Please note the following sections have recently been updated.

7/21/2025 - Section 20: Start Times was updated to include bond motion appeals and hearings on a date other than a Thursday.

9/22/2025 - Section B: Filing Deadlines was updated to include a document: Deadlines for Specific Commonwealth Days.

*Section updated 9/22/2025

Refer to individual sections for additional guidance

(1)     Filing deadlines for specific CW Days (and docket publication dates)

           A.     October 2025 to March 2026 - (click on the link)   document  added on 9/22/2025  

(2)    CW DAY DOCKET -  FIRST THURSDAY at 10:00am. -Starts at 10:00am (set-date assistance at 9:45am)

          A.      Set-date information: The available criminal trial slots are posted to this website in Section 5: Calendars – List of Available Trial Slots and a court administrator is in the courtroom on Thursdays at 9:45am for assistance with setting trial dates.

         B.   Shorter criminal docket with only 1 judge assigned; matters lasting up to 1 hour. Bond motions, set dates, plea dispositions and other short motions only; no substantive or non-substantive motions may be heard on First Thursday.  Refer to Section below for additional guidance. Mandatory copy must be delivered to 4th floor drop box to be included on the docket that is published.

          C.  Allowable motions on a First Thursday docket include

                    (1)  Competency evaluation motions

                    (2) Continuance motions

                    (3) Expert funds motions

                    (4) Furlough motions

                    (5)  Jury election/waiver hearings

                    (6) Motions (less than 1 hour) 

                    (7) Motions in limine (only if the First Thursday is the last Thursday before the trial date)

                    (8) Note counsel/set date hearings

                    (9) Plea dispositions (within a week of the scheduled trial date)

                    (10) Reconsideration motions (if approved in advance by a judge and the defendant can be transported)

                    (11)Set-aside verdict (if approved in advance by a judge and the defendant can be transported)

                    (12)  Set-date motions 

                    (13) Show cause hearings

                     (14) Waiver of speedy trial motions

                     (15) Withdrawal of counsel motions

           D.  Not allowable on a First Thursday 

                       (1)  Substantive motions 

                        (2) Non-substantive motions 

            E.   Filing Deadlines: 

                       (1)   Substantive motions 

                                  A.  Cannot be heard on a First Thursday. 

                                  B.  For all other CW Day dockets - The deadline for the motion is 12:00pm on the Friday 2 weeks prior to the hearing date. The deadline for the response is 12:00pm on the Friday one week prior to the hearing date.

                       (2)   Non-substantive motions 

                                  A.  Cannot be heard on a First Thursday.

                                  B.   For all other CW Day dockets - The deadline for the motion is 12:00pm on the Friday 1 week prior to the hearing date. The deadline for the response is 12:00pm on Tuesday (2 days prior to the hearing date).

                       (3)  All other matters - Friday at 12:00pm (for the Friday publication date). 

                       (4)  Add-on motions after previously published docket:  The deadline for allowable motions is 1:00pm on the Tuesday for the Wednesday docket publication.  Allowable add-on motions include bond motions; set date hearings; plea dispositions; continuance motions and uncontested probation violations only.

(3)     REGULAR CW DAY – starts at 10:00am (set-date assistance at 9:45am)

            A.   Set-date information: The available criminal trial slots are posted to this website in Section 5: Calendars – List of Available Trial Slots and a court administrator is in the courtroom on Thursdays at 9:45am for assistance with setting trial dates.

            B.   Longer criminal docket with 2 or 3 judges assigned; matters lasting up to 2 hours. Substantive and non-substantive motions may be scheduled for a Regular CW Day docket, in addition to bond motions, set dates, plea dispositions and other motions.  Refer to Section ___ below for additional guidance. Mandatory copy must be delivered to 4th floor drop box to be included on the docket that is published.

          C.   Up to 2 hours in length.  Substantive or non-substantive motions up to 2 hours in length may be scheduled for a Regular CW Day docket. For motions anticipated to last longer than 2 hours, counsel shall docket a set-date hearing to select a non-Thursday hearing date. 

            D.   Filing Deadlines: 

                       (1)   Substantive motions 

                                  A.  Cannot be heard on a First Thursday. 

                                  B.  For all other CW Day dockets - The deadline for the motion is 12:00pm on the Friday 2 weeks prior to the hearing date. The deadline for the response is 12:00pm on the Friday one week prior to the hearing date.

                       (2)   Non-substantive motions 

                                  A.  Cannot be heard on a First Thursday.

                                  B.   For all other CW Day dockets - The deadline for the motion is 12:00pm on the Friday 1 week prior to the hearing date. The deadline for the response is 12:00pm on Tuesday (the same week as CW Day).

                       (3)  All other matters - Friday at 12:00pm (for the Friday publication date). 

                       (4)  Add-on motions after previously published docket:  The deadline for allowable motions is 1:00pm on Tuesday for the Wednesday docket publication.  Allowable add-on motions include bond motions; set date hearings; plea dispositions; continuance motions and uncontested probation violations only.

  (4)          TMAD – TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET.   On the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00am. 

