dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-81. Actions brought by motion for judgment.
A civil action in a general district court may be brought by motion for judgment. Such motion shall be in writing, signed by the plaintiff or his attorney, and shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court and the title of the action, which shall include the names of all parties and the address of each defendant. It shall state the facts on which the plaintiff relies, and shall be sufficient if it clearly informs the defendant or defendants of the true nature of the claim asserted. The motion shall notify the defendant or defendants of the day on which such motion shall be made, which day shall not be more than 90 days from the date of service of the motion.

1956, c. 555; 1990, c. 762; 2025, c. 349.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-81.1. Certain corporations; pro se representation.
When the amount in controversy in any action at law in a general district court does not exceed the sum of $2,500, exclusive of interest, attorney fees contracted for in the instrument, and costs, a corporate plaintiff or defendant, the stock of which is held by no more than five persons and is not publicly offered or planned to be publicly offered at the time of the litigation, may be represented by an officer of that corporation who shall have all the rights and privileges given an individual to represent, plead, and try a case without an attorney, provided that such officer has the unanimous consent of all the shareholders to do so.

2009, c. 666.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-82. Service of motion; return thereon and delivery to the court; how disposed of.
The plaintiff shall file with the clerk of the court an original motion for judgment and as many copies as there are defendants upon whom it is to be served, with the proper fees. The original motion and copies thereof shall then be delivered to the sheriff or other person for service. Service of such motion shall be as provided in Chapter 8 (§ 8.01-285 et seq.) of Title 8.01, but the motion must be served not less than five days before the return day. Returns shall be made on the original motion for judgment and shall show when, where, how and upon whom service was made. The motion or motions with the returns thereon shall be returned by the sheriff or other persons making service to the court within three days of the date service is made. The motion for judgment shall be heard and disposed of by the court in the same manner as if it were a civil warrant. Except as otherwise provided herein, procedure upon such motion for judgment shall conform as nearly as practicable to the procedure in motions for judgment prescribed by Rules of Court for civil actions in courts of record.

1956, c. 555; 1981, c. 576; 1990, c. 943.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-83. Consent of parties required for trial within five days of service.
No trial of a warrant or motion for judgment under this title may be had within five days after service thereof except with the consent of the parties. Proceedings to enforce the rights and privileges conferred by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) shall be conducted within the time limitations specified in § 2.2-3713.

1956, c. 555; 1990, c. 217.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-83.1. Certification of expert witness opinion at time of service of process.
A. Every warrant in debt, counter claim, or third party claim in a medical malpractice action, at the time the plaintiff first requests service of process upon a defendant, or requests a defendant to accept service of process, shall be deemed a certification that the plaintiff has obtained from an expert whom the plaintiff reasonably believes would qualify as an expert witness pursuant to subsection A of § 8.01-581.20 a written opinion signed by the expert witness that states:

BASED UPON A REASONABLE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTS, THE DEFENDANT FOR WHOM SERVICE OF PROCESS HAS BEEN REQUESTED DEVIATED FROM THE APPLICABLE STANDARD OF CARE AND THE DEVIATION WAS A PROXIMATE CAUSE OF THE INJURIES CLAIMED.

No further statement or opinion from the expert shall be required for the purposes of this section. The plaintiff may have separate certifications for standard of care and causation. Each defendant who is the subject of an expert witness's certification shall be identified in the certification.

B. This certification is not necessary if the plaintiff, in good faith, alleges a medical malpractice action that asserts a theory of liability where expert testimony is unnecessary because the alleged act of negligence clearly lies within the range of the jury's common knowledge and experience.

C. The certifying expert shall not be required to be an expert witness expected to testify at trial nor shall any defendant be entitled to discover the identity or qualifications of the certifying expert or the nature of the certifying expert opinions. Should the certifying expert be identified as an expert expected to testify at trial, the opinions and bases therefor shall be discoverable pursuant to Rule 4:1 of the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia with the exception of the expert's status as a certifying expert.

