remind me never to get another ticket in Virginia. Or never to get a ticket. I was at the courthouse to take care of a speeding ticket and when I opened the door to the courtroom, I thought I was in the wrong place because there were so many people. I have never seen traffic Court have so many people. I would truly recommend that they find other ways to break down the traffic court arrangement when it comes to courtrooms. Maybe breaking up the cases for that day over a few judges if they're going to be more than a certain number. I didn't leave there until after lunchtime and we all know that everyone wants to take their lunch so to think that there could be a possible recess before the rest of the people were seen was quite crazy. have to say everything was very clean not a fan of the parking. Did park in the garage. It is nice that they have multiple garages. It would be great if there was a little bit more signage leading to the courthouse. read more

The concealed carry permit, is another tax on law abiding citizens. Today I had to get a replacement, as the washing machine and dryer were problematic. On a plus note, go in a little later, and the lines aren't too bad. That can save you time. This alone is helpful, and it looks better than it used to. The employees here are very friendly. Quite professional and I'm grateful for their assistance. Literally took only 10 minutes. That's pretty good for any government agency. Parking on site is a nightmare. I recommend going to a different spot. There are a lot of court cases going on, so smart to walk over here. Signage is pretty decent, and this is better than a lot of courthouses. read more

Fairfax County General District Court - Courthouses Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

The food and service here is mediocre at best. The prices are high and they charge you extra for absolutely every thing. Most everything is Ala carte: Breakfast-Egg/toast (per slice) /Bacon/sausage are .99/per Butter for the toast .39 Adding insult to injury, 1 cent Plastic Forks/Knives/spoons will cost you .25/each. Lunch-I bought 3 ribs and 2 pieces of broccoli for $9.50 with no utensils. And at lunchtime there is only 1 only cashier, with a line of at least 15-20 people taking 10-15 minutes to checkout. Most of my fellow jurors agreed that they would not be returning after their first experience. This enterprise supported by Fairfax County, should be found guilty of overcharging, under performing and preying on people with no other options. read more

Parking at the the Courthouse was a disaster: you have to pay for parking in a huge garage,, keep that ticket w/ you or you have to pay for the whole day. NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE in anyway. It is a half mile walk from the Parking garage to the Courthouse... all uphill. The open "so called Handicapped" not in the Garage is always full and also is close to a half mile walk from the Court House. Fairfax County has spent MILLIONS of dollars trying to upgrade this area. I don't see where the money has been spent. I have not been there for a while: I was involved helping an elderly man and law suit. I had a difficult time finding a place to park, as I also have mobility issues. read more

The whole courthouse building was very clean and all staff acted very professionally. The cafeteria food was bad, but that was to be expected - also, most vending machines did not work. Fortunately, there are nearby stores if you get hungry during your stay. Signs and posted directions were also clear. read more

This court house is an absolute mess. I thought they redid the area around it several years ago? How is that you have to park half a mile away and then walk thru cones, barriers, etc to get to the actual court house? Then you have to pay even when only visiting for a minute. I guess that's how they get our money. You park far so that whole 30 min is spent walking. read more

This is specifically for the Circuit Court Clerk of Court for the Civil Intake section. Fantastic! I've been in my fair share of courthouses and most of the time the worst part can be waiting in the horrible lines to file documents but these folks were friendly and efficient! They encourage getting your documents filled out and put together ahead of time and they have all of those requirements depending on what you are trying to file online. Unlike the DMV, they actually reward you with great service and quick processing when you bring in the right things and have them completed correctly, can you imagine that? Keep it up! :) read more

Of course no one wants to be at the courthouse. Having been said, the clerks are surprisingly very helpful if in person. The IT guys are also very responsive if you need tech support for your case. read more

A construction disaster, not handicapped accessible. Some people are helpful; THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE BOONDOGGLE to the Taxpayers in Fairfax. PARKING IS EXPENSIVE and inside a huge building near the courthouse. It does actually have a decent cafeteria and the new Law Library is very nice. read more

