Legal
Courts & Laws
The City of Falls Church and Arlington County make up the 17th Judicial District of Virginia. Falls Church City and Arlington County each have their own district courts; however, there is only one Circuit Court for the two municipalities, and it is located in Arlington.
District Court
The Falls Church Combined District Court includes a General District Court and a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. These courts are responsible for hearing cases involving small claims, civil claims, traffic and criminal matters, juvenile delinquency, and domestic disputes. The General District Court has two divisions: Civil Court, and the Traffic and Criminal Court. Civil Court handles civil cases up to $15,000. It also includes a Small Claims Court handling matters of $5,000 or less. Continuances for criminal felonies are granted by the Commonwealth's Attorney; criminal misdemeanors/DWI/reckless must be approved by the judge; civil continuances are granted by agreement of both parties and must be approved by the judge. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears all cases of youth under 18 years of age who are charged with, or are the victims of, crimes or other violations of the law in Falls Church City. This Court also hears petitions for custody and support, as well as any charges made by one family member or household member against another. Juvenile traffic court continuances are granted by the Clerk of the Court; the judge must approve all other continuances. Traffic fines or prepayment of traffic tickets may be paid Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Clerk of the Court's Office in City Hall. This office observes all federal and state holidays. Circuit Court
The Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court along with matters of a more serious nature.
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