D. Within 21 days of an answer being filed by a defendant upon whom service of process has been requested, the plaintiff shall certify to such defendant that the plaintiff had obtained the necessary certifying expert opinion at the time service was requested or affirms that the plaintiff did not need to obtain a certifying expert witness opinion by including a statement that reads: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE PLAINTIFF HAS COMPLIED WITH § 16.1-83.1 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA. The court, upon good cause shown, may conduct an in camera review of the certifying expert opinion obtained by the plaintiff as the court may deem appropriate. If the plaintiff did not obtain a necessary certifying expert opinion at the time the plaintiff requested service of process on a defendant as required under this section, the court shall impose sanctions according to the provisions of § 8.01-271.1 and may dismiss the case with prejudice.

2005, cc. 649, 692; 2007, c. 489; 2013, cc. 65, 610; 2025, c. 359.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-84. When action or proceeding not lost; when matured for hearing.
In the event the return day of any civil action or other proceeding is a day on which the court does not sit, such action or proceeding shall not be lost, but shall be deemed matured for hearing or other disposition by the court on the first day thereafter on which the court sits for hearing civil actions.

1956, c. 555; 1958, c. 210.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-85. What term "warrant" to include.
Whenever the word "warrant" is used in any section of the Code or act of assembly relating to civil proceedings, it shall, unless the context or use indicates a different meaning, be construed to mean "warrant or motion for judgment."

1956, c. 555.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-86. When action deemed brought.
A civil action on a warrant in a district court shall be deemed brought when the memorandum required by § 8.01-290 is filed with the clerk, magistrate, or other officer authorized to issue warrants and the required fee is paid. The officer issuing the warrant shall note on the memorandum the date and time it is received by him with the required fee.

A civil action on a motion for judgment as authorized in § 16.1-81 shall be deemed brought on the day on which the motion is filed with the court.

Whenever any other pleading in any civil action is filed in a district court, the clerk or his designee shall stamp or mark the date received and time of filing on the face of such pleading.

1956, c. 555; 1980, c. 739; 1990, c. 109.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-86.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1990, c. 109.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-87. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1983, c. 499.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-88. Procedure when plaintiff sues on sworn claim.
If a civil action in a general district court is upon a contract, express or implied, for the payment of money, or unlawful detainer pursuant to § 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415 for the payment of money or possession of the premises, or both, or is brought by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision or agency thereof for the collection of taxes or to enforce any other obligation for the payment of money, an affidavit and a copy of the account if there be one and, in actions pursuant to § 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415, proof of required notice may be made and served on the defendant in accordance with § 8.01-296 with the warrant or motion for judgment as provided in § 8.01-28 for actions at law, whereupon the provisions of § 8.01-28 shall be applicable to the further proceedings therein. The affidavit and the account if there is one and proof of appropriate notice may be attached to the warrant or motion, in which event the combined papers shall be served as a single paper.

1956, c. 555; 1973, c. 440; 1991, c. 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-88.01. Counterclaims.
In any proceeding before any general district court a defendant may, at his option, at any time before trial, plead in writing as a counterclaim, any cause of action at law for a money judgment in personam, or any matter which would entitle him to relief in equity in the nature of damages, that he has against the plaintiff or all plaintiffs jointly, whether or not it grows out of any transaction mentioned in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment, whether or not it is for liquidated damages, whether or not it is in tort or contract, and whether or not the amount demanded exceeds the amount claimed by the plaintiff in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment; however, no such counterclaim shall be filed or heard when the amount claimed therein exceeds the amount within the jurisdiction of such court.

Upon the request of either party, bills of particulars and grounds of defense may be ordered to ensure a fair trial on the merits of the issue presented. The court may, in its discretion, hear the counterclaim together with the original case, or may order and hold a separate hearing of any cause of action asserted in a counterclaim. In either event, the court shall render such final judgment on the whole case as the law and the evidence require.

Code 1950, § 8-239.1; 1954, c. 608; 1977, c. 624; 1998, cc. 482, 495.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-88.02. Cross-claims.
Subject to the jurisdictional limitations prescribed by law, in any proceeding before a general district court a defendant may, at his option, at any time before trial, plead in writing as a cross-claim any cause of action that he has against one or more defendants growing out of any matter pleaded in the plaintiff's warrant or notice or motion for judgment. The court may order and hold a separate hearing upon any cause of action asserted in a cross-claim.

