Richmond VA Criminal & Traffic Defense Lawyers

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

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    Experienced Richmond VA Lawyers for Criminal & Traffic Defense

    Best Law Firm 2024 Riley Wells Attorneys at Law - Traffic Ticket, Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Virginia Criminal Defense LawyerRiley & 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

    Richmond VA Lawyers Representing Clients in Circuit Court and General District Court Criminal Defense Reckless Driving DUI DWI Traffic Violations Speeding TicketThe 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 Clerk

    Hon. Edward F. Jewett
    email: Edward.Jewett@richmondgov.com

    Phone/Fax

    Phone: (804) 646-6505
    Fax: (804) 646-6562
    Fax: Law: (804) 646-7274
    Fax: Criminal: (804) 646-6562

    Clerk’s Office Hours

    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

    Address

    400 North Ninth Street
    John Marshall Courts Building
    Richmond, VA 23219

    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 Clerk

    Ms Cecelia V. Garner

    Phone/Fax

    Phone: (804) 646-6431
    Fax: (804) 646-6659

    Clerk’s Office Hours

    8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Address

    John Marshall Courts Building
    400 N. 9th Street
    Room 209
    Richmond, VA 23219-1508

    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 Clerk

    Ms Cecelia V. Garner

    Phone/Fax

    Phone: (804) 646-6677
    Fax: (804) 646-0387

    Clerk’s Office Hours

    8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Address

    920 Hull Street
    Richmond, VA 23224-4070

    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

    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 Clerk

    Ms Felicia Edmonds-Rustin

    Phone/Fax

    Phone: (804) 646-2942
    Fax: (804) 646-2906

    Clerk’s Office Hours

    8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Address

    Oliver Hill Courts Building
    1600 Oliver Hill Way
    Suite C181
    Richmond, VA 23219-1214

    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