About Preston County

Preston County occupies 651 square miles of rugged, forested terrain in the north-central highlands of West Virginia, nestled along the Allegheny Plateau where the Cheat River and its tributaries carve through steep valleys and rolling hills. The county's landscape is defined by dense hardwood forests, coal seams, and agricultural bottomlands that have shaped the lives of its residents for generations. This geography gives Preston County a distinctly rural character, with small communities scattered across hollows and ridgelines that reflect the Appalachian heritage deeply rooted in the area. With a population of approximately 33,407 residents, Preston County is a community that values self-reliance, hard work, and close-knit neighborly bonds. The county seat of Kingwood serves as the civic and commercial hub, home to the courthouse, local government offices, and the small businesses that anchor daily life for residents across the region. Kingwood itself sits along the Cheat River and retains much of its historic small-town character, offering a central gathering point for a county whose population is otherwise spread across rural townships and unincorporated communities. The economy of Preston County has historically been driven by coal mining, timber harvesting, and agriculture, industries that continue to employ a significant portion of the workforce today. While the decline of traditional extractive industries has brought economic challenges in recent decades, the county has seen growing interest in outdoor recreation and tourism, thanks to its proximity to Cheat Lake, Coopers Rock State Forest, and Blackwater Falls State Park. Small-scale farming, including livestock operations and specialty crops, also contributes to local livelihoods. Many residents commute to larger employment centers in Morgantown and surrounding areas, reflecting the broader economic ties that connect Preston County to the wider region while its communities maintain their distinctly rural and independent spirit.

Practice Areas in Preston County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Preston County

The primary court serving Preston County is the Preston County Circuit Court, located at the Preston County Courthouse at 101 West Main Street in Kingwood, West Virginia 26537. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over the magistrate court threshold, family law proceedings including divorce and child custody, and appeals from lower courts. Preston County also has a Magistrate Court, which operates out of the same courthouse complex and handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, small claims disputes, civil cases involving amounts up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings in felony matters. The Family Court of Preston County, which may sit as part of the Circuit Court structure, addresses domestic relations cases such as divorce, child support, and protective orders. Together, these courts form the backbone of the local judicial system, serving the legal needs of Preston County's rural population.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Preston County

Residents of Preston County who face legal matters fall under the jurisdiction of either West Virginia state courts or the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, depending on the nature of the case. State courts in Kingwood handle the vast majority of legal matters affecting everyday life, including criminal charges under West Virginia law, family disputes, contract disagreements, and traffic offenses. Federal jurisdiction applies when cases involve federal laws, constitutional questions, disputes between citizens of different states involving amounts exceeding $75,000, or matters such as federal criminal charges, bankruptcy proceedings, immigration, and Social Security appeals. The Northern District of West Virginia, which has divisional offices in Elkins, Clarksburg, Wheeling, and Martinsburg, is the federal venue for Preston County residents, and understanding which court system applies to a given situation is an important first step in addressing any legal matter.

Common Legal Situations in Preston County

The rural and working-class character of Preston County means that residents most commonly encounter legal issues involving traffic violations and DUI charges on the county's winding rural roads, family law matters such as divorce, child custody disputes, and child support modifications, and criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor offenses to drug-related felonies connected to the opioid and methamphetamine challenges facing much of rural Appalachia. Property disputes, including boundary disagreements, landlord-tenant conflicts, and issues related to mineral rights and timber rights, are particularly common given the county's history of extractive industry and the complex land ownership patterns that persist across rural West Virginia. Employment matters such as workers' compensation claims arising from mining, logging, and construction injuries are also a regular concern, as are estate planning needs, probate proceedings, and Social Security disability applications for residents dealing with health challenges and limited access to resources.

Why Go To Court for Preston County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a strong choice for Preston County residents seeking reliable and accessible legal representation in a region where qualified attorneys can sometimes be difficult to reach. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that no matter when a legal emergency arises in this rural community, help is just a phone call away. Go To Court's experienced team handles a wide range of practice areas relevant to Preston County residents, from criminal defense and family law to civil and employment matters, ensuring that locals do not have to travel far or navigate an unfamiliar legal landscape alone. With transparent fixed-fee arrangements coming soon, residents will be able to access professional legal services with greater certainty about costs, removing one of the most common barriers to seeking help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Preston County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Preston County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, which acts as an admission of guilt, or to contest the charge in Magistrate Court. Contesting a ticket can be worthwhile if the violation carries points that could affect your driving record or insurance rates, and a lawyer can help you evaluate whether a defense or plea negotiation is possible. It is important to respond before the deadline listed on your citation to avoid additional penalties or a license suspension.

How does child custody work in Preston County after a separation or divorce?

In Preston County, child custody matters are handled by the Family Court, which applies West Virginia law and prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining both physical and legal custody arrangements. Parents are encouraged to reach a parenting plan agreement on their own, but if they cannot, the judge will make a determination based on factors including each parent's relationship with the child, living situation, and ability to provide stability. A family law attorney can help you understand your rights, prepare for court, and negotiate or litigate a custody arrangement that works for your family.

Can I be charged with a DUI in West Virginia even if I was just sitting in my parked car?

West Virginia's DUI laws are broad and can apply in situations beyond actively driving on a public road, including cases where a person is found in physical control of a vehicle while impaired, such as sitting in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition. Courts in Preston County have handled cases involving parked vehicles, and the specific facts of each situation, such as where the keys were and whether the engine was running, are critical to how the case is evaluated. If you are facing a DUI charge under these circumstances, it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney promptly to understand your options.

What are my rights if I am injured while working in a mine or on a logging site in Preston County?

Workers injured on the job in Preston County's mining, logging, or construction industries are generally entitled to file a workers' compensation claim through the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, which can provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. In some cases, if a third party other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may also have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for additional damages. Consulting with an attorney familiar with both workers' compensation and personal injury law can help ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.

How do I handle a dispute over mineral rights or property boundaries in Preston County?

Property and mineral rights disputes are relatively common in Preston County given its history of coal and timber extraction, and they are typically handled through the Preston County Circuit Court as civil matters. Resolving these disputes often requires a thorough review of historical deeds, surveys, and title records, which can be complex in areas where land has changed hands many times over generations. An attorney with experience in West Virginia property law can help you research the chain of title, negotiate with the other party, or litigate the matter in court if a resolution cannot be reached outside of it.

Neighbouring Counties

Preston County is bordered by Monongalia County to the west, Marion County to the southwest, Tucker County to the south, Grant County to the southeast, Garrett County in Maryland to the east, and Chestnut Ridge and the Pennsylvania state line, including Fayette and Somerset Counties in Pennsylvania, to the north.