       A.   For post-conviction appeals from the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Class I and II (jailable offenses), and Class III and IV (non‑jailable offenses).

      B.    Filing Deadlines:  Thursday at 12:00pm for the TMAD docket that is published on Friday. (Only 1 TMAD docket is published; no matters may be added after the deadline.)

     C.  Set-dates for TMAD cases may be on a CW Day docket or a TMAD docket (refer to above paragraphs for CW Day filing deadlines).                 

Refer to the policy that is posted on the Civil Local Procedures page.

updated 9/22/2025

CRIMINAL local procedures

The Court’s criminal local procedures were revised in August 2024. 

(1)      INSTRUCTIONS  for Commonwealth Day matters

Click on the link above for instructions for CW Day matters (posted 8/29/2024 after the Court's transition from AJIS to CCMS). Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions. 

(2)   BOND APPEALS  

         (Step 1; complete DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal Bond appeals ).  File the form in the GDC or JDR Clerk's office

         (Step 2; for in-custody defendants - Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER).  File the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

         (Step 3; deliver courtesy copies to Chambers).  Deliver a copy of both documents to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline  (12:00 p.m. on Friday or 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday).  

(3)   PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES 

To schedule a criminal matter in Alexandria Circuit Court, file the mandatory praecipe (pdf fillable form) in the Circuit Court Clerk's office, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. 

       (In-custody defendant)   If the defendant is in custody, counsel shall also file a Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER) in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Updated 4/15/2025.   

1-A.   CLERK's OFFICE    room 307    703.746.4044

Hours:  8:00am to 4:00pm

1-B.   COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY        703.746.4100

1-C.   COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY 

• Technology cart reservations - Contact Courts IT   703.746.4310
• Technology courtroom reservation (for electronic evidence presentation)- Contact a Court Administrator   703.746.4123
• MANDATORY Technology training - technology courtrooms and tech cart - Conducted on a walk-in basis (no reservation necessary) every Thursday from 8:00am to 9:00am in a technology courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse. Refer to  “Technology in Alexandria Circuit Court” section of this website for information for additional information.  Bring your laptop, cables, digital media device, and electronic evidence (the same equipment you used for training) to the courtroom for the trial.
• DIGITAL EVIDENCE - The Court will retain a copy of the electronic evidence after it is admitted. Counsel shall bring a printed copy of the electronic evidence or a copy of the electronic evidence on a flash drive.
• REQUIREMENTS FOR LAPTOP and CABLES - The laptop should have Windows OS or Mac OS and a native HDMI port (or bring a HDMI dongle/converter).

1-D.   Judges' Chambers   703.746.4123 8:30am to 4:00pm

• Additional information is available on the CIVIL Local Procedures website.
• Telephone only (no walk-ins).
• Drop box:   On the 4th floor - After exiting the elevator, make a u-turn towards the left.
• Court administrator's email addresses:  Please email all 3 court administrators (for times when one court administrator is not available).

                 Lori.Knoernschild@alexandriava.gov

                   Lucy.Scalsky@alexandriava.gov

                  Jennifer.Hernandezl@alexandriava.gov

Refer to the civil local procedures for information.

updated 10/20/2025

(1) BOND APPEALS -  ON A THURSDAY at 10:00 a.m. - INSTRUCTIONS

• (Step 1; complete DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal Bond appeals).  File the form in the GDC or JDR Clerk's office
• (Step 2; for in-custody defendants) File Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER) in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
• (Step 3; file docketing praecipe)    PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES    in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

• (Step 4; deliver courtesy copies to Chambers).  Deliver copies to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline  (12:00 p.m. on Friday or 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday).  

             Filing Deadlines:  Friday at 12:00pm / Tuesday at 1:00pm

• (Step 5; MANDATORY - bring proposed bond order to hearing). The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. Judges are not always available after the hearing, which may result in a delay of the bond order being entered.  Counsel is responsible for preparing the proposed bond order (and not the courtroom clerk).  Counsel are strongly encouraged to bring a proposed bond order to hearing because (a) the judge may not be available to enter the order after leaving the bench; and (2) it is counsel's responsibility to do so (and not the courtroom clerk).    Proposed Bond Order    
• (Step 6; attend hearing)  Attend the hearing in the courtroom and have the bond order entered by the judge at that time.  If bond is granted, the bond order will be entered at the hearing and counsel may contact the clerk's office to facilitate their client's release from the Detention Center.  The client's release will be delayed if the bond order is not entered in the courtroom. 

(2)  BOND APPEALS -  ON A DAY OTHER THAN A THURSDAY - INSTRUCTIONS

(updated 10/20/2025) 

      Docketing requirements:  Judge's permission is required to docket a bond motion on any date other than a Thursday.  The Court's preference is to have the bond motion scheduled on a date when a criminal docket is already scheduled with a court reporter present. Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 to request permission to docket.   

Counsel shall complete ALL OF THE REQUIRED STEPS prior to the deadline.

