History of the Prince William County Circuit Court

The Prince William County Circuit Court was established in 1892, as part of a statewide reorganization of Virginia’s judicial system. It replaced the county court, which had been the primary court of general jurisdiction in Prince William County since the colonial era. The circuit court initially had only one judge, but additional judges were added as the county’s population grew.

Jurisdiction of the Prince William County Circuit Court

The Prince William County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases within the county. This includes:

• Civil Cases: The circuit court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving claims of more than $25,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disputes, among others.
• Criminal Cases: The circuit court has jurisdiction over all felony cases and certain misdemeanor cases. This includes cases involving drug offenses, property crimes, and violent crimes, among others.
• Appeals: The circuit court also has jurisdiction to hear appeals from lower courts within the county, including the general district court and juvenile and domestic relations district court.

Structure of the Prince William County Circuit Court

The Prince William County Circuit Court is led by a chief judge and several associate judges, who are appointed by the Virginia General Assembly. The court also has a clerk’s office, which is responsible for maintaining court records and providing administrative support to the judges.

Judges

The Prince William County Circuit Court currently has six judges, including Chief Judge J. Howe Brown Jr. and Associate Judges Carroll Weimer Jr., Steven S. Smith, Regina C. Stakem, Richard B. Potter, and William D. Hamblen. The judges are elected to eight-year terms, and their duties include presiding over court hearings, issuing orders and opinions, and making rulings on legal disputes.

Clerks

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining court records and providing administrative support to the judges. The clerk’s office is led by the clerk of the circuit court, who is an elected official. The current clerk is Jacqueline C. Smith.

Court Staff

The court also has a staff of employees who provide support to the judges and the clerk’s office. This includes court reporters, bailiffs, and other administrative staff.

Procedures in the Prince William County Circuit Court

Filing a Case

To file a case in the Prince William County Circuit Court, you must first determine which type of case you have and which court form you need to fill out. You can find court forms on the court’s website or in person at the clerk’s office. Once you have completed the form and paid the filing fee, you must file the form with the clerk’s office.

Court Hearings

Once a case is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. The date and time of the hearing will be provided to all parties involved. At the hearing, both sides will present their arguments and evidence, and the judge will make a ruling.

Appeals

If a party is not satisfied with the outcome of a case in the Prince William County Circuit Court, they may file an appeal. Appeals are heard by the Virginia Court of Appeals or the Virginia Supreme Court, depending on the type of case.

Resources for the Prince William County Circuit Court

The Prince William County Circuit Court provides a number of resources to help individuals navigate the court system.

Court Forms

Court forms for various types of cases can be found on the court’s website or in person at the clerk’s office. These forms include forms for filing a case, responding to a case, and filing an appeal.

Court Records

Court records for cases heard in the Prince William County Circuit Court can be accessed online through the Virginia Judiciary’s Case Information System (CIS). Records can also be accessed in person at the clerk’s office.

Court Schedule

The court schedule, including dates and times of hearings, can be found on the court’s website.

Prince William County Circuit Court Case Information

Case information for the Prince William County Circuit Court can be accessed online through the Virginia Judiciary’s Case Information System (CIS). This system provides access to case information for all courts in the state of Virginia, including the Prince William County Circuit Court.

Prince William County Circuit Court Docket

The docket for the Prince William County Circuit Court can be found on the court’s website. The docket includes information about upcoming hearings and other court events.

Prince William General District Court Online Case Information

The Prince William General District Court also provides online case information through the Virginia Judiciary’s Case Information System (CIS). This system provides access to case information for all courts in the state of Virginia, including the General District Court.

Prince William County Circuit Court Motions Day

Motions Day is a designated day on the court calendar when judges hear motions in civil cases. The date of Motions Day can be found on the court’s website.

Prince William County Circuit Court Judges

The Prince William County Circuit Court currently has six judges, including Chief Judge J. Howe Brown Jr. and Associate Judges Carroll Weimer Jr., Steven S. Smith, Regina C. Stakem, Richard B. Potter, and William D. Hamblen.

Prince William County Courthouse Phone Number

The phone number for the Prince William County Courthouse is (703) 792-6015.

Manassas Courthouse Clerk’s Office

The Manassas Courthouse Clerk’s Office is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110. The office can provide assistance with court forms, filing cases, and accessing court records.

Prince William County Courthouse Address

The Prince William County Courthouse is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.

By understanding the resources available and the procedures of the Prince William County Circuit Court and its associated courts, individuals can better navigate the court system and ensure their case is handled appropriately.

Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

The Clerk’s Office for the Prince William County Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining court records and providing assistance to individuals involved in court proceedings. The office is located at the courthouse and can be contacted at (703) 792-6045.

Prince William County Circuit Court Forms

Forms for cases in the Prince William County Circuit Court can be found on the court’s website or obtained from the Clerk’s Office. These forms include petitions, motions, and other legal documents required for court proceedings.

Prince William County Circuit Court Records

Records for cases in the Prince William County Circuit Court can be accessed through the Virginia Judiciary’s Case Information System (CIS). The Clerk’s Office can also provide assistance with accessing court records.

Prince William County Circuit Court Holidays

The Prince William County Circuit Court observes holidays recognized by the state of Virginia, as well as other holidays designated by the court. The court’s website provides information about holiday closures and schedule changes.

Prince William County Circuit Court Procedures

The Prince William County Circuit Court follows procedures outlined in the Virginia Code, as well as rules established by the Virginia Supreme Court. It is important for individuals involved in court proceedings to understand these procedures in order to ensure their case is handled appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a case in the Prince William County Circuit Court?

• To file a case in the Prince William County Circuit Court, you must first determine which type of case you have and which court form you need to fill out. You can find court forms on the court’s website or in person at the clerk’s office. Once you have completed the form and paid the filing fee, you must file the form with the clerk’s office.

How do I access court records?

• Court records for cases heard in the Prince William County Circuit Court can be accessed online through the Virginia Judiciary’s Case Information System (CIS). Records can also be accessed in person at the clerk’s office.

What types of cases does the Prince William County Circuit Court have jurisdiction over?

• The circuit court has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases within the county, including appeals from lower courts.

How many judges are there in the Prince William County Circuit Court?

• The Prince William County Circuit Court currently has six judges, including Chief Judge J. Howe Brown Jr. and Associate Judges Carroll Weimer Jr., Steven S. Smith, Regina C. Stakem, Richard B. Potter, and William D. Hamblen.

How long do judges serve in the Prince William County Circuit Court?

• Judges in the Prince William County Circuit Court are elected to eight-year terms.

Conclusion

The Prince William County Circuit Court is an important institution in the Virginia judicial system, with jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases in the county. By understanding the court’s history, jurisdiction, structure, procedures, and resources, individuals can navigate the court system with confidence.