Courts

General Information

• Albemarle County Circuit Court - trial court with the authority to try all types of civil and criminal cases.
• Albemarle County General District Court - limited jurisdiction trial court that hears civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000 and conducts trials for traffic infractions and misdemeanor offenses.
• Albemarle-Charlottesville Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court - limited jurisdiction trial court that hears cases involving children (minors) and families.
• City of Charlottesville Circuit Court - trial court with the authority to try all types of civil and criminal cases.
• City of Charlottesville General District Court - limited jurisdiction trial court that hears civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000 ($50,000 in certain civil matters) and conducts trials for traffic infractions, misdemeanor offenses and conducts preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies.
• U.S. District Court - Western District of Virginia - Federal Court handles civil and criminal matters filed pursuant to Federal Statutes.