Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge Todd G. Petit began his term as chief judge on July 1. He takes over from Judge Thomas P. Sotelo, who served for a two-year term. Petit has been a Fairfax County JDRDC judge since July 1, 2016. The court currently has six judges elected by the General Assembly for six-year terms.

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears cases involving juveniles, crimes against juveniles and family matters (except divorce) in Fairfax County, the city of Fairfax and the towns of Herndon, Vienna and Clifton.

JDRDC programs include a Pre-Trial Supervision Program that allows juvenile offenders to remain in the community under supervision while awaiting trial, offering assessment, treatment and needed support while maintaining public safety.

Over the past year, JDRDC staff, the Fairfax County Police Department and Fairfax County Public Schools increased opportunities to divert youth from the juvenile justice system while still holding them accountable for their actions. The key components of the project include expanding the Alternative Accountability Program and implementing a new juvenile intake process to encompass additional opportunities for diversion.

Petit graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern University. His law degree is from Catholic University of America – Columbus School of Law.