court Records Public In Hampshire County

Court records in Hampshire County are generally public documents pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§29B-1-1 et seq.) and the common law right of access to court records. The West Virginia Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and their associated records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
Criminal case files (post-charging, though some pre-trial information may be restricted)
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate records and estate inventories

However, certain categories of court records may be restricted or sealed from public view, including:

Juvenile court proceedings (except in limited circumstances)
Mental health commitment proceedings
Adoption records
Records sealed by judicial order
Certain family court matters involving minors
Grand jury proceedings and records
Cases involving victims of sexual offenses

Access to Hampshire County court records is governed by the West Virginia Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 10, which establishes procedures for public access to court records while protecting confidential information.

Federal court records for cases that would affect Hampshire County residents are maintained separately through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, which operates under federal access rules rather than state regulations.

How To Find Court Records in Hampshire County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Hampshire County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Hampshire County Circuit Clerk serves as the primary custodian of court records for the county.

To obtain court records in person:

Visit the Hampshire County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, or other identifying information.
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies).
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records.

Hampshire County Circuit Clerk
15 Allen Drive
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-5022
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Hampshire County Circuit Clerk

To request records by mail:

Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office with specific case information.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

For criminal case records, inquiries may also be directed to:

Hampshire County Prosecuting Attorney
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-7920
Hampshire County Prosecuting Attorney

For magistrate court records:

Hampshire County Magistrate Court
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-8530
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hampshire County Magistrate Court

Pursuant to West Virginia Code §51-4-3, the Circuit Clerk must provide access to public records during regular business hours and may charge reasonable fees for copies and certification.

How To Look Up Court Records in Hampshire County Online?

Hampshire County offers limited online access to court records through several digital platforms maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary. These systems provide varying levels of case information depending on the court and case type.

The West Virginia Judiciary's E-Filing and Information System provides the most comprehensive online access:

Visit the West Virginia Judiciary website.
Select "Public Resources" then "Court Case Information."
Choose "Hampshire County" from the dropdown menu.
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or date range).
Review the case summary information displayed.
Note that complete case documents are not available online; only docket information and case status.

For magistrate court cases:

Access the West Virginia Magistrate Court Case Information System.
Select Hampshire County from the location options.
Enter search parameters (name, case number, or citation number).
View basic case information and scheduled hearing dates.

For circuit court criminal cases:

Use the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Inmate Search to locate information about current inmates.
Search by name to find booking information and charges.
Note that this system provides limited case information focused on incarceration status.

Users should be aware that online systems have the following limitations:

Complete case files are not available electronically
Document images require in-person requests
Some case types may be excluded from online search
Historical cases (generally pre-2000) may not be included
Confidential or sealed cases are not accessible

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals maintains these online systems pursuant to the West Virginia Rules of Judicial Administration.

How To Search Hampshire County Court Records for Free?

Hampshire County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without charge, as provided by West Virginia law. The right to inspect public records without fee is established in the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B-1-3.

Free access options include:

In-person inspection of non-confidential court records at the Hampshire County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. No fee is charged for viewing records, though identification is required.
Basic case information searches through the West Virginia Judiciary's online portal, which provides free access to docket information and case status (though document images are not available).
Public access terminals located in the Hampshire County Circuit Clerk's office, which allow visitors to search case indexes and view limited case information without charge.
Attendance at public court proceedings, which are generally open to the public without fee pursuant to the First Amendment and West Virginia Constitution.

Hampshire County Law Library
Hampshire County Courthouse
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-5022
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

While inspection is free, fees apply for the following services:

Photocopies of court documents ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies of court records ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Record searches conducted by clerk staff ($20.00 per hour research fee)
Exemplified copies for use in other jurisdictions ($10.00 per document)

Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons through filing an affidavit of indigency with the court pursuant to West Virginia Code §59-1-36.

What's Included in a Hampshire County Court Record?

Hampshire County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. A typical court record file includes several standard components:

For civil cases in Circuit Court:

Case initiation documents (complaint, petition, or application)
Summons and proof of service
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders and judicial rulings
Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
Final judgment or decree
Post-judgment filings (appeals, satisfaction of judgment)

For criminal cases:

Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
Arrest warrant or summons
Bond or bail information
Plea agreements
Pre-trial motions and orders
Evidence logs and chain of custody documentation
Verdict forms
Sentencing orders
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Restitution orders

For family court matters:

Petitions for divorce or separation
Child custody and support determinations
Parenting plans
Financial disclosure statements
Property division orders
Domestic violence protective orders
Name change petitions
Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)

For probate cases:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Accountings
Distribution orders
Estate closing documents

Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. The docket provides a summary of the case history and procedural timeline.

Certain sensitive information is typically redacted or filed under seal, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Names of minor children
Medical records
Victim information in sensitive cases

How Long Does Hampshire County Keep Court Records?

Hampshire County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals under its administrative authority. These schedules vary by record type and significance, with some records preserved permanently while others are retained for defined periods.

Permanent retention applies to:

Circuit Court case files for felony matters
Civil judgments and final orders
Probate records and estate settlements
Adoption proceedings
Divorce decrees and property settlements
Land dispute cases
Constitutional challenges
Precedent-setting cases
Docket books and indexes

Records with defined retention periods include:

Misdemeanor cases (10 years after case closure)
Traffic violations (5 years after disposition)
Small claims proceedings (7 years after judgment)
Temporary protective orders (3 years after expiration)
Dismissed cases (3-5 years depending on case type)
Administrative appeals (10 years after final order)
Grand jury records (10 years)
Exhibits and evidence (retained until appeals exhausted, then returned or destroyed)

The West Virginia Court Records Management and Preservation Act governs the preservation of judicial records. The Circuit Clerk serves as the designated records custodian responsible for implementing retention policies in accordance with West Virginia Code §51-4-3.