• (Step 1; coordinate with opposing counsel).  Contact opposing counsel to confirm their availability for the bond appear on a non-Thursday.
• (Step 2; complete DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal Bond appeals ).  File the form in the GDC or JDR Clerk's office
• (Step 3; for in-custody defendants - Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER).  File the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
• (Step 4; file docketing praecipe)  File the  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES    in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
• (Step 5; deliver courtesy copies to Chambers).  Deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline  (1:00 p.m. on the day prior to the hearing date).

                            Filing Deadlines:  Preceding Day at 1:00 pm

• (Step 6; MANDATORY - bring proposed bond order to hearing). The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. Judges are not always available after the hearing, which may result in a delay of the bond order being entered.  Counsel is responsible for preparing the proposed bond order (and not the courtroom clerk).  Counsel are strongly encouraged to bring a proposed bond order to hearing because (a) the judge may not be available to enter the order after leaving the bench; and (2) it is counsel's responsibility to do so (and not the courtroom clerk). 

    Proposed Bond Order    

• (Step 7; attend hearing)  Attend the hearing in the courtroom and have the bond order entered by the judge at that time.  If bond is granted, the bond order will be entered at the hearing and counsel may contact the clerk's office to facilitate their client's release from the Detention Center.  The client's release will be delayed if the bond order is not entered in the courtroom. 

updated 4/15/2025

• (Step 1; request permission).  A bond reconsideration may not be docketed without Judge's prior permission. Prepare a written letter to the judge who heard the previous bond appeal and include any new information to support the reconsideration request.
• (Step 2; File the letter).  File the letter with the Clerk of Circuit Court (Room 307).
• (Step 3; Provide a copy to opposing counsel).
• (Step 4; Deliver copy to Judges' Chambers).  Deliver a MANDATORY copy of the letter to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.

• (Step 5;  Judge's decision).  The judge either denies or grants permission to docket the reconsideration motion.  A court administrator will notify counsel of the Judge's decision. If permission is granted, the motion shall be docketed on a Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

  TO DOCKET THE RECONSIDERATION

• (Step 6;  File notice of appeal) Complete DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal Bond appeals and file the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office (Room 307).
• (Step 7; for in-custody defendants - Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER).  File the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
• (Step 8; file docketing praecipe)  File the  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES    in the Circuit Court Clerk's office. 

• (Step 9; deliver courtesy copies to Chambers).  Deliver copies to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline  (12:00 p.m. on Friday or 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday).  

             Filing Deadlines:  Friday at 12:00pm / Tuesday at 1:00pm

  AT THE BOND RECONSIDERATION HEARING

• (Step 10; MANDATORY - bring proposed bond order to hearing). The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. Judges are not always available after the hearing, which may result in a delay of the bond order being entered.  Counsel is responsible for preparing the proposed bond order (and not the courtroom clerk).  Counsel are strongly encouraged to bring a proposed bond order to hearing because (a) the judge may not be available to enter the order after leaving the bench; and (2) it is counsel's responsibility to do so (and not the courtroom clerk).    Proposed Bond Order
• (Step 11; Attend the hearing) If bond is granted, the bond order (which counsel brings to the hearing) will be entered in court at the hearing.  If counsel does not have a proposed order at the hearing, an order will not be entered and defendant's release will possibly be delayed (judges are not always available to enter bond orders after the hearing). 

Update 11/21/2025

4-A.   ANNUAL COURT CALENDAR

Posted to the Civil Local Procedures 

4-B.   CRIMINAL - LIST OF AVAILABLE CRIMINAL TRIAL SLOTS  

   List of Available Criminal Trial Slots   updated/posted  11/21/2025 at 8:30a.m.      (Next update: after 12/04/2025 Commonwealth Day)

• Counsel are encouraged to call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) if additional trial slots are needed and are not included on the published list.
• The published list is updated weekly, and is effective for the next seven (7) days.
• Double-booking of trial dates is not permitted.
• “Holds" - To hold a date in the Court's red docket book, counsel may call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 or email the court administrators (to avoid double-booking of trial dates). Emails for the court administrators are included on the CIVIL local procedures in the “Contact Information” section.
• Refer to "Felony Jury and Non-Jury" and "TMAD" sections of this website for scheduling information. 

updated 4/15/2025

Refer to guidance in Section B above. 

Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions.

(1)   MOTIONS - SHORTER TIME FRAME TO FILE OR RESPOND TO MOTIONS

Counsel may agree to a shorter time frame within which to file motions. In such instances, a courtesy copy of the motion shall be delivered to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box. If counsel are unable to agree, then, for good cause, counsel may seek leave of Court to file motions prior to the hearing.

(2)   WITNESS UNAVAILABLE FOR A MOTION ON A COMMONWEALTH DAY

If a witness is unavailable for a Motion on a Thursday CW Day, or for other good cause, counsel may request the motion be heard on a non-Thursday.

• (Step 1; coordinator schedules)  Prior to contacting Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) for an available date, counsel must coordinate each other’s availability to ensure both the prosecutor and defense counsel are able to attend the hearing.
• (Step 2; file the motion and praecipe) File the motion and PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES with the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Provide a copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges’ Chambers' 4th floor drop box.  

