Provided Pro Bono by:  Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp Law Firm

The Hampton Circuit Court is located at 237 N King St, Hampton, VA 23669. It is a vital component of the judicial system in Hampton, Virginia. As a court of general jurisdiction, it handles a broad array of civil and criminal cases. One of the most common types of civil cases handled at the Circuit Court is personal injury, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.

Hampton, VA Circuit Court

Circuit Court Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are not allowed inside the Hampton Circuit Courthouse. Electronic devices of any kind, including pagers, laptops, iPads, tablets, etc., are also prohibited.

There are large “no cell phones” signs at the courthouse entrance to avoid any confusion over the policy. Sheriff deputies stationed at the security checkpoint also ask visitors if they have cell phones. If they do, they must remove the phone from the building before being allowed in. The Circuit Court does not have lockers or storage facilities for visitor use.

Parking Availability

Parking options near the Hampton Circuit Courthouse buildings include free parking around and in front of the courthouses. There is also free parking at the Settlers Landing Parking Garage, located at 555 Settlers Landing Rd, approximately a half mile from the courthouse buildings.

Additional paid parking options are also available within walking distance of the courthouse for those who may need to park for an extended period or during busy times. Visitors should arrive early, particularly during high-traffic times, to ensure they can secure a parking spot in the free lots.

Judicial Structure and Number of Judges

The Hampton Circuit Court is staffed by three judges who handle cases across various legal areas. These judges are responsible for overseeing a variety of cases. The judges rotate through different caseloads, ensuring that all cases are heard in a timely and fair manner.

The judges at the Hampton Circuit Court work diligently to manage the court’s caseload, which can be particularly heavy due to the diverse nature of the cases brought before the court. Each judge’s responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the court at any given time.

The Hampton Circuit Court is equipped to hear both jury and non-jury trials. Jury trials are commonly held for serious criminal cases, such as felony charges, and civil cases involving more significant damages claims. In a jury trial, a group of impartial citizens is selected to hear the evidence and render a verdict based on the facts presented during the trial.

Non-jury trials are generally held for less complex cases or when one of the parties waives their right to a jury trial. In non-jury trials, the judge serves as the factfinder and makes the final decision based on the evidence presented. Non-jury trials are often used in family law cases, certain civil disputes, and some criminal matters.

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Filing a Personal Injury Case in Circuit Court vs. General District Court

One of the most significant differences between filing a personal injury case in the Hampton Circuit Court and the General District Court is the monetary limit on claims. The General District Court is a court designed for handling simpler, smaller claims and has a cap of $50,000 for civil cases. If a plaintiff seeks damages exceeding this amount, the case must be filed in the Circuit Court.

The Hampton Circuit Court handles personal injury cases that involve larger claims, more complex legal issues, or significant damages. Additionally, the Circuit Court provides more room for discovery, such as depositions and interrogatories, which can be crucial in building a personal injury case. It also allows for more detailed pretrial motions and arguments, which can help shape the trial process and the outcome of the case.

Another key difference is that the Hampton Circuit Court allows for jury trials, a significant benefit for many plaintiffs seeking personal injury damages. Jury trials allow for the opportunity to have a group of impartial citizens evaluate the evidence and decide on the case. In contrast, the General District Court does not offer the option of a jury trial. Cases in the General District Court are decided by a judge alone.

Cases in the General District Court are often resolved more quickly because the legal procedures are streamlined for simpler claims. In contrast, cases in the Circuit Court tend to take longer due to the more involved legal process, especially in cases involving large damages or more complex issues.

The Hampton Circuit Court building, completed in 2016, is located across the street from the General District Court.

All We Do Is Injury Law

Our Hampton, VA, personal injury law firm is very familiar with this local circuit court, having had local area jury trials and hearings stretching back to 1995 before this and other local circuit courts in Virginia. Knowing our way around the local courthouse, including being familiar with the propensity of the circuit court judges, having dealt with circuit court staff in the past, and having tried significant personal injury jury trials, makes our firm uniquely situated to handle major and catastrophic personal injury cases before our local circuit courts.

Since 1985, our firm has handled nothing but personal injury law, and our reputation in the local community speaks volumes. If you or a loved one has been injured, call 833-997-1774 to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our dedicated Hampton personal injury lawyers.

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