Please note the following sections have recently been updated.

Section 3.B  (CW Day: Filing Deadlines) was updated to include "Deadlines for Specific Commonwealth Days" documents.  (9/22/2025)

Refer to the Civil Local Procedures website for all topics not covered in the Criminal Local Procedures such as ADA; Calendar (Annual Court Calendar); Cell Phone Policy; Contact Information; Electronic Evidence; Inclement Weather Policy; Interpreter Services; Technology in the Courtroom. 

updated 4/1/2026

BOND APPEAL HEARINGS

1.    THURSDAY hearing at 10:00 a.m. on a CW Day docket

        A.  Bond reconsiderations require advance permission (see below)

        B.  No need to call a court administrator prior to filing the required documents.

        C.  Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, delivered to 4th floor drop box and copy provided to opposing counsel

                 (1)  Bond appeals DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal  

                 (2)  CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER Form DC354

                 (3)  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  Docketing praecipe 

                 (4)   Proposed Bond Order shall be brought to the bond hearing by defense counsel to facilitate the defendant’s quicker release if bond is granted. The Court does not prepare the bond order, nor is the judge is always available to enter the bond order after leaving the bench. The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. 

   D.    Filing deadlines (the deadline is advanced one day for each day the court is closed for a holiday between the filing deadline and the CW Day)

              (1)  Friday at 12:00 p.m.; or

              (2)  Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. 

    

    

2.      NON-THURSDAY hearing 

          A.   Bond reconsiderations require advance permission (see below)

          B.    Call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 to schedule the hearing. The Court’s preference is to have the bond motion heard on a date when a criminal docket is already scheduled with a court reporter present. Opposing counsel must be available to attend the bond appeal hearing.

          C.   Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, delivered to 4th floor drop box and copy provided to opposing counsel

                  (1)  Bond appeals DC370 Notice of Appeal-Criminal  

                   (2)  CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER Form DC354

                  (3)  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  Docketing praecipe 

                 (4)   Proposed Bond Order shall be brought to the bond hearing by defense counsel to facilitate the defendant’s quicker release if bond is granted. The Court does not prepare the bond order, nor is the judge is always available to enter the bond order after leaving the bench. The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. 

               D.   Filing deadline:  1:00 p.m. on the day prior to the bond hearing.

updated  3/31/2026

BOND RECONSIDERATION HEARINGS

1. Judge’s advance permission is required.
2. REQUEST PERMISSION by filing a written letter in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office (Room 307), delivering a copy to the 4th floor drop box and providing a copy to opposing counsel. The letter shall be addressed to the specific judge who previously denied bond. The letter shall include any new information to support the reconsideration request. Opposing counsel may file a response/opposition to the docketing request letter in Room 307, deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel.
3. JUDGE’S DECISION will be conveyed to counsel by a court administrator. 
4. Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel.
   1. PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES   Docketing praecipe 
   2. CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354
5. Filing deadline: Friday at 12:00 p.m. on the week prior to the CW Day (the deadline is advanced one day for each day the court is closed for a holiday between the filing deadline and the CW Day). Bond reconsiderations may not be added to the docket after the Friday deadline.
6. Proposed Bond Order shall be brought to the bond hearing by defense counsel to facilitate the defendant’s quicker release if bond is granted. The Court does not prepare the bond order, nor is the judge is always available to enter the bond order after leaving the bench. The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. 

Update 032726

2-A.   CRIMINAL - LIST OF AVAILABLE CRIMINAL TRIAL SLOTS  

   List of Available Criminal Trial Slots   updated/posted  03/27/26 at 8:30a.m.      (Next update: after 04/02/2026 Commonwealth Day)

Counsel are encouraged to call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) if additional trial slots are needed and are not included on the published list. The published list is updated weekly, and is effective for the next seven (7) days. Double-booking of trial dates is not permitted. “Holds" - To hold a date in the Court's red docket book, counsel may call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 or email the court administrators (to avoid double-booking of trial dates). Emails for the court administrators are included on the CIVIL local procedures in the “Contact Information” section. Refer to "Felony Jury and Non-Jury" and "TMAD" sections of this website for scheduling information. 

