Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

If a 25-year-old nanny is charged with felony sodomy of a juvenile, where will the trial be held?

1. Circuit Court

2. Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

3. General District Court

4. Federal Court

The correct answer is: Circuit Court

The trial for a felony charge, such as felony sodomy of a juvenile, will take place in Circuit Court. Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over felonies and more serious offenses, including those involving significant criminal behavior against minors. In this case, since the charge involves a serious felony pertaining to sexual offenses against a juvenile, it falls squarely within the purview of Circuit Court, which handles more severe criminal cases compared to other courts. In contrast, Juvenile Domestic Relations Court typically deals with cases involving minors, but it primarily focuses on issues such as custody, support, and care—not serious felony crimes. General District Court handles violations of law that are less severe, such as misdemeanors and traffic violations, which makes it an inappropriate venue for felony cases. Federal Court handles cases that involve federal laws or crimes that cross state lines but is not relevant here since the charge is a state felony. Hence, the appropriate venue for the trial concerning this offense is indeed the Circuit Court.