Code 1950, § 8-239.2; 1954, c. 608; 1977, c. 624.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-88.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1980, c. 183.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-89. Subpoena duces tecum; attorney-issued subpoena duces tecum.
A judge or clerk of a district court may issue a subpoena duces tecum pursuant to the terms of Rule 4:9A of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia except that such subpoena may be directed to a party to the case as well as to a person who is not a party.

Subpoenas duces tecum for medical records issued by an attorney shall be subject to the provisions of §§ 8.01-413 and 32.1-127.1:03 except that no separate fee for issuance shall be imposed.

A subpoena duces tecum may also be issued by an attorney-at-law who is an active member of the Virginia State Bar at the time of issuance, as an officer of the court. Any such subpoena duces tecum shall be on a form approved by the Committee on District Courts, signed by the attorney as if a pleading and shall include the attorney's address. A copy, together with the attorney's certificate of service pursuant to Rule 1:12, shall be mailed or delivered to the clerk's office of the court in which the case is pending on the day of issuance by the attorney. The law governing subpoenas duces tecum issued by a clerk shall apply mutatis mutandis, except that attorneys may not issue subpoenas duces tecum in those cases in which they may not issue a summons as provided in § 8.01-407. A sheriff shall not be required to serve an attorney-issued subpoena that is not issued at least five business days prior to the date production of evidence is desired. When an attorney-at-law transmits one or more subpoenas duces tecum to a sheriff to be served in his jurisdiction, the provisions in § 8.01-407 regarding such transmittals shall apply.

If the time for compliance with a subpoena duces tecum issued by an attorney is less than 14 days after service of the subpoena, the person to whom it is directed may serve upon the party issuing the subpoena a written objection setting forth any grounds upon which such production, inspection or testing should not be had. If objection is made, the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued and served shall not be entitled to the requested production, inspection or testing, except pursuant to an order of the court, but may, upon notice to the person to whom the subpoena was directed, move for an order to compel production, inspection or testing. Upon such timely motion, the court may quash, modify or sustain the subpoena.

1956, c. 555; 1979, c. 668; 1984, c. 500; 1986, c. 160; 2000, c. 813; 2004, c. 335.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-90. Recognizance upon continuation of case.
Judges of courts not of record may, upon the continuance of any case, require the witnesses or any of them, to enter into recognizance in such penalty as the judge may deem proper, either with or without security, for their appearance at a subsequent date to give evidence in the case, such recognizance to conform to the requirements of §§ 19.2-135 through 19.2-137 for taking recognizance of witnesses.

1956, c. 555; 1960, c. 372.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-91. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1984, c. 25.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-91.1. Costs to be included in judgment on forthcoming bond.
The judge of a general district court, on giving judgment on a forthcoming bond, shall include in the costs of the judgment the clerk's fee as stated in subdivision A 21 of § 17.1-275; and the clerk shall not receive any fee or reward for any service he is required to perform by the provisions of § 8.01-529, except that specified in subdivision A 21 of § 17.1-275.

Code 1950, § 8-460; 1962, c. 10; 1977, c. 624.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-91.2. Judge to keep record of judgment on forthcoming bond; how to endorse execution.
The judge of the general district court, rendering a judgment under the provisions of Chapter 19 (§ 8.01-526 et seq.) of Title 8.01, shall keep a record thereof in the same manner as he is required by law in other cases. He shall not stay execution upon such judgment, and shall endorse on any fieri facias issued thereon "no security is to be taken."

Code 1950, § 8-461; 1962, c. 10; 1977, c. 624.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-92. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2007, c. 869, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-93. Principles applicable to trial of cases.
Every action or other proceeding in a court not of record shall be tried according to the principles of law and equity, and when the same conflict the principles of equity shall prevail. No warrant, motion or other pleading shall be dismissed by reason of a mere defect, irregularity or omission in the proceedings or in the form of the pleadings when the same may be corrected by an order of the court. The court may direct such proceedings and enter such orders as may be necessary to correct any such defects, irregularities and omissions, and to bring about a trial of the merits of the controversy and promote substantial justice to all parties. The court may make such provisions as to costs and continuances as may be just.