2-B.   ANNUAL COURT CALENDAR is posted to the Civil Local Procedures portion of this website.

updated 3/31/2026

Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions.

1.   REGULAR COMMONWEALTH DAY at 10:00 a.m. 
   1. On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th Thursday of each month
   2. Up to 2 hours for motions and other matters
   3. Two or three judges sitting for a Regular CW Day
   4. Motions over 2 hours shall be scheduled for a date-certain.
   5. Shorter Time Frame to File or Respond to Motions. Counsel may agree to a shorter time frame within which to file motions. In such instances, a courtesy copy of the motion shall be delivered to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box. If counsel are unable to agree, then, for good cause, counsel may seek leave of Court to file motions prior to the hearing.

   6. Witness Unavailable On a Thursday. If a witness is unavailable for a Motion on a Thursday CW Day, or for other good cause, counsel may request the motion be heard on a non-Thursday.

       

2. FIRST THURSDAY CW Day at 10:00 a.m. 
   1. On the 1st Thursday of the month
   2. Time-sensitive matters only lasting up to 1 hour
   3. One judge sits for a First Thursday docket

 (updated 3/31/2026)

1. All deadlines are advanced by one day for each day the court is closed for holidays between the filing deadline date and the hearing date.
2. NORMAL FILING DEADLINE. File the original in Room 307; deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel.
   1. Motion: Friday at 12:00 p.m. on the week prior to the hearing date.
   2. Response: Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. on the same week as the hearing date.
3. CONSTITUTIONAL AND SUBSTANTIVE MOTIONS FILING DEADLINE.
   1. Motion: Friday at 12:00 p.m. two weeks prior to the hearing date. 
   2. Response: Friday at 12:00 p.m. one week prior to the hearing date. 
4. ALLOWABLE ADD-ON MOTION DEADLINE:  Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. on the same week as the hearing date.
5.  FILING DEADLINES FOR SPECIFIC CW DAYS and docket publication dates

           A.     October 2025 to March 2026 - (click on the link)   document  added on 9/22/2025  

           B.     April 2026 to June 2026 - document posted on 3/20/2026

            C.    July 2026 to September 2026 - document posted on 3/20/2026

 (updated 3/31/2026)

1. Draft docket is published on Friday (one week prior to the CW Day).
2. Final docket is published on Wednesday (one day prior to the CW Day).

 (updated 4/1/2026)

Use the information below to determine when a motion may be scheduled (Regular CW Day or First Thursday) and if the motion is an allowable add-on motion. To be included on the published docket, all of the required documents shall be filed in Room 307, a copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and a copy provided to opposing counsel prior to the filing deadline.

