Richmond General District Court
The Richmond General District Court hears many traffic and criminal cases in Richmond, including reckless driving, speeding tickets, DUI / DWI, and other criminal offenses. If you have been summoned to appear in court, it is important to confirm the exact courthouse listed on your paperwork, because Richmond General District Court criminal and traffic matters may be scheduled at either the John Marshall Courts Building or the Marsh Manchester Courts Building.
Quick Reference: Richmond General District Court Logistics
Richmond General District Court criminal and traffic matters may be scheduled at more than one courthouse location. The court’s official information lists both the John Marshall Courts Building and the Marsh Manchester Courts Building for criminal and traffic matters, so the summons, warrant, or other court paperwork should be reviewed carefully to confirm the correct location for your case.
John Marshall Courts Building
400 North 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Marsh Manchester Courts Building
920 Hull Street
Richmond, VA 23224
Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
About the Richmond General District Court
The Richmond General District Court handles many traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, criminal felony preliminary hearings, and other lower-court matters arising in the City of Richmond. For many drivers and defendants, this is the first court where a traffic or criminal charge will be addressed in Richmond.
What Cases Are Heard Here?
The Richmond General District Court commonly hears cases involving:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding tickets
- DUI / DWI
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Misdemeanor drug charges
- Assault and battery
- Petit larceny and shoplifting
- Trespassing and disorderly conduct
Some felony matters may also begin in this court for preliminary hearings before moving to the Richmond Circuit Court.
Richmond Traffic Court for Reckless Driving and Speeding Cases
Traffic offenses in Richmond, including reckless driving and speeding tickets, are generally heard in the Richmond General District Court. Drivers cited on I-95, I-64, I-195, Powhite Parkway, Broad Street, Hull Street Road, and other Richmond roadways are often required to appear in this court to address their charges.
What to Expect When You Arrive at the Courthouse
Richmond General District Court dockets can be busy, especially on criminal and traffic dates. Allow extra time for parking, walking to the courthouse, and passing through security. Once inside, check the docket information and confirm the correct courtroom before your case is called. Because criminal and traffic matters may be scheduled at either the John Marshall Courts Building or the Marsh Manchester Courts Building, the most important first step is making sure you report to the correct courthouse listed on your paperwork.
After locating the courtroom, you may check in with the bailiff or clerk and wait for the judge to call the docket.
Traffic Cases Commonly Heard in Richmond
Drivers cited in Richmond frequently appear in the General District Court for traffic offenses such as speeding, reckless driving by speed, reckless driving based on driving behavior, driving on a suspended license, hit and run, and other serious moving violations. Because Virginia treats reckless driving as a criminal offense, these cases can carry penalties that go beyond a routine traffic infraction.
DUI / DWI Cases in Richmond
DUI / DWI charges are also handled in the Richmond General District Court. These cases can involve license consequences, mandatory programs, fines, and other potential penalties under Virginia law.
Common Questions About a Richmond Court Appearance
Can I bring my phone?
Cell phone rules can vary, and courthouse security procedures should always be followed. If you are unsure, review current courthouse rules before your appearance.
What should I wear?
Business casual or other respectful courtroom attire is generally recommended when appearing before the court.
What happens if I arrive late?
If you are not present when the court calls your case, the judge may proceed without you or take other action depending on the circumstances.
Related Richmond Defense and Court Pages
- Richmond VA Overview
- Richmond Courts
- Richmond Circuit Court
- Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- Richmond Criminal Lawyer
- Richmond Traffic Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond General District Court
What kinds of cases are heard in Richmond General District Court?
The Richmond General District Court commonly hears traffic violations, reckless driving charges, speeding tickets, DUI / DWI cases, misdemeanor criminal matters, and felony preliminary hearings.
Are Richmond traffic and criminal cases always heard at the same courthouse?
Not always. Richmond General District Court criminal and traffic matters may be scheduled at either the John Marshall Courts Building or the Marsh Manchester Courts Building. The summons, warrant, or other court paperwork should be reviewed carefully to confirm the correct location.
Does Richmond General District Court handle reckless driving and DUI cases?
Yes. Reckless driving charges, DUI / DWI cases, speeding tickets, and many other traffic-related offenses are often handled in the Richmond General District Court.
Can felony cases begin in Richmond General District Court?
Yes. Some felony matters may begin in Richmond General District Court for preliminary hearings before moving to the Richmond Circuit Court.
How do I know which Richmond courthouse to go to?
The court paperwork should identify the correct courthouse location, date, and time. Because Richmond General District Court criminal and traffic matters may be scheduled at different courthouse locations, it is important to confirm the exact building listed on the summons, warrant, or other notice.
Defense Representation in Richmond
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law represents clients charged with traffic and criminal offenses in Richmond. If your case is pending in the Richmond General District Court, our attorneys can review the charge, explain the court process, and discuss possible strategies for defending the case. If you would like to discuss your situation, you can contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.
4/1/2026