• (Step 3; schedule hearing).    Contact Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 to schedule the hearing. Good cause must exist for the hearing not to be heard on a Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

                             Filing Deadline:  Preceding Day at 1:00 pm

• (Step 4; for in-custody defendants)  If the defendant is in custody, counsel shall also file a Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

(3)  DOCKETING INSTRUCTIONS

• (Step 1; file documents)  All motions, Praecipe-criminal cases and responses shall filed in the Circuit Court Clerk's office (Room 307).
• (Step 2; copies)   MANDATORY copies of all motions, praecipes/notices and responses shall be delivered to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.
• (Step 3; for in-custody defendants)  If the defendant is in custody, counsel shall also file a Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Added 4/16/2025

FIRST THURSDAY Commonwealth Day 

Typically, the First Thursday of each month is designated for a short docket for matters lasting one (1) hour or less that are time-sensitive.

• Consult the posted calendar (under the "Calendars" section of this website) to confirm the First Thursday schedule for the current calendar year.
• Questions regarding First Thursday may be directed to the Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney at 703.746.4100 or by email to Cathryn.Evans@alexandriava.gov.
• Refer to Section B for additional guidance.

updated 4/15/2025

Continuance requests FOR CRIMINAL TRIALS are granted by permission of a Judge upon good cause.

Continuance orders for criminal trials will not be entered unless a continuance motion has been heard by a judge on a CW Day docket.

All continuance motions regarding criminal trials shall be docketed for a CW Day (including the First Thursday docket).   Refer to “Deadlines for Filing/Docketing on CW Day Docket”.

INSTRUCTIONS

• (Step 1; File the continuance motion). The motion for continuance shall clearly state the reason for the continuance request and whether opposing counsel agrees or objects to the continuance request.  File the motion n the Clerk's office, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.
• (Step 2; File the praecipe to docket the motion).  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  shall be used to schedule all criminal matters in Alexandria Circuit Court.  File the praecipe in the Clerk's office, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline.

                           Filing Deadline:  Friday at 12:00 pm   or Tuesday at 1:00pm

• (Step 3; for in-custody defendants)  If the defendant is in custody, counsel shall also file a Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER) in the Circuit Court Clerk's office
• (Step 4; discuss new trial dates with counsel). Consult the Court's list of available criminal trial slots for a new trial date (the list is posted in the "Calendar" section above).
• (Step 5; proposed order for continuance).  Counsel shall bring a proposed order of continuance (with the trial date left blank) to the hearing, to be entered by the judge in the courtroom if the continuance is granted. 

updated 4/15/2025

In addition to providing a copy to opposing counsel, counsel is required to deliver a MANDATORY copy of all notices, motions, responses, etc. to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. 

Updated 4/23/2025

FELONY TRIALS WITH A JURY

          (A)   SET-DATE HEARING.   Felony jury trials are scheduled at a set-date hearing. The set-date hearing will be docketed on a Thursday, seven or eight days after the Grand Jury convenes. All matters returned by the Grand Jury will appear on the set-date docket unless counsel have agreed on a trial date, a date for disposition by plea, or otherwise scheduled the matter for a court event. 

           (B)  AVAILABLE TRIAL DATES.  Refer to the "Calendar" section of this website for available criminal trial slots. Absent leave of court, all criminal jury trials shall be scheduled at least six (6) weeks prior the trial date (this time is necessary to issue juror summons).

          (C)  START DATES FOR TRIALS.  Refer to the following section for days of the week on which Jury trials may begin.

           (D)  LENGTH OF JURY TRIAL. Counsel shall include the total number of days for the jury trial, including voir dire and jury deliberations.

           (E)  MULTIPLE DAY TRIALS. 

                   (1)   WITNESS AVAILABILITY.  To avoid Court having to recess early or start late, counsel shall make every effort to have their witnesses available and ready to testify. Requests to stagger witnesses shall be made at least two (2) days prior to the start of the trial and will be granted for good cause. To request staggered witnesses, counsel shall send a letter to Chambers making the request to stagger witnesses and the proposed schedule of witnesses. The Judges will either approve, disapprove or schedule a conference call with counsel to discuss the request.

                    (2)  START TIMES ON SUBSEQUENT DAYS OF TRIAL. Trial may start at 9:00 a.m. on subsequent days of the trial at judge’s discretion. Counsel and witnesses shall arrange their schedules accordingly.

          (F)  SET DATE HEARING - ACTIONS TAKEN 

• 9:45am - A court administrator will be present in the "set date" courtroom to discuss available trial dates with counsel if needed.
• 10:00am - The set-date docket will be called by the judge and the set-date discussion will be placed on the record.
  • AGREED TRIAL DATES.  The defense attorney's presence is waived at the set-date hearing. The prosecutor advises the Court of the agreed trial date, and if the trial will be jury or non-jury.
  • SPEEDY TRIAL ISSUE.  Defense counsel shall appear at the set-date hearing for oral argument regarding a speedy trial issue.
  • NO AGREEMENT AS TO TRIAL DATE. Both counsel are required to appear at the set-date hearing to select a trial date or have the set-date hearing continued to the next Commonwealth Day.
• TRIAL DATE ORDER is prepared by the Clerk of Court after the set-date hearing.     

