Page "Virginia General District Court" Paragraph 3

In cases involving unlawful detainer of real estate used for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes, the GDC may hear cases involving claims of rent owed and property damage without limitation.

If the real estate is used for residential purposes, then the $ 25, 000 limit applies.

The GDC may issue distress warrants establishing the rights of a creditor to seize property, again without limit as to the amount.

Conversely, the GDC may order the attachment of personal property valued up to $ 25, 000, but has no authority to order the attachment of real estate, no matter how low the value.

With respect to criminal cases, the GDC may only try misdemeanors.

The GDC also has no authority over domestic relations matters such as divorce, annulment, and child custody, nor does it have authority over the probate of wills, which are directed to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts.

The only injunctive relief that the GDC may grant is in enforcing the state's Freedom of Information Act.