Fairfax Circuit Court: Overview, Functions, and Procedures

Fairfax Circuit Court is one of the busiest and most important judicial institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This court is located in the Fairfax County Courthouse Complex in Fairfax, Virginia, and serves the residents of the county as well as those in the surrounding areas. The Fairfax Circuit Court handles a variety of legal matters, including civil and criminal cases, and has various departments and procedures to ensure that justice is served efficiently and fairly.

Introduction

Fairfax Circuit Court is a state court located in Fairfax, Virginia, and is part of the Virginia Court System. This court has jurisdiction over all types of civil and criminal cases, as well as family and probate matters. The court serves the residents of Fairfax County, which is one of the largest and most populous counties in Virginia, as well as those in the surrounding areas.

History of Fairfax Circuit Court

The Fairfax Circuit Court has a long and rich history that dates back to the early days of Virginia’s colonial period. The court was established in 1742, and since then, it has served the people of Fairfax County and the surrounding areas. The court has undergone many changes over the years, including several renovations and expansions, to keep up with the growing demands of the county’s population.

Jurisdiction and Functions

The Fairfax Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all types of civil and criminal cases. The court also has jurisdiction over family and probate matters, as well as appellate cases. The court’s functions include:

• Handling civil cases involving disputes between individuals or businesses, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disputes.
• Handling criminal cases involving violations of state laws, such as theft, assault, and drug offenses.
• Handling family cases involving divorce, child custody, support, and adoption.
• Handling probate cases involving the distribution of assets and the settlement of debts after someone has died.
• Hearing appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies.

Civil Division

The Civil Division of Fairfax Circuit Court is responsible for handling civil cases. Civil cases involve disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations that are seeking a legal remedy. The Civil Division handles cases related to:

• Breach of contract
• Personal injury claims
• Property disputes
• Employment disputes
• Construction disputes
• Business disputes

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division of Fairfax Circuit Court handles criminal cases that involve violations of state law. The Criminal Division handles cases related to:

• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Traffic offenses
• Drug offenses
• Theft offenses
• Assault and battery offenses

Family Division

The Family Division of Fairfax Circuit Court handles cases related to family law. The Family Division handles cases related to:

• Divorce
• Child custody and support
• Adoption
• Juvenile delinquency
• Protective orders

Probate Division

The Probate Division of Fairfax Circuit Court handles cases related to probate law. The Probate Division handles cases related to:

• Wills and trusts
• Estate administration
• Guardianship and conservatorship

Appeals Division

The Appeals Division of Fairfax Circuit Court handles cases on appeal from lower courts or administrative agencies. The Appeals Division handles cases related to:

• Criminal appeals
• Civil appeals
• Administrative appeals

Procedures and Rules

Filing a Case

To file a case in Fairfax Circuit Court, you must first determine which division your case falls under. Once you have determined the appropriate division, you can file your case by completing the necessary forms and paying the appropriate fees. You can file your case in person at the Fairfax County Courthouse or online through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (VJOCIS).

Court Appearances

After you file your case, you will receive a notice of your court date. It is important that you appear in court on the scheduled date and time, as failure to appear can result in the dismissal of your case or other penalties. If you are unable to appear in court on the scheduled date, you must request a continuance.

Trials and Hearings

If your case goes to trial or hearing, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue your case in front of a judge or jury. It is important that you are prepared and have all necessary documents and witnesses with you. The judge or jury will make a decision based on the evidence presented and the applicable laws.

Appeals and Review

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your case, you may have the option to appeal or seek a review. The Appeals Division of Fairfax Circuit Court handles cases on appeal from lower courts or administrative agencies. It is important to note that there are strict deadlines for filing an appeal or seeking a review, and you should consult with an attorney to determine your options.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Fairfax Circuit Court also offers alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, such as mediation and arbitration, to help parties resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom. ADR can be a cost-effective and efficient way to resolve disputes, and can help parties avoid the time and expense of a trial.

Fairfax Circuit Court Case Information

The Fairfax Circuit Court provides case information online through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (VJOCIS). This system allows you to search for cases by case number, party name, or attorney name. You can also view case information, including case status, upcoming court dates, and documents filed.

Fairfax Circuit Court Judges

The Fairfax Circuit Court has eleven judges who are elected by the Virginia General Assembly for eight-year terms. The judges hear a variety of cases, including civil and criminal cases, and are responsible for upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served.

Fairfax Circuit Court Calendar

The Fairfax Circuit Court publishes a calendar online that lists the upcoming court dates for all divisions. The calendar includes information on the judge assigned to each case, the case type, and the courtroom location. It is important to check the calendar regularly if you have a case pending in the court.

Fairfax County Civil Court Case Search

The Fairfax County Circuit Court provides a civil case search tool online that allows you to search for civil cases by case number, party name, or attorney name. You can also view case information, including case status, upcoming court dates, and documents filed.

Fairfax County Court Cases

The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles a variety of legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. The court has several divisions, including the Civil Division, Criminal Division, and Family Division. Each division has its own procedures and rules, and it is important to consult with an attorney or the court’s website for guidance.

Fairfax Circuit Court Forms

The Fairfax Circuit Court provides a variety of forms online that are required for filing cases or conducting legal business with the court. The forms are available for download and can be filled out electronically or by hand. It is important to ensure that you use the correct form and follow all instructions.

Fairfax County District Court Case Search

The Fairfax County District Court provides a case search tool online that allows you to search for cases by case number, party name, or attorney name. You can also view case information, including case status, upcoming court dates, and documents filed.

Fairfax County Circuit Court Local Rules

The Fairfax County Circuit Court has local rules that govern the procedures and practices of the court. The rules cover a variety of topics, including filing procedures, court appearances, and appeals. It is important to review the local rules if you have a case pending in the court.

Fairfax Circuit Court Practice Manual

The Fairfax Circuit Court Practice Manual is a comprehensive guide to the procedures and practices of the court. The manual covers a variety of topics, including filing procedures, court appearances, and appeals. It is a valuable resource for attorneys and individuals representing themselves in court.

Fairfax County Judicial Center

The Fairfax County Judicial Center is the main courthouse for the Fairfax Circuit Court. The center houses the courtrooms and offices for the judges and court staff. It is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and is open to the public during regular business hours.

Conclusion

Fairfax Circuit Court is an important judicial institution that serves the residents of Fairfax County and the surrounding areas. The court handles a variety of legal matters, including civil and criminal cases, and has various departments and procedures to ensure that justice is served efficiently and fairly. If you need to file a case or have a legal matter, it is important to consult with an attorney or the court’s website to determine the appropriate procedures and rules.

FAQs

1. How do I file a case in Fairfax Circuit Court?

• You can file a case in person at the Fairfax County Courthouse or online through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (VJOCIS).

2. What types of cases does the Civil Division handle?

• The Civil Division handles cases related to breach of contract, personal injury claims, property disputes, employment disputes, construction disputes, and business disputes.

3. What types of cases does the Criminal Division handle?

• The Criminal Division handles cases related to felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, drug offenses, theft offenses, and assault and battery offenses.

4. What types of cases does the Family Division handle?

• The Family Division handles cases related to divorce, child custody and support, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and protective orders.

5. What is alternative dispute resolution?

• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a process in which parties can resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom through methods such as mediation and arbitration.