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FAQ Courthouse
Below is a list of frequently asked questions with associated answers for the Prince William County Judicial Center.
FAQs
Expand all- How should I dress for court?
Dress like you are attending a job interview. Avoid casual and/or revealing clothing, such as denim, spaghetti strap tops, open toe shoes, etc. If you do not have clothes that you feel are interview worthy, wear the best of whatever you have and take extra steps to look your best such as ironing or steaming.
If you choose to wear makeup, wear light make up, avoiding bold styles and colors. Style your hair simply and conservatively.
- Are hats allowed in the courtroom?
With religious and medical exception, no hats, head scarves, headbands, or kerchiefs may be worn.
- Are sunglasses or other glasses allowed in the courtroom?
You can bring sunglasses into the building, but you must remove them in the courtroom.
- What are the recording rules in the courthouse or cell phone use policy?
Cell phones are allowed in the courthouse but must be turned off when entering the courtroom. The full policy can be viewed here: Recording Equipment and Portable Devices Policy (e.g. cell phones).pdf
- Is there Wi-Fi at the courthouse?
Public Wi-Fi access is provided within the Judicial Center.
- Where should I stand in the courtroom when my case is called?
Move to the counsel tables or the podium in front of the judge when your case is called.
- Which court is on which floor?
There are three separate courts serving Prince William County which are housed in the Judicial Center. The Circuit Court (Third Floor), the General District Court (Second Floor) and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (First Floor).
- Is there public and handicapped parking at the courthouse?
Public parking lots and handicap spaces are available around the courthouse. For a map of parking please click here:
- What divisions exist within each level of a court clerk’s office?
Prince William County Circuit Court
- Divisions/Clerk's Offices:
- Civil Division: Handles law cases (> $25,000), divorce, and chancery.
- Criminal Division: Handles felony cases and appeals from lower courts.
- Land Records Division: Manages deeds, financing statements, and notary commissions.
- Jury Division: Manages jury services.
Prince William General District Court
- Divisions/Case Types:
- Traffic Division: Handles infractions.
- Criminal Division: Handles misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Civil Division: Handles cases up to $35,000, with exclusive authority under $4,500.
- Small Claims Division: Division within Civil for small claims matters.
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
- Divisions/Case Types:
- Juvenile Division: Handles cases involving minors (under 18).
- Domestic Relations Division: Handles cases involving family matters (custody, support, visitation).
- Divisions/Clerk's Offices:
- What can I bring into the courthouse?
Cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and e-book readers are allowed, but must be kept on silent.
- What can I not bring into the courthouse?
No guns, knives, pepper gas, mace, tools, sharp objects including scissors, or other weapons of any kind are allowed in the Judicial Center per 18.2 - 283.1 Code of Virginia. Food and Beverages are not allowed in the Judicial Center.
- What are the jury topics?
Criminal Cases (Circuit Court)
- Felonies: Serious criminal offenses, including violent crimes and property crimes.
- Misdemeanors: Cases appealed from the General District Court or tried in Circuit Court.
Civil Cases (Circuit Court)
- Contract Disputes: Legal disagreements involving contracts.
- Personal Injury: Lawsuits related to accidents or injuries.
- Landlord & Tenant Disputes: Complex disputes that go beyond the General District Court level.
- Other Civil Motions/Trials: Property disputes and other civil matters.
- Where are the courtrooms located on each floor?
On each floor, the courtrooms are located down the hall and labeled accordingly.
- Where can I find the docket on each floor?
Digital docket monitors are located on each floor. Juvenile Court (First Floor) is located outside of Courtroom 3. General District (Second Floor) is located across from the elevators. Circuit Court (Third Floor) is located next to the elevators.
- Where are the restrooms located on each floor?
Public restrooms are located at the beginning and end of the hallway on each floor of the building.
- Where is the cafeteria?
The cafeteria is located on the Lower Level around the corner from the elevators.
- Where is the law library located and what are its hours?
The Paul B. Ebert Public Law Library is located inside the Prince William County Judicial Center at 9311 Lee Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 305, Manassas, VA 20110. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where the ATM machine is in the building?
There is an ATM machine located Lower Level at the bottom of the stairs.
- Where is the jail on the courthouse grounds?
The Adult Detention Center (jail) is located at 9320 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA 20110. It is situated within the Prince William County Judicial Complex, adjacent to the courthouse, and operates 24/7.
- What does the "bar" mean in the courtroom?
"The bar" refers to the physical partition—a railing, fence, or gate—separating the public gallery from the restricted area where the judge, attorneys, and staff work. Only authorized legal professionals may pass this area to approach the bench.
- What is the “well” in the courtroom?
The "well" in a courtroom is the open area located between the judge's bench and the public seating gallery. It contains the plaintiff/prosecutor and defendant/defense counsel tables.
- What to do if I need an interpreter?
To request an interpreter for a hearing, please complete the Interpreter Request Form and file it at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled hearing with the Clerk's office.
- What to do if I have an ADA need?
Prince William County courts provide ADA accommodations to ensure equal access, including sign language interpreters, service animal access, and document formatting. Requests should be submitted to the local court clerk at least five days before the scheduled court date using the Virginia Request for Accommodation form. If related to a specific court case, file the request with the clerk of that court (Circuit, General District, or Juvenile & Domestic Relations).
- How do I get copies of my case?
Request for copies of a case can be made in-person or online using the Court Case Copy Request Form.
- How do I find out online what is happening with my case?
You may access the Online Case Information System (https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis) to check or confirm the court date.
- What number do I call if I am running late to court?
-Circuit Court: (703) 792-6015
-General District Court: Traffic/Criminal (703) 792-6141, Civil (703) 792-6149
-Juvenile Court: (703) 792-6160
- Where are court forms located?
- What if I have a video or audio recording I want to play in the courtroom?
To present video footage at the Prince William County Courthouse, you must bring your own device (laptop or tablet) to play the file, provide copies to the opposing party/prosecution beforehand, and be prepared to authenticate the video.
- Where is the Commonwealth Attorney’s office located?
The Commonwealth Attorney’s office is location of the second floor of the Judicial Center in Suite 200.
- How do I apply for court-appointed counsel?
To apply for a court-appointed attorney in Prince William County, you must complete a financial statement (Affidavit of Indigency) through the Court Clerk’s office to verify eligibility. Eligibility is generally restricted to individuals with very low income (below 125% of the federal poverty level).
For questions or to submit a financial statement, contact the court where your case is pending, as the Commonwealth's Attorney (prosecutor) does not appoint defense counsel.
- Can I get an attorney for my case?
The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminals and cannot represent you, but you can get a court-appointed attorney if you qualify, or hire one via the PWCBA Lawyer Referral Service (703-393-2306).
- Where is the victim witness group?
The Victim Witness Assistance Program , administered by the Commonwealth’s Attorney office is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 200.
View the Victim Witness Frequently Asked Questions, or click on the link for more information.
- Where is Juvenile Intake?
The 31st District Court Service Unit (CSU), also commonly referred to as Juvenile Intake or Juvenile Probation is a component of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and provides services to Prince William County, the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. More information on the location and hours of operation can be found here: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/juvenile-court-service-unit