Chesapeake is served by several state courts that handle everything from traffic tickets and small claims to civil suits, criminal cases, and family matters. This guide explains what each court does and how to handle common matters like a traffic citation.
The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, larger civil suits, and appeals. The General District Court handles traffic cases, misdemeanors, and small claims. The Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court handles family, custody, and juvenile matters. The Clerk of the Circuit Court also maintains records such as deeds and marriage licenses.
Most traffic citations in Chesapeake are handled by the General District Court. Depending on the offense, you may be able to prepay the fine online or by mail, or you may be required to appear in court. Your ticket lists your court date and your options — read it carefully and respond before the deadline.
You can look up case information and pay many fines and court costs through Virginia's online court payment system. For questions about a specific case, contact the clerk's office for the court handling your matter.