FELONY TRIALS WITH A Jury trials 

maximum number of jury trials per day of the week

The number of available slots will be reduced by one for each criminal carryover trial.

•  MONDAY - 2 new or carryover jury trials maximum.
• TUESDAY
  • (except TMAD on the 3rd Tuesday of the month) - 2 new or carryover jury trials maximum.
  • TMAD - refer to "TMAD" section of this website.
• WEDNESDAY
  • (except Motions Day on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month) - 2 new or carryover jury trials maximum.
  • 2nd and 4th Wednesdays (Motions Day): No new criminal jury trials may begin.
• THURSDAY
  • (all Thursdays except First Thursday) - 1 carryover criminal jury (maximum) to be scheduled. No new criminal jury trials may begin.
  • If a First Thursday (after confirming on the posted calendar that it is First Thursday) -2 new or carryover jury trials maximum.
• FRIDAY
  • 2 criminal trial slots maximum.
    • One slot for a criminal misdemeanor jury trial (only if scheduled 6 weeks in advance; is estimated to last one day or less; has 3 total witnesses maximum; presentation of evidence is limited to 3 hours; and jury deliberations estimated to start no later than 1:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter).  See TMAD section of website for additional information; and
    • One slot  (a) carryover jury or non-jury criminal trial; (b) a non-jury criminal trial if the trial can conclude by 2:00pm; or (c) motions lasting longer than two (2) hours.  

Updated 4/23/2025

FELONY TRIALS - BENCH TRIALS 

Felony non-jury trials are scheduled at a set-date hearing. The set-date hearing will be docketed on a Thursday, seven or eight days after the Grand Jury convenes. All matters returned by the Grand Jury will appear on the set-date docket unless counsel have agreed on a trial date, a date for disposition by plea, or otherwise scheduled the matter for a court event.

• One (1) hour or less Felony Non-Jury Trial.  May be scheduled for any Thursday docket, including First Thursday.  
• One (1) to two (2) hours Felony Non-Jury Trial.  May be scheduled on the second, third, fourth, or fifth Thursday Commonwealth Day docket (not on the First Thursday Commonwealth Day docket).   
• Three (3) hours or more Felony Non-Jury Trial.  Shall be docketed for a set-date to schedule a date-certain. 

Added 4/16/2025

Bond appeals - Form DC370.  File the form in the GDC or JDR Clerk's office. Provide a courtesy copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.

Proposed Bond Order.  The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. Judges are not always available after the hearing, which may result in a delay of the bond order being entered.  Counsel is responsible for preparing the proposed bond order (and not the courtroom clerk).  Counsel are strongly encouraged to bring a proposed bond order to hearing because (a) the judge may not be available to enter the order after leaving the bench; and (2) it is counsel's responsibility to do so (and not the courtroom clerk). 

CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER- Form DC354.  File the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Provide a courtesy copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.

PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES. File the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Provide a courtesy copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.

updated 4/15/2025

A.      TYPICALLY THE SEcond Monday of the month

A Grand Jury is impaneled on the second Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m., except in May, when the schedule may change due to the Judicial Conference. Specific dates of the Grand Jury are included on the Circuit Court’s Annual Calendar (see "Calendars" section). Defense counsel is contacted by the Commonwealth's Attorney after the Grand Jury indicts a defendant. All matters returned by the Grand Jury will appear on the set-date docket on the following Thursday (seven or eight  days after the Grand Jury) unless counsel have agreed on a trial date, date for disposition by plea, or otherwise scheduled the matter for a court event.

B.      instructions for defense counsel: schedule court event

Defense counsel shall immediately contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office at 703.746.4100 and speak with the case-prosecutor to schedule the next court event.

C.     jury trials are mandatory 

Jury trials are mandatory in all criminal trials unless waived by the defendant, the prosecutor, and the Court.  See Prosecution in Alexandria's Courts for additional information. 

D.       available criminal trial slots

The list of available criminal trial slots is posted weekly (see “Calendar” section).

updated 8/17/2022

Refer to Civil Local Procedures at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt 

updated 4/15/2025

Refer to Civil Local Procedures at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt 

updated 4/15/2025

A.    COUNSEL SHALL CONTACT JUDGES' CHAMBERS IF jurors do not need to report

Counsel are strongly encouraged to notify Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) when a jury trial is scheduled and any of the following occur. During business hours - call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) or email the court administrators at lori.knoernschild@alexandriava.gov; lucy.scalsky@alexandriava.gov; and jennifer.lazotorres@alexandriava.gov. After hours, email the court administrators  *and* leave a voicemail for the jury coordinator (703.746.4347).

• The defendant pleads prior to the trial date;
• Counsel agree to remove the jury and proceed with a bench trial (Judge's permission required);
• A continuance has been granted; or
• The Commonwealth intends to nolle prosequi the charge(s).

B.   COUNSEL OBTAINS THE JURY PANEL WEEKLY LIST FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE

• Available five (5) days before the trial date
• Includes all jurors who have been summoned to appear (name, age, address, occupation and employer).
• Contact the Clerk's office for the list (Room 307; 703.746.4044). DO NOT CONTACT JUDGES' CHAMBERS OR THE JURY COORDINATOR.

