Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective servers:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
    Close Menu
  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
    Close Menu
  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
    Close Menu
  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
    Close Menu
  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City Academies
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
    Close Menu
  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Curb Extension at W. Reed Ave. and Edison St. Project - Phase I
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
      • Polk Ave. Sidewalk Project
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
    Close Menu
  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

    Close Menu
  • I want to…

    Use these shortcuts to perform some of the most common tasks on our site.

    • Apply
      • Building & Construction Permits
      • Business Licenses
      • City Government Jobs
      • Facility & Park Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Vehicle Registration
    • Pay
      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Parking Ticket
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Sales Tax
    • Report
      • Potholes
      • Street Light Outage
      • Tree Problem
      • Power Outage (Dominion Energy)
      • Water Main Break (Virginia American Water)
      • Natural Gas Problem (Washington Gas)
      • Cable TV/Internet Problem (Comcast)
      • Wired Telephone Problem (Verizon)
      • Discrimination Complaints
    • Request
      • Park Maintenance
      • Trash/Recycling Container
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
      • Public Records (FOIA)
      • Trip Planning Assistance
    Close Menu

Circuit Court Local Procedures - Criminal

Circuit Court of Alexandria local procedures for attorneys and pro se litigants - criminal cases.
Page updated on June 27, 2022 at 11:33 AM

Courts

  • Clerk of Circuit Court
    • Clerk of Circuit Court
    • Audit of Alexandria Clerk of Court July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020
    • Practice Tips from the Clerk's Office
    • Clerk of Court Contact Information
    • Proposed Amendments to the Regulations of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission
  • Circuit Court
  • General District Court
  • Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
  • Court Service Unit
  • Alexandria Treatment Court

Share

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
GoogleTranslate
Google Translate
WARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

Scheduling Guidance for Criminal Matters

Scheduling Guidance for Criminal Matters 

Memorandum from Chief Judge Lisa B. Kemler dated 8/20/2021 - effective 09-01-2021.  The paragraphs included in the memorandum are posted  below.

Effective September 1, 2021, the following guidance shall be used to schedule all criminal matters in Alexandria Circuit Court. This memorandum combines all criminal scheduling guidance that was previously published on the Court’s website. This updated guidance will be posted to the Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt >>scroll to “Criminal- Local Procedures”. 

Significant changes include:

  1.  Commonwealth (“CW”) Day schedule effective 9/1/2021,

                 a.         CW Day (Full) Docket with 2 judges on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m., generally on the same weeks as Civil Motions Day (check the website calendar to confirm); and

                 b.         CW Day (Short) Docket with 1 Judge, on all other Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m., generally on weeks when there is not a Civil Motions Day (check the website calendar to confirm).

  2.   The Defendant must appear for jury election/waiver hearings prior to the trial date (requirement was previously waived at the beginning of COVID-19).

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

See Civil Local Procedures at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt

BOND MOTIONS

A. Bond Motions on Thursdays

Bond motions are generally short, and therefore may be heard on any Thursday at 10:00 a.m., either on the CW Day docket or the Addendum or Revised Docket. A court reporter is always present for all CW Day dockets.

Dockets at which Court Reporters are always present
Deadline Type of Docket Date/Time
Friday at 12:00 p.m. CW Day docket – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. CW Day Addendum or Revised docket – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Procedure:  Prior to the deadline (see above),

                       1-A.     File bond motion and notice with Clerk of Circuit Court.

                       1-B.     Deliver a courtesy copy of bond motion and notice to Commonwealth’s Attorney;

                      1-C.      Call Commonwealth’s Attorney (703.746.4100) to confirm receipt of bond motion and notice; and

IMPORTANT: To ensure timely docketing of any bond motion, digital copies of the bond motion and notice may be emailed to the attention of (a) the case prosecutor; (b) a deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney; and (c) Eva Acosta at Eva.Acosta@alexandriava.gov.

                     1-D.      Deliver a courtesy copy of bond motion and notice to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

                     2.           At the bond hearing, Defense counsel shall bring a proposed order with blank lines to be completed and entered by the judge if the bond motion is granted. If the bond motion is denied, the Clerk of Court will prepare the order.

