Are cameras and tape recorders allowed in the courthouse?
Cameras and tape recorders are only allowed into the courthouse if they are evidence in a case. Cameras and tape recorders must be given to the deputy to hold until needed in court.
Two deputies came to my house looking for my spouse/child and said there was a capias for him/her; what is a capias?
A capias is a paper issued by a judge to have someone arrested. It is usually issued when a person does not come to court after receiving a summons or subpoena, or a violates a court order.
What is the difference between the Sheriff's Office and the Police Department?
The Sheriff and his deputies are responsible for the security of the courthouse. Deputies also transport inmates to court and serve civil and criminal papers.
The Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within Prince George County.
I received a notice that I was being evicted, how do I stop it?
Once the Writ of Possession is served it can only be canceled by the landlord.
If the Sheriff’s Office does not receive a cancellation from your landlord, a deputy, along with the landlord, will come to your home.
The deputy will give possession of the premises to the landlord; you and anyone else at the home must leave the residence.
The landlord may elect to change the locks and give the tenant reasonable access to his/her personal property within 24 hours. After 24 hours, any property not claimed by the tenant may be removed and disposed of by the landlord.
The landlord has the option of setting the property to the nearest public right of way. Upon expiration of the 24-hour period after eviction, the landlord shall remove, or dispose of, any personal property remaining in the public right of way.
I see deputies running radar and giving out speeding tickets. Can they do that?
Yes, any of the deputies may stop you for violating the traffic laws. Several deputies are certified to use radar.
I am coming to court and my attorney told me that I may go to jail. Can I be put on house arrest?
The Sheriff’s Office has a program called Home Incarceration, which is a form of house arrest. It is up to the sentencing judge to authorize the Sheriff to see if you would qualify for this program. You may see a list of qualifications on this website.
I was told that the Sheriff's Department has a program for persons with Alzheimer's. What is it called and how do I sign someone up for it?
The program is Project Lifesaver, you can find out more information about this program from this website or calling Deputy Robert Vaughan 804-733-2690 ext.3009
My spouse/child received a note from a deputy to call the Sheriff's Office, why?
Most likely your spouse/child has a civil or criminal paper that must be served to him/her in person.
Can I bring my cell phone into the courthouse?
No cell phones are allowed in the courthouse. Deputies will not hold your phone at the security desk.