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1. How can I get a criminal warrant against someone?

You must visit the local Magistrate at:
Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail
9320 Merrimac Trail
Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Phone: 757-820-3951

2. Do I have the right to appeal the Judge's decision?

Yes, you have up to 10 days to file a notice of appeal with the Clerk's office. This must be in writing and will grant you a new trial in the Circuit Court.

3. What are the hours of the Courthouse?

The Court Clerk's office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

4. How do I find out points about my driving record?

To find out points about your driving record, visit the Department of Motor Vehicle's website.

5. How do I reschedule my Court appearance date?

You may request a continuance by telephone, by mail or in person. Requests should be received prior to the assigned trial date. Continuance policies for traffic, criminal and civil cases include:
- Traffic - The Clerk's office may grant 1 continuance to the police officer's next scheduled date. No further continuances may be granted by the clerk's office. All subsequent continuances have to be approved by the Judge.
- Criminal - The Clerk's office may grant one continuance for good cause after the Commonwealth's Attorneys office has been informed of the request and has no objection to the granting of a continuance. If an objection is raised, then the parties must appear in Court for a hearing before the Judge. All witnesses are to be notified either by telephone or mail prior to the original trial date.
- Civil - The Clerk's office may grant one continuance if both parties agree. The Clerk's office must hear from the plaintiff that a continuance has been agreed upon as well as the rescheduled date.

6. How are records checks conducted?

Records check requests are not handled over the telephone. Any request for disposition information, name searches, case numbers, etc. must be in writing. Written requests can be faxed to 757-890-3459 or mailed to the York County General District Court:
P.O. Box 316
Yorktown, VA 23690

A copy fee of $1 for the first 2 pages and $0.50 for each additional page will be charged for copies of documents filed with this Court.

The database for the Court is also available online. Please visit the Supreme Court of Virginia's website.

7. What items are prohibited in the Courthouse?

The following items are prohibited in the Courthouse by order of the York County -Poquoson Sheriff:
- Cameras, recording devices or radios are not allowed in the courtroom unless approved by the Judge
- Cellphones are not allowed in the courthouse
- Guns
- Knives of any sort to include razors, box cutters, scissors, sewing/knitting needles, fingernail files or any tool or object deemed by the deputy's to be a possible weapon
- Laptop computers or related equipment are allowed but are not to be used in the courtroom unless approved by the Judge
- Mace or other chemical spray

8. How do I sue someone in Small Claims Court or Civil Court?

The civil jurisdiction for claims in the General District Court is $25,000. You may obtain a civil warrant from the General District Court Clerk’s office during our business hours which are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except State holidays. Filing fee of a civil warrant is $50. An additional fee of $12 per defendant is required for service by the Sheriff. No additional fee is required for service by a private process server.

Civil Court is held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the York County General District Court:

Courtroom 3
300 Ballard Street
Yorktown, VA 23690

The Court date will be assigned at the time the warrant is filed with the Clerk’s Office. If the defendant contests the claim, everyone must appear on the first return date for the Judge to schedule a trial. Continuances are not granted unless agreed upon by all parties.

The Small Claims division has jurisdiction over claims in which the plaintiff is seeking a money judgment up to $5,000 or recovery of personal property valued up to that amount. Small Claims cases are heard on the third Mondays each month at 1:00 p.m. The cost for a Warrant In Debt - Small Claims Division is the same as for all other civil warrants. All parties should appear in Court prepared for trial. Contested claims are heard on the first return date and are not rescheduled.

As a general reminder, the Clerk’s Office can give basic instructions on how to fill out forms, but cannot give legal advice about your case. If you need a lawyer please contact the Virginia State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at 800-552-7977.

9. Can I pay my ticket and avoid a court appearance?

You may plead guilty to many traffic violations (DUIs and Reckless Driving excluded) by submitting an appropriate fee to the Clerk of the Court prior to the Court date and only if the offense is one listed on the Uniform Fine Schedule - Rule 3: B2 and 3: C2 of the Rules of Court.

This may be done by mail to
P. O. Box 316
Yorktown, VA 23690

It can also be done in person at the Courthouse or our payment drop box located at the side of the Courthouse facing the parking lot entered by Alexander Hamilton Boulevard. This can also be done online by using your VISA, MASTERCARD and DISCOVER. Access the online payment website.

10. Is there a dress code for Court appearances?

Proper attire and behavior are required of everyone who enters a courtroom. Clothing must be clean and properly worn. The following list of prohibited attire and behavior will be enforced in the courtroom:
- NO cell phones are permitted.
- Bare feet or "flip flops"
- Chewing gum or bubble gum
- Exposed midriffs or stomachs
- Exposed underwear
- Halter tops
- Offensive, violent, obscene or suggestive slogans or caricatures displayed on clothing
- Shorts
- Skirts that do not extend at least to the middle of the thigh while sitting
- Slacks, trousers or jeans that can only be supported by the wearer's hands
- Tank tops

Anyone who is chewing gum or is not properly dressed upon entering a courtroom may be sent away until properly attired, or may be found in contempt of court and subjected to a fine, or incarceration, or both. The maximum punishment could be incarceration for up to ten days and/or a fine of up to $250.