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

The Norfolk Circuit Court, located at 150 St. Paul’s Blvd, 2nd Floor 150, Norfolk, VA 23510, is a key part of the city’s judicial system, handling a broad spectrum of legal matters. One of the most common types of civil cases is personal injury lawsuits, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents.

norfolk circuit court

                                                                Norfolk, VA Circuit Court

Court Policies on Cell Phones and Security

Cell phones and personal electronic devices, such as laptops, pagers, cameras, and tape recorders, are prohibited in the courthouse. A very limited number of storage lockers are available for visitors to rent, so if you bring your cell phone to the courthouse, you will need to bring it back to your vehicle if no lockers are available before being allowed to enter the building.

All visitors must pass through a magnetometer and have their bags screened by an X-ray machine at the courthouse’s entrance. They must also show a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

Parking Availability

One common concern for visitors to the Norfolk Circuit Court is parking. Fortunately, there are municipal parking lots within walking distance of the courthouse, providing convenient access for those attending hearings or other court-related activities. The closest municipal parking options are located along St. Paul’s Boulevard, which offers free parking for up to 2 hours during regular business hours. For those requiring longer stays, additional parking options are available for a fee, but the free parking spots near the courthouse remain convenient for many.

Parking is available at MacArthur South and 999 Main Avenue (across the street from the Civic Plaza). Overflow parking is available at the Harbor Park surface lot, 101 Park Avenue.

Other parking options include:

  • York Street Garage, at 215 W. York Street
  • Plume Street Surface Lot, 550 East Plume Street
  • Education Surface Lot, 800 East City Hall Avenue
  • Union Street Surface Lot, 999 East Main Street
  • Dominion Tower Parking Garage, 999 Waterside Drive

A Tide light rail station (Civic Plaza) is also adjacent to the court for those who prefer public transit to avoid parking issues.

Judicial Structure and Number of Judges

The Norfolk Circuit Court is staffed by judges who handle a variety of cases, ranging from criminal matters to civil litigation and family law issues. As of the latest available data, nine judges are on the Norfolk Circuit Court bench. These judges preside over cases in both jury and non-jury trials, with their specific caseloads depending on the nature and complexity of the cases being heard. The court ensures that it has sufficient judicial resources to maintain the smooth operation of the city’s legal system.

The Norfolk Circuit Court hears both jury and non-jury trials, depending on the type of case and the preferences of the parties involved. Jury trials are most common in criminal cases, particularly in felony cases where the defendant has the right to be tried by a jury of their peers. Jury trials are also available in civil cases where damages exceed a certain threshold. Civil cases can involve many issues, including personal injury, contract, and property disputes.

In contrast, non-jury trials are generally heard by the judge alone, and these trials are more common in cases that involve less complexity or where one of the parties has waived their right to a jury. Non-jury trials can also be used for smaller civil matters and certain types of family law cases, such as divorces or child custody disputes.

Can a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Be Filed While Criminal Charges Are Pending?

Why Many Medical Malpractice Claims Do Not Settle

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

One of the main differences between filing a personal injury case in the Norfolk Circuit Court and the Norfolk General District Court is the monetary limit on claims. The General District Court is a lower court that handles simpler cases with claims of $50,000 or less. If a personal injury claim exceeds this amount, the case must be filed in the Circuit Court.

In the Norfolk Circuit Court, plaintiffs can pursue more complex personal injury cases with higher damage claims, and the legal process offers more options for discovery and evidence gathering. Cases in the Circuit Court are subject to a more formal process, which includes pretrial motions, expert testimony, and depositions. This allows the parties involved to fully present their cases and build a more detailed record for appeal, if necessary.

Another significant difference is that the Circuit Court allows for jury trials, while the General District Court does not. This gives personal injury plaintiffs the option of having a group of peers decide their case, which can sometimes lead to a more favorable outcome, depending on the facts of the case. In contrast, personal injury cases filed in the General District Court are heard by a judge alone.

The Norfolk Courthouse was completed in 2015 and houses both the Circuit Court and the General Court.

All We Do Is Injury Law

Our Norfolk, 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 Norfolk personal injury lawyers.

RELATED CONTENT