Portsmouth Circuit Court

3rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia

Circuit Courts Informational Pamphlet

Judges

• Hon. Kenneth R. Melvin, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
• Hon. James C. Hawks, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Johnny E. Morrison, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Dean W. Sword Jr., Presiding Judge

Terms of Court and General Information

• Terms begin, 1st Thursday, each month
• Criminal docket call, 2:15 p.m.; 1st day of Term.
• Grand Juries, 1st day of Term.
• Civil cases set by agreement of counsel after consultation with the docket clerk (757-393-5373). Scheduling order required for civil cases.
• Motions heard daily between 9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. & every Friday, 10:00 a.m.
• Court convenes 10:00 a.m.
• Mediation is utilized in civil and domestic relations cases.
• Docket control procedures adopted pursuant to Section 8.01-4 and available on the website (www.portsmouthva.gov/circuitcourtclerk).