Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Purpose

The purpose of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court as specified in the Virginia Code §16.1-227 is:

1. To divert from or within the juvenile justice system, to the extent possible, consistent with the protection of the public safety, those children who can be cared for or treated through alternative programs;
2. To provide judicial procedures through which the provisions of this law are executed and enforced and in which the parties are assured a fair hearing and their constitutional and other rights are recognized and enforced;
3. To separate a child from such child's parents, guardian, legal custodian or other person standing in loco parentis only when the child's welfare is endangered or it is in the interest of public safety and then only after consideration of alternatives to out-of-home placement which afford effective protection to the child, his family, and the community; and
4. To protect the community against those acts of its citizens, both juveniles and adults, which are harmful to others and to reduce the incidence of delinquent behavior and to hold offenders accountable for their behavior.

Court Costs

Appeals

If appealing an order of this court, fees will be applied for cases involving custody or visitation.

Guardian Ad Litem

Fees associated with this service are assessed against the child's parents and guardians based upon their income.

Petitions

The Filing fee for custody and visitation petitions is $25 per filing event.

Traffic

1. Traffic fines may be pre-paid n later than the day before the scheduled court date. Accepted methods of payment include credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. Payment are accepted in person, you may no pay over the telephone.
2. To pre-pay a ticket, a juvenile must either have a parent present or the ticket must be notarized and bear the signature of a parent or guardian.

Make a payment

Various payments can be made online via the online payment system.

You must make a formal request for deferred and installment payment plans.

For more payment information, visit or call the court (757-382-8100).

Judges and Court Schedule

Judges:

• Hon. David J. Whitted, Chief Judge
• Hon. Lori Beth Galbraith
• Hon. Andrew D. Kubovcik
• Hon. Larry D. Willis Sr.

Court Schedule:

Arraignments

   Criminal, Civil, Traffic/Summons

   Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m.

Trials

   Custody/Visitation

     Mon., Tues., & Thurs., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.

   Adult Criminal

     Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.

   Juvenile Delinquency

     Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.

   Adult/Juvenile Reviews

     Fridays

   Support/DCSE

     Tues., Wed., & Thurs., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.

   Contested Matters

     Mon. - Fri.

Drivers' License Presentation

   Each week on varying days (Report at 2:45pm) at 3:00 p.m.

Information for Magistrates:

   All Criminal Arraignments:

     If detained, set for the next day at 9:00 a.m.

     If released, set for one week out at 9:00 a.m.

     If out of jurisdiction, set for three weeks out at 9:00 a.m.

Continuance Policy:

Continuances granted by Judge on motion.

Chesapeake JDR Local Rules

Please view the detailed JDR Court rules. (5 page pdf)

The following items will NOT be allowed inside the courts building.

All contraband items will be confiscated.

• Guns
• Knives
• Mace
• Pepper spray
• Weapons of any kind
• Cameras
• Camera cell phones
• Televisions
• Glass containers
• Glass
• Drinks (liquids of any kind)
• Hand cuff keys
• Tools of any kind
• Scissors
• Nail files
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Radios
• Recording devices
• Any other item determined to be contraband or a security threat

Directions

Court Closures and Inclement Weather

The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court will be closed on each of the following Holidays:

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of severe weather, information about court closings or delays can be obtained by checking CityofChesapeake.net or watching Channels 3, 10, 13, and 48. 

More Information

Please visit the Virginia Judicial System website and the Chesapeake JDR District Court page for additional information about docket, pleadings, motions, continuances, attorneys, custody, visitation and support, court closures, contact information, schedules, judges, and directions.