General District Court

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stafford County General District Court is closed to the public in response to this pandemic, the order of the Supreme Court of Virginia declaring a judicial emergency pursuant to Virginia Code 17.1-330. 

All cases between March 17th, 2020 & April 6th, 2020 will be continued, with the exceptions of Arraignments, Video Bond Hearings, and Protective Orders.

The Court asks that unless you are a party or a witness, please consider staying home.

All questions relating to cases and continuances should be directed to the Clerk’s Office (540) 658-8935

Responsibilities & Services


The General District Court has three major divisions.
  • The Civil Division handles all claims for money up to $25,000. This includes debts, unpaid rent, contracts, and personal injury.
  • The Criminal Division handles all criminal matters from dogs running at large to preliminary hearings in capital cases.
  • The Traffic Division handles all traffic matters from minor equipment violations to hit and run cases.
You are not required to have a lawyer in most cases; however, it is suggested that you contact a lawyer in all cases to properly protect your rights.

Judges
  • Hon. J. Bruce Strickland, Presiding Judge
  • Hon. Robert Eric Reibach, Chief Judge
  • Hon. David B. Caddell Jr
Court Schedule
Civil
Mondays, 3rd & 4th Tuesdays, and 2nd & 4th Fridays.
     Cases are scheduled by the Clerk at time of filing
     or call to obtain the next available civil date.

Traffic
Tues. - Fri., 9:00 a.m.

Criminal
Tues. - Fri., 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Arraignments
Tues. - Fri., 8:30 a.m.

Preliminary hearings and criminal trials of Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors are scheduled by the court at arraignment. Class 3 and Class 4 misdemeanors are tried on return date.

Motions, 10:00 a.m., date needs to be authorized through Clerk's office.

Continuance Policy
All continuances must be requested at least three business days prior to current court date. In traffic cases, first continuance granted by Clerk on timely motion; otherwise granted by Judge on motion.