Sign Up Now for Annual Citizen Court Academy

By Sam Thrift Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Want to experience Law and Order without being on a couch or in an orange jumpsuit? The Williamsburg/James City County General District Court is holding the 8th Annual Citizen Court Academy on Tuesdays in October, giving residents the opportunity to better understand the Virginia court system.

On Oct. 4, 11 and 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Williamsburg/James City County General District Courtroom, individuals who see the inside of a courtroom regularly will be making presentations in an informational forum for the general public.

The first week of the series will include presentations given by General District Court Judge Colleen Killilea, Sheriff Bob Deeds and a representative from the Magistrate Office from the 9th Judicial District. These presentations will cover an overview of the Court system in Virginia, the duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff and Magistrate’s Office, the types of cases handled in each level of Virginia courts and a tour of the courthouse.

The second week will focus on criminal matters in General District Court. There will be presentations by Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green, attorney Tom Turbeville, probation and pre-trial services and the victim-witness program. Topics that will be covered include the classification of crimes, courtroom criminal procedure and a demonstration of the courthouse jail video arraignment system.

The last day of the series will include a presentation by the Chief Judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals, Walter S. Felton, Jr., who will discuss the structure, role and importance of that court in Virginia’s judicial system. Civil and traffic matters in General District Court will also be discussed, featuring information on civil cases from attorney Michael Heikes.

Seating for this program is limited, so registration is required. Anyone can register for the free program by contacting the Sheriff’s Department at 564-2220.