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The scheduled time of your appearance is
on your summons. You must appear on time. If you do not appear
on time, the Judge could issue a Rule or a warrant for your
arrest for failing to appear.
You should allow for extra travel time when
you are coming to the Courthouse. Traffic in Northern Virginia
is often heavy whether it is rush hour or not. If you are taking
public transportation, allow extra time because buses do not
run frequently. You also need time to park and walk to the Courthouse.
Refer to the web site for directions
to the Courthouse and for parking
instructions.
Although your case is scheduled for a specific
time, you may be at the Courthouse for several hours. Several
cases are docketed for the same time. Because many people can
be involved in a case, it may take a while for that case to
be ready to be presented to the Judge. Sometimes cases go to
trial and other cases get delayed. Be prepared with something
to occupy your time.
You need to dress appropriately. You will
be appearing before a judge in a courthouse. Dressing neatly
shows respect for the Court. Dress as if you are going to a
job interview.
If you are coming to court for a criminal
charge, you need to attend the Advisement hearing so that, if
necessary an attorney may be appointed. You will have one assigned
for your scheduled court date. If you are coming to court for
a civil case, it is your responsibility to hire an attorney
prior to your court appearance. Attorneys should be hired enough
in advance of your court date so that he or she has time to
prepare your case.
If you have questions about how to hire an
attorney, you may call the Fairfax Lawyer Referral Service at
703-246-3780.
If you are noticed to appear in court and
you are unable to appear, you need to file a Motion for a Continuance.
That can be done by going to Room 1305 in the courthouse; the
clerks will explain the process and help you fill out the appropriate
forms. Only a judge can grant a continuance in a case. If you
have an emergency the day of your court appearance and can not
appear, you need to call 703-246-3367, immediately and let the
court know. Emergencies must be very serious in order for a
judge to excuse your absence that day.
If you have been subpoenaed to court as a
witness, you must appear.
If the victim of the offense is a family
member such as a sister or brother, they must appear in court
with you. A case cannot go forward unless the victims are here.
If you need an interpreter because you do
not understand or speak English well, you can call 703-236-3088.
The court has Spanish interpreters at all time; interpreters
for other languages must be assigned for your specific court
date.
If you need special accommodations because
of physical challenges, you can call 703-246-3367 or TTY:703-273-3713
to make arrangements.
If you have children, try to get a babysitter
for them and leave them at home. If you must bring them to court,
bring diapers, bottles, food, and toys with which they can play
quietly. There is very little space for children to run around
in, and you may be here for several hours.
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