C.   COUNSEL OBTAINS THE JURY TRIAL LIST  IN THE COURTROOM ON THE DAY OF TRIAL

The jury trial list 

• Available in the courtroom on day of trial (approximately 30 minutes prior to the start time). DO NOT CONTACT JUDGES' CHAMBERS FOR THE LIST.
• Includes the jurors who reported for jury duty on that day.

Added 4/16/2025

Refer to the "TMAD" sections of this website for scheduling guidance, filing deadlines, etc.

updated 4/15/2025

Refer to  Section B for guidance.

Updated 4/15/2025

• Clerk of Court      Room 307         703.746.4044     8:00am to 4:00pm
• Judges' Chambers      4th floor     703.746.4123     8:30am to 1:00pm; 2:00pm to 4:00pm

(A)      ALL PROPOSED ORDERS are filed in the Clerk's office (Room 307).  The Clerk's office will scan and send the order to Judges' Chambers for entry. After a judge has entered the order, the order will be returned to the Clerk's office for processing. Copies of entered orders are available in the Clerk's office.

(B)     BOND APPEAL ORDERS.  To avoid delay, it is best practices for counsel to bring a draft order to the courtroom for entry during the bond hearing as the judge is not always available the hearing to enter the order.  Also be advised that Judges' Chambers and the Clerk's Offices both close at 4:00pm.

(C)   EMERGENCY ORDERS -- including transport orders for the next day's docket -- requiring immediate signature must be filed with the Clerk of Court (Room 307), and then walked to Judges' Chambers for entry by a judge.

(D)   TRANSPORT ORDERS shall be filed at least two (2) days in advance of the hearing if possible.  Transport orders for the next day's docket must be filed and date-stamped in the Clerk's office, and then walked to Judges' Chambers for entry by a judge.

Added 4/25/2025

Also see “Bond Reconsiderations” section above. 

• (Step 1; request Judge’s permission to docket).  All reconsideration requests require a judge’s permission prior to docketing.  Prepare a written letter to the appropriate judge and include any new information to support the reconsideration request.
• (Step 2; File the letter).  File the letter with the Clerk of Circuit Court (Room 307).
• (Step 3; Provide a copy to opposing counsel).
• (Step 4; Deliver copy to Judges' Chambers).  Deliver a MANDATORY copy of the letter to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.
• (Step 5;  Judge's decision).  The judge either denies or grants permission to docket the reconsideration motion.  A court administrator will notify counsel of the judge’s decision.  If permission to docket is granted, the motion shall be docketed on a Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

TO DOCKET THE RECONSIDERATION (after permission is granted)

          Filing Deadline to docket:  Friday at 12:00pm / Tuesday at 1:00pm

• (Step 6;  File notice of appeal) Complete DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal Bond appeals and file the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office (Room 307).
• (Step 7; for in-custody defendants - Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER).  File the form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
• (Step 8; file docketing praecipe)  File the  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES    in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
• (Step 9; deliver courtesy copies to Chambers).  Deliver copies to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline  (12:00 p.m. on Friday or 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday).  

updated 4/15/2025

Third Thursday of the month

Restitution review hearings shall be scheduled on the third Thursday of the month. If possible, all restitution review hearings will be held in one courtroom and called at the start of the docket.

               Deadline:  12:00 p.m. on Friday / 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday

IF Defendant has made a required payment

If a defendant has made a required payment prior to the scheduled court date and does not wish to appear at the restitution review hearing, counsel shall file an agreed order removing and/or continuing the restitution review hearing to another month.  File the proposed order in the Clerk's office, provide a copy to the prosecutor and a deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. 

                Deadline:  1:00 p.m. on Wednesday 

updated 4/16/2025

Show cause hearings are scheduled for a Commonwealth Day only if the initial filing deadline is met.  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  shall be used to schedule all criminal matters in Alexandria Circuit Court.  File the praecipe in the Clerk's office, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline.

           Filing deadline:  Friday at 12:00 p.m.  only 

 Show cause motions may not be filed on the Tuesday filing deadline.

updated  7/21/2025

All counsel and defendants are expected to be in the courtroom ready to begin on-time for all court hearings and trials.

BOND MOTIONS AND HEARINGS on a date other than thursday

• 9:00 a.m.   A bond motion may be docketed on a date other than a Thursday if a court reporter is already scheduled to be present for a criminal docket. The deadline for calling Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 and filing the required documentation with the Clerk's office and delivering a copy to the 4th floor drop box is 12:00pm on the day prior to the proposed hearing date. 

   

TRIALS - JURY AND NON-JURY TRIALS

• 10:00 a.m. 

COMMONWEALTH DAY 

• On Thursdays
• 9:45 a.m. -  A court administrator will be present in the set-date courtroom for those attorneys requiring assistance with available criminal trial dates.
• 10:00 a.m. - Commonwealth Day starts.  

