The Circuit Court’s jurisdiction areas include:
Civil Actions
- Monetary claims over $4,500 but not exceeding $25,000, concurrent jurisdiction with General District Courts
- Monetary claims exceeding $25,000, 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
- Felonies and misdemeanor charges originating from a grand jury indictment
- Transfer or certification of felony offenses committed by juveniles
Appeals
- Appeals from the General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (heard de novo)
- Appeals from administrative agencies
The Circuit Court also handles:
- Adoptions
- Any case for which for which jurisdiction is not specified in the Code of Virginia.
- Equity suits
- Writs of mandamus, probation and certiorari involving proceedings arising from actions of a local governing body