In 2012, 452 misdemeanors and 107 felonies were filed in the magistrate court of Pocahontas County.

Of the 452 misdemeanors charges, 54 were driving under the influence, 39 were destruction of property, 34 were worthless check complaints, 29 were domestic battery, 26 were obstructing an officer, and 21 were possession of a controlled substance, less than 15 grams.

The remaining charges were miscellaneous vehicular violations, hunting/fishing violations and animal control violations.
Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance was the top felony charge, with 40 filed. Following were nine counts of child abuse, eight counts of forgery, and seven counts conspiracy.

Other felonies included kidnapping, malicious and sexual assault and receiving/transferring stolen property.

In court, two misdemeanors were heard in bench trials and the defendants were found not guilty. Also heard in bench trails, 18 cases were closed with defendants found guilty. Five cases were transferred to circuit court, 34 ended in guilty pleas, 90 ended in no contest pleas and 134 were dismissed.

The remaining 169 misdemeanor charges are still pending action.

Of the felonies, 30 cases were dismissed, 59 were transferred to circuit court and 18 are still pending action.

Magistrate Kathy Beverage heard 129 misdemeanors and 57 felonies; Magistrate Janet Kershner-Vanover heard 141 misdemeanors and 30 felonies; and part-time Magistrate Danith Miller heard 14 misdemeanors and four felonies.