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

The Bedford County Courts serve 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 Bedford County judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Bedford 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 Bedford Circuit Court. The Bedford General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Bedford County VA General District Court Lawyers

GDC Clerk Ashley Richards Schley Phone/Fax Phone (540) 586-7637 Fax (540) 586-7684

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address 123 East Main Street, Suite 202 Bedford, VA 24523-2034

GDC Judges

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

GDC Court Schedule

Civil
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Small Claims, 1st Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
Criminal & Traffic
2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Mon., Wed. and 1st & 5th Fri.
9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Arraignments/Advisements
Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.
Video arraignments/advisements for incarcerated defendants
are scheduled daily on an as needed basis.

GDC Continuance Policy

Bedford County VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Circuit Clerk Hon. Judy E. Reynolds Phone/Fax Phone (540) 586-7632 Fax (540) 586-6197

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Address 123 East Main St. Suite 201 Bedford, VA 24523

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 Bedford Circuit Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 1st Tuesday, Jan., March, May, July, Sept. & Nov.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term and 1st Friday, Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., & Dec.
• Term Dates and Grand Jury dates are subject to changes created by State holiday schedules. Contact the Clerk of Court for questions.
• All cases set on Term Day.
• Court convenes 9:00 a.m.
• Civil docket called at 10:00 a.m. on Term Day.
• Commissioners in Chancery not utilized.
• Misdemeanor appeals pre-set for 3rd & 4th day of Term.
• Bedford County Circuit sends (either via email or in/house) every order, final or otherwise) to anyone or entity mandated in the order and/or the attorney of record or any unrepresented party. We do not charge a fee or require envelopes.

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2/23/2025 | Updated 8/17/2025