I'm with Venu on this - I think it's unfair to rate the court on the fact that I was there due to a dishonest Fairfax County Cop with a chip on his shoulder. I don't plan on being there again any time soon - but I did get a ticket on Route 28 in Virginia a couple of years ago during the evening rush hour. I was traveling South in the far left lane and had just passed over Route 50. All lanes were full of traffic. The police had several vehicles on the left shoulder with flashing lights on (marked and unmarked vehicles). There was no room for me to merge over one lane to the right to give them some additional room. So I reduced my speed (basically traveling the same speed as everyone else) and when I arrived at the light - it was red - so I stopped. When the light turned green, I moved through the light and was promptly pulled over by one of the unmarked vehicles. The officer sauntered up and told me he was giving me a ticket for failure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles. I attempted to explain there was zero room in the lanes to the right to move over - he did not care about that and did not want to hear it. I asked him if he would have preferred if I crashed into another car simply to make room for him. He ignored my question. When he came back - he handed me a speeding ticket. I told him I was not speeding. He claimed I was going three miles over the speed limit. Bullshit. So I went to court. The officer showed up. I explained the situation to the judge - the cop lied and stated that there was simply a misunderstanding. The judge sided with the cop and I had to pay a fine. As Venu alluded to - you have to go through a Security checkpoint. The day I went to court - the line was very long and it took about 30 minutes to get through the line, go through the metal detector, surrender my cell phone, etc. Afterward, I had to visit the clerk's office and write out a check to the court. read more

When I see the color paperwork in my pile of mail, I tend to panic. Jury duty is just as torcherous as paying taxes! One tip I would like to share is that you can always reschedule. There are instructions that detail out ways to reschedule either online or via phone. In my case, I had rescheduled twice. I was bound to attend today. Parking is great at the Judicial center. Jurors are given parking stickers so that it is free. There is also a $30 compensation whether selected or not. There is free wifi and phones with cameras as well as laptops are allowed in the juror assembly room. There are fridges, vending machines, cafés and cafeterias. Everyone was helpful and patient. They have a very organized process. If I had to sit on a panel for days then this would be the place to be! read more

My first visit a year ago was at the Clerk of the Circuit to obtain a marriage license. Everything went a-okay. My second visit was to fight a traffic ticket. Expired inspection sticker ($30 fee), but this is where Fairfax County reams you, you have to add a $62 processing fee!!!!! WTF?!?!? Seriously?!?!? So I reasoned...if it was simply $30, I would have just paid it, but $62 processing fee ($92 total) is ridiculous!!! So anyway a while back Virginia State Trooper King gave me a ticket for expired inspection sticker. Honest mistake. I have a clean driving record, and even though I informed him of that and pleaded with him to give me just a warning, this tough guy decides to give me a ticket anyway. What an @$$. He knows very well that this is going to get dismissed in court, but he'd rather be a tough guy and waste my time. It certainly wasn't wasting his time because this tool brought in a BINDER FULL of tickets when all the other officers had a small number of cases (like 10 or 15). Anyway to make a long story short, the Honorable Judge Gallahue was AWESOME!!! Very understanding, compassionate, helpful, and funny. 1 hour and 15 minutes after the start of the session (172 cases in the docket) my name was called. Although not verbatim, the conversation went something like this. Judge: Donald Me: Present Judge: (Glancing quickly at my case) Do you have your pink inspection certificate? Me: Yes, your honor. Judge: Can you show it to the officer? Me: Yes sir (handing the officer the certificate) Judge: (speaking to the offier) Does that appear satisfactory? Officer: Yes. Judge: Case dismissed!!! The judge didn't even bother asking me "How do you plead?" So after waiting 1 hour and 15 minutes to get a 15 second verdict, I walked out the of the courthouse not having to owe a penny to the county. PHEW!!! Tips and Observations: - Go to court and fight the ticket if it's worth your time (I'd rather spend $92 at a nice restaurant so I went) - There seems to be a difference between "case dismissed" versus "charges dropped" but you still pay court processing fees - Dress in your Sunday's best...looking like a scrub leaves a bad impression - Come prepared...do your research by googling "fighting traffic tickets" and prepare your documents and evidence the night before (don't wait for the last minute to grab the receipt out of your car, cuz you're going to forget like I did, luckily I had someone run to my car to get it) - If you want to plead guily, pay, and get on with life, pay online and avoid court - If you want the chance to get off, plead "not guilty" then present your defense (I saw a few people plead guilty and still hoping for mercy - once you plead guilty that's it, case closed.) - If you want an idea of what court will be like, you can come on a day before your court date, sit in to get a feel for the process, and if you know who your judge is, you can even get a feel for how he operates too - If you don't prepay online, then show up on your court date (at least HALF the people didn't show up)!!! - parking garage is about $2/hour Helpful videos: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/5164-how-to-get-out-of-a-speeding-ticket read more

