The fastest route to the City of Fairfax is to take the Beltway to Route 236 to Fairfax City. Alternatively, take Richmond Highway (Route One) south to the Fairfax County Parkway and follow it (see entry below at Parkway for navigational pointer) to the Ox Road (Route 123) northbound exit. Its name changes to Chain Bridge Road as you approach Fairfax City.

Scenic alternative route through Lorton, take Richmond Highway south to Lorton Road and follow it to the end, turning right on Ox Road (Route 123) and following it into Fairfax City.

General District Court hears cases of traffic violations, criminal misdemeanors, civil suits, and small claims cases. It conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases. In cases involving up to $1,000, the court has exclusive jurisdiction. In cases involving $1,000 to $10,000, it has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court. Located in the new courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Hours: M-F 8-4. Recording (664**. Information 591-8525.

Circuit Court, in addition to hearing appeals from lower courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over all felonies and all civil suits involving more than $10,000. It has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court over civil suits involving $1,000 to $10,000. Other Circuit Court services include civil and criminal cases with juries, adoptions and equity cases, cases of probate of estates ((671), appeals of traffic offenses penalties, name changes ((674), marriage licenses ((673), civil marriage celebrants, trade names, passport applications, processing of concealed weapons permits, and all divorce ((675) cases with child custody, support and visitation rights. The Land Records Office of the Circuit Court keeps details of real estate transactions, which are available to the public. Located in the new courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Hours M-F 8:00-4:00. Recording (663. Information 591-8525.

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has jurisdiction over all offenses committed by juveniles, by adults against juveniles, and over all cases involving complaints between family members such as matters of custody, non-support and assault. Located in the old courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Hours M-F 8:00-4:00. Recording (665. Information 246-3367.

Magistrate, Mount Vernon Government Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, 780-8580 (24 hours). Useful recording (666. In 1974, the magistrate system replaced Justices of the Peace. Some legal cases are brought before a local magistrate prior to their reaching the above courts. Our local magistrates staff this office around the clock, working on a shift basis, so that someone is always available. Magistrates are not law enforcement officers but are judicial officers of the Commonwealth whose principal function is to provide an unbiased, independent review of complaints brought to the office by police officers, sheriffs, deputies and citizens. While they do not provide legal advice, they try to assist citizens by providing general information about the workings of the justice system. Most magistrates are not attorneys.

Magistrates' powers include issuing warrants (for searches and arrests), issuing summonses, issuing subpoenas, issuing emergency custody orders (in cases of mental illness), issuing emergency detention orders (where a person refuses medical assistance for serious illness or injury), issuing emergency protective orders (in domestic violence cases), setting bail, admitting to bail, committing to jail, and accepting payment of traffic and certain minor misdemeanor offenses (when payment is made five or more calendar days prior to court date).

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 401 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, 299-2100. Location is in the new Carlyle area of the City of Alexandria, off Duke Street, not downtown by the City Courthouse. Traffic cases initiated by military police and the U.S. Park Police are heard here. Visitors have observed that penalties assessed by the magistrates of this court are often higher than the amount stated on the ticket, and court costs are additional.