About the Circuit Court

The Circuit Court’s jurisdiction areas include:

Civil Actions

• Monetary claims over $4,500 but not exceeding $25,000, concurrent jurisdiction with General District Courts
• Monetary claims exceeding $25,000, exclusive original jurisdiction
• Attachments
• Validity of a  county or municipal ordinance or corporate bylaw

Criminal Cases

• All felonies, offenses that may be punished by commitment to the state penitentiary
• Felonies and misdemeanor charges originating from a grand jury indictment
• Transfer or certification of felony offenses committed by juveniles

Appeals

• Appeals from the General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (heard de novo)
• Appeals from administrative agencies

The Circuit Court also handles:

• Adoptions
• Any case for which for which jurisdiction is not specified in the Code of Virginia.
• Equity suits
• Writs of mandamus, probation and certiorari involving proceedings arising from actions of a local governing body