The General District Court handles traffic violations, hears minor criminal cases known as misdemeanors, and conducts preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies. The Court has exclusive authority to hear civil cases with claims of $4,500 or less and shares authority with the circuit courts to hear cases with claims between $4,500 and $25,000. Examples of civil cases are landlord and tenant disputes, contract disputes, and personal injury actions. The General District Court does not conduct jury trials. All cases in this court are heard by a judge.
more703-792-6141 and 703-792-6149 GDC line options
Choose option #3 to speak with a General District Civil Clerk
Choose option #4 to be connected to Lawyer Referral Services
Choose option #5 for Online Payment Information
Choose option #6 for Payment by Mail Information
Choose option #7 for Summons Status Information
Choose option #8 for Public Transportation
Choose option #9 for the Traffic and Criminal Division
Learn more about what to expect if you’re party to a case in General District Court along with your rights and duties.
Check case status information online through Virginia’s General District Court Online Case Information System. You can search for cases using the plaintiff or defendant’s name, the case number, or the hearing date.
Learn which kinds of traffic offenses are payable online and initiate your payment.