Court
Learn about Magistrate Court in Monongalia County & W.Va.Magistrate Court is the Foundation of Our Justice System
The limited scope and civil jurisdiction of WV Magistrate Courts.
Magistrate courts are trial courts with authority limited to certain types of cases, notably:
Hearing Misdemeanors
Petit larceny, first-offense shoplifting, battery, harrassment, etc.
Hearing Civil Cases with Limited Disputes
Amounts $10,000 and less.
Hearing Preliminary Examinations in Felony Cases
Crimes wherein ultimate jurisdiction falls to the circuit court.
Issuing Search & Arrest Warrants
The finding of probable cause may be based upon hearsay evidence in whole or in part.
Issuing Criminal Complaints
Worthless checks, etc.
Issuing & Recording Affidavits
Filing bankruptcy, worthless checks, appointing public counsel, etc.
Issuing Protective Orders
Covering temporary issues, emergency issues, financial exploitation, etc.
Setting Bail & Making Decisions Regarding Plea Arrangements
Personal recognizance, surety like cash, property, bail bonds, going to jail, etc.
Collecting Court Costs, Cash Bonds, & Fines
By way of U.S. currency, personal checks with proper identification, cashier’s check, certified check, money order, or traveler’s check, or credit and debit cards.
Forms & Information
Duties & Responsibilities
Getting to Court
Statistics & Data
In a Year of Service, Ron Bane Expects to Keep Busy
Expected Minimum Number of Cases
Likely Minimum Number of Cases Per Day
%