Alexandria VA Criminal & Traffic Defense Lawyers 

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a limited liability company registered to practice law with the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law by the Virginia State Bar. We represent clients every week before the Alexandria VA Courts. Our Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent” rated attorneys in Alexandria Virginia are also recognized as a “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News and World Reports for the highest level of professional excellence in legal ability and ethical standards. The Martindale-Hubbell and Best Lawyers publications are distinguished, established organizations that publish reliable information regarding lawyers and law firms.

Top Alexandria VA Attorneys Representing Clients Before The Courts

The Alexandria Courts serve as part of Virginia’s 18th Judicial District. These courts consist of a Circuit Court, a General District Court & a Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. These are all trial courts. Each Court has its own Judges and its own specific jurisdiction. The Alexandria judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Alexandria Circuit Court is the trial court with the broadest powers and also hears cases appealed from the district courts. The right to trial by Jury is only in the Alexandria Circuit Court. The Alexandria General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Alexandria VA General District Court Lawyers

GDC Clerk Marion W. Jackson Phone Traffic (703) 746-4041 Criminal (703) 746-4030 Civil (703) 746-4021

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address 520 King Street, Second Floor P. O. Box 320489 Alexandria, VA 22320

GDC Judges

• Hon. Donald M. Haddock Jr., Chief Judge
• Hon. Sonya L. Sacks

GDC Court Schedule

Walk-in Arraignments and Video Arraignments
9:00 a.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri.
Traffic Docket - Infractions and Misdemeanors
9:30 a.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.
Criminal Docket - Misdemeanors
9:30 a.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.
Traffic Safety Unity Including Motorcycle Officers
10:30 a.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.
ASAP Returns
1:30 p.m., 2nd Mon. each month
Preliminary Hearings
1:30 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.
Civil Trials
9:30 a.m., Thurs.
Small Claims
11:00 a.m., Thurs.
Civil Cases Return Docket
Unlawful Detainers
1:30 p.m. Tues. & Wed. @ half hour intervals
Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. as directed by the Clerk
Warrants in Debt, Garnishments & All Other Civil Cases
1:30 p.m. @ half hour intervals (mass filings please verify @ (703) 746-4021)

GDC Continuance Policy

Alexandria VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Circuit Clerk Hon. J. Greg Parks Phone (703) 746-4044

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address Courthouse 520 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Circuit Judges

• Hon. Heidi E. Meinzer
• Hon. Kathleen M. Uston
• Hon. Rebecca J. Wade

Terms of Alexandria Circuit Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 2nd Monday, Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.; at 9:00 a.m.; cases may also be set for trial by telephone (703/746-4123).
• Motions Day, 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
• Grand Juries, 2nd Monday of each month.
• Court convenes 10:00 a.m. except traffic and misdemeanor appeals, Status Conferences and Term Day at 9:00 a.m.; also uncontested ore tenus divorces, appointment of guardians/conservators and other very short uncontested matters are heard at 9:00 a.m.
• Commissioners in Chancery used in divorce cases, mechanics’ lien suits and other chancery causes only when requested.
• Status Conferences are noticed by the court four months after the suit is filed for the purpose of setting a trial date.

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7/12/2025