1. BOND APPEAL. 
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
2. COMPETENCY EVALUATION or COMPETENCY HEARING.
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Not an allowable add-on motion. This type of motion may not be scheduled after the Friday 12:00 p.m. deadline has passed. 
3. CONSTITUTIONAL OR SUBSTANTIVE MOTIONS. 
   1. Allowed on the regular CW Day docket only; may not be scheduled on First Thursday docket.
   2. Special filing deadline. Motion deadline is  12:00 p.m. on the Friday 2 weeks prior to the hearing date; response deadline is 12:00 p.m. on the Friday 1 week prior to the hearing date. Filing deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed for holidays between the filing deadline and the hearing date.
   3. Not an allowable add-on motion. This type of motion may not be scheduled after the Friday 12:00 p.m. deadline has passed. 
4. CONTINUANCE MOTION
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
   4. Continuance requests for criminal trials are granted by permission of a Judge upon good cause. Continuance orders for criminal trials will not be entered unless a continuance motion has been heard by a judge on a CW Day docket.
   5. Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and a copy provided to opposing counsel. 
      1. Continuance Motion, clearly stating the reason for the continuance request and whether opposing counsel agrees or objects to the continuance request. 
      2. PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  File the docketing praecipe to schedule the continuance motion in Room 307; provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box prior to the deadline. Filing deadline: Friday at 12:00 p.m. or Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
      3. CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354 (for all in-custody defendants) shall be filed in Room 307 and deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box. Filing deadline: Friday at 12:00 p.m. or Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
   6. Prior to the hearing date, counsel shall consult the list of available criminal trial slots and discuss new trial dates with opposing counsel.
5. COUNSEL NOTED; SUBSTITUTED OR WITHDRAWAL 
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
6. DEFERRED DISPOSITION
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Not an allowable add-on motion. This type of motion may not be scheduled after the Friday 12:00 p.m. deadline has passed. 
7. EXPERT FUNDS
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
8. FURLOUGH
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
9. JURY ELECTION/WAIVER - must be signed by Defendant in Court at least four weeks prior to the trial date.
   1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
   2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
   3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
10. MOTION IN LIMINE
    1. Allowed on the Regular CW Day docket only; not allowed on the First Thursday docket unless this is the last Thursday prior to the trial date. 
    2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    3. Not an allowable add-on motion. This type of motion may not be scheduled after the Friday 12:00 p.m. deadline has passed. 
11. PLEA DISPOSITION
    1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
    2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
12. PROBATION VIOLATION 
    1. Regular CW Day docket – all probation violation hearings. 
    2. First Thursday docket. Only if uncontested. 
    3. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    4. Allowable add-on motion to CW Day or First Thursday docket: Only if resolved (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
13. RECONSIDERATION
    1. Allowed on the Regular CW Day docket only; not allowed on the First Thursday docket unless the specific judge has granted permission and is sitting for the First Thursday docket.
    2. Allowable add-on motion to CW Day or First Thursday docket: Only with judge’s permission and if the specific judge is sitting for the Regular CW Day or First Thursday docket.
    3. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    4. Not an allowable add-on motion. This type of motion may not be scheduled after the Friday 12:00 p.m. deadline has passed. 
14. RESTITUTION REVIEW
    1. All restitution review hearings shall be scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m. If possible, all restitution review hearings will be held in one courtroom and called at the start of the docket.
    2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    3. Continuance requests. If a defendant has made a required payment prior to the scheduled court date and defendant does not wish to appear at the restitution review hearing, counsel shall file an agreed order removing and/or continuing the restitution review hearing to another month prior to the docketing deadline. File the proposed order in Room 307, deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box, and provide a copy to opposing counsel.
15. SET DATE HEARING
    1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
    2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.
    4. Refer to separate "Set-Date" section of this website.
16. SHOW CAUSE HEARING
    1. Allowed on the Regular CW Day docket only; not allowed on the First Thursday docket.
    2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    3. Not an allowable add-on motion; may not be scheduled after the Friday 12:00 p.m. deadline has passed. 
17. SPEEDY TRIAL WAIVER
    1. Allowed on all CW Day dockets, including First Thursday. 
    2. Normal filing deadline (refer to "CW Day-Filing Deadlines" section).
    3. Allowable add-on motion: Yes.

(updated 3/31/2026) 

File the original in Room 307, deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel

1. Motion
2. PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES 
3. CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354 (if Defendant is is custody) 

updated 3/31/2026

A mandatory copy of all notices, motions, responses, etc. is required to be delivered to the 4th floor drop box when the document is filed in Room 307. 

A copy of the document shall also be provided to opposing counsel.

(updated 4/1/2026)

A.       JURY TRIALS for a felony case

             1.         A jury trial is mandatory in all criminal trials unless waived by the defendant, the prosecutor, and the Court (see Prosecution in Alexandria's Courts for additional information) and shall be scheduled based on the estimated length of time needed to try the case.

