Three courts serve Culpeper County

Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: August 24, 2007

A synopsis of the court system in Culpeper County:

- General District Court is the court most frequently visited by the public. This court handles most traffic violations and also hears minor criminal cases known as misdemeanors, along with conducting preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies.

The General District Court has the exclusive authority to hear civil cases with claims of $4,500 or less and share authority with the Circuit Court to hear claims between $4,500 and $15,000. Examples of civil cases are landlord and tenant disputes, contract disputes and personal injury actions.

- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court hears all matters involving juveniles (17 and under) ranging from criminal to traffic matters. Cases referred to as juvenile delinquency cases involve a minor accused of committing an offense that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult.

Other juvenile cases called status offenses are those acts that are unlawful only because a minor commits them.

In addition, the "J and D" court, as it is commonly called, handles other matters involving the family, such as custody, support and visitation claims. The court also hears family abuse cases, which are cases where adults have been accused of child abuse or neglect, and criminal cases where the defendant and alleged victim are family or household members.

- Circuit Court is the trial court with the broadest powers of the three. The Circuit Court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $15,000. It shares authority with the general district court to hear matters between $4,500 and $15,000. Also, the Circuit Court has the authority to hear the most serious criminal cases, called felonies.

The Circuit Court handles divorce cases, along with hearing cases that are appealed from the General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts.

The Culpeper County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases in the aforementioned courts. Along with prosecuting, the office also offers a crime victim's assistance program that helps victims and witnesses prepare for trial through support and education.

The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office does not handle civil matters, which include divorces and financial judgments.