The Circuit Courts in Virginia hear both civil and criminal cases and conduct jury trials. In civil cases, the Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court over claims from $4,500 to $15,000 and exclusive original jurisdiction over almost all claims exceeding $15,000. This type of claim is called an action in law. The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over all equity matters including divorce cases, disputes concerning wills and estates, and controversies involving property.
In criminal cases, the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the trial of all felonies (offenses that may be punished by commitment to the State penitentiary) and of those misdemeanors (offenses carrying a penalty of not more than twelve months in jail) originally charged in Circuit Court. The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over juveniles age 14 and older who are charged with felonies and whose cases have been certified or transferred by the judge of a Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court for trial in a Circuit Court.
The jurisdiction of the Circuit Court includes civil and criminal cases appealed from General District Court as well as cases that originated in Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Appeals from these district courts are heard de novo, that is, the cases are tried from the beginning as though there had been no prior trial. The Circuit Court's appellate jurisdiction also extends to appeals from certain State administrative agencies.