               2.         Refer to “Calendars” section for available trial slots and “Days of Week to Start a Felony Trial”.

B.       NON-JURY TRIALS for a felony case

           1.       3 hours or less (estimated trial time) shall be scheduled on a Regular CW Day (not First Thursday) at 10:00 a.m. 

           2.       3 hours or more (estimated trial time) shall be scheduled on a date-certain on a non-Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Refer to “Calendars” section for available trial slots and “Days of Week to Start a Felony Trial”.

C.         SET-DATE HEARING. Refer to “Set-Date” section of this website.    

 (updated 4/1/2026)

A.  JURY ELECTION/WAIVER.   

       1.   The form must be signed by the Defendant in court. A jury election/waiver hearing may be scheduled on any CW Day, including First Thursday.

       2.   Deadline for signing the form:  4 weeks prior to the trial date.

B.   PRETRIAL MOTIONS.

       1.   Absent leave of court, any motion in limine which requires argument exceeding 5 minutes shall be duly noticed and heard on a Regular CW Day prior to the trial date.

        2.  Motions in limine may be scheduled on a First Thursday only if the trial date is occurring prior to the next Regular CW Day docket.

       3.   Motions in limine to be heard on the day of trial shall be properly noticed.

C.  JURY INSTRUCTIONS.  Counsel shall prepare and exchange jury instructions with opposing counsel prior to the start of trial.

 (updated 4/1/2026)

A.    TRIAL START TIME 

        1.   Trial starts at 10:00 a.m. on the first day of trial.

         2.  Court may start earlier than 10:00 a.m. on subsequent days of trial at the Court’s discretion. Counsel and witnesses shall arrange their schedules accordingly.

B.   WITNESS AVAILABILITY for multiple day trials.

        1.  Counsel shall make every effort to have their witnesses available and ready to testify to avoid unnecessary delays, recessing early or starting late. 

         2.  Requests to stagger witnesses shall be made at least two days prior to the start of the trial and will be granted for good cause. 

                (a)  Prepare a letter requesting permission to stagger witnesses, include the reason for the request and a proposed witness schedule. File the request in Room 307, deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel. 

               (b)  Counsel will be contacted with the Judge’s decision and if a judicial conference call is necessary to discuss the request.

Updated 3/31/2026

1. Bond appeals - Form DC370.  File the form in the GDC (2nd floor) or JDR (1st floor) Clerk's office. Provide a courtesy copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.
2. Proposed Bond Order (required to be brought to the bond hearing by the defense counsel.)  The proposed bond order shall include blank lines to be completed by the judge if the bond motion is granted. Judges are not always available after the hearing, which may result in a delay of the bond order being entered.  Counsel is responsible for preparing the proposed bond order (and not the courtroom clerk).  Counsel are strongly encouraged to bring a proposed bond order to hearing because (a) the judge may not be available to enter the order after leaving the bench; and (2) it is counsel's responsibility to do so (and not the courtroom clerk). 
3. CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER- Form DC354.  Defense counsel is required to file this form in Room 307 if the defendant is in custody. Provide a courtesy copy to opposing counsel and deliver a MANDATORY copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.
4. PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES. 
   1. A docketing praecipe is mandatory to schedule all criminal matters in Alexandria Circuit Court.
   2. File the mandatory praecipe in Room 307, deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel prior to the deadline.

updated  3/31/2026

A.      SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH.  A Grand Jury is impaneled on the second Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m., except in May, when the schedule may change due to the Judicial Conference. Specific dates of the Grand Jury are included on the Circuit Court’s Annual Calendar (see "Calendars" section). Defense counsel is contacted by the Commonwealth's Attorney after the Grand Jury indicts a defendant. All matters returned by the Grand Jury will appear on the set-date docket on the following Thursday (seven or eight  days after the Grand Jury) unless counsel have agreed on a trial date, date for disposition by plea, or otherwise scheduled the matter for a court event.

B.      DEFENSE COUNSEL INSTRUCTIONS. Defense counsel shall immediately contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office at 703.746.4100 and speak with the case-prosecutor to schedule the next court event.