B.  Bond Motions on Non-Thursdays

For good cause and by permission from Judges’ Chambers only, bond motions may also be scheduled on a non‑Thursday

only if  (a) a judge grants permission; (b) there is a 9:00 a.m. docket; (c) Defendant’s appearance is waived; and (d) a court reporter is already scheduled to be present for another criminal matter.

 Deadline:        1:00 p.m. on the day prior to the bond hearing.

Procedure:     Prior to the deadline,  

1-A.   Call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) for permission to docket.

2-A.   File bond motion and notice with Clerk of Circuit Court.

2-B.    Deliver a courtesy copy of bond motion and notice to Commonwealth’s Attorney;

2-C.    Call Commonwealth’s Attorney (703.746.4100) to confirm receipt of bond motion and notice; and

                  IMPORTANT: To ensure timely docketing of any bond motion, digital copies of the bond motion and notice may be emailed to the attention of (a) the case prosecutor; (b) a deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney; and (c) Eva Acosta at Eva.Acosta@alexandriava.gov.

2-D.   Deliver a courtesy copy of bond motion and notice to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

3.        At the bond hearing, Defense counsel shall bring a proposed order with blank lines to be completed and entered by the judge if the bond motion is granted. If the bond motion is denied, the Clerk of Court will prepare the order.

BOND RECONSIDERATIONS

Judge’s permission must be received prior to docketing any reconsideration of a bond motion.

Procedure:  1-A.        Prepare a letter addressed to a specific Judge requesting permission to docket the reconsideration motion. Include any new information that should be brought to the Judge’s attention and the email addresses for all counsel.

                     1-B.        File the letter with the Clerk of Circuit Court.

                     1-C.        Deliver a courtesy copy to Commonwealth’s Attorney.

                     1-D.        Deliver a courtesy copy to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

                        2.            Judges’ Chambers will contact defense counsel and the Commonwealth’s Attorney regarding the judge’s decision to either grant or deny permission to docket the reconsideration motion.

                        3.            If permission to docket is granted, the Commonwealth’s Attorney will accommodate the judge’s scheduling request.

CALENDARS - AVAILABLE CRIMINAL SLOTS

  • ANNUAL CIRCUIT COURT CALENDAR See Civil Local Procedures at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt
  • LIST OF AVAILABLE CRIMINAL TRIAL SLOTS     List of Available Criminal Trial Slots   updated 6/24/2022 at 12:00 p.m.
         * Next update:  after 6/30/2022 Commonwealth Day
        * Use List only if it has been updated within the past 7 days. 
        * Questions? Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123
       

CW DAY DOCKET - 1 JUDGE

         1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m. 

                        Generally on weeks when there IS NOT a Civil Motions Day. 

                        Check Court’s calendar to confirm dates - www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt    >> scroll to “Criminal-Local Procedures”.

            Matters to be scheduled on the 1 judge docket include plea dispositions, bond motions, bond reconsiderations, set dates, other short matters lasting under 1 hour.

            Matters that CANNOT be scheduled on the 1 judge docket

                        A.        Motions and other pretrial matters lasting longer than 1 hour, but less than 2 hours, shall be scheduled on the 2 judge docket instead.

                        B.        Trials

                                    (1)        Jury trials shall be scheduled on a date-certain. See paragraph 19.

                                    (2)        Non-jury trials cannot be scheduled on the 1 judge (Short) CW Day docket.

                                    (3)        Non-jury trials lasting two hours or less shall be scheduled on a 2 judge (Full) CW Day docket. See paragraph 1.

                                    (4)        Non-jury trials lasting longer than two hours shall be scheduled for a date-certain.  See paragraph 20.

                        Exception - A  judge may give advance permission to schedule a matter lasting more than 1 hour on the 1 judge docket.

            Time limit:     1 hour or less for the 1 judge (short) CW Day docket.

           Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

            Procedure for scheduling:     See paragraph 1.

CW DAY DOCKET - 2 JUDGES (2nd and 4th THURSDAY OF MONTH)

         2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m. 

                        Generally on the same week as Motions Day. 

                        Check Court’s calendar to confirm dates - www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt       >> scroll to “Criminal-Local Procedures”.

