General District

21st Judicial District of Virginia

The court that most people have contact with is the General District Court. The General District Court handles most traffic violations. The General District Court also hears minor criminal cases known as misdemeanors and conducts preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies.

General District Court decides civil suits involving amounts of money up to $25,000. However, Unlawful Detainer (eviction) suits that include a request for rent for commercial or agricultural property can be heard by the General District Court even if the amount of rent is more than $25,000. A suit is begun by filing a civil warrant or complaint with Clerk of Court and paying a filing fee.

Continuance Policy

First continuance may be granted by the Clerk. Subsequent continuances granted by the Judge. Civil continuances by agreement between litigants. If cannot agree, Judge will hold a hearing to determine if continuance to be granted.

Court Schedule

• Arraignments: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through 8:30 am
• Traffic/Criminal: Monday, Thursday and Friday
  • General Traffic Docket - 9 am
  • Scheduled Cases begin at 10 am
• Civil: Wednesday at 9 am
  • Warrant in Debts - 9:30 am
  • Unlawful Detainers and Warrant in Detinues - 10:30 am
  • Small Claims - 11:30 am
• Contested Civil: 3rd Wednesday of each month beginning at 9 am