THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
[ Magistrates ] [ Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts ] [ General District Courts ] [ Grand Juries ] [ Circuit Courts ] [ Court of Appeals ] [ Supreme Court ] [ Other Councils & Commissions, etc. ] [ Procedures in Juvenile Cases ] [ Procedures for Misdemeanor Cases ] [ Procedures in Felony Cases ]

NOTE: This information is meant as a brief overview only; it is not exhaustive and nothing conveyed in this topic is meant to be construed as legal advice. 

Virginia's current court system consists of four levels of courts: the District Courts, the Circuit Courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court, the highest court in Virginia.  The courts are organized into 31 judicial circuits and 32 judicial districts. In addition, Virginia's judicial branch of the government employees over 2,500 people, including judges, clerks, attorneys, bailiffs, and victim-witness assistance staff.*

To many, the prospect of going to court, as a juror, witness, or the victim of a crime, can be confusing and a little frightening.  Understanding the system and how cases move through the process can help make one's experience more positive.  This topic explores the Criminal Justice Process.  

The information provided here is intended to provide a basic understanding of how Virginia's judicial system operates, addressing the key parts of the system, as well as outlining how a case might process through the system from beginning to end.

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*Information on this topic provided in part by pamphlets designed by the Virginia Judicial system.  For more information, see their website: Courts in Brief.