A basic knowledge of VA state courts can be beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it helps to have a basic knowledge of Virginia courts information.

It’s important to know that there are multiple courts in each state that handle different types of cases. Each of these courts has a judge that administers the law and case process. When considering courts in the state of Virginia, keep the following in mind:

1. Circuit courts in the state of Virginia maintain a courthouse in every city and county.

2. The Supreme Court and Virginia Court of Appeals only hear appellate cases.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are accessible through Virginia state court records.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate information about Virginia state courts

The Virginia state court system has a courthouse in every city and county in the state. Circuit courts handle felony cases, family cases and appeals filed on decisions made by lower courts. Circuit courts also share jurisdiction with general district courts on civil matters between $4,500 and $15,000 and have exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases above $15,000. General district courts, which are also in every Virginia city and county, have exclusive jurisdiction for civil matters up to $4,500 and handle traffic violations, misdemeanors and some preliminary felony hearings. A sublet of the general district state court in Virginia is juvenile and domestic relations courts.

I recommend: Perform a search of court records through the Virginia Courts Case Information database. Link to each circuit court’s information through the Virginia state courts directory found at the Virginia Judicial System.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Virginia Court of Appeals

The Supreme Court and VA State Court of Appeals hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Virginia appellate court justices and their decisions are final.

I recommend: Peruse the rules of the Supreme Court database at the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System. Access all published opinions at the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in the state of Virginia

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Virginia Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Two districts make up the Virginia Bankruptcy court system: eastern and western. Each provide information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Virginia bankruptcy records through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Link to either district of the Virginia Bankruptcy court on the Personal Bankruptcy Information website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the Western District of Virginia Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of Virginia courts, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.