If you are an adult who has been charged in Stafford County with a crime, though there are exceptions your case will most likely start in the Stafford County General District Court. The courthouse is located at the following address:

1300 Courthouse Road

Stafford, Virginia 22555

Most dockets are handled by the Honorable J. Bruce Strickland, though on some days cases may be heard in a second courtroom by the Honorable Robert E. Reibach. Substitute judges may hear cases as schedules dictate.

Parking is ample. I advise most clients to leave their phone in the car. Phones are not allowed in the courthouse, and while there are several lockboxes you can use there is not a guarantee that one will be available. The Sheriff's staff will not watch your phone for you. Your possessions will be x-rayed and you will have to pass through a metal detector (sometimes after having removed belts and shoes) before you will be granted access to the courtrooms. Once you are through security, you can check at the information desk directly in front of you to find out where your case will be heard. Both General District courtrooms are to your right as you face the information desk. You can also check the dockets posted on the bulletin boards outside the courtrooms if you do not want to wait in line for the information desk.

No shorts or hats are allowed in the courtrooms. In Judge Strickland's courtroom, when your case is called you will be expected to approach from the left. The prosecutors sit on the right hand side and the bailiff will not allow you to walk directly behind them. In Judge Reibach 's courtroom, there is only one way to approach. In either courtroom you may not put your hands in your pockets while you are before the court.