TRAFFIC/MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET 

• 3rd Tuesday of the month on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street   Alexandria, VA  22314
• 9:00 a.m. 

updated 4/15/2025

Mandatory training  provided by Courts IT    703.746.4310

Refer to  CIVIL Local Procedures  "Technology in the Courtroom" section for detailed guidance and bring-your-own equipment requirements. Counsel is expected to operate the Court's equipment without assistance as the IT team is not always available to provide assistance.

Tech courtroom reservations - contact Judges' Chambers  703.746.4123

Reserve a technology courtroom by contacting Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 

Tech cart - contact Courts IT    703.746.4310

Reserve the Court's tech cart by contacting Courts IT at 703.746.4310

Laptop to be brought to training and the court event

Refer to the "Technology in the Courtroom" instructions on the CIVIL local procedures.

updated 4/15/2025

Traffic and Misdemeanor AppealS DOCKET ("TMAD")

3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. 

• Post-conviction appeals from the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Class I and II (jailable offenses), and Class III and IV (non‑jailable offenses).
• The TMAD docket includes matters anticipated to last less than three (3) hours
  • JURY TRIALS
    • Lasting up to three (3) hours in length
    • A maximum of six (6) jury trials will be scheduled on each TMAD docket. The number of allowed jury trials will be reduced by one for each criminal carryover jury trial scheduled.
    • Refer to "TMAD Jury Trials (how to schedule)" section.
  • NON-JURY TRIALS
    • Lasting up to three (3) hours in length
    • An unlimited number of bench trials may be scheduled on the same TMAD docket.
    • Refer to "TMAD Non-Jury Trials (how to schedule)" section.
    • Bench trial anticipated to last more than three (3) hours?  Counsel shall docket a set-date to schedule a date-certain.  
  • PLEA DISPOSITIONS
    • Thursday at 12:00pm - Final deadline for plea dispositions only.   File the PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES in the Circuit Court Clerk's office and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.
• DOCKETING DEADLINES
  • SET DATES
    • All TMAD trials (jury and non-jury) must be docketed at least six (6) weeks in advance of the trial date. Set-date hearings may be scheduled on a CW Day docket.
    • CW Day filing deadlines:  Friday at 12:00pm (for the Friday docket publication); or Tuesday at 1:00pm for allowable add-on motions (for the Wednesday docket publication).
    • TMAD filing deadline:  The preceding Thursday at 12:00pm (the TMAD docket is published on Friday)
  • JURY ELECTION OR JURY WAIVER.  
    • 4 weeks prior to the trial date - The deadline for the Defendant to sign the jury election/jury waiver form in-person in the courtroom.
    • CW Day filing deadlines: Friday at 12:00pm (for the Friday docket publication); or Tuesday at 1:00pm for allowable add-on motions (for the Wednesday docket publication).
    • TMAD filing deadline:  The preceding Thursday at 12:00pm (the TMAD docket is published on Friday)
• Publication of TMAD Docket.
  • Friday prior to TMAD. The TMAD docket does not have a revised docket; therefore no cases may be added to the TMAD docket after 12:00pm on Thursday. 

revised 4/15/2025

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR CASES - APPEAL PROCESS (briefly)

(Step 1-A; NOTE THE APPEAL)  The Defendant notes the appeal at the GDC or JDR’s clerk’s office on or before the appeal deadline and signs the Notice of appeal that is prepared the Clerk's office. By signing the Notice of Appeal, the defendant promises to appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor) on the assigned date and time.

• The GDC/JDR clerk prepares the Notice of Appeal (Form DC-370), including the date on which the defendant must appear in Circuit Court for the set-date hearing.
  • For jailable offenses, the GDC or JDR clerk assigns a set-date hearing for the defendant to appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) to select a trial date (either jury or non-jury).  The Defendant signs the jury election/jury waiver form in-person in the courtroom at least four (4) weeks prior to the trial date.
  • For non-jailable offenses, the GDC or JDR clerk assigns a trial date for the defendant to appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) for the appeal trial. The Defendant signs the jury election/jury waiver form in-person in the courtroom on the date of trial.
• (Step 1-B; WITHDRAWAL OF THE APPEAL BY THE DEFENDANT).  Defendant may withdraw the appeal within 10 days.
• After 10 days, if the defendant does not withdraw the appeal, the GDC or JDR clerk sends the appeal paperwork to Circuit Court Clerk, who assigns a docket number, and dockets the case for the set-date and jury election/waiver hearings.

(Step 2; APPEAR IN COURT TO SET THE TRIAL DATE)   Defendant must appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) on the assigned date and time.

(Step 3; APPEAR IN COURT TO SIGN THE JURY ELECTION/JURY WAIVER HEARING, if necessary)  Defendant must appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) for the jury election or jury waiver hearing. The jury election/waiver hearing shall be held in the courtroom at least one month prior to the trial date.  

(Step 4; ATTEND TRIAL).   The defendant shall appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) on the specified date and time for the trial (either jury or non-jury).

Revised 4/16/2025

Post-conviction appeals from the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Class I and II (jailable offenses), and Class III and IV (non‑jailable offenses) are assigned a return date of either 

• Selection of trial date - for Class I and II jailable offenses; or
• A Non-Jury trial date - for Class III and IV (non-jailable offenses).

