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:

A gavel.

Hearing Misdemeanors

Petit larceny, first-offense shoplifting, battery, harrassment, etc.

A bag of money. Magistrate courts have civil jurisdiction in cases where the amount in dispute is less than $10,000.

Hearing Civil Cases with Limited Disputes

Amounts $10,000 and less.

An icon of a courthouse representing justice.

Hearing Preliminary Examinations in Felony Cases

Crimes wherein ultimate jurisdiction falls to the circuit court.

Magistrates issue search and arrest warrants. The finding of probable cause may be based upon hearsay evidence in whole or in part.

Issuing Search & Arrest Warrants

The finding of probable cause may be based upon hearsay evidence in whole or in part.

A fountain pen tip. Magistrates issue criminal complaints, like worthless checks, etc.

Issuing Criminal Complaints

Worthless checks, etc.

A typewriter. Magistrates issue affidavits for issues like bankruptcy, worthless checks, appointing public counsel, etc.

Issuing & Recording Affidavits

Filing bankruptcy, worthless checks, appointing public counsel, etc.

A court order with an official seal.

Issuing Protective Orders

Covering temporary issues, emergency issues, financial exploitation, etc.

Locked up in jail. Magistrates set bail and more.

Setting Bail & Making Decisions Regarding Plea Arrangements

Personal recognizance, surety like cash, property, bail bonds, going to jail, etc.

The balanced scales of justice.

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

Common & Helpful Resources

Duties & Responsibilities

Organization & Background

Getting to Court

Magistrate Court in Morgantown WV

Statistics & Data

Recent & Historical Information

In a Year of Service, Ron Bane Expects to Keep Busy

Expected Minimum Number of Cases

Likely Minimum Number of Cases Per Day

%

Motor Vehicle & Other Misdemeanors, & Small Claims Cases

State & County Court Statistics

More Court Numbers

Facts & Statistics

Facts About Our West Virginia Magistrate Judges

Number of W.Va. Magistrates

Monongalia County Magistrates

Average Number of Magistrates Per County

Average Number of Magistrates Per County with 100K+ Population

Years Per Term

Current Salary

Note: SB 597, passed March 7, 2020, raised judicial salaries starting July 1, 2020.

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