Chesapeake Circuit Court

1st Judicial Circuit of Virginia

Circuit Courts Informational Pamphlet

Judges

• Hon. V. Thomas Forehand Jr., Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
• Hon. Marjorie T. Arrington, Presiding Judge
• Hon. John W. Brown, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Bruce H. Kushner, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Randall D. Smith, Presiding Judge

Terms of Court and General Information

• Criminal Terms begin, 1st Tuesday of each month, 2:00 p.m. except when election date or a holiday is Term Day, then Term Day will be held on Wednesday after the 1st Tuesday.
• Civil Terms begin, 1st Tuesday of each month, 10:00 a.m., except when election date or a holiday is Term Day, then Term Day will be held on Wednesday after the 1st Tuesday.
• Civil motions are heard each Wednesday (by appoinment only; to schedule an appointment call 757-382-3074).
• Grand Juries, 1st day of each term.
• Civil cases are set by praecipe submitted by Thursday preceding Term Day.
• Court convenes 10:00 a.m. for regular criminal & civil trial dockets; 8:30 a.m. for criminal sentencing and probation violation hearings; and 9:00 a.m. for arraignments.
• Juries must be requested in writing 5 days before trial. Waiver of a requested jury must be 2 days before trial or costs assessed.