In criminal cases, the Circuit Court hears all felonies and misdemeanors originating from a grand jury indictment. In addition, the Circuit Court hears all misdemeanors appealed from the General District Court. A felony is a crime which, among other sanctions, could result in a sentence to the state penitentiary for 1 year or more, and a misdemeanor is a crime which, among other sanctions, could result in a sentence to jail or not more than 12 months.
Criminal Hearings and Trials
Criminal hearings and trials are set by contacting the Commonwealth's Attorney. If trials are not pre-set through the Commonwealth's Attorney, they are set at docket call held at 9 a.m. on Term Day (the Third Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November).
Grand Juries
Grand Juries meet at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of the Term.