Commonwealth's Attorney
Subpoenas, Witnesses and Appearances in Court

What is a subpoena?

    Sometimes called a summons, this is a Court order which directs you to be present in Court at a particular time and place.

What do I do if I am subpoenaed as a witness and I have a question?

    If you have been subpoenaed as a witness and have a question, please contact the Court, the person who subpoenaed you or our office.

    NOTE: Never take it upon yourself to not appear if you have been subpoenaed to appear in Court. A subpoena is like a Court order, and if you do not comply, there could be repercussions.

I will be appearing in Court either as the victim or as a witness. How do I need to dress?

    Dress neatly. Preferably no shorts, cut-offs or halter tops. For men, nice casual slacks, shirt and closed-toe shoes are acceptable. For women, nice casual slacks, shirt/blouse, skirt, dress are acceptable. Believe it or not, but attire does make an impression.

I have been subpoenaed to Court. Where do I go?

    Below is a list of locations for each Court

    • General District Court (Christiansburg), Montgomery County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
    • Juvenile & Domestic Relations District, Montgomery County Courthouse, 3rd Floor
    • Circuit Court, Montgomery County Courthouse, 4th Floor
    • General District Court (Blacksburg) Blacksburg Municipal Bldg., 300 S. Main St., Blacksburg 

    Please double check your subpoena as to which Court your subpoena was issued from so that you will appear in the correct Court.

I am the defendant / victim and I cannot remember when my case will be heard. Who do I contact?

    You will need to contact the appropriate Clerk's Office. Provide them with the defendant's name and they can tell you when the case is set. If you are the defendant, you need to first contact your counsel of record and if he is not available, you may contact the appropriate Clerk's Office.

Once I am in the Courtroom, can I leave?

    Once you are in the Courtroom, it is best to remain there. Do not leave unless it is absolutely necessary. Generally, cases are called as printed on the docket posted outside the Courtroom. However, there are occasions when cases are skipped or called out of order due to scheduling or other circumstances. The Court will take recesses, at which time you may leave the Courtroom.