1956, c. 555.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-93.1. Use of telephonic communication systems or electronic video and audio communication systems to conduct hearing.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any proceeding under this chapter in which a party or witness is incarcerated or when otherwise authorized by the court, the court may, in its discretion, conduct any hearing using a telephonic communication system or an electronic audio and video communication system to provide for the appearance of any parties and witnesses. Any electronic audio and video communication system used to conduct such a hearing shall meet the standards set forth in subsection B of § 19.2-3.1.

2001, c. 513.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-94. Judgment to be noted on papers; formal orders may be entered.
Whenever a judgment is rendered in a court not of record the judgment shall be entered on the warrant, motion for judgment, counterclaim, cross-claim or other pleading and signed by the judge, or the signature of the judge may be affixed by a facsimile stamp, in which event the judge shall initial a notation of the judgment made on the warrant or other paper. If the action is on a note, bond or other written obligation, the date and amount of the judgment rendered shall be noted thereon, to which notation the judge or clerk shall affix his name or his initials. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the judge from entering a formal order in any case in which he deems such order to be appropriate, including but not limited to settlement and installment orders endorsed by counsel, or to affect the validity of any formal order so entered. If such action is on a lease for the recovery of rent or possession of property this section shall not operate to require marking of such lease unless the judge deems such marking necessary.

1956, c. 555; 1962, c. 361; 2004, c. 341.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-94.01. When and how satisfaction entered on judgment.
A. When satisfaction of any judgment rendered in a court not of record is made, the judgment creditor shall by himself, or his agent or attorney, give written notice of such satisfaction, within 30 days of receipt, to the clerk of the court in which the judgment was rendered. Such notice shall include the docket number, the names of the parties, and the date of the judgment. The clerk of the court shall then mark the judgment satisfied. For any money judgment marked as satisfied pursuant to this section, nothing herein shall satisfy an unexecuted order of possession entered pursuant to § 8.01-126.

B. If the judgment creditor fails to comply with subsection A, the judgment debtor, his heirs or personal representatives, may, on motion, after 10 days' notice thereof to the judgment creditor, or his assignee, his personal representative, or his agent or attorney, apply to the court in which the judgment was rendered to have the judgment marked satisfied. Upon proof that the judgment has been satisfied, the clerk shall mark the judgment satisfied. If the judgment creditor or his legal representatives cannot be reasonably located, the notice may be published and posted as an order of publication is required to be published and posted under §§ 8.01-316 and 8.01-317.

C. The cost of such proceedings, including reasonable attorney fees and the cost of publication, may be ordered to be paid by the judgment creditor.

1999, c. 370; 2015, c. 547; 2017, c. 481.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-94.1. Limitations on enforcement of district court judgments.
For judgments entered in a general district court on or after January 1, 1985, no execution shall be issued or action brought on such judgment, including a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth, after ten years from the date of such judgment except as provided in § 16.1-69.55 B 4.

1983, c. 499.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-95. Abstract of judgment.
At any time while the papers in any case in which a judgment has been rendered by a general district court are retained by the court, the judge or clerk of the court shall certify and deliver an abstract of the judgment to any person interested therein. In the absence of any such judge or clerk, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of such judge or clerk, such abstract of judgment may be made and certified by the substitute judge or clerk, if there be one, or by any other judge of a general district court in such county or city.

1956, c. 555; 1983, c. 499.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-96. What abstract to contain.
An abstract of a judgment rendered in a court not of record shall contain the information required by § 8.01-449 for entry in the judgment dockets of courts of record, except that it shall not be necessary to include any information as to executions which have been issued thereon.

1956, c. 555.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-97. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1987, c. 98.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-97.1. When a new trial is granted.
A. No new trial may be granted from any judgment in a district court unless a motion by one of the parties is made within thirty days after the date of judgment, not including the date of entry of such judgment. The motion for new trial shall be heard by the judge who rendered the judgment, but if the judge is not in office, is absent from the jurisdiction, or is otherwise unavailable to hear the motion for new trial, such motion may be heard by a judge of that district court.

