Mary J. Hanzlik, Chief Magistrate
234 West Valley Street
P: (276) 525 – 4366
15205 Joe Derting Drive
Abingdon, VA 24210.
Open twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
No appointment is necessary.
Please see the link below for access to information about Magistrates and their duties at the Virginia Judicial System's website.
VIRGINIA JUDICIAL SYSTEM WEBSITE
Washington County Magistrate Office
The Washington County Magistrate Office operates under the supervision of the Department of Magistrate Services within the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court. Magistrates are judicial officers of the Commonwealth of Virginia and are not associated with law enforcement agencies. One of a magistrate's principal functions is to provide an independent, unbiased review of complaints from law enforcement officers and citizens to determine if there is probable cause for criminal charges. Magistrates may conduct hearings in person and through designated videoconference systems.
In addition to determining probable cause for criminal charges, magistrates may also:
Issue search warrants
Admit to bail or commit to jail following an arrest
Issue mental health and medical emergency custody orders and temporary detention orders
Issue emergency protective orders
Accept prepayment of fines and court costs for certain traffic and misdemeanor offenses
Issue civil warrants and order pre-trial levies and seizures in certain circumstances
The Washington County Magistrate Office is within Magistrate Region 1, which also includes Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Wise, and Wythe counties, along with the Cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford. A magistrate may exercise his or her authority anywhere within the Region.