Fairfax County General District Court - Courthouses Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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I can give 3 stars. A O.K as far as courthouses go. I wish I didn't need to go but that's my own fault. It's fairly easy to get to and parking was no bother. I was happy about that at least. Inside is really nice. Security line was fast. People were nice. Seemed human. lol. Clean and easy to find where to go. Luckily, I checked online first to see where I should go before I got there. Judge was nice. I was dismissed without a fine because I corrected my situation. My vehicle inspection expired due to a crack in my windshield. I drove around for 2 months with my shiny red rejection sticker on my car before I got pulled over. I procrastinated as I usually do with such things. It just makes things worse. Do what needs to be done on time or suffer the consequences. read more

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I am just so pleased with the turnaround for requested Certified documents, that I must write this review and give them 5 Stars. We needed certified documents sent to us from the Fairfax Circuit Court (File Room Copy Center) to us in Dallas, TX, and we needed them as quickly as possible. I sent in our request by FedEx, and included a FedEx return envelope for their use. They received my FedEx on Tuesday, and I received the Certified Copies at my house on Thursday morning by 9am! I am impressed, and grateful. Thank you! Cheryl H. Dallas, TX read more

This review is for the juvenile licensing ceremony. I've heard several different versions of the ceremony. Some had a guest speaker, some watched a video. Today we listened to a police officer then the judge speak & were called one by one to shake the judges hand and receive the teen's license. The police officer was made for this - he was an awesome speaker. His oh so important message was delivered perfectly in a very effective, relatable, entertaining manor. He had everyone's thorough attention in the court room. No matter the capacity, visiting the courthouse is never a fun process, which I'm sure helps to drive the point home. Make sure to read your postcard! Tips: dress appropriately, it's chilly in the court room. Arrive 15 min early & take into account parking, walking & metal detector lines. Be prepared to pay for parking & take your parking ticket with you to pay at the kiosk. read more

So I got a traffic ticket. I was a bit concerned. 81 on the Dulles Toll Road where the limit is 55. That means an automatic traffic court appearance rather than an immediate fine, and the judge gets to decide what to do with you - and the maximum penalities are pretty stiff - like a $500 fine and mucho points on the license, and a potential ban depending on your status. Esssh. So I go to traffic court. About 150 people there and about 6 deputies who ticketed people. The judge says, " OK, I will go thru you in alphabetical order - if you are not guilty say so and we will deal with all the non-guilty people at the end. If you are guilty say so, I will let you come down to the mike to say something, and then i will sentence you" I am shaking. I was this nervous back when I had to swear to tell the truth during my citizenship interview. If I ever commit a crime and get caught the rest of the gang are in big trouble because i will squeal like a canary. So I get to see what is happening. First guy up, 85 on the Dulles expressway at 5.00am: " you honor - I did not think it mattered since it was 5 am and there was nobody around" Judge did not like that answer. $500 fine, 6 points. Ouch. Next up, attractive, twenty-something well dressed lawyer. She was a DUI. She needed a court appointed lawyer and was postponed. She was in tears. Holy shit. Career over. Note to self. Don't DUI. They go through everyone until they get to me. This judge is the original JHOT (Judgement Hammer of Thor - thanks Court - pun intended). Everybody has lame ass excuses, I was late, i was in a rush,I had to get to my flight, I did n't think it mattered as there was no-one around - and he is freakin killing them. Large couple of hundred dollar fines, points, it is getting ugly. My turn to say guilty and go to the stand and say something. " You honor, I am sorry, I simply wasn't concentrating, and apart from this I have a completely clean license" " $75 fine, no points, you are free to go" Bloody result. I left and paid my fine. Not sure what happened to the people who said they were not guilty. read more