B. A hearing shall be held by the court, as provided herein, and the court shall rule on any such motions not later than forty-five days after the date of judgment, not including the date of entry of such judgment. Nothing contained in this section shall operate to alter the granting of a new trial by the court pursuant to § 8.01-428, or to alter the requirements for appeal from any judgment of any district court as otherwise provided by law.

1987, c. 98; 1988, c. 506.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-98. Fieri facias or writ of possession on judgment.
Upon a judgment being rendered in a general district court a writ of fieri facias or a writ of possession shall be issued thereon only upon request of the judgment creditor, his assignee or his attorney. When the judgment is for personal property and the defendant is not given the option under § 8.01-121 to pay the amount of the judgment or surrender the property, the plaintiff may, at his option, have a writ of possession for the specific property and a writ of fieri facias for the damages or profits and costs, and if the writ of possession prove ineffectual he may have a writ of fieri facias for the alternate value. The judge or clerk shall write or stamp upon the docket of the court, or upon the original warrant or motion, the issuing of each such writ and the date of issuance.

1956, c. 555; 1968, c. 260; 1974, c. 666; 1977, c. 624; 1983, c. 499.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 6 (VENUE, JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL MATTERS)
§ 16.1-99. When and where executions returnable; to whom directed.
A writ of fieri facias or a writ of possession issued from a general district court shall be made returnable within 90 days to the court from which it was issued, except that a writ of fieri facias issued in the instance of a wage garnishment shall be returnable not more than 180 days after the date of issuance. If, after the return day of the writ and the completion of any garnishment, interrogatory or other proceeding in connection therewith, the papers in the case have been returned to a circuit court, then the writ and other papers in connection with such proceeding shall likewise be returned to the circuit court and filed with the papers in the case. A writ of fieri facias may be directed to the sheriff of any county or to the sergeant or constable of any corporation.

1956, c. 555; 1979, c. 45; 2003, c. 234.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-123. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1984, c. 506.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-123.1. Criminal and traffic jurisdiction of general district courts.
1. Each general district court shall have, within the county, including the towns within such county, or city for which it is established, exclusive original jurisdiction for the trial of:

a. All offenses against the ordinances, laws and bylaws of such county, including the towns within such county, or city or of any service district within such county or city, except a city ordinance enacted pursuant to §§ 18.2-372 through 18.2-391.1. All offenses against the ordinances of a service district shall be prosecuted in the name of such service district;

b. All other misdemeanors and traffic infractions arising in such county, including the towns in such county, or city.

2. Each general district court which is established within a city shall also have:

a. Concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit court of such city for all violations of state revenue and election laws; and

b. Exclusive original jurisdiction, except as otherwise provided by general law or the city charter, within the area extending for one mile beyond the corporate limits thereof, for the trial of all offenses against the ordinances, laws and bylaws of the city.

3. If a city lying within a county has no general district court provided by city charter or under general law, then the general district court of the county within which such city lies shall have the same jurisdiction in such city as a general district court established for a city would have.

4. Each general district court shall have such other jurisdiction, exclusive or concurrent, as may be conferred on such court by general law or by provisions of the charter of the city for which the court was established.

5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection C of § 19.2-244, any county general district court authorized by § 16.1-69.35:01 to be established in a city shall have exclusive original jurisdiction for the trial of all misdemeanors committed within or upon the general district court courtroom.

6. Upon certification by the general district court of any felony charge and ancillary misdemeanor charge or when an appeal of a conviction of an offense in general district court is noted, jurisdiction as to such charges shall vest in the circuit court, unless such case is reopened pursuant to § 16.1-133.1; a final judgment, order, or decree is modified, vacated, or suspended pursuant to Supreme Court of Virginia Rule 1:1; or the appeal has been withdrawn in the general district court within 10 days pursuant to § 16.1-133.

7. Nothing herein shall affect the jurisdiction conferred on the juvenile and domestic relations district court by Chapter 11 (§ 16.1-226 et seq.).

