Circuit Court

Judge J. Michael Gamble

Clerk Judy Smythers

Hours
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday

Location
84 Courthouse Square
Lovingston, Virginia  22949

Telephone 434-263-7020
FAX 434-263-7027
Jury Call In Line 434-263-7026

Circuit Courts
The only trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia is the circuit court. The Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over the following:

Civil Actions:

• monetary claims over $4,500 but not exceeding #15,000, concurrent jurisdiction with general district courts
• monetary claims exceeding $15,000, exclusive original jurisdiction
• attachments
• validity of a county or municipal ordinance or corporate bylaw

Criminal Cases:

• all felonies, offenses that may be punished by commitment to the state penitentiary
• misdemeanor charges originating from a grand jury indictment
• transfer or certification of felony offenses committed by juveniles

Appeals:

• appeals from the General District Court of Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts (heard de novo)
• appeals from administrative agencies

These courts also handle any case for which jurisdiction is not specified in the Code of Virginia

At the beginning of each term of the circuit court, a grand jury is convened. These juries serve two purposes. First, they consider bills of indictment and second, they determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to believe that a person accused of having committed a serious crime did commit such a crime and should stand trial. The grand jury does not hear both sides of the case and does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

A special grand jury is convened to investigate any condition which tends to promote criminal activity in the community or which indicates malfeasance of governmental agencies or officials. This grand jury has subpoena powers and may summon persons, documents, or records needed in its investigation.

For more information about the Circuit Court system, go to Virginia's Judicial System web site