C.     JURY TRIALS ARE MANDATORY in all criminal trials unless waived by the defendant, the prosecutor, and the Court.  See Prosecution in Alexandria's Courts for additional information. 

D.       AVAILABLE CRIMINAL TRIAL SLOTS is posted weekly (see “Calendar” section).

updated  3/31/2026

1. REMOVING A JURY TRIAL from the docket.  COUNSEL SHALL CONTACT JUDGES' CHAMBERS IF jurors do not need to report. Counsel are strongly encouraged to notify Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) when a jury trial is scheduled and any of the following occur: (a) a disposition by plea occurs prior to the trial date; (b) a judge agrees to counsel's motion to remove the jury and proceed with a bench trial; (c) a judge has granted counsel's motion for continuance; or (d) the Commonwealth intends to nolle prosequi the charge(s).

   During business hours - call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) or email the court administrators.. After hours, email the court administrators and also leave a voicemail for the jury coordinator (703.746.4347).

2. JURY LISTS- refer to the Civil Local Procedure section of this website.

Added 4/16/2025

Refer to the "TMAD" sections of this website for scheduling guidance, filing deadlines, etc.

updated 4/15/2025

Refer to "COMMONWEALTH DAY -  MOTIONS HEARD ON A CW DAY" section.

Updated  3/31/2026

1.  PROPOSED ORDERS. All proposed orders are filed in the Clerk's office (Room 307).  The Clerk's office will scan and send the order to Judges' Chambers for entry. After a judge has entered the order, the order will be returned to the Clerk's office for processing. Copies of entered orders are available in the Clerk's office.
2. BOND APPEAL ORDERS shall be brought to the hearing by the defense counsel. To avoid delay, it is best practices for counsel to bring a draft order to the courtroom for entry during the bond hearing as the judge is not always available the hearing to enter the order.  Also be advised that Judges' Chambers and the Clerk's Offices both close at 4:00pm.
3. EMERGENCY ORDERS -- including transport orders for the next day's docket -- requiring immediate signature must be filed with the Clerk of Court (Room 307), and then walked to Judges' Chambers for entry by a judge.
4. TRANSPORT ORDERS shall be filed at least two (2) days in advance of the hearing if possible.  Transport orders for the next day's docket must be filed and date-stamped in the Clerk's office, and then walked to Judges' Chambers for entry by a judge.

Updated 3/31/2026

A.    BOND RECONSIDERATIONS. Refer to “Bond Appeals” section.

B.   OTHER RECONSIDERATION REQUESTS

1. REQUEST PERMISSION TO DOCKET. All reconsideration requests require a judge’s permission prior to docketing.  Prepare a written letter to the appropriate judge and include any new information to support the reconsideration request.
2. File the letter in Room 307; deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box; and provide a copy to opposing counsel.
3. Written Objection. Opposing counsel may file a written objection in Room 307; deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box; and provide a copy to opposing counsel.
4. JUDGE’S DECISION.  Counsel will be notified by a court administrator of the judge’s decision. 
5. DOCKET THE RECONSIDERATION. 
   1.  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES docketing praecipe shall be filed in Room 307, with a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and provided to opposing counsel prior to the filing deadline.
   2. CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354 for all in-custody defendants shall be filed in Room 307, with a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box.

updated 4/1/2026

Refer to "COMMONWEALTH DAY -  MOTIONS HEARD ON A CW DAY" section.

 (updated 4/1/2026)

A.    Set-date hearing information

       1.    Held on any Regular CW Day or First Thursday at 10:00 a.m.. 

              a.    9:45 a.m. – A court administrator is in the courtroom for last-minute set-date discussions with counsel.         

             b.  10:00 a.m. – The presiding judge enters the courtroom and court hearings begin. All counsel are expected to be in the courtroom and ready to proceed. Late arrivals are strongly discouraged.

