Nelson Circuit Court

Nelson Circuit Court cases in Nelson County, Lovingston, VA

Nelson County General District Court in Lovingston, Virginia is a state district trial court of limited jurisdiction. It functions as the community's first-level court for adult cases, handling traffic infractions, most misdemeanor criminal matters, and preliminary hearings in felony cases before transfer to Circuit Court. Its civil docket covers small claims, landlord-tenant (unlawful detainer/evictions), warrants in debt, detinue, and other limited-dollar disputes, as well as civil garnishments. The court may issue certain protective orders in non-family cases. It does not handle divorces, custody, or juvenile matters; those are heard by the Nelson County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, while felony trials and higher-value civil actions proceed in Circuit Court.

Nelson Circuit Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Nelson Circuit Court

- Case types: traffic infractions and misdemeanors (e.g., DUI), preliminary hearings for felonies, civil claims up to $25,000, small claims up to $5,000, detinue, warrants in debt, garnishments, and unlawful detainer (evictions).
- Protective orders: petitions for acts of violence/force/threat between non-family/household members; emergency, preliminary, and final orders. Family‑abuse protective orders go to J&DR Court.
- Filings and clerk services: accept filings, issue civil process and subpoenas, docket and schedule cases, process payments/prepayments, continuances, and appeals to Circuit Court; provide case information and certified copies.
- Hearings: arraignments, advisements, trials, civil returns, small‑claims docket, preliminary hearings, show‑cause and judgment enforcement hearings.
- Jury services: not provided; General District Court trials are by judge. Jury trials occur in Circuit Court.
- Public assistance: information on court dates, procedures, and forms; accommodations and interpreter scheduling upon request.