1984, c. 506; 2019, c. 240; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 187.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-124. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1984, c. 506.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-126. Certain courts of record may try misdemeanors; procedure.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the circuit court of any county or city having criminal jurisdiction, shall have jurisdiction to try any person for any misdemeanor for which a presentment or indictment is brought in or for which an information is filed; or such court may certify the presentment, indictment or information for trial to the court not of record which would otherwise have jurisdiction of the offense; in which event the presentment, indictment or information shall be in lieu of any warrant, petition or other pleading which might otherwise be required by law.

1956, c. 555.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-127. Courts may conduct preliminary examinations.
In addition to the power and authority conferred by this chapter on courts not of record having criminal jurisdiction, each such court shall have power to conduct preliminary examinations of persons charged with crime within its jurisdiction in the manner prescribed in Chapter 7 (§ 19.2-71 et seq.) of Title 19.2.

1956, c. 555; 1960, c. 362.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-128. Exception when jurisdiction in State Corporation Commission.
Nothing in this chapter shall be held to confer upon courts not of record any jurisdiction or power over offenses of which jurisdiction is specifically vested in the State Corporation Commission or in courts of record under the corporation laws of the Commonwealth.

1956, c. 555.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-129. Offenses tried on warrants, or as provided in Chapter 7 of Title 19.2.
Every offense of which a court not of record is given jurisdiction under this title may be tried upon a warrant; or the judge of such court may, in his discretion, make an examination into the offense and proceed according to the provisions of Chapter 7 (§ 19.2-71 et seq.) of Title 19.2. The word warrant as used in this chapter shall be construed to include a summons or notice requiring a person to appear and answer a charge of having violated any statute, ordinance, or any regulation having the force and effect of law.

1956, c. 555; 1960, c. 373.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-129.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1990, c. 75.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-129.2. Procedure when warrant defective.
Upon the trial of a warrant, the court may, upon its own motion or upon the request either of the attorney for the prosecution or for the accused, amend the form of the warrant in any respect in which it appears to be defective. But when the warrant is so defective in form that it does not substantially appear from the same what is the offense with which the accused is charged, or even when it is not so seriously defective, the judge of the court having examined on oath the original complainant, if there be one, or if he sees good reason to believe that an offense has been committed, then without examination of witnesses, may issue under his own hand his warrant reciting the offense and requiring the defendant in the original warrant to be arrested and brought before him. Upon the arrest of the defendant on the new warrant and his production or appearance in court the trial shall proceed upon the new warrant. When there is an amendment of the original warrant the trial shall proceed on the amended warrant. But whether the warrant is amended or a new warrant is issued, the court before proceeding to trial on the same may grant a continuance to the prosecution or to the defendant upon such terms as to costs as may be proper under the circumstances of the case; provided, however, that if the warrant be amended or if a new warrant be issued after any evidence has been heard, the accused shall be entitled to a continuance as a matter of right.

When a warrant is amended or a new warrant is issued the costs already accrued shall be taxed against the defendant, if he is ultimately convicted, as a part of the costs arising under the new or amended warrant.

1968, c. 495.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-129.3. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1974, c. 481.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-130. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1983, c. 499.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-131. Subpoenas duces tecum and recognizances of witnesses; applicable provisions.
The provisions of § 16.1-90 with respect to recognizances for witnesses upon the continuation of any case, shall be applicable to proceedings of a criminal nature as well as to civil actions. The provisions of Rule 3A:12 of the Rules of the Supreme Court shall apply to the issuance of a subpoena duces tecum and punishment for failure to comply.

1956, c. 555; 1986, c. 160.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-131.1. Procedure when constitutionality of a statute is challenged in a court not of record.
In any criminal or traffic case in a court not of record, if the court rules that a statute or local ordinance is unconstitutional, it shall upon motion of the Commonwealth, or the locality if a local ordinance is the subject of the ruling, stay the proceedings and issue a written statement of its findings of law and relevant facts, if any, in support of its ruling and shall transmit the case, together with all papers, documents, and evidence connected therewith, to the circuit court for a determination of constitutionality. Either party may file a brief with the circuit court. Either party may request oral argument before the circuit court. The circuit court shall give the issue priority on its docket. If the circuit court rules that the statute or local ordinance is unconstitutional, the Commonwealth or the locality may appeal such interlocutory order to the Court of Appeals and thereafter to the Supreme Court; however, if the circuit court rules that the statute or local ordinance is constitutional, the circuit court shall remand the case to the court not of record for trial consistent with the ruling of the circuit court.