        2.    Scheduled by the prosecutor after the Grand Jury indictment is issued. A prosecutor will schedule the set-date hearing for 7 to 8 days after the indictment unless an trial date has been agreed upon by all counsel, or a plea disposition or other court event has been scheduled.

B.    To docket a set-date hearing

          1.  Deadlines:  Friday at 12:00 p.m. or Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. 

           2.  Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and a copy provided to opposing counsel

                 a.  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  docketing praecipe

                 b.  CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354 (required for all in-custody defendants)

C.    PRIOR TO THE SET-DATE HEARING

        1.     List of available trial slots is posted in the “Calendar” section of this website.

        2.    Communicate with opposing counsel and make every effort to agree to a trial date within 120 days from the date of indictment for felony trials.

        3.    For agreed trial date.  Call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 to reserve the trial date prior to the set-date hearing. Defense attorney’s presence at the set-date hearing is waived.

D.      AT THE SET-DATE HEARING. 

        1.  Agreed trial date:  The prosecutor advises the Court of the agreed trial date, and if the trial will be jury or non-jury.

        2.   No agreed trial date. Both counsel are required to appear at the set-date hearing to select a trial date or have the set-date hearing continued to the next Commonwealth Day.

       3.   Speedy trial issue. Defense counsel and prosecutor argue the speedy trial issue in-person at the set-date hearing. 

updated  4/1/2026

Refer to "COMMONWEALTH DAY -  MOTIONS HEARD ON A CW DAY" section.

updated  4/1/2026

All counsel and defendants are expected to be in the courtroom ready to begin on-time for all court hearings and trials. Late arrivals are strongly discouraged.

A.   Commonwealth Day dockets (Regular CW Day and First Thursday)

        9:45 a.m. for last-minute set-date discussions with a court administrator in the courtroom. Counsel are encouraged to call 703.746.4123 to reserve a trial date prior to the Thursday hearing. 

         10:00 a.m.  The presiding judge enters the courtroom and court hearings begin. 

B.     TMAD (Traffic and Misdemeanor Appeals Docket) 

        9:00 a.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for all matters, including jury trials.

(updated 4/1/2026)

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET ("TMAD") 

GENERAL INFORMATION

         1.   TMAD is on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. and is for all post-conviction appeals from General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.: Class I and II (jailable offenses), and Class III and IV (non‑jailable offenses).

          2.   Included on the TMAD docket:

             a.   Non-jury trials lasting up to 3 hours

              b.   Jury trials – lasting up to 3 hours; if scheduled at least 6 weeks in advance.

              c.   All other matters.

(updated 4/1/2026)

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET ("TMAD") 

APPEAL PROCESS IN BRIEF 

1.   In the GDC or JDR Clerk’s office prior to the appeal deadline.

       a.  The Appeal is noted by the Defendant. 

        b.  The GDC or JDR clerk prepares Form DC370 (Notice of Appeal: Criminal). The form includes the date of the set-date hearing (for jailable offenses) or the non-jury trial date (for non-jailable offenses). The defendant signs Form DC370 and promises to appear for the next court date as noted on Form DC370.

          c.  The Defendant may withdraw the appeal within ten days by going to the GDC or JDR Clerk’s office and signing the proper documentation. If the file has already been sent to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, the defendant shall file an Order Withdrawing Appeal in Room 307.

           d.  The GDC or JDR Clerk’s office sends the file to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office (Room 307) after ten days if the appeal is not withdrawn.

 2.   In the Circuit Court Clerk’s office

            a.  A new case number is assigned for the Circuit Court case. The case docketed for the next court event as noted on Form DC370.

3.   Attend the trial.  The Defendant attends the appeal trial in Circuit Court. 

(updated 4/1/2026)

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET ("TMAD") 

FILING DEADLINE AND DOCKET PUBLICATION 

1. Deadline to docket: Thursday at 12:00 p.m. preceding the TMAD date is the deadline for counsel wishing to schedule any other set-date hearing. The deadline is advanced one day for each day the court is closed for a holiday between the deadline date and the TMAD date.

