The grand jury determines whether the accused will be indicted and held for trial by the Circuit Court. Each defendant in a criminal case is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Upon consideration of evidence, the judge decides the question of guilt or innocence and on a finding of guilt determines which penalty, if any, is proper and lawful. Traffic Cases . The General District Court hears cases in which a person is charged with a traffic offense.
Most traffic offenses are traffic infractions.
If you are convicted of certain traffic violations the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles will assess points against your driver's license. This is an administrative action by DMV and is in addition to any sentence imposed by the judge. The charge will be read. If you do not understand the charge. You answer the charge by saying guilty or not guilty.