2006, cc. 571, 876; 2010, cc. 303, 609.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-132. Right of appeal.
Any person convicted in a district court of an offense not felonious shall have the right, at any time within ten days from such conviction, and whether or not such conviction was upon a plea of guilty, to appeal to the circuit court. There shall also be an appeal of right from any order or judgment of a district court forfeiting any recognizance or revoking any suspension of sentence.

1956, c. 555.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-133. Withdrawal of appeal.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 16.1-135, any person convicted in a general district court, a juvenile and domestic relations district court, or a court of limited jurisdiction of an offense not felonious may, at any time before the appeal is heard, withdraw an appeal which has been noted, pay the fine and costs to such court, and serve any sentence which has been imposed.

A person withdrawing an appeal shall give written notice of withdrawal to the court and counsel for the prosecution prior to the hearing date of the appeal. If the appeal is withdrawn more than ten days after conviction, the circuit court shall forthwith enter an order affirming the judgment of the lower court and the clerk shall tax the costs as provided by statute. Fines and costs shall be collected by the circuit court, and all papers shall be retained in the circuit court clerk's office.

Where the withdrawal is within ten days after conviction, no additional costs shall be charged, and the judgment of the lower court shall be imposed without further action of the circuit court.

1956, c. 555; 1973, c. 18; 1974, c. 228; 1979, c. 536; 1982, c. 366; 1983, c. 105; 1990, c. 25.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-133.1. Reopening case after conviction.
Within sixty days from the date of conviction of any person in a general district court or juvenile and domestic relations district court for an offense not felonious, the case may be reopened upon the application of such person and for good cause shown. Such application shall be heard by the judge who presided at the trial in which the conviction was had, but if he be not in office, or be absent from the county or city or is otherwise unavailable to hear the application, it may be heard by his successor or by any other judge or substitute judge of such court. If the case is reopened after the case documents have been filed with the circuit court, the clerk of the circuit court shall return the case documents to the district court in which the case was originally tried.

1973, c. 440; 1975, c. 298; 1983, c. 21.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-134. Appeal by Commonwealth in revenue cases.
In any case involving the violation of a law relating to the state revenue tried in a court not of record under this title, the Commonwealth shall also have the right at any time within ten days from final judgment to appeal to the circuit court.

1956, c. 555.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-135. Bail and recognizance; papers filed with circuit court.
A person who has been convicted of an offense in a district court and who has noted an appeal, either at the time judgment is rendered or subsequent to its entry, shall be given credit for any bond that he may have posted in the court from which he appeals and shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 (§ 19.2-119 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title 19.2. The court shall not require any new bond for the release of such person pending the appeal. Whenever an appeal is taken and the 10-day period prescribed by § 16.1-133 has expired the papers shall be promptly filed with the clerk of the circuit court.

1956, c. 555; 1981, c. 159; 1999, cc. 829, 846; 2008, cc. 551, 691; 2025, c. 305.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-136. How appeal tried.
Any appeal taken under the provisions of this chapter shall be heard de novo in the appellate court and shall be tried without formal pleadings in writing; and, except in the case of an appeal from any order or judgment of a court not of record forfeiting any recognizance or revoking any suspension of sentence, the accused shall be entitled to trial by a jury in the same manner as if he had been indicted for the offense in the circuit court.

