Most people assume that serious legal issues immediately land in Circuit Court. In reality, the majority of West Virginians first encounter the legal system through Magistrate Court.
In 2024, Magistrate Courts handled:
- 44,535 civil cases, including small claims
- 110,875 criminal misdemeanor cases
- Thousands of domestic violence and personal safety petitions
That volume tells an important story: Magistrate Court is the front door to the legal system.
Magistrate Courts handle matters involving:
- Small claims under $10,000
- Misdemeanor criminal charges
- Emergency protective orders
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
For many people, this is where:
- Legal timelines begin
- Rights are first exercised
- Decisions are made quickly, often under stress
Understanding this matters because procedure changes depending on the court. Filing the wrong type of paperwork—or misunderstanding what a Magistrate can and cannot do—can slow your case down or create unnecessary problems.
Some cases remain entirely in Magistrate Court. Others are transferred to Family Court or Circuit Court depending on the issue, severity, or presence of domestic violence or child welfare concerns.
If you’re facing a legal issue, knowing where your case starts helps you:
- Prepare for what happens next
- Ask better questions
- Decide whether and when to speak with a lawyer
👉 Next: Learn when cases move out of Magistrate Court—and why.
Source: WV Annual Court Statistics
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