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

The Bristol Courts serve as part of Virginia’s 28th 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 Bristol judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Bristol 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 Bristol Circuit Court. The Bristol General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Bristol VA General District Court Lawyers

GDC Clerk Kathy Jean Trotter Phone/Fax Phone (276) 645-7341 (276) 645-7340 Fax (276) 645-7342

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address 497 Cumberland Street, RM 208 Bristol, VA 24201

GDC Judges

• Hon. Travis B. Lee, Chief Judge
• Hon. Robert L. Hobbs
• Hon. Suzan E Moore

GDC Court Schedule

Monday
   9:00 a.m., State Police
   10:30 a.m., State Troopers
   11:00 a.m., Bond Hearings
   1:00 p.m., City Police
1st & 3rd Tuesday
   9:00 a.m., Civil (without attorneys)
   10:30 a.m., Civil (with attorneys)
   1:00 p.m., City Police
4th Tuesday
   9:00 a.m., City Police
   10:30 a.m., City Police
   11:00 a.m., Bond Hearings
1st Wednesday
   9:00 a.m., City Police
   10:30 a.m., City Police
   11:00 a.m., Bond Hearings
Thursday
   9:00 a.m., Criminal Court (Felonies)
   1:00 p.m., Misdemeanors

GDC Continuance Policy

Bristol VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Circuit Clerk Hon. Kelly Lee Flannagan Phone/Fax Phone (276) 645-7321 Fax (276) 821-6097

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address Courthouse 497 Cumberland Street Bristol, VA 24201

Circuit Judges

• Hon. Deanis L. Simmons, Chief Judge
• Hon. Jeffrey Lynn Campbell
• Hon. Sage B. Johnson, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Eric R. Thiessen

Terms of Bristol Circuit Court and General Information

• Docket calls will no longer be used. The Court will proceed with the Praecipe System to be called on the opening day of the term as set forth in Rule 1:15 of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
• Terms begin, 1st Monday, Aug., Nov., Feb., May.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term.
• Civil cases are set on Term Day or through contact with the Judge’s office.
• Criminal cases set by Court upon receipt of record in Circuit Court from District Court.
• Court convenes 9:00 a.m.
• Commissioners in Chancery are used only to review accountings of Special Commissioners.

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7/25/2021 | Updated 7/13/2025