Just picked up my marriage license (so legal!), so I feel like I'm well-equipped to leave a short li'l review here for any folks looking to do the same. The Fairfax County Courthouse is intimidatingly huge, given that it includes the Court House, Juvenile Detention Center, Correctional Facility, and two huge parking garages all as part of its' campus. You have to park a little bit of a hike away (make sure you enter the garage that says PUBLIC parking - $2 for an hour of parking), but once you make it up to the front, you just go through the TSA-like security (shoes, belt, and coat off, cell phones & laptops out!) and then the Circuit Court where you can get your marriage license is just down around the corner in room 116. We stood in line for a little while behind several other couples who were also lookin' to get hitched, and when it was our turn we just handed over our drivers' licenses, gave our fathers' full names and mothers' maiden names, looked everything over, signed, and were handed our license! Marriage licenses in Virginia are good for 60 days (we're getting married next Saturday), and, of course, aren't actually legally binding until your officiant mails in the signed and completed form. They handed me a bunch of additional documentation, including a non-legal but nice-looking keepsake certificate my officiant can fill out, and a pamphlet + form on changing my last name. The Circuit Court is open M-F from 9 - 5, and getting our license was, for us, at least, a relatively quick and very painless process! Huzzah! read more

They should change their name to Fairfax County General District Court and Spa. I really enjoyed visiting this place like 8 years ago but, sadly, they haven't invited me back since. Before my "appointment", I enjoyed a luxurious breakfast of eggs perfectly cooked sunny side up along with fluffy biscuits and creamy gravy (although I wish they had more sausage and less indiscernible meat in the gravy) in the cafeteria. Then I went upstairs to my assigned room and was greeted warmly by an officer who escorted me to my spacious bench which was deep enough to double as a daybed had it been adorned with the slightest bit of cushioning. Is this walnut or cypress? As I reclined in the comfortable darkness while being entertained with the sweet music of defendants vehemently denying their legal transgressions, I let out a little laugh at the thought of all the little people having to go to work and deal with traffic at that moment. I'm awakened from my moment of bliss by laughter that wasn't my own. I look to my right and there's a a balding, abnormally thin (must not like biscuits and gravy) gentleman beside me and he's staring at me while his laughter has, by then, waned to a chuckle. Was he laughing in response to mine?? I guess he found the atmosphere at Blue Ridge Sanitarium and Resort to be a bit too pretentious considering their spartan amenities. read more

:::COURT TIPS Different reasons have caused me to have to come here. Here a few tips that I have picked up. ;o) 1. COME EARLY-- You will need time to park (and walk), get through security and find your legal counsel (if you have any). 2. SECURITY 2a. The line takes time-- you can't rush security 2b. Take off your jacket BEFORE they ask you to 2b. Take off your belt BEFORE they ask you to 2c. Empty your pockets BEFORE they ask you to *Are we noticing a theme?? Trust me on this, if you are one of the persons who does not do this, you will not make any friends in the line. 3. Smart phones are now permitted-TG! However, put your phone on SILENT or vibrate. Don't be "that guy". 4. Review the court website PRIOR to coming to coming to court. Many of the offices, (ex. Circuit Court) have additional fees for using credit cards. This often upsets patrons paying fines, purchasing marriage certificates, obtaining copies of certified marriage licenses, etc. To avoid additional stress, review the policies prior to paying a visit. 5. Dress to Impress-- Or at least show respect to the magistrate. (Court ain't the club.) 6. Be Nice-- Being nice goes a LONG WAY! read more

