THREE-TIERED SYSTEM
<bt>Within each judicial district in Virginia there are two courts, the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The Circuit Court is the only trial court of general jurisdiction in the state, so it hears any case for which the jurisdiction is not specified in the Code of Virginia. The responsibilities of the courts are distributed as follows:
CIRCUIT COURT
The Circuit Court handles claims more than $15,000, as well as divorces and matters pertaining to property, and hears appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk processes suits and appeals from lower courts and issues marriage licenses and passports.
Court Clerk: Gary Clemens
Circuit Court Clerk: 703-777-0270
Open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
18 East Market St., Leesburg
www.loudoun.gov/clerks
GENERAL DISTRICT COURT
Criminal cases, including misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies, are heard by the General District Court. This includes traffic-related cases. Civil claims of $15,000 or less are also heard in General District Court.
Judges: Honorable Julia T. Cannon and Honorable Dean S. Worchester
General District Court, Civil and Criminal: 703-777-0312
Traffic Division: 703-777-0310
Open from 8 p.m.-4 p.m.
18 East Market St., Leesburg
www.courts.state.va.us/
JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles juvenile offenses as well as family-related cases such as child or spouse abuse. The Court Service Unit handles criminal complaints involving juveniles, court-ordered services such as probation, custody, visitation and support.
Judges: Honorable Avelina S. Jacob and Honorable Burke F. McCahill
Open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court: 703-777-0300
Juvenile and Domestic Relation Court Service Unit: 703-777-0303
18 East Market St., Leesburg