            Matters to be scheduled on the 2 judge docket include pretrial matters and bench trials expected to last two (2) hours or less.

            Matters that CANNOT be scheduled on the 2 judge docket - Any pretrial matter or bench trial lasting more than 2 hours shall be scheduled on a date-certain instead.

            Time limit:     2 hours or less for the 2 judge (Full) CW Day docket.

             Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

            Procedure for scheduling: 

             1-A.     File motion and notice with Clerk of Circuit Court.

            1-B.     Deliver a courtesy copy to opposing counsel or Commonwealth’s Attorney; and

            1-C.     Deliver a courtesy copy to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

CW DAY ADDENDUM/REVISED DOCKET

         Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. 

                The Court’s expectation is that only selected non-substantive, abbreviated pretrial matters are scheduled for the CW Day Addendum, including bond motions, plea dispositions, and set-date hearings. 

              Deadline:        Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

              Procedure Scheduling

                        1-A.    **EXTRA STEP**   For any motion other than bond motions, continuances, plea dispositions, or set-date hearings, call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) for permission to docket the motion.

                        1-B.    For bond motions, continuances, plea dispositions, or set-date hearings, proceed to Step 2.

                        2-A.   File motion and notice with Clerk of Circuit Court.

                        2-B.    Deliver a courtesy copy to opposing counsel or Commonwealth’s Attorney; and

** IMPORTANT **To ensure timely docketing of bond motions and other select-matters added to the docket with permission of Judges’ Chambers, filed motions/notices should also be emailed to the attention of (a) the case prosecutor; b) a deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney; and (c) Eva Acosta at eva.acosta@alexandriava.gov.

                        2-C.    Deliver a courtesy copy to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

DEADLINES FOR SCHEDULING

If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day  for each day the Court is closed.

  1.  CW Day Docket (to be heard Thursday at 10:00 a.m.)   Deadline is Friday at 12:00 p.m.
  2.  Addendum or Revised CW Day Docket (to be heard Thursday at 10:00 a.m.) -  Deadline is Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. 
  3.   Bond motions at 9:00 a.m. on non-Thursdays - Only for good cause, by special permission, if Defendant's appearance is waived, and a court reporter is already scheduled to be present for another criminal matter -      Deadline is 1:00 p.m. on the day prior to the hearing

DOCKET DISTRIBUTION

  1.   CW Day Docket - Published and distributed on Friday afternoon to include all matters properly docketed prior to the 12:00 p.m. Friday deadline.
  2.   Draft  Addendum or Draft Revised CW Day docket  - Published and distributed on Wednesday afternoon to include all matters properly docketed prior to the Wednesday  1:00 p.m. deadline.
  3.   Final Addendum or Final Revised CW Day Docket -  Published and distributed on Thursday morning.

GRAND JURY

 A Grand Jury is impaneled on the second Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m., except in May, when the Grand Jury convenes on the third Monday. Specific dates of the Grand Jury are included on the Circuit Court’s criminal calendar that is posted on the Circuit Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt >> scroll to “Local Procedures-Criminal”. During COVID-19, a Grand Jury may not be empaneled every month.     

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCY CLOSURES FOR ALEXANDRIA CIRCUIT COURT

See Civil Local Procedures at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt

INTERPRETERS

See Civil Local Procedures at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt

JURORS DO NOT NEED TO APPEAR - NOTIFY CHAMBERS

In the event a trial or motion is removed from the docket for any reason, the Court must be notified immediately.

            For all motions and non-jury trials 

            During business hours, call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123).

            After business hours, email the Court Administrators.

            For jury trials only  

            During business hours, call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123).

            After business hours, email the Court Administrators and leave a message for the Jury Coordinator (703.746.4347).

            Court Administrator emails

            Lori.Knoernschild@alexandriava.gov

            Lucy.Scalsky@alexandriava.gov

            Jennifer.LazoTorres@alexandriava.gov  

JURY TRIALS DURING COVID - FELONIES AND TMAD

           For all jury trials, including felony cases and TMAD cases - Jury trials are being conducted according to the Revised Jury Resumption Plan approved by the Virginia Supreme Court on February 25, 2021, posted at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt (scroll to “Jury Service during COVID-19”). 

