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1. I do not like the way the Court decided my case. What are my options?

All final orders of the J&DR District Court may be appealed within 10 days of final judgment. The best way to note your appeal is in person. If you cannot note your appeal in person, please call the Clerk’s Office to be directed to the appropriate appeal form to use to note your appeal, and you may fax it in.

Our office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Our phone number is 804-748-1379 and our fax number is 804-717-6043.

If the tenth day falls on a holiday or a date the court is otherwise closed, the appeal would be due the next day the court is open. The court will not calculate the date the appeal is due.

If it has been more than 10 days and you have missed your appeal period, you may wish to file a Motion to Reopen/Rehear (Form DC-368 (PDF) /Instructions (PDF)). In criminal cases, a Motion to Reopen must be filed within 60 days. In civil cases, a Motion to Rehear must be filed within 30 days.

Please read the law regarding Motions to Reopen/Rehear:

• Criminal cases - Virginia Code § 16.1-133.1
• Civil cases - Virginia Code § 16.1-97.1

You do not need to have missed the appeal window in order to file a Motion to Reopen/Rehear.

2. I filed a petition or motion with the Court, and I did not appear for my hearing. The case was dismissed. What are my options?

You may wish to file a Motion to Reopen/Rehear (Form DC-368/Instructions). In criminal cases, a Motion to Reopen must be filed within 60 days. In civil cases, a Motion to Rehear must be filed within 30 days.

Please read the law regarding Motions to Reopen/Rehear:

• Criminal cases - Virginia Code § 16.1-133.1
• Civil cases - Virginia Code § 16.1-97.1

If the Court does not grant your Motion to Rehear, you may need to file anew.