Portsmouth 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 serving Portsmouth are licensed to practice law by the Virginia State Bar. We represent clients every week before the Portsmouth VA Courts. Our law firm is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell and 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 Portsmouth VA Attorneys Representing Clients Before The Courts

The Portsmouth Courts serve as part of Virginia’s 3rd 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 Portsmouth judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth Circuit Court. The Portsmouth General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Portsmouth VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Circuit Clerk Hon. Cynthia P. Morrison Phone/Fax Phone (757) 393-8671 Fax (757) 393-2024

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM Address 1345 Court Street Suite 101 P. O. Box 1217 Portsmouth, VA 23705

Circuit Judges

• Hon. Brenda C. Spry, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
• Hon. Kenneth R. Melvin, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Johnny E. Morrison, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Douglas B. Ottinger, Presiding Judge

Terms of Portsmouth Circuit Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 1st Thursday, each month.
• Criminal docket call, 2:15 p.m.; 1st day of Term.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term.
• Civil cases set by agreement of counsel after consultation with the docket clerk (757-393-5373). Scheduling order required for civil cases.
• Motions heard daily between 9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. & every Friday, 10:00 a.m.
• Court convenes 10:00 a.m.
• Docket control procedures adopted pursuant to Section 8.01-4 and available on the website

Portsmouth General District Court Lawyers

GDC Clerk Kelly Newby Boyd Phone/Fax Phone Civil (757) 393-8624 Criminal (757) 393-8681 Traffic (757) 393-8506 Fax Civil (757) 399-6736 Criminal (757) 393-8634 Traffic (757) 393-8010

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address 1345 Court Street, Suite 104 P. O. Box 129 Portsmouth, VA 23705

GDC Judges

• Hon. Jon M. Babineau Sr., Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
• Hon. Elliott O Moody

GDC Court Schedule

Civil Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
8:00am Motion and Arraignments (Mon, Wed & Fri)
8:30am Arraignments ONLY (Tues & Thurs)
9:00am & 11:00am Trials & Hearings (Mon-Fri)
8:00am Out of Custody Arraignments (Fri)
8:30am TEC (Fri)
8:00am Motion and Arraignments (Mon, Wed & Fri)
8:30am Arraignments ONLY (Tues & Thurs)
9:00am, 11:00am & 1:00pm Trials & Hearings (Mon-Fri)
1:00pm Trooper Docket (Tues ONLY, Courtroom #3)
9:00am ASAP Violations (2nd & 4th Fri)
11:00am ERT Toll Cases (Fri)
11:00am Contested Toll Cases (4th Fri)
Monday
9:00am Pro Se Uncontested Cases
10:00am Pro Se High Volume Cases
11:00am Pro Se Contested Unlawful Detainer Cases
11:00am Small Claims Docket
Tuesday
8:30am Interrogatories (Courtroom #2)
9:00am Garnishments (Courtroom #2)
9:00am, 10:00am & 11:00am Contested Civil Cases
Wednesday - Civil Judge Hears Criminal Cases
Thusday
9:00am Attorney Uncontested Cases
10:00 am Attorney High Volume Cases
1:00pm Contested Trials
Friday - Civil Judge Hears Criminal Cases

GDC Continuance Policy

7/7/2025