2.  Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and a copy provided to opposing counsel

         (a)   PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  docketing praecipe

         (b)    CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354 (required for all in-custody defendants)

3.  Docket publication:  Friday prior to the TMAD date. 

(updated 4/1/2026)

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET ("TMAD") 

TMAD SET-DATE HEARINGS

1.  Held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

2.   Scheduling guidance:

      (a)   Absent leave of court, all TMAD trials shall be set within 90 days from the appeal date. Defense counsel's appearance at the set-date hearing is excused if an agreed trial date within 90 days from the appeal date is reached prior to the set-date hearing and a consent order setting the trial date is filed prior to the set-date hearing.  

      (b)   Both counsel shall appear at the set-date hearing to obtain the Court’s permission to schedule the trial date more than 90 days from the appeal date.  

     (c)   No Agreement as to jury trial dates. Both counsel are required to appear at the set-date hearing to select a trial date or have the set-date hearing continued to the next Commonwealth Day.

3.  At the set-date hearing

      (a)  Agreed trial date:  The prosecutor advises the Court of the agreed trial date, and if the trial will be jury or non-jury.

      (b)  No agreed trial date. Both counsel are required to appear at the set-date hearing to select a trial date or have the set-date hearing continued to the next Commonwealth Day.

      (c)   Speedy trial issue. Defense counsel and prosecutor argue the speedy trial issue in-person at the set-date hearing. 

 4.    TMAD JURY TRIALS 

        (a)  On a TMAD date (3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.). All TMAD jury trials must be scheduled at least six (6) weeks in advance to allow time to issue juror summons. The list of available trial slots is posted in the “Calendar” section of this website. Communicate with opposing counsel and make every effort to agree to a trial date within 120 days from the date of indictment for felony trials. For an agreed trial date: call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 to reserve the trial date prior to the set-date hearing. Defense attorney’s presence at the set-date hearing is waived. Up to 6 jury trials may be scheduled for each TMAD docket. The number of available TMAD jury trial slots will be reduced by one for each carryover criminal trial. 

      (b)    On a Friday.  A TMAD jury trial may be scheduled on a Friday if a slot is available and if all of the following conditions are met: 

            (1)  Misdemeanor case only:

            (2)  Scheduled 6 weeks in advance;

             (3)  Estimated to last one day or less; 

              (4)  Maximum of 3 total witnesses total for both sides; 

               (5)  Maximum of 3 hours for evidence presentation;  and 

             (6)  Jury deliberations estimated to start no later than 1:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter.  

5.    TMAD NON-JURY TRIALS 

      (a)       3 hours or less: On a TMAD date (3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.). If the trial is estimated to last 3 hours or less, the non-jury trial will go forward on the date specified on Form DC370.

      (b)      3 hours or more:  On a non-TMAD date. If the trial is estimated to last 3 hours or more, the non-jury trial will not go forward on the date specified on Form DC370 if the trial is estimated to last 3 hours or more. Counsel shall schedule a set-date hearing for a date prior to the trial date. The list of available trial slots is posted in the “Calendar” section of this website. Communicate with opposing counsel and make every effort to agree to a trial date within 120 days from the date of indictment for felony trials. For an agreed trial date: call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 to reserve the trial date prior to the set-date hearing. Defense attorney’s presence at the set-date hearing is waived.

(updated 4/1/2026)

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET ("TMAD") 