Historical court records of Hampshire County dating prior to 1950 may be transferred to the West Virginia State Archives for permanent preservation:

West Virginia State Archives
Culture Center
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-0230
West Virginia State Archives

Digital conversion efforts are gradually being implemented to preserve older records, though many historical records remain in paper format only.

Types of Courts In Hampshire County

Hampshire County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels within West Virginia's unified court system.

Hampshire County Circuit Court
15 Allen Drive
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-5022
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Hampshire County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is Hampshire County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, appeals from lower courts, juvenile proceedings, and probate cases. Hampshire County is part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of West Virginia.

Hampshire County Family Court
15 Allen Drive
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-7013
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
West Virginia Family Court

Family Court handles domestic relations matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic violence protective orders.

Hampshire County Magistrate Court
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-8530
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hampshire County Magistrate Court

Magistrate Court handles misdemeanors, small claims (under $10,000), civil cases under $10,000, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and issues arrest and search warrants.

Hampshire County Municipal Court
(For Romney, Capon Bridge, and other municipalities)
Each municipality maintains its own court for ordinance violations
Contact specific municipality for hours and location

Appeals from Hampshire County courts proceed to:

West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
State Capitol Building, Room E-100
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2601
West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals

Federal cases affecting Hampshire County residents are heard in:

United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
Elkins Location
300 Third Street
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 636-1445
U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia

What Types of Cases Do Hampshire County Courts Hear?

Hampshire County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by West Virginia law.

Hampshire County Circuit Court handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
Real property disputes and land title cases
Probate matters and estate administration
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Child abuse and neglect cases
Habeas corpus petitions
Appeals from Magistrate Court decisions
Administrative agency appeals
Name change petitions
Mental hygiene proceedings

Hampshire County Family Court adjudicates:

Divorce and annulment proceedings
Child custody and visitation determinations
Child support establishment and enforcement
Spousal support (alimony) cases
Paternity establishment
Domestic violence protective orders
Grandparent visitation rights
Property division in marital dissolutions
Pre-nuptial agreement enforcement
Modification of prior family court orders

Hampshire County Magistrate Court processes:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations and citations
Small claims civil actions (up to $10,000)
Civil cases with damages under $10,000
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Issuance of emergency protective orders
Setting of initial bail and bond
Issuance of search and arrest warrants
Public intoxication and minor offenses

Municipal Courts within Hampshire County handle:

Municipal ordinance violations
Building code infractions
Local traffic offenses
Nuisance complaints
Animal control violations
Parking citations

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the West Virginia Code, with certain matters having concurrent jurisdiction where multiple courts may potentially hear the case.

How To Find a Court Docket In Hampshire County

Court dockets in Hampshire County provide the official schedule of court proceedings and serve as an index of case activities. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods.

For in-person docket inquiries:

Visit the Hampshire County Circuit Clerk's office during business hours.
Request to view the court calendar or docket for a specific date or case.
Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search.
Review the docket information at the clerk's counter or public terminal.

Hampshire County Circuit Clerk
15 Allen Drive
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-5022
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For online docket access:

Visit the West Virginia Judiciary website.
Select "Court Calendars" under the Public Resources section.
Choose Hampshire County from the location dropdown.
Select the court type (Circuit, Family, or Magistrate).
View the calendar for upcoming proceedings.

For criminal case dockets:

Contact the Hampshire County Prosecuting Attorney's office for information about upcoming criminal proceedings.
Provide defendant name or case number for specific case inquiries.

Hampshire County Prosecuting Attorney
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-7920
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For magistrate court dockets:

Contact the Hampshire County Magistrate Clerk directly.
Request information about specific hearing dates or case status.

Hampshire County Magistrate Court
50 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
(304) 822-8530
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Court dockets typically include:

Case number and title
Names of parties and attorneys
Type of proceeding scheduled
Date, time, and location of hearing
Presiding judge or magistrate
Purpose of the hearing (status conference, motion hearing, trial)

Docket information is updated regularly but may change with little notice due to continuances, settlements, or judicial scheduling conflicts.

Which Courts in Hampshire County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Hampshire County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under West Virginia law. This distinction affects both the procedures within these courts and the appellate process for their decisions.

Hampshire County Magistrate Court is the primary court not of record in the county. As defined by West Virginia Code §50-5-8, magistrate courts do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Instead, these courts maintain:

Written complaints and charging documents
Docket entries summarizing actions taken
Written orders and judgments
Evidence logs (but not the evidence itself in many cases)
Basic case notes rather than complete transcripts

Municipal courts in Hampshire County's incorporated areas (Romney, Capon Bridge, and other municipalities) are also courts not of record. These courts handle local ordinance violations and minor offenses but do not create comprehensive records of proceedings.

The non-record status of these courts has several important implications:

Appeals from these courts to the Circuit Court are heard de novo (completely new trials) rather than reviews of the existing record.
No official transcript exists for review; the Circuit Court conducts a fresh hearing of all evidence and testimony.
Parties seeking to preserve testimony from magistrate proceedings must arrange for their own court reporters at their expense.
The rules of evidence and procedure are often applied less formally than in courts of record.

In contrast, Hampshire County Circuit Court and Family Court are courts of record, maintaining official transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. These verbatim records form the basis for appellate review by higher courts.