ALBEMARLE COUNTY COURTS

The Circuit Court of the County of Albemarle, part of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, is the court of record in the County. This court has general jurisdiction of all types of cases - civil, equity, and criminal. In addition, the Circuit Court is the court to which appeals from the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court are taken. (434) 972-4083

The General District Court exercises original jurisdiction over all misdemeanor cases and civil matters where less than $10,000 is involved. Preliminary hearings in those criminal cases classed as felonies are heard in the General District Court. This court also decides traffic cases, zoning, and hunting and fishing license matters. (434) 972-4004

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court consists of two components. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Services Unit which provides support and follow-up service such as probation and aftercare, investigations for youths, intake services to the community, and domestic relations counseling. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is concerned with issues involving the welfare of children and families. The Court has jurisdiction over cases involving violations of the law committed by or against persons under the age of eighteen, family disputes, or other domestic-related problems. For more information, call the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court at (434) 979-7165 or the Court Services Unit at (434) 979-7191.

The Commonwealth Attorney represents the County and State in criminal cases and is the chief prosecuting officer for Albemarle County. The Commonwealth Attorney is elected by Albemarle citizens every four years. (434) 972-4072

The Clerk of the Circuit Court, a constitutional officer elected every eight years, is responsible for the recordation of deeds, deeds of trust, mechanics liens, partnerships and fiduciary accounts, the docketing of judgments, financing, and termination statements under the Uniform Commercial Code. The Clerk also processes motions for judgments involving vehicle accidents, suits for divorce, condemnations, injunctions, partition of land, appeals from District Court, adoption proceedings, and name changes. Other duties include appointing and advising executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, and probating wills of the deceased. (434) 972-4085

The Sheriff of Albemarle County, a constitutional officer who is elected for a term of four years, is responsible for maintaining courtroom security at each of the courts, transporting prisoners and mental patients, and serving civil papers in the County. (434) 972-4001

OTHER JUDICIAL SERVICES

Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) is an organization providing services to offenders in the Charlottesville/Albemarle Area. The organization's primary goal is to rehabilitate and integrate offenders into the community. For further information, call OAR at (434) 296-2441.

Albemarle County partially funds a regional Juvenile Detention Home to house offending minors. The Juvenile Detention Home is located in Staunton, Virginia.

COURT OFFICIALS

Most court officials are located at 501 E. Jefferson Street on Court Square in Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Circuit Court

The Honorable Cheryl V.Higgins
501 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Telephone: (434) 972-4015
Fax: (434) 972-4071

Debra M. Shipp, Clerk
Telephone: (434) 972-4083

General District Court

The Honorable William G. Barkley
501 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 138
Charlottesville, VA 22902-5110
Telephone: (434) 972-4005
Fax: (434) 972-4092

Phyllis L. Stewart, Clerk

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

The Honorable Dwight D. Johnson
The Honorable Edward DeJ. Berry
Telephone: (434) 979-7165

Court Services Unit: (434) 979-7191

Jody Ann Shelley, Clerk
Telephone: (434) 979-7165

Sheriff

J. E. "Chip" Harding, Sheriff
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Telephone: (434) 972-4001

Magistrate

Cheryl Thompson, Chief Magistrate,  Sixteenth Judicial Circuit
1610 Avon Street Extended
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Telephone: (434) 977-0220

Commonwealth Attorney

Denise Lunsford
410 East High St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Telephone: (434) 972-4072