Civil Court

If a subpoena is necessary in order to insure the presence of your witness or to obtain records, you should apply at the clerk’s office, at least ten days in advance of the hearing day, for the subpoena. See Fees (court cost) for the cost of the subpoena.

You need to arrive at the courthouse before 9:00 am.  You will have to walk from the parking garages and lots to the building and please be aware that you will have to wait in line to pass through the metal detector.

Once you arrive at the courthouse, you should check the docket sheets outside the appropriate courtroom for your name and page number.   If you took out the warrant you are the PLAINTIFF.  If someone else took out the warrant against you, you are the DEFENDANT.  Then check in with the clerk in the courtroom, tell her the style (names) of the case and what page you are on the docket.  If you arrive late and the Judge has already started court, have a seat and wait until your case is called.  DO NOT APPROACH THE CLERK once court has started.

Continuances are discouraged and subject to the approval of the presiding Judge.  Continuances may be granted for good cause.  Continuances may, at the court’s discretion, be granted on the initial return date in order to set a contested trial date.  If a continuance is granted, the moving party must notify all parties and witnesses who are not present in court.

 

So long as the amount in controversy exceeds $50.00, either the plaintiff or defendant has a right to appeal the decision of the general district court to the circuit court, the next highest court in the Virginia system.  You must note your appeal within 10 days of the court date.  You can note your appeal in the clerk’s office by filling out the Notice to Appeal form.  A bond will be set at that time.  To perfect your appeal, you must pay your bond and costs within 30 days of your court date.  The only exception to this is for an Unlawful Detainer.   On an unlawful Detainer, you must note and pay your bond and costs within 10 days of the court date.