CHARLESTON – West Virginia’s circuit court system is about to step into the 21st century.
On February 24, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia announced plans to open a new online system to search and access circuit court records in all 55 counties. The system is set to go live and be available to the public beginning March 10.
The system is called the West Virginia Public Access Search System, or WVPASS, and it will provide online access to all publicly available circuit court documents dating back to 1999. Registration to use the new system is free, and documents can be downloaded for fee of 25 cents per page plus a nominal credit/debit card processing fee.
Wooton
| Supreme Court photo
Attorneys will be able to use the new system to access and download files for cases in which they are counsel of record for free.
The new system will provide access to publicly available criminal and civil case files. Filings made under seal and juvenile cases will not be available.
“The court is proud to announce the launch of this long-awaited system that will bring county circuit court records into the digital age,” Chief Justice Bill Wooton said. “This launch is the culmination of an extended, monumental effort on the part of the Supreme Court’s Administrative Office, our outside vendor and staff from all 55 county courthouses.
“Online access to court records is an essential public service, and I want to thank all parties involved for their commitment to making this a reality.”
Last year, the court launched an online magistrate case record system, which currently is available on the Supreme Court website. The court says an additional records system for the appellate case level is planned for the near future.
Justice C. Haley Bunn has taken the lead on these projects in the last few years.
“The WVPASS circuit courts records search system demonstrates our court’s commitment to make West Virginia’s judicial system as transparent and accessible to the public as possible,” Bunn said. “Beginning next month, our citizens will be able to search and download public civil and criminal case information dating back to the turn of the century from the convenience of their computer or mobile device – bypassing the need to go to a courthouse and search for records in person.”
The Supreme Court contracted with i3 Verticals to allow access to public circuit court records.