            Scheduling of Jury Trials is based on the estimated number of days  the jury trial is expected to take.

            Maximum number of jury trials per week

                                      (1)    3 days or less – maximum of 2 jury trials per week.

                                               One jury trial must start on a Monday.

                                               The other jury trial must start on a Wednesday.

                                      (2)    4 days or more – maximum of 1 jury trial per week.

                                               The jury trial must start on a Monday.

            Start time:      is always  at 10:00 a.m. for both felony and traffic/misdemeanor appeals.

            Procedure:     See set-date procedure in paragraph 16.

JURY TRIALS - SCHEDULING DURING COVID

Non-jury felony trials are scheduled based on the estimated length of trial.  

  A.     TWO HOURS OR LESS – NON-JURY TRIALS

            When:             On CW Day (Full) Docket with 2 Judges –

            2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m.,  generally on the same week as Motions Day. 

            Refer to the Court’s calendar that is posted on the website www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt >> scroll to “Criminal-Local Procedures”.

            Procedure:     See set-date procedure in paragraph 16.

   

 B.        TWO HOURS OR MORE – NON-JURY TRIALS

            When:             On Friday at 10:00 a.m. during COVID-19

            Procedure:     See set-date procedure in paragraph 16.

 

MOTIONS - CONSTITUTIONAL (SUBSTANTIVE OR NON-SUBSTANTIVE)

Absent special permission, all Constitutional motions, substantive or non-substantive, shall be scheduled according to the length of time required for argument 

A.     Constitutional Motions - 2 Hours or Less

            When:             CW Day (Full) Docket with 2 Judges –

            2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m.

                                                            Generally on weeks when there IS NOT a Civil Motions Day.

                                                            Check Court’s calendar to confirm dates –

                                                                        www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt

                                                                        >> scroll to “Criminal-Local Procedures”.

            Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

            Procedure:     1-A.           SPECIAL DEADLINE - Two weeks prior to the hearing date - File motion and notice indicating the date the motion will be heard with Clerk of Circuit Court;

                                    1-B.           Deliver a courtesy copy of motion and notice to opposing counsel or Commonwealth’s Attorney; and

                                    1-C.           Deliver a courtesy copy of motion and notice to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

                                    2-A.           One week prior to the hearing date – File response;      

                                    2-B.           Deliver a courtesy copy of motion and notice to opposing counsel or Commonwealth’s Attorney; and

                                    2-C.           Deliver a courtesy copy of motion and notice to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

B.        Constitutional Motions - 2 Hours or More

The motion must be scheduled for a set-date hearing on any CW Day docket to select a date‑certain on which the motion will be heard. See paragraph 16.

 

MOTIONS - LONG - 2 HOURS OR MORE

If any pretrial matter is believed to exceed 2 hours, the motion must be scheduled for a set-date hearing on any CW Day docket to select a date‑certain on which the motion will be heard. See paragraph 16.

MOTIONS - SHORT - 2 HOURS OR LESS

            Second (2nd) and Fourth (4th) Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m.

                        Generally on the same week as Motions Day. 

                        Check Court’s calendar to confirm dates - www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt

                                    >> scroll to “Criminal-Local Procedures”.

            Motions to be scheduled on the 2 judge docket include pretrial motions requiring a lengthy evidentiary hearing.

            Constitutional motions, both non-substantive or substantive,  shall be heard on the 2 judge CW Day docket.  See paragraph 9.                

Time limit:           2 hours or less for the 2 judge (Full) CW Day docket.

Deadline:              Friday at 12:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

Procedure:           1-A.               File motion and notice indicating the date the motion will be heard with Clerk of Circuit Court.

                              1-B.                Deliver a courtesy copy to opposing counsel or Commonwealth’s Attorney; and

                              1-C.                Deliver a courtesy copy to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.

                               2-A.              File response to non-constitutional motions with Clerk of Circuit Court (Deadline: 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday)

                              2-B.                Deliver a courtesy copy to opposing counsel or Commonwealth’s Attorney; and

MOTIONS - ALL OTHER (EVIDENTIARY, SUPPRESSION, ETC.)

