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

The Salem VA are part of Virginia’s 23rd Judicial District. Salem has a Circuit Court, a General District Court & a Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. These are all trial courts. Each Court has its own specific jurisdiction. The Salem judges preside over a variety of cases all unique to the jurisdiction of their particular court. The Salem Circuit Courts are the trial courts with the broadest powers and also hears cases appealed from the district courts. The right to trial by Jury is only in the Salem Circuit Court. The Salem General District Court hears the most cases due its traffic violation jurisdiction.

Salem VA General & Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Lawyers

GDC & JDR Clerk Brandy Ann Duncan Phone/Fax Phone (540) 375-3044 Fax (540) 375-4024

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address 2 East Calhoun Street Salem, VA 24153

GDC Judges

• Hon. Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
• Hon. Francis W. Burkart III
• Hon. Scott R. Geddes
• Hon. Thomas W. Roe Jr.

JDR Judges

• Hon. Adam H. Moseley, Chief Judge
• Hon. Heather P. Ferguson
• Hon. Hilary D. Griffith
• Hon. Frank W. Rogers III
• Hon. Rachel D. Thompson

District Court Schedule

General District
Civil
Tues., 2:00 p.m.
1st & 3rd Fri., 2:00 p.m. (contested cases only)
Criminal
Tues & Fri 8:30 a.m. (Arraignments), 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Traffic
Tues. & Fri 8:30 a.m. (Arraignments), 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
1st & 3rd Fri., 1:30 p.m. (Arraignments)
Show Cause, CDI, ASAP, Non-Compliance
3rd Wed., 2:00 p.m.
Therapeutic Docket
1st & 3rd Fri., 2:00 p.m.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations
Mon., 8:30 a.m. Arraignments
Mon., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m, & 3:00 p.m.
DCSE
2nd Wed., 1:00 p.m.

District Court Continuance Policy

Salem VA Circuit Court Lawyers

Circuit Clerk Hon. Chance Crawford Phone/Fax Phone (540) 375-3067 Fax (540) 375-4039

Clerk’s Office Hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address 2 East Calhoun Street Salem, VA 24153

Circuit Judges

• Hon. James R. Swanson, Chief Judge
• Hon. David B. Carson, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Leisa K. Ciaffone
• Hon. John Christopher Clemens, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Charles N. Dorsey

Terms of Salem Circuit Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 3rd Friday, Feb., May, July, Sept.; 2nd Fri., Dec.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term.
• Civil cases set by praecipe received by clerk 7 days preceding docket call.
• Criminal cases set on Term day.
• Court convenes 8:30 a.m.
• Commissioners in Chancery are utilized on petition of counsel.

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6/17/2025