It's quite difficult to judge a court. First and foremost, the most important part of a courtroom to a lawyer is the judges that populate the bench. Given the relative level of turnover, the issues, and opposing counsel, it's not easy to actually place a valuation on judges. Furthermore, it probably isn't appropriate for a public website. With that caveat developed, I am going to judge the Fairfax court based on its accessibility, its functionality, and its aesthetics. Accessibility: Although it certainly makes more sense to drive, I like the idea that one could technically metro in from DC, take a bus, and get dropped off at the Fairfax General District courtsteps in less than 2 hours. Well done Fairfax! Functionality: I'm not sure if this is every Virginia court, but I do not like the fact that my cellphone is effectively confiscated from the point of entrance until my business ends. Virginia needs to get with the electronic age; video demonstrations are an essential part of jurisprudence in Texas and I find this particular Virginia court's archaic policies regarding laptops, cell phones, and other media disconcerting. For the non-practitioner, the courtroom is a complicated maze that could make an individual late for a hearing. I do like the electronic boards with courtroom assignments, but I still think that this courtroom could be a bit more user-friendly. Finally, the food that they serve here is borderline criminal. Last time I checked, this wasn't jail. Fortunately, there are a few Indian restaurants in relative proximity to the courtroom. If you only have a 30 minute lunch, however, you are relegated to that disgusting cafeteria. Aesthetics: It's not exactly beautiful, but at least there have been positive renovations over the past few years. A courtroom is already a place of great stress; instead of creating consistent signs of the gravity of the courtroom, why not allow for some great works of art to alleviate the tension that inevitably builds before a hearing? The exterior of this building is boring. Again, Virginia could learn something from the great State of Texas concerning courtroom aesthetics. Yes, it's a freakin' courtroom, but that doesn't mean it has to be an ugly, dilapidated building. In the grand scheme of things, I have seen worse courtrooms, but this is far from my favorite. I don't necessarily pout when I get sent out here, but I'm not jumping for joy either. 3 stars. read more

Fairfax county's most active and Virginia's largest trial court trying a wide range of cases both criminal and civil with and without jury. Authorized to handle personal, domestic and business disputes, traffic violations and appeals and a lot of online application services as efficiently as possible. I used their Electronic Filing System to find land records for my house and I found it without any hassle. read more

Fairfax County General District Court - Courthouses Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

I showed up 40 minutes prior to my scheduled time for my traffic ticket. I ended up being 10 minutes late. Arrive at least 50 minutes early if your ticket was picked up around the holiday time. If you were simply speeding or something fairly low in point demerits and the complainant (aka officer/trooper) doesn't show up, try to plead not guilty on account of the officer not being there. I made the mistake of pleading guilty despite being fairly certain I could have gotten away without anything even though my officer wasn't present. In any case, there are free traffic lawyer consultations around the area. You just have to find one of the free ones. In any case, the whole place is a total money grab. Fairfax County court is probably one of the worst around the state of VA. If you want to take a safe driver course, do so. They won't tell you to do so or not to do so. They charge $2/hr for parking which is ridiculous. And the court processing fees are ridiculously high. Hope for a lenient judge. That's about it. read more

It's been a while since someone rated this court, so why not? I was selected for jury duty and reported on the required date. Having been here before, I showed up with at least 20 minutes to spare to allow time for security screening and the elevator (yes, they allow cell phones now although good luck with reception). After having my jury letter scanned, I was directed to a large room where deputies would come in and continually call off lists of names for jurors and their courtroom assignments. Not realizing what I had, I just followed the herd into our courtroom...with about 24 other jurors. The clerk promptly swore us in and then the lawyers put us through Voir Dire aka jury selection. I did have a few observations...the court looks like it's gotten a renovation recently due to some previous storm damage. However, it looks like they haven't quite fixed everything. Our jury room had no ventilation or AC so it made for a very uncomfortable time...especially when one juror, whose biases became very clear during deliberations, took the time to argue for everything he could as if he were the prosecutor. It made for a long two days. Additionally, the cafeteria food is overpriced and well...just plain sucks. There's a little family of Koreans who are running that place and proving to me why any encounter with the court system is likely never a positive one. I really don't plan to come back if I can help it...at least you get a three-year reprieve from jury duty once your initial service is done. read more

A $62 processing fee for paying over the internet is absurd. The county is clearly filling up their coffers with that fee. Or adding in some extra pay for their employees. I moved from out west 2 years ago and I can tell you that most states(minus California) do not charge a huge processing fee. If you just pay the ticket that is what it costs, whatever the fine is. How the county has budget issues while charging citizens ridiculous fees is beyond me. If they need help with their budgets, look west. read more