1956, c. 555.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-137. Procedure on appeal when warrant defective.
Upon the trial of the warrant on appeal the court may, upon its own motion or upon the request either of the attorney for the prosecution or for the accused, amend the form of the warrant in any respect in which it appears to be defective. But when the warrant is so defective in form that it does not substantially appear from the same what is the offense with which the accused is charged, or even when it is not so seriously defective, the judge of the court having examined on oath the original complainant, if there be one, or if he sees good reason to believe that an offense has been committed, then without examination of witnesses, may issue under his own hand his warrant reciting the offense and requiring the defendant in the original warrant to be arrested and brought before him. Upon the arrest of the defendant on the new warrant and his production or appearance in court the trial shall proceed upon the new warrant. When there is an amendment of the original warrant the trial shall proceed on the amended warrant. But whether the warrant is amended or a new warrant is issued, the court before proceeding to trial on the same may grant a continuance to the prosecution or to the defendant upon such terms as to costs as may be proper under the circumstances of the case; provided, however, that if the warrant be amended or if a new warrant be issued after any evidence has been heard, the accused shall be entitled to a continuance as a matter of right.

When a warrant is amended or a new warrant is issued the costs already accrued shall be taxed against the defendant, if he is ultimately convicted, as a part of the costs arising under the new or amended warrant.

1956, c. 555; 1958, c. 399.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 7 (Jurisdiction and Procedure in Criminal Matters)
§ 16.1-138. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1983, c. 499.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 8 (JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURTS [Repealed])
§ 16.1-139. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1977, c. 559.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 8 (JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURTS [Repealed])
§ 16.1-217.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1975, c. 341.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 9 (JUDICIAL CONFERENCE OF VIRGINIA FOR DISTRICT COURTS)
§ 16.1-218. Established; active and honorary members.
There is hereby established a Judicial Conference of Virginia for District Courts whose active members shall be the judge of every general district court and juvenile and domestic relations district court of the Commonwealth. The Attorney General of Virginia, the Chairman of the House Committee for Courts of Justice or his designee who shall be a member of the committee, the Chairman of the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice or his designee who shall be a member of the committee, the president and secretary of the Virginia State Bar, the president and secretary of the Virginia Bar Association, the president and secretary of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the president and secretary of the Old Dominion Bar Association, the president and secretary of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, the president and secretary of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association, the president and secretary of the Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the president and secretary of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys shall be honorary members of the Conference without voting privilege.

1962, c. 622; 1970, c. 559; 1972, c. 518; 1975, c. 334; 1980, c. 447; 1981, c. 231; 1989, c. 597; 1990, c. 249; 2001, c. 229; 2008, c. 115.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 9 (JUDICIAL CONFERENCE OF VIRGINIA FOR DISTRICT COURTS)
§ 16.1-219. President; election of executive committee; assistance by Executive Secretary of Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall be president of the Conference. The Conference shall elect from the judges of courts not of record seven judges who shall act as an executive committee. The Chief Justice shall be chairman of the executive committee, but he may designate the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court to preside at meetings of the executive committee and the Conference and may assign him administrative duties relating to the committee and Conference.

1962, c. 622; 1970, c. 559.
Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 9 (JUDICIAL CONFERENCE OF VIRGINIA FOR DISTRICT COURTS)
§ 16.1-220. Meetings; active members must give notice of inability to attend; special session concerning motor vehicle and traffic laws.
The Conference shall meet at least once in each calendar year at the call of the president and at such other times as may be designated by him or by the executive committee for the purpose of discussing and considering means and methods of improving the administration of justice in this Commonwealth. If any active member shall for any cause be unable to attend, he shall promptly notify the president. Unless excused from attendance, it shall be the duty of each active member to attend and remain throughout the proceedings of the Conference.

In conjunction with said meetings and as a part thereof, the Conference shall conduct a session at least once each year devoted to the consideration of and instruction on the Commonwealth's motor vehicle and traffic laws and their proper administration. Unless excused from attendance, it shall be the duty of each active member whose jurisdiction includes cases involving violations of such laws to attend this session. The Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court shall be responsible for preparing the program for this session, and the office of the Attorney General, Department of State Police and Department of Motor Vehicles shall cooperate with him in preparing for this session.

1962, c. 622; 1968, c. 496; 1970, c. 559.

Code of Virginia — Title 16.1 (Courts Not of Record), Chapter 9 (JUDICIAL CONFERENCE OF VIRGINIA FOR DISTRICT COURTS)
§ 16.1-221. Members to receive actual expenses.
The active members and honorary members shall receive their actual expenses while in attendance at the meetings of the Conference, and of the executive committee.

1962, c. 622; 1964, c. 9.