TMAD CASES - PRIOR TO TRIAL DATE

1. JURY ELECTION/WAIVER HEARING. The jury election/waiver form must be signed by the Defendant in Circuit Court at least four weeks prior to the trial date unless the jury waiver form was previously signed by the Defendant in Circuit Court at the set-date hearing. A jury election/waiver hearing may be scheduled on any CW Day, including First Thursday (on any Thursday at 10:00am) or on a TMAD docket (the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00am).
2. FOR JURY TRIALS NOT EXPECTED TO GO FORWARD. Counsel are strongly encouraged to contact the Court as early as possible but no later than 6:15am on the day of trial when counsel are requesting to remove the jury and proceed with a bench trial (requires judge approval), when the case is continued, when the defendant has entered a plea or when there is a motion to nolle prosequi the case. Call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 during business hours; or leave a voicemail for the jury coordinator at 703.746.4347 after business hours.
3. TMAD JURY TRIALS.  The TMAD jury trial cases will be assigned to a judge on the published TMAD docket based on the docketing date of each jury trial.  The number of TMAD jury trials going forward will be determined by the number of available judges for each TMAD docket. Counsel for TMAD jury trials will be contacted as to the status prior to the TMAD date. All TMAD jury trials shall remain on the docket but will be called in the order in which the jury trial was docketed, unless good cause requires a different order. Any TMAD jury trial not going forward will be continued.

(updated 4/1/2026)

TRAFFIC AND MISDEMEANOR APPEALS DOCKET ("TMAD") 

TMAD CASES -  CONTINUANCE REQUESTS

1.     For TMAD trials. Contact the Prosecutor at 703.746.4100 to request the prosecutor’s agreement to move the trial date to a different TMAD docket on the 3rd Tuesday of a month at 9:00 a.m. 

2.    AGREED CONTINUANCE. A continuance hearing does not have to be docketed.

    B.   Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and a copy provided to opposing counsel.

              (1)  Motion to continue that clearly states the reason for the continuance and that opposing counsel agrees to the continuance.

              (2)   Proposed order to grant  the continuance request that is signed by both the Defendant and the prosecutor. The prosecutor will assist in preparing an appropriate order. 

    C.   Deadline to request agreed continuance:  Thursday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the TMAD date. The deadline is advanced one day for each day the Court is closed between the deadline and the TMAD. (The TMAD docket is published on Friday.)

 3.   OPPOSED CONTINUANCE. A hearing shall be scheduled if either the prosecutor or the defendant objects the continuance request. The hearing will be held on a CW Day prior to the trial date.

      A.   Required documents shall be filed in Room 307, a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box and a copy provided to opposing counsel.

              (1)  Motion to continue that clearly states the reason for the continuance and that opposing counsel objects to the continuance.

               (2)  PRAECIPE-CRIMINAL CASES  docketing praecipe

               (3) CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER DC354 if the defendant is in custody.

               (4)   Proposed order to grant or deny the continuance request. The Clerk's office will prepare the order only if the hearing is held on a CW Day or a TMAD day.

  B.    Deadline to docket: Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. prior to the CW Day

Updated 3/31/2026

Effective 9/1/2022, all in-custody defendants will be transported for court hearings/trials.

1.  CUSTODIAL TRANSPORTATION ORDER  Form DC354. Counsel is required to file Form DC354 in Room 307, with a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box and opposing counsel. 
2. If transport is not required (to cancel transportation), counsel shall email the following (one email with copies to all 3 departments/persons is sufficient)
   1. Alexandria Sheriff’s Office (ASO) Records Department at asorecords@alexandriava.gov;
   2. ASO Transportation Division at  asotransports@alexandriava.gov; and 
   3. Commonwealth’s Attorney or opposing counsel.

Updated   3/31/2026

ALL VOUCHERS shall be filed in Room 307 for approval by a judge.

1.  VOUCHERS FOR COURT-APPOINTED COUNSEL. The attorney who accepts criminal cases on a court-appointed basis shall complete the voucher and file it in the Clerk's office for approval by a judge. The voucher shall be completely filled out (no blank lines). The voucher must include the “in court” and “out of court” time, the statutory fee amount requested and any fee waiver that is sought.
2. VOUCHERS FOR INDIVIDUALS HIRED BY COURT-APPOINTED COUNSEL. The court-appointed counsel shall be responsible for having those persons (private investigators, mental health experts, etc.) submit complete and properly filled‑out payment vouchers to the Clerk of Circuit Court for approval by a Circuit Court judge.