Friendly sheriff to greet and direct you to your dreaded hearing + Peppy lady behind the counter to take your fine payment afterwards = pleasant as can be day at traffic court. "Your emergency is not our problem. Remember to slow down, young lady!" -- wise judge. Yessir. Won't do it again. (I kept my toes crossed.) Bring a cardigan-- it's chilly in the courtroom! Also, it shouldn't have to be said but t-shirt and shorts/jeans/jorts are NOT a good look in court. Polo and slacks AT LEAST dudes! read more

Updating my review as I experienced the most disrespectful staff ever. Most of the staff in the notary/birth records department are bi-lingual and will not hesitate to talk and laugh about you in Spanish. It's extremely rude and completely unprofessional. read more

I stopped by the Fairfax Court house today the parking is ok $2.00 for 1 hour and most of that walking to the court house and then all the way to the back to records. That's right I was there in the afternoon to go to the records department. I walked no line at all NICE ! then *** WHAMMY **** it smells like feet / toe cheese NASTY you can even taste it . So you stand at the end of the rack and wait for your shoes and stuff. I was barefoot because it 74 outside and I think I now have foot fungus thanks to the oh so unclean carpets. Not something I was hopping to experience today. Then I get charged too much because he didn't know how to add. (Deep breath) I ask any way to leave without using the front door smell he laughs no that's it. Ugh now I am home and I have washed my feet and hands. I just wanted to share the stinky experience since some people wan to know. read more

If you get a minor traffic ticket that requires you to call in and find out the fine, TOUGH LUCK! It seems like no one works there! The answer machine tells you the estimated time is 5 minutes...but you can wait all day! I called 2 times. The first wait was over an hour. The second call also had an estimated wait time of 5 minutes and I waited for 2 hours. Every 5-10 minutes, the machine says "your call is very important to us..." The officer issue a code section that is not included in the fine chart and ask us to call in to find out. The "pay by phone" service closes at 3 pm. and i've been on hold since 11 am. If Fairfax can't handle this kind of service, why should they have it in the first place? I don't think it's difficult to have a page off the court website that includes a chart so people can look up the fine. read more

I had no idea there was a public library downstairs, and the wait time between hearings seem a little nerve wrecking especially if you pass all drug tests and background criminal checks as a law abiding Citizen of the County. Personally, I would have (wasted time) in arbitration than litigation; I've read Nolo books before, originally read more

If you're here, you probably don't want to be. I was here for traffic court and I kinda think the process is unfair. See, the only time I've been to traffic court before was in Arlington. There, you can meet with the Commonwealth Attorney and try to work out a deal before you go before the judge. In Fairfax county, you can only talk to the CA first if you have a lawyer. Otherwise, it's you against the cop, with him as the prosecutor and witness. If you end up here for more than the smallest in fraction, GET A LAWYER!!! read more

They have really unfair fines .. high fines even for a small ticket or even if u have a lawyer .. court fees are expensive af .. u gatta take ur shoes off wen u enter .. the parking is a far walk from the court house . read more

Came to pick up a stolen wallet here today. Never fun, but getting the wallet back was absolutely painless. In all, it took about 10 minutes for an officer to sign out my possessions and bring them to me. Can't say I would come *again* but I am definitely glad the officers at the Police Annex were so easy going and quick. read more

I'd give it a solid 5 stars if it weren't for the decor, it's just 'bleh', straight out of the early 90's. Otherwise, the Fairfax County Courthouse is well appointed, and might I say, luxurious I highly recommend a stopover here, whether it's your 3rd DUI, or simple narcotics possession, this is where you want to be! Fairfax County Courthouse, you the real M.V.P. read more

