Richmond VA Criminal & Traffic Defense Lawyers

Richmond VA John Marshall Courts
(804) 673-7111
E-mail
1518 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Free Richmond VA Case Evaluation by Top Rated Attorney
Please submit your contact information along with the relevant details of your case using the below form. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. Our normal office hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Experienced Richmond VA Lawyers for Criminal & Traffic Defense
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a limited liability company registered to practice law with the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission. Our Richmond VA attorneys are licensed to practice law by the Virginia State Bar. We represent clients every week before the Richmond 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 Richmond VA Attorneys Representing Clients In The Richmond Courts
The Richmond Courts are located in the Capital City and serves as part of Virginia’s 13th 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 Richmond judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Richmond 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 Richmond Circuit Court. The Richmond General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.
Richmond VA Circuit Court Lawyers
Circuit ClerkHon. Edward F. Jewett Phone/FaxPhone: (804) 646-6505 |
Clerk’s Office Hours8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address400 North Ninth Street |
Circuit Judges
- Hon. William R Marchant, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
- Hon. Bradley B. Cavedo, Presiding Judge
- Hon. David Eugene Cheek Sr., Presiding Judge
- Hon. Phillip L. Hairston, Presiding Judge
- Hon. Clarence N. Jenkins Jr., Presiding Judge
- Hon. Beverly W. Snukals, Presiding Judge
- Hon. Jacqueline S. McClenney
Terms of Richmond Circuit Court and General Information
- Civil Terms begin, 4th Monday, Jan., April, July, & Oct.
- Criminal Terms begin, 1st Monday, monthly.
- Grand Juries, 1st Monday monthly.
- Docket call on Term Day, 9:00 a.m. (criminal),
- Commissioners in Chancery are not utilized in uncontested divorces.
- Court convenes 9:00 a.m.
Secure Remote Access
Secure Remote Access to Land Records is now available. Please email to circuitcourtclerkinformation@richmondgov.com if you would like more information regarding this subscription service.
Reserving Equipment
The Court has document cameras and data video projectors available for use in circuit courtrooms. To reserve the equipment, please call the office of the judge assigned to the case at least two days in advance.
Richmond-John Marshall Criminal-Traffic General District Court Lawyers
The General District Court for the City of Richmond is divided into two locations including both the criminal and traffic courts at each address. Please refer to your summons or subpoena to determine the correct address for your court appearance.
GDC ClerkMs Cecelia V. Garner Phone/FaxPhone: (804) 646-6431 |
Clerk’s Office Hours8:00 AM – 4:00 PM AddressJohn Marshall Courts Building |
GDC Judges
- Hon. David M. Hicks, Chief Judge
- Hon. L. B. Cann III
- Hon. Claire G. Cardwell
- Hon. Devika E. Davis
- Hon. Mansi J. Shah
- Hon. Tracy W. J. Thorne-Begland
GDC Court Schedule
If you have a case in court please check the the online case information site to make sure the date or time has not changed due to unforeseen circumstances. In Custody Arraignments Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. Criminal Dockets/Bonded Arraignments Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Animal Care/Control Thur., 11:00 a.m. Traffic Dockets Mon. - Fri., 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. RMA Toll Dockets Tue., 1:00 p.m. Contested Bus Camera Violations 3rd Tues., 1:00 p.m. City Parking Citations Wed., 2:00 p.m.
GDC Continuance Policy
Continuances granted for good cause.
Please see Local Court Links in the upper right corner of this page
Forthcoming
Richmond Marsh Manchester Criminal Traffic General District Court Lawyers
GDC ClerkMs Cecelia V. Garner Phone/FaxPhone: (804) 646-6677 |
Clerk’s Office Hours8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address920 Hull Street |
GDC Judges
- Hon. David M. Hicks, Chief Judge
- Hon. L. B. Cann III
- Hon. Claire G. Cardwell
- Hon. Devika E. Davis
- Hon. Mansi J. Shah
- Hon. Tracy W. J. Thorne-Begland
GDC Court Schedule
In Custody Video Arraignments Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. Motions & Bonded Arraignments Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. Criminal Dockets Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. with additional times as needed Traffic Dockets (full traffic dockets will begin in September 2020) Mon. - Thurs., 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. Mental Health Dockets Mon., 2:00 p.m. City Code Dockets (city dockets will resume in September 2020) Wed., 2:00 p.m. Virginia Employment Commission Docket (starting in September 2020) 3rd Fri. of the month, 9:00 a.m.
GDC Continuance Policy
Continuances granted for good cause.
Standing Order
Please see Local Court Links in the upper right corner of this page
Richmond General District Court Procedures
Typical procedure for traffic / criminal cases
- Arraignment/first appearance – If you are charged with a criminal misdemeanor or a felony you will appear in court where you will be advised of your rights, the charge(s). If you were charged with a traffic infraction, then the first appearance is a trial date.
- Plea or trial – If you plead guilty or no contest → the judge may proceed to sentencing. If you plead not guilty → a trial will commence; both the Richmond Commonwealth Attorney and the defense present evidence; the Richmond judge decides guilt or innocense.
- Sentencing / disposition — If found guilty, the Richmond judge imposes whatever penalties apply (fines, jail, driver’s license suspension, etc).
- Appeal rights — For traffic & criminal cases, you may appeal to the Richmond Circuit Court within 10 days of the judgment and you may have a jury trial in that Court.
- Payment / compliance — If assessed fines or costs, you must pay or make arrangements; failure to appear can lead to warrants or additional charges.
Your rights & important procedures
- You have the right to a Richmond criminal or traffic defense attorney.
- You have the right to be informed of the charge, to see the evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses.
- You may ask for a continuance for good cause. The Richmond Judge will grant or deny motions to continue.
- Failing to appear when required may trigger additional penalties.
Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Lawyers
JDR ClerkMs Felicia Edmonds-Rustin Phone/FaxPhone: (804) 646-2942 |
Clerk’s Office Hours8:00 AM – 4:00 PM AddressOliver Hill Courts Building |
JDR Judges
- Hon. Marilynn C. Goss-Thornton, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
- Hon. Richard B. Campbell, Presiding Judge
- Hon. Brice Edward Lambert, Presiding Judge
- Hon. Mary E. Langer, Presiding Judge
- Hon. Ashley K. Tunner, Presiding Judge
JDR Court Schedule
Arraignments Mon. - Fri., 8:45 a.m. Detention Hearings & Review Mon. - Fri., 11:00 a.m. Traffic Cases 1st Thurs., 2:00 p.m. Motions Docket Mon. - Thurs., 2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Support Days & times vary by Judge. Criminal & Civil Days & times vary by Judge. Driver's License Presentations 1st Monday of every month unless otherwise indicated
Continuance Policy
Continuances granted by Judge on prior written motion (continuance policy in effect/form available).
11/5/2015 | Updated 11/15/2025
