Court Case Types

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are those that involve violations of the Criminal Laws of the State of West Virginia.
There are two types:

• Felony: major crimes such as murder, robbery, embezzlement, and 3rd offense DUI
• Misdemeanors: minors crimes such as 1st and 2nd offense DUI, speeding and lesser forms of major crimes.

Civil Cases

Civil cases are all situations involving individuals suing each other. It can be over car wrecks, property boundaries, etc.

Domestic Cases

Domestic cases normally refer to those dealing with family matters, divorce, paternity, and support.

Juvenile Cases

There are two types:

• JD = Involves anyone under the age of 18 who commits a crime that is for an adult would be a felony or misdemeanor, or is a status offense, i.e. skipping school
• JA = Involves situations of abuse of children

Civil Appeals

Civil appeals are cases that have been heard in lower courts that the individual involved is not satisfied with the results and appeals the decision to a higher court.

Adoption Cases

Adoptions cases deal with adoptions of infants and children.

Guardian and Conservator

These cases are situations of individuals who must have other care of their welfare.