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

The Rappahannock County Courts serve as part of Virginia’s 20th 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 Rappahannock judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock Circuit Court. The Rappahannock General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Rappahannock County VA General District Court Lawyers

GDC Clerk Ms Donna G Foster Phone/Fax Phone (540) 675-5356 Fax (540) 675-5357

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address 250 Gay Street Courthouse Washington, VA 22747-0206

GDC Judges

• Hon. Lorrie Ann Sinclair Taylor, Chief Judge
• Hon. Jessica H. Foster, Presiding Judge
• Hon. William R. Fitzpatrick
• Hon. Eric M. Shami

GDC Court Schedule

Criminal/Traffic (County/Local)
1st, 2nd & 3rd Tues., 9:30 a.m.
Criminal/Traffic (State Police)
1st, 2nd & 3rd Tues., 11:00 a.m.
Civil
1st, 2nd & 3rd Tues., 9:00 a.m.
Trials, 1:00 p.m.
Small Claims, 2nd Tues., 9:00 a.m.

GDC Continuance Policy

Rappahannock County VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Circuit Clerk Hon. Kaitlin Struckmann Phone/Fax Phone (540) 675-5350 Fax (540) 675-5351

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address 238 Gay Street P. O. Box 517 Washington, VA 22747-0517

Circuit Judges

Hon. Douglas L. Fleming Jr., Chief Judge
Hon. James P. Fisher
Hon. James E. Plowman Jr.
Hon. Stephen E. Sincavage
Hon. Matthew P. Snow

Terms of Rappahannock Circuit Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 2nd Monday, Jan., March, May, July, Sept., & Nov.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term.
• All cases set on Term Day.
• Court convenes 9:00 a.m.
• Commissioners in Chancery are utilized in partition and other complicated chancery causes.
• Civil Trial Scheduling: all counsel must appear to set a trial date.
• Recordation cutoff time: 4:00 p.m.
• All final orders are mailed via USPS.

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3/24/2025 | Updated 8/4/2025