Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia, and the court has authority to try a full range of both civil and criminal cases. Civil cases involve disputes essentially private in nature between two or more parties; criminal cases are controversies between the Commonwealth and persons accused of a crime. Only in a circuit court is a jury provided for the trial of many of these disputes and controversies. For more information, view the Loudoun Circuit Court’s page on the Virginia Judicial System website.

News and Announcements

• Effective April 1, 2024, the 20th Judicial Circuit: Loudoun County Local Rules and Procedures (PDF) rescinded and replaced prior rules or orders of procedure.
• New Standard Criminal Discovery Order (PDF)

Civil Cases

In civil cases, the Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court over claims from $4,500 to $25,000 and exclusive original jurisdiction over almost all claims exceeding $25,000. The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over divorce cases, disputes concerning wills and estates, and controversies involving real property.

• Civil Cases: Docket Information

Criminal Cases

In criminal cases, the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the trial of all felonies (offenses that may be punished by commitment to the penitentiary) and of those misdemeanors (offenses carrying a penalty of not more than 12 months in jail) on appeal from District Court or originally charged in Circuit Court.

• Criminal Cases: Docket Information

Juvenile Cases

The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over juveniles age 14 and older who are charged with felonies and whose cases have been certified or transferred by the judge of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for trial in Circuit Court.

• View more information including details of when the court is in session Opens a New Window. ,
• Overview of the Circuit Court system in Virginia (PDF) Opens a New Window. 

Related Resources

• pens a New Window. Fairfax County Circuit Court Opens a New Window. 
• Fauquier County Circuit Court Opens a New Window. 
• General District Court Opens a New Window. 
• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Opens a New Window. 
• Legal Information Institute Opens a New Window.  Opens a New Window. 
• Virginia General Assembly Opens a New Window. 
•  Opens a New Window.  Opens a New Window. Virginia’s Judicial System Opens a New Window.