Chesapeake County, VA Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under Chesapeake Circuit & General District Court Joint Order on Portable Electronic Devices, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Chesapeake Judicial Center. However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. NO. Chesapeake Judicial Center bans public cell phones and has NO storage lockers at the security checkpoint. Sheriff deputies will not hold your phone. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus with a phone, you will be denied entry. Last checked
⚠️ Rideshare & Transit Warning ("The Uber Trap")
Chesapeake Judicial Center bans cell phones for general visitors AND has NO storage lockers at the entrance. Sheriff deputies will NOT hold your phone at the security checkpoint. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus without a parked car to lock your phone inside, you will be turned away at the door. Missing your court call can trigger a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Chesapeake Judicial Center
- Address
- 307 Albemarle Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23322
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (757) 382-3000
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~907 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/482/Courts ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Free Municipal Center Surface Lots off Albemarle Drive
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Chesapeake County Juror Garage in downtown Chesapeake. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Chesapeake local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Chesapeake County)
Authority: Chesapeake Circuit & General District Court Joint Order on Portable Electronic Devices · Verification: Official .gov Administrative Order + Sheriff Security Desk Verification
| Rule / Amenity | Chesapeake County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “Chesapeake Judicial Center Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · NO lockers at door | “Chesapeake Judicial Center Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | NO lockers — leave phone in vehicle | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Chesapeake Judicial Center): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | TRAP: Phones banned & NO lockers at door! | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Chesapeake Judicial Center): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Free Municipal Center Surface Lots off Albemarle Drive | “Jury Summons Instructions (Chesapeake County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Free Municipal Center Surface Lots off Albemarle Drive. Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Chesapeake Judicial Center Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Chesapeake County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “Chesapeake Judicial Center Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Chesapeake County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Judicial Center Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 307 Albemarle Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23322 |
Banned for Public | No lockers | Validated free (Free Municipal Center Surface Lots off Albemarle Drive) |
What to Know Before You Go to Chesapeake Judicial Center
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Chesapeake County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Leave your phone, smartwatch, and AirPods locked inside your car out of sight. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Chesapeake County, VA
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Chesapeake County, VA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Chesapeake County Courthouse in Chesapeake, VA?
No for the general public. Under Chesapeake Circuit & General District Court Joint Order on Portable Electronic Devices, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Chesapeake Judicial Center. However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does Chesapeake County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
NO. Chesapeake Judicial Center bans public cell phones and has NO storage lockers at the security checkpoint. Sheriff deputies will not hold your phone. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus with a phone, you will be denied entry.
Where do I park for jury duty at Chesapeake County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Free Municipal Center Surface Lots off Albemarle Drive. Park in the designated Chesapeake County Juror Garage in downtown Chesapeake. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Chesapeake County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Chesapeake County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Chesapeake Judicial Center and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Chesapeake County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (757) 382-3000 or consult a local Chesapeake County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Other County Courthouses in Virginia
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- Richmond City (Richmond)
- Stafford County (Stafford)
- Spotsylvania County (Spotsylvania)
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Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Chesapeake Judicial Center? Submit a verified update.