I've come here on a couple occasions. Delivering pizza, court cases, and collecting records. These buildings here are well protected and managed and are always kept very clean. The only downside I've had is with parking, you half to park in a garage unless you want to do a decent amount of walking, and there is a 4-5 dollar ticket you have to pay for. On top of that the machines you use to pay always seem to be out of order which just means paying on the way out or at the window with the teller. And the garage isn't exactly next to the courthouse building. Otherwise fairly accessible being right in old town Fairfax. Make sure you give yourself time if you have an appointment because there is a metal detector you'll have to go through prior to entering which can have a long line. Short story long this court house has always been very helpful and fairly easy to maneuver for whatever you need, just ask any guards or staff for help and they'll direct you. read more

They will not help you in probate. They will fee, fine and penalize you to death. Their forms don't include exact instructions. They make stuff up as you go through the process. They will give you only 2 weeks to get forms back to them before they fine you 185. They will call you on Christmas eve threatening if you don't call them back the same day- another $185 fine. You can submit your final accounting, and not hear back from them for 6 months, and they want another $55 for that. Sure, no estate tax, but by the time you pay your bond, fees for each inventory, and every accounting, for a $440k estate, executor will pay out of their own pocket around $4300. That is the way they tax you. They will not help you because the less they help you, the more money they make as you struggle dealing with loss of loved one, and then enter into their bureaucratic quagmire of self made rules if you don't hire one of the $500/hr. snakes to help you along. Trust funds, folks, are the only way to get your loved ones money out of their greedy hands. Evil. Don't die in Fairfax. None, except King Highness Dale Royal with his little crown on his signature. He's so proud and special of himself, a legend in his own mind. read more

Allow enough time to find parking, then actually park, and then walk uphill to the courthouse, go through security (and relinquish your cellphone), and then search on the monitors for your name and case (if you are there to fight a traffic ticket), and find your court room. The personnel (security guards, clerks) are really quite nice and helpful. If you can find out who your judge is going to be, I suggest that you go in before your trial date and watch him/her in action. I echo many of the comments in the posts below and here are some more comments/observations: --be prepared, but understand that you will only have 2-5 minutes to state your case no matter what your plea. --do not under any circumstance bet that your cop won't show up. They have court dates scheduled and they accumulate cases and hear them all at once (usually once a month). --the day that I went to court, the judge was really hard on those people who did not show up to court and who did not prepay the fine. ---Those people who came to court had sentences reduced or dismissed altogether. It is REALLY worth fighting a ticket if you feel you have a good explanation. I heard every imaginable excuse (particularly for speeding tiks), and the judge was still lenient. --your driving record is absolutely critical to the final judgment --if you plead "not guilty",you will most likely get pushed to the back of the schedule. you will be sworn in along with the officer -- my judge did not allow anyone to cross-examine the officer; it was "what is the charge", then "what do you have to say in response", and he asked the officer in EVERY case for the driving record before he made a final judgment. --the day that I was there, he sentenced at least two people to jail time for DWI; other people had such serious charges and horrible driving records that the judge made them find legal assistance --overall, my experience was v. good. I felt that the judge was humane and not "out to get" anyone just for the heck of it. read more

$62 processing fee is worse than the damn traffic infraction I committed, had just moved from another state and was following my Garmin when is took me into an HOV only lane to exit. I explained to cop what happened and that the state I moved from didn't have HOV so I was even more confused! I had to save for three months to pay the damn ticket only to find out about the processing fee, which kept food out of my mouth and gas out of my car for three more weeks. This processing fee is the only crime I see here. read more

Easy to get to the place. But be prepared to stay for 2-3 hours once inside your assigned courtroom. Depending on number of summons the officer has given, the least # gets the first priority and in my case, officer A****D has issued the most summons. What I noticed was that there were others also who felt that they didn't go as fast as officer A****D reported, some of them pleaded Not Guilty too. It's difficult to argue without you having a proof of the speed. The officer however has good screenplay :), to narrate the situation. I definitely know, I wasn't going that fast. Watch your speed, cops are out there..some of them got tickets as early as 7 am. If you are lucky, the judge may reduce the fine but cannot remove/reduce the DMV points. In some cases can dismiss the case. read more

If you get a bad traffic ticket and are summoned here, retain The Gordon Law Firm. They're conveniently located across the street (free parking!) and will get you your life back. Traffic court is very expensive entertainment. read more