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For the Circuit Court trial, the judge will hear your case as if it were never heard by the General District Court judge. You will have an opportunity to put on whatever evidence you wish. You can even try your case in front of a jury if you so desire. Keep in mind that on appeal, the judge or jury in the Circuit Court can give you a more severe punishment than the punishment you received by the judge in the General District Court.

Civil court jurisdiction - The judge in the General District Court hears disputes between people or companies involving money. If the amount in dispute is below $3000, the lawsuit must be filed in the General District Court. If amount in dispute is between $3000 and $15,000, the person initiating the suit can file in either the General District or the Circuit Court. If the amount in dispute is over is in excess of $15,000, the lawsuit must be filed in the Circuit Court. If you file the lawsuit in the General District Court and lose the case, you can always appeal the judge’s decision to the Circuit Court. If you are sued in the General District Court, and the amount in controversy is over $3000 and you have a valid defense to the claim, you have the option to move the case to the Circuit Court automatically.

Civil Court appeals – Once the General District Court judge has heard the case, either party has the option to appeal that decision to the Circuit Court. To appeal your case from a Virginia General District Civil Court to the Circuit Court, you must note your appeal within ten (10) days. To note your appeal, you must fill out the appropriate form at the General District Civil Clerk’s office. more>>

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