Follow the instructions below for either jury trials or non-jury trials on the TMAD docket.

TMAD JURY TRIALS 

• Prior to the set-date hearing, counsel shall make every effort to communicate and agree to a trial date within 90 days from the date of the appeal.
• Available criminal trial slots:  Consult the list of available criminal slots to determine availability for a TMAD jury trial. The list is under "Calendars" in this Criminal local procedures section.
  • A maximum of six (6) jury trials will be scheduled on each TMAD docket. The number of allowed jury trials will be reduced by one for each criminal carryover jury trial scheduled. The cases will be assigned to a judge on the published TMAD docket based on the docketing date of each jury trial.  The number of TMAD jury trials going forward will be determined by the number of available judges for each TMAD docket. Counsel for all TMAD jury trials will be contacted as to the status prior to the TMAD date.

(Option 1:  Set-date Hearing:  Agreed trial date for JURY TRIAL within 90 days from the appeal date)  

Defense counsel's appearance in court at the set-date hearing is excused if an agreed trial date is reached prior to the set-date hearing and a consent order setting the trial date is filed prior to the set-date hearing.  At the set-date hearing, the prosecutor will communicate the agreed trial date to the Court and advise the Court that an agreed order setting the trial date has been filed.

(Option 2: Set-date Hearing:  Agreed trial date for JURY TRIAL outside 90 days from the appeal date)

If counsel agree to a trial date but the trial date exceeds the 90-day rule, both counsel must appear in court at the set-date hearing to obtain the Court’s permission to schedule the trial date more than 90 days from the appeal date.  

Jury Election/Waiver Form

The Defendant must appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) to sign the jury election/jury waiver form at least one month prior to the trial date unless the jury waiver form was previously signed by the Defendant in court at the set-date hearing.

Revised 4/16/2025

TMAD NON-JURY TRIALS (DATE AND TIME ASSIGNED BY LOWER COURT CLERK)

All Class III and IV (non‑jailable offense) appeals from the General District Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court are assigned to a non-jury trial at 9:00 a.m. on a TMAD docket (the 3rd Tuesday of the month). 

(Step 1; Notice of Appeal)  The GDC/JDR clerk prepares the Notice of Appeal (Form DC-370), including the date on which the defendant must appear in Circuit Court for the set-date hearing. By signing the Notice of Appeal, the defendant promises to appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor) on the assigned date and time. 

(optional) (Step 2; Change Trial Date if necessary).  The assigned trial date will need to be changed if the non-jury trial is anticipated to last more than three (3) hours; or if defendant requests a Jury trial. Counsel shall file the appropriate motion and PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES form in the Circuit Court Clerk's office, provide a courtesy copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.

            Deadline for requesting a different TMAD trial date:  Thursday at 12:00pm

(Step 3; Attend trial).  The defendant shall appear in Circuit Court (on the 4th floor of the courthouse) on the specified date and time for the non-jury trial.

(Step 4; Sign Jury Election/Jury Waiver)  Prior to the start of the non-jury trial, the defendant shall sign the jury election/jury waiver form. 

updated 4/15/2025

TMAD DOCKET - DAY OF TRIAL

Docket Publication

Friday prior to TMAD. The TMAD docket is published on Friday. No cases may be added to the TMAD docket after 12:00pm on Thursday. 

Jury trials on published docket

A maximum of six (6) jury trials will be scheduled on each TMAD docket. The cases will be assigned to a judge on the published TMAD docket based on the docketing date of each jury trial.  The number of TMAD jury trials going forward will be determined by the number of available judges for each TMAD docket. Counsel for MAD jury trials will be contacted as to the status prior to the TMAD date.

All TMAD jury trials shall remain on the docket, but will be called in the order in which the jury trial was docketed, unless good cause requires a different order. Any TMAD jury trial not going forward will be continued.

Updated 4/15/2015

Effective 9/1/2022, all in-custody defendants will be transported for court hearings/trials.

(Step 1; File transport order)   File Form DC354 CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

(Step 2; If transport is not required)   Counsel shall email the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office (“ASO”) Records Department and Transportation Division to cancel transportation, with a courtesy copy to the Commonwealth’s Attorney or opposing counsel. ASO emails should be sent to asorecords@alexandriava.gov and asotransports@alexandriava.gov.

updated 4/15/2025

A.    FELONY TRIALS

Refer to "Grand Jury" section for detailed guidance.

B.       MISDEMEANOR TRIALS

 Refer to "Traffic/Misdemeanor Appeals" section of this website.

Updated 4/16/2025

Vouchers for court-appointed counsel

• The attorney who accepts criminal cases on a court-appointed basis shall complete the voucher and file it in the Clerk's office for approval by a judge.
• The voucher shall be completely filled out (no blank lines). 

• The voucher must include the “in court” and “out of court” time, the statutory fee amount requested and any fee waiver that is sought.

   

vouchers for individuals hired by court-appointed counsel

• Such as private investigators, mental health experts and the like.
• The court-appointed counsel 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.