A.        MOTIONS – 2 HOURS OR LESS

            (See paragraph 9 for Constitutional motions)

            When:             CW Day (Full) Docket with 2 Judges –   2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10:00 a.m.

                                     Generally on weeks when there IS NOT a Civil Motions Day.

                                    Check Court’s calendar to confirm dates – www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt    >> scroll to “Criminal-Local Procedures”.

            Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

            Procedure:     See paragraph 4.

B.        MOTIONS – 2 HOURS OR MORE

The motion must be scheduled for a set-date hearing on any CW Day docket to slect a date‑certain on which the motion will be heard. See paragraph 16.

MOTIONS ON A NON-CW DAY (WITNESS UNAVAILABLE; OR OTHER GOOD CAUSE)

The motion shall be scheduled for a set-date hearing on a CW Day to select a non-CW day for the motion to be heard. Judges’ Chambers permission is not required prior to docketing the set date hearing on the Addendum docket. See paragraph 16.

PLEA DISPOSITIONS

are generally short, and therefore may be heard on any CW Day docket, including the Addendum docket. Judges’ Chambers’ permission is not needed prior to docketing on the Addendum. 

Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  for the CW Day docket.

                        Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. for the Addendum or Revised CW Day docket. If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

PROBATION VIOLATION HEARINGS

may be scheduled on any CW Day (Full) or (Short) docket. Probation violations cannot be scheduled on the addendum.

Deadlie:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  for the CW Day docket.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

SENTENCINGS

            A.        CW Day (Full) Docket with 2 judges on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.

           B.       CW Day (Short) Docket with 1 judge on other Thursdays ONLY IF THE SENTENCING JUDGE IS SCHEDULED TO PRESIDE OVER THE ONE JUDGE DOCKET.

            C.      Sentencings cannot be scheduled on the Addendum or Revised CW Day docket.

Deadline:   Friday at 12:00 p.m.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

SET-DATE HEARINGS

Set-date hearings are used to set a trial date after the defendant has been indicted, or to schedule a date-certain for motions lasting longer than two (2) hours. The set-date docket is generally short, and therefore set-dates may be heard on any CW Day docket, including the Addendum or Revised CW Day docket.

  A.        Schedule a Set-Date Hearing

            Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  for the CW Day docket.

                                    Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. for the Addendum or Revised CW Day docket. If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

            Procedure:     Contact Commonwealth’s Attorney to schedule the set-date hearing. Judges’ Chambers’ permission is not needed prior to docketing a set date hearing on the Addendum. 

B.        Prepare for the Set-Date Hearing

            Counsel are encouraged to consult the criminal calendar posted on the Court’s website prior to the set‑date hearing and communicate with opposing counsel to select an agreed date, which will be discussed with the judge at the set‑date hearing. 

C.        What Happens at the Set-Date Hearing

                        (1)        A trial date is selected, or a date-certain for a motion lasting 2 hours or more is selected.  Counsel requests an agreed-upon date for the trial. If counsel are unable to agree to a trial date, the Court shall provide counsel with available dates, giving priority to those cases involving in‑custody defendants if possible. The expectation is older cases will be scheduled on the earliest available trial date;

                        (2)        Jury or non-jury is selected. Trial by jury is mandatory in criminal trials unless waived by the defendant, the prosecutor, and the Court.  See Prosecution in Alexandria's Courts for additional information.

                        (3)        Jury election/waiver form is signed by Defendant

                                    a.         In court on a CW Day in advance of the trial date.  Effective 9/1/2021, this policy has been reinstated and all defendants are required to appear in person for the jury election/waiver hearing.

                                    b.         If the jury election/waiver form is not signed at the set‑date hearing, a separate jury election/waiver hearing must be scheduled at least one month prior to the date of the jury trial.

D.         After CW Day, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office will notify Judges’ Chambers regarding (a) any dates for criminal trials or motions added; and (b) any criminal trials or motions removed from the docket.  

SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS

 are generally shorter hearings, typically lasting 1 hour or less, and may be scheduled on any CW Day docket, except the Addendum or Revised CW Day docket.

Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  for the CW Day docket.  If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

TMAD - TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET

Post-conviction misdemeanor and traffic offenses matters appealed from the General District Court (“GDC”) or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (“JDR”), including (a) Class I or Class II (jailable offenses), and (b) Class III or Class IV (non‑jailable offenses).

TMAD APPEAL PROCESS

 A.        Defendant notes appeal

                        (1)        On or before the appeal deadline, the Defendant notes the appeal with the GDC or JDR clerk by signing the “Notice of Appeal” Form DC‑370. The DC-370 was prepared by the GDC or JDR clerk, who assigned a set‑date and jury election/waiver hearing for the first CW Day following the expiration of the 10‑day period during which the defendant may withdraw the appeal.

                        (2)        By signing Form DC‑370, the Defendant promises to appear in Circuit Court for the set‑date and jury election/waiver hearing.

                        (3)        If defendant does not withdraw the appeal within 10 days, the paperwork is sent from GDC or JDR to the Clerk of Circuit Court, who assigns a case number and dockets the case for a set-date and jury election/waiver hearing on the date assigned by the GDC or JDR clerk.

B.        Preparing for the Set-Date Hearing

            Counsel are encouraged to consult the criminal calendar posted on the Court’s website prior to the set‑date hearing and communicate with opposing counsel to select an agreed date, which will be discussed with the judge at the set‑date hearing. 

C.        What Happens at the Set-Date Hearing

                        (1)        A trial date is selected.  Counsel requests an agreed-upon date for the trial. If counsel are unable to agree to a trial date, the Court shall provide counsel with available dates, giving priority to those cases involving in‑custody defendants if possible. The expectation is older cases will be scheduled on the earliest available trial date.

                        (2)        Jury or non-jury is selected. Trial by jury is mandatory in criminal trials unless waived by the defendant, the prosecutor, and the Court.  See Prosecution in Alexandria's Courts for additional information.

                        (3)        Jury election/waiver form is signed by Defendant

                            a.         In court on a CW Day in advance of the trial date.  Effective 9/1/2021, this policy has been reinstated and all defendants are required to appear in person for the jury election/waiver hearing.

                                    b.         If the jury election/waiver form is not signed at the set‑date hearing, a separate jury election/waiver hearing must be scheduled at least one month prior to the date of the jury trial.

TMAD TRIALS DURING COVID-19

 A.        JURY TRIALS during COVID-19 start at 10:00 a.m. on a non-TMAD day.

See paragraph 19 for scheduling jury trials.

B.        NON-JURY TRIALS:  2 HOURS OR LESS  shall be scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. on TMAD (the 3rd Tuesday of the month).

See paragraph 21.

C.        NON-JURY TRIALS:  2 HOURS OR MORE  shall be scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. on a non-TMAD day. 

See paragraph 21.

 

VOUCHERS FOR COURT-APPOINTED COUNSEL IN CRIMINAL CASES

24.   VOUCHERS FOR COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEYS IN CRIMINAL CASES

Attorneys who accept criminal cases on a court-appointed basis are shall file a complete and properly filled out payment voucher for approval by a Circuit Court judge. Court-appointed attorneys who hire other individuals, such as private investigators, mental health experts and the like, shall be responsible for having those persons submit complete and properly filled out payment vouchers to the Clerk of Circuit Court for approval by a Circuit Court judge.

The original voucher is filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court (Room 307).   The voucher must include the “in court” and “out of court” time, the statutory fee amount requested and any fee waiver that is sought. The Clerk of Court will forward the voucher to a Circuit Court Judge for approval. 

 

WITHDRAWAL MOTIONS

are generally short, and therefore may be heard on any CW Day docket, including the Addendum docket. Judges’ Chambers’ permission is not needed prior to docketing a withdrawal motion on the Addendum.

Deadline:        Friday at 12:00 p.m.  for the CW Day docket.

                        Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. for the Addendum or Revised CW Day docket. If a holiday occurs in the week prior to the CW Day, the deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed.

Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Social Media
  • Privacy & Legal
  • FOIA Requests
  • Departments
  • Jobs
  • Payments

Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2021 City of Alexandria, VA and others
Hold on, redirecting...