Stafford, Virginia - Office of the Magistrate

Office of the Magistrate

The Magistrate's Office is the successor to the Office of Justice of the Peace, which was abolished in 1973. This office represents the first level in the state's judicial system and is located in the Rappahannock Regional Jail at 1745 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford, VA 22554. The Magistrate's Office:

issues arrest, search and civil warrants and subpoenas
sets bail or commits to jail persons charged with offenses
administers oaths and interviews persons in bond hearings
issues temporary mental detention and medical emergency orders

The magistrates will try to assist you by providing general information but cannot give legal advice. They also do not issue restraining orders in simple domestic disputes.

For more information, call 659-2968 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with the exception of legal holidays. If you need bonafide emergency assistance from the Magistrate's office you should call the Stafford Sheriff's Office at 540-658-4400.