Fairfax County Court

County Resources

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The first iteration of the Fairfax County Courthouse was built sometime around 1742. The courthouse was relocated to Alexandria in 1752. However, in 1789, Virginia ceded Alexandria to the federal government for the creation of the District of Columbia. A new location was determined in what is now the city of Fairfax, and in 1800, the historic Fairfax Courthouse was opened. The historic courthouse was used for Juvenile Court until 2008.

The Fairfax County Judicial Center was built in the 1980s to house both Circuit and General District Courts. An expansion was built in 2008 to accommodate the population growth. The current Fairfax County Courthouse is the main location for most court cases in the county.

Locations

Fairfax County Courthouse
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA, 22030
703-246-3764

Fairfax City General District Court
10455 Armstrong Street, Room 101
Fairfax, VA, 22030
(703) 385-7866

United States District Court
Eastern District of Virginia
Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse
401 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-2100

Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected position, with each term being 8 years. The Clerk has the authority to probate wills, appoint guardians, and grant administration of estates. Marriage licenses are issued and deeds are recorded by the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk of the Circuit Court is the custodian of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court’s records.

Christopher J. Falcon
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Fairfax County Courthouse
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 246-4111

Clerk of the District Court

The Clerk of the District Court is selected for each district court by the judges of that specific court. The primary duty of the Clerk of the District Court is to maintain all court records for the District Court, attend proceedings, and process all filings. There is a different Clerk of the District Court for each district court.

Susan Madsen
Fairfax County Clerk of General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Suite 210
Fairfax, VA, 22030
703-246-3764

Jessica Page Beach
Clerk of Court
Fairfax City General District Court
City Hall, Room 101
10455 Armstrong Street
Fairfax, VA 22030-3600
(703) 385-7866

Kristi Alisia Smith
Clerk of Court
Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030-4020
(703) 246-3367

United States District Court

Fairfax County is part of the Eastern District of Virginia for the United States District Court. The Alexandria division includes Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington, Fauquier, Loudon, Stafford, and Prince William Counties. It also includes the cities of Manassas, Fairfax City, Falls Church, and Manassas Park.

Mark S. Davis is the Chief Judge, and Fernando Galindo is the Clerk of Court.

Circuit Court

Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in Virginia, and Fairfax County is the 19th Judicial Circuit. Circuit Court judges are elected to 8-year terms by the state legislature. Circuit Court shares jurisdiction over civil claims that involve more than $4,500 but less than $25,000, and has jurisdiction over cases involving more than $25,000.

Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over divorce and probate cases and all felony criminal cases. Circuit Court also hears appeals of misdemeanor cases from District Court.

District Court

The General District Court does not hold jury trials. The court hears cases involving misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, and civil cases involving less than $25,000. Eviction lawsuits can be heard, even if they involve more than $25,000. Only preliminary hearings to determine probable cause in felony criminal cases can be heard in District Court.

Small Claims cases that involve less than $4,500 are also heard in District Court.

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears cases involving juvenile and family matters. This includes juvenile delinquency, child custody and support, visitation, and family abuse and neglect cases.

Magistrates

Magistrates have the authority to issue arrest warrants and summons, search warrants, and subpoenas. They also can hold bail hearings when an individual is arrested on a warrant.

Magistrates appointed after July 1, 2008, are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Law enforcement officials or anyone with a spouse who is a clerk or employee of a district or circuit court are not eligible to be magistrates. Magistrates appointed after July 1, 2008, may not practice as lawyers.

Civil Court

Civil cases are those that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two parties. Small Claims cases are handled in District Court. Circuit Court and District Court have overlapping jurisdiction for civil cases involving more than $4,500 but less than $25,000. Circuit Court has jurisdiction over cases involving higher amounts.

Criminal Court

Criminal court judges hear cases involving criminal offenses. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction and hear all felony criminal cases. District Courts hear misdemeanor cases and can hold preliminary hearings for certain felony cases.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialized court that addresses the needs of veterans and active duty members who have been charged with certain offenses. To be eligible, the offender must be a veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge and must be facing a criminal charge under the jurisdiction of a Fairfax county court.

Persons who have a violent criminal history, a history of sex offenses, or unresolved felony or misdemeanor offenses that could carry jail time in other jurisdictions are not eligible for the program.

Drug Court

Drug Court is a specialized program for offenders who admit they have substance abuse problems. Long-term substance abuse treatment, random drug and alcohol testing, and court appearances are all mandatory. The program lasts 4-24 months. If successfully completed, non-violent felony charges may be dismissed.