Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
Circuit courts are West Virginia’s only general jurisdiction trial courts of record. Circuit courts have jurisdiction over all civil cases at law over $7,500; all civil cases in equity; proceedings in habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, prohibition, and certiorari, all felonies, and certain misdemeanors. The circuit courts receive appeals from magistrate courts, municipal courts, and administrative agencies, excluding workers’ compensation appeals.
Circuit courts also receive recommended orders from judicial officers who hear mental hygiene and juvenile matters. Appeals from circuit court in criminal, juvenile, abuse and neglect, and domestic violence cases go to the Supreme Court of Appeals, while appeals from circuit court in civil cases go to the Intermediate Court of Appeals.
