Henrico County Courts
Henrico County court information can be confusing, especially when a case may involve different courts depending on the charge, the stage of the proceedings, or the court named on the summons, warrant, or petition. Traffic charges, DUI / DWI cases, reckless driving matters, misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile or family-related cases do not all move through the same court in the same way. This page is designed to help you understand the basic Henrico court structure, identify which court may handle the matter, and move to the page that best matches your situation.
Henrico County Court Pages
Henrico County Courts for Criminal and Traffic Cases
Many Henrico criminal and traffic cases begin in one court and may remain there through resolution, while other matters can move to a different court depending on the charge and how the case progresses. For many people, the first practical question is simple: which Henrico court handles this type of case, and what should I expect next?
In general, many traffic charges and misdemeanor matters are handled in the General District Court. More serious felony cases are typically handled in the Circuit Court. Juvenile matters and certain family-related proceedings are generally handled in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Which Henrico Court May Handle Your Case?
If you received a Virginia Uniform Summons for speeding, reckless driving, DUI / DWI, driving on a suspended license, or another traffic-related offense, your case may be scheduled in Henrico General District Court. Many misdemeanor criminal charges may also begin there.
If your case involves a felony charge, an appeal, or a more advanced stage of prosecution, Henrico Circuit Court may become the court that matters most. If the case involves a juvenile, a family member, or a domestic-related allegation, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may be the court involved. The court listed on your paperwork is the first place to start.
Traffic, DUI, and Reckless Driving Cases in Henrico
Many people searching for Henrico court information are dealing with traffic charges rather than felony prosecutions. Henrico traffic enforcement can involve speeding tickets, reckless driving, DUI / DWI, driving on a suspended license, hit and run, and other serious traffic-related charges. In many of those cases, the General District Court is the court that handles the matter first.
Because Virginia traffic cases can carry license consequences, insurance consequences, fines, possible jail exposure in some cases, and permanent criminal consequences for certain offenses, it is important to understand both the charge and the court handling the case.
Henrico Criminal Court Process Questions
People charged in Henrico often have practical questions before they ever step into court. They may want to know whether they must appear in person, whether the case can be prepaid, what paperwork matters most, how early they should arrive, what court will hear the matter, and whether the charge is a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or felony.
This page is meant to provide a starting point. For more specific information about defense strategy and charge-specific issues, you can also review the Henrico criminal and traffic pages below.
Related Henrico Defense Pages
Frequently Asked Questions About Henrico County Courts
Which Henrico court handles traffic cases?
Many Henrico traffic cases, including speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, DUI / DWI, and other traffic-related offenses, are often handled first in the General District Court. The exact court should be listed on the summons or charging paperwork.
Does every Henrico criminal case go to the same court?
No. Henrico criminal and traffic matters do not all go to the same court. Traffic cases, misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile matters, and family-related matters may proceed in different courts depending on the charge and the posture of the case.
How do I know which Henrico court my case is in?
The summons, warrant, petition, or other charging paperwork should identify the court handling your case. The first step is to review the document carefully and confirm the listed court, date, time, and location.
Is Henrico General District Court the main court for reckless driving and DUI cases?
In many Henrico cases, yes. Reckless driving charges, DUI / DWI matters, speeding tickets, and many other traffic-related charges are often handled first in the General District Court.
What if I am not sure whether my case is traffic, misdemeanor, or felony?
That is a common question. The exact charge listed on the paperwork, the code section involved, and the court handling the matter usually provide the clearest answer.
Speak With a Henrico Criminal or Traffic Defense Lawyer
If you are trying to understand which Henrico court is handling your case, what the summons or warrant means, or what practical steps may help before the court date, it can help to speak with a lawyer who handles criminal and traffic matters in Henrico County. The court structure matters because traffic charges, DUI / DWI cases, reckless driving allegations, misdemeanors, felony matters, and juvenile or family-related proceedings do not all move through the same court in the same way. Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law represent clients in Henrico County and provide guidance for people facing criminal and traffic charges in the local court system. If you need help understanding the charge, the court process, or the next step in a Henrico case, contact our Henrico office for a confidential consultation.
4/2/2026