Circuit Court – 17th Judicial District
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected constitutional office in each county and large city in Virginia. Commonly referred to as Clerk of Court or County Clerk, this particular office performs more varied functions than any other in the Commonwealth.
In Arlington County, the 17th Judicial District includes the City of Falls Church, Virginia.
"The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia; this means that the court has authority to try a full range of cases both civil and criminal. Civil cases involve disputes essentially private in nature between two or more parties; criminal cases are controversies between the State and persons accused of a crime. Only in a circuit court is a jury provided for the trial of these disputes and controversies. The Virginia circuit court system is composed of 31 judicial circuits with 120 separate circuit courts in the various counties and cities of the State. The Supreme Court of Virginia establishes the rules of practice and procedure for the circuit courts, and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court as the administrator of the circuit court system."
The Arlington County Circuit Court hears the following types of cases:
- Felonies and misdemeanors originating from grand jury indictments
- Cases involving juveniles 14 or older that have been certified to the Circuit Court by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations General District Court
- Civil case
- Exclusive jurisdiction for almost all claims exceeding $15,000
- Concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court for claims from $4,500 to $15,000
DEADLINE FOR FILING CIVIL MOTIONS: Please note that in order to have a civil motion heard on a Friday docket in Circuit Court, the motion must be filed in the Clerk’s Office no later than noon the preceding Friday. Civil motions filed after noon on any Friday will not be placed on the next week’s Friday motions’ docket, but instead will be set for the first available motions day thereafter.
- Equity suits
- Adoptions
- Appeals from General District Court
- Writs of mandamus, probation, and certiorari involving proceedings arising from actions of the local governing body
Register To Access Records
Records maintained by the Circuit Court are accessible by registering. A fee is required. Find out more >>>
Security Issue
- Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the courthouse.
- Storage lockers are available for rent in the Detention Facility lobby, across the courtyard, at 1435 N. Courthouse Road.
- Laptop computers (without camera capability) are permitted.
Use this Website For Information Only
The information on the websites for the Court and for the Circuit Court is for general information purposes only. Court business is not conducted on-line. Specific case information, scheduling and services may be obtained ONLY by calling or going to the appropriate office. Get contact information >>>
Topics
Recording/Registering/Applying
Concealed Weapon Permits, Expungement of Criminal Record, Forms provided by the Supreme Court of Virginia, Marriage Information, Name Change, Notary Public Application Process, Officiant to Perform Marriage Ceremonies, Probate & Wills, Restoration of Civil Rights.
TRADE NAMES: As of Nov. 2, 2009, Trade Name applications (a.k.a., doing business as.....) are being processed by the Commissioner of Revenue's Office at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22201. You can now register a trade name or research the trade name database online. For more information call 703-228-3060.
Judicial Process
About the Arlington Circuit Court, Civil Division, Criminal Felony Cases, Jury Service, Misdemeanor Appeals
Records & Research
County Application Framework (CAF): Apply For Optional CAF Account, Search CAF (deeds, finance, judgments, wills); Vital Records (birth, death, marriage, & divorce)
CONTACT US
Arlington County Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-228-7010
E-mail: CircuitCourt (at) arlingtonva.us
Paul Ferguson, Clerk of the Circuit Court
