General District Court

16th Judicial District Of Virginia

The court that most people have contact with is the General District Court. The General District Court handles most traffic violations. The General District Court also hears minor criminal cases known as misdemeanors and conducts preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies.

General District Courts have exclusive authority to hear civil cases with claims of $5,000 or less and share authority with the circuit courts to hear cases with claims between $5,000 and $25,000 ($50,000 in certain civil matters). Examples of civil cases are landlord and tenant disputes, contract disputes and personal injury actions.

There is a General District Court in each city and county in Virginia. General District Court judges are elected by the General Assembly for 6 year terms.

Judges

  1. Honorable T. W. Carter


  1. Honorable M. J. Quatrara


  1. Honorable K. A. Sneathern

    Presiding Judge

  1. Honorable C. H. Stokes, Jr.

    Chief Judge

Continuance Policy

Civil Court

First continuance granted by Clerk upon request of Plaintiff or Plaintiff Attorney if all parties agree.

Traffic Court

First continuance granted by Clerk or Commonwealth Attorney, if not more than 30 days. Second traffic continuance and continuances in all other cases granted by Judge on motion.


Court Schedule

  1. Civil
  2. Criminal
  3. Traffic
Contested Civil Trials: Monday and Friday by appointment
Docket Call: Tuesday, 1 pm
Small Claims: Tuesday, 3 pm