General District Court
General Information
The General District Court decides civil suits involving amounts of money up to $25,000, traffic cases, and misdemeanor criminal cases. A misdemeanor is any charge, which carries a penalty of no more than one year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The General District Court also holds preliminary hearings in felony cases. Any charge, which may be punishable by more than one year in jail, is called a felony.
Court Schedules
| 1st, 3rd & 4th Thursday of each month | |
| Arraignments | 9:00 a.m. |
| Criminal Trials | 11:00 a.m. |
| Civil Cases | 1:30 p.m. |
For more information on the date and time of your appearance, visit the Virginia's Judicial Systems website.
Payment/Appeal/Continuance Information
Prepayments can be paid online with Visa or MasterCard at www.courts.state.va.us. Click on "Pay Traffic Tickets" and follow the instructions to prepay. There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.
For automated prepayment information call (804) 769-4949. Payments are accepted until 4:15 p.m.
Payments must be received in the office within 15 days of conviction or if unpaid will transmit to Department of Motor Vehicles as a suspension of your drivers license.
Notices of appeal should be filed in person within 10 calendar days from your conviction date.
The Commonwealth Attorney grants continuances for criminal cases. The Clerk grants the first continuance on traffic cases. The Judge grants all subsequent continuances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I continue my traffic case?
You are allowed one continuance, which is granted by the Clerk. Your case will be continued to the officers next available court date. The presiding Judge grants any further continuances.
What time is my court case?
Please visit the Virginias Judicial System website at www.courts.state.va.us & click on General District Court Case Information. Court starts promptly at the scheduled time, please be on time to avoid further fines.
Where are you located?
The General District Court Clerk's Office is located in the new Courts & Public Safety Building at 351 Courthouse Lane.
What are your hours?
The clerks office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on legal holidays.
What is the latest I can pay a ticket?
All prepayments must be received in this office at least one day prior to your court date. No payments will be accepted on court day before court.
Can I prepay my speeding ticket?
Yes, prepayments can be paid online with Visa or MasterCard at www.courts.state.va.us. Click on "Pay Traffic Tickets" and follow the instructions to prepay. There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.
Is there a fee for being tried in my absence?
Yes, if you fail to appear, you will be tried in your absence and billed for the fine and costs at the address listed on the summons issued to you by the officer.
How long after court do I have to pay my bill?
You have 15 calendar days from the date of conviction to pay the amount due before the suspension date.
Can I appeal the courts decision?
Yes, You have 10 days from the conviction date to appear in the Clerks office to note your appeal.
Who do I make my check/money order payable to?
All payments are payable to the GENERAL DISTRICT COURT.
How do I figure my ticket amount?
All speeding violations can be prepaid. The fine is computed at $6.00 per mile over the posted speed limit, except speeding in a school zone or speeding in a highway work zone which are computed at $7.00 per mile over the posted speed limit. Add the court-processing fee of $61.00. If you received more than one summons at the same time add the $61.00 processing fee to the first summons and $10.00 for each additional summons with the exception of a seat belt violation.
How much is a seat belt violation?
A seat belt violation for a driver or a passenger over the age of 18 years old is a $25.00 civil penalty with no additional cost or processing fee.
What is the mailing address?
King William General District Court
P.O. Box 5
King William, VA 23086
What payments do you accept?
You may pay by personal check, money order, cashiers check, VISA or MasterCard. To pay by Visa or MasterCard, fill in the credit card authorization information on the reverse side of the prepayable information sheet given to you by the officer. Mail your payment payable to the General District Court or your credit card authorization information to the court at P.O. Box 5,King William, VA 23086. There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.
How can I pay by credit card if I do not have the credit card authorization form?
You may pay by credit card by fax. You will need to fax us an authorization letter with the credit card information, expiration date, and total of the ticket(s) along with the cardholders signature. If you are paying for another person please note their name and include a phone number where you can be reached in case there is a problem. The fax number is (804) 769-4971. There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.
May I prepay a reckless driving violation?
You may not prepay a reckless driving charge.
Contact Information
Joyce S. Mitchell, Clerk
King William General District Court
P.O. Box 5
King William, VA 23086
Phone: (804) 769-4947
Fax: (804) 769-4971
The General District Court Clerk's Office is located in the new Courts & Public Safety Building at 351 Courthouse Lane.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.