Amherst County 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 Amherst County VA Courts. Our Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent” rated attorneys in Amherst County 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 Amherst VA Attorneys Representing Clients Before The Courts

The Amherst Courts serves as part of Virginia’s 24th 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 Amherst judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Amherst 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 Amherst Circuit Court. The Amherst General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Amherst County VA General District Court Lawyers

Clerk Beverly J. Lewis Phone/Fax Phone (434) 946-9351 Fax (434) 946-9359

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address 113 Taylor Street Amherst, VA 24521

GDC Judges

• Hon. Sam Daniel Eggleston III, Chief Judge
• Hon. Stephanie S. Maddox, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Randy C. Krantz, Presiding Judge

GDC Court Schedule

Criminal, Traffic, & Local Ordinances
Every Tuesday except 4th Tues. of the month
Every Thursday except 2nd Thurs. in the month
1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.
Advisement Cases
Tues. & Thurs., 8:30 a.m.
Civil
CALL CLERK'S OFFICE FOR APPROVED DATES AND TIMES FOR AVAILABILITY

GDC Continuance Policy

Amherst County VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Clerk Hon. Deborah Coffey Mozingo Phone/Fax Phone (434) 946-9321 Fax (434) 946-9323

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Address 113 Taylor Street Amherst, VA 24521

Circuit Judges

• Hon. James F. Watson, Chief Judge
• Hon. James W. Updike Jr., Presiding Judge
• Hon. Jeffrey P. Bennett
• Hon. John T. Cook
• Hon. Michael R. Doucette
• Hon. Frank Patrick Yeatts

Terms of Amherst Circuit Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 2nd Tuesday, Feb., Apr., June, August (June Grand Jury reconvened), Oct., & Dec.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term.
• Cases set on Term Day; cases also set between docket calls by agreement of court and counsel.
• Court convenes 9:00 a.m.
• Commissioners in Chancery are utilized.
• Amherst County distributes final orders in civil cases by regular mail to attorneys of record, or to pro se litigants, within two business days of receipt of the signed order in the Clerk’s Office, from the Judge.
• Advisements conducted at 1:30 p.m.

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4/6/2025 | Updated 9/19/2025