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

The Portsmouth Circuit Court is a critical component of the city’s judicial system. It addresses a wide range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases.

Located at 1345 Court Street in the heart of Portsmouth, the Circuit Court plays a pivotal role in adjudicating complex and high-stakes cases, including vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other personal injury lawsuits.

Portsmouth, VA Circuit Court

Court Policies on Cell Phones and Security

Cell phone use in the Portsmouth Circuit Court is regulated to ensure the proper conduct of proceedings and maintain the courthouse’s security. Cell phones or pagers may not be brought into the courtroom unless needed for a court case and with the Court’s permission.

Parking Availability

For individuals visiting the Portsmouth Circuit Court, parking is an important consideration. Fortunately, there is parking right at the Portsmouth Judicial Center. The lot is equipped with automated self-service pay stations. The cost is $1.25 per hour or $6 per day. The pay stations take cash, Visa, and Mastercard as payments. Vehicles that display disabled placards or license plates park for free.

Judicial Structure and Number of Judges

The Portsmouth Circuit Court is staffed by judges who manage various caseloads across criminal, civil, and family law cases. Currently, four judges are serving on the bench at the Portsmouth Circuit Court. These judges rotate through different divisions and preside over various matters, from handling felony criminal cases to hearing complex civil litigation and probate disputes.

The judges at the Portsmouth Circuit Court are experienced legal professionals who work diligently to ensure that all cases are heard and adjudicated fairly. The court is well-equipped to manage a high volume of cases, and the judges are tasked with making sure that all legal proceedings are conducted with the utmost professionalism.

The court handles both jury and non-jury trials, depending on the type of case and the preferences of the parties involved. Jury trials are most commonly held for criminal cases involving serious charges, such as felony offenses, where the defendant has the right to be tried by a jury of their peers. Civil cases involving significant claims for damages may also involve a jury trial, allowing the parties to present their cases to a group of impartial citizens who will then decide the outcome.

For non-jury trials, cases are heard by the judge alone, who serves as the factfinder and makes the final decision based on the evidence presented. Non-jury trials are often used in less complex cases or when one of the parties chooses to waive their right to a jury trial. Non-jury trials are more common in many civil matters, such as small claims or family law disputes.

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

One primary difference between filing a personal injury case in the Portsmouth Circuit Court and the General District Court lies in the monetary limits for claims. The General District Court is a lower court designed to handle smaller claims, with a cap of $50,000 for civil cases. If a personal injury claim exceeds this amount, the case must be filed in the Circuit Court.

The Portsmouth Circuit Court, on the other hand, has no such cap on damages, making it the appropriate forum for more complex or high-value personal injury cases. The Circuit Court also offers a more formal litigation process, with additional opportunities for discovery, such as depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, which are not available in the General District Court. This provides parties with more tools to investigate the facts of the case and build their legal arguments.

Another significant difference is that the Circuit Court allows for jury trials, which can be particularly beneficial for plaintiffs in personal injury cases. A jury of peers can evaluate the evidence and determine the outcome based on the facts presented. This option is not available in the General District Court, where cases are typically decided by a judge alone.

The Portsmouth Courts of Justice building, completed in 1982, houses both the Circuit Court and the General Court.

All We Do Is Injury Law

Our Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth personal injury lawyers.

Portsmouth, VA Circuit Court Overview