Oakton is a city in Fairfax County, Virginia, with a population of around 30,000 people. On account of its close proximity to our nation’s capital, a number of residents have gone on to become major politicians, including former White House aide and Governor of New Hampshire John H. Sununu.

In 2008, the family of slain lawyer and Oakton resident Robert Wone filed a $20 million wrongful death suit against three men who were indicted for allegedly obstructing the investigation into Wone’s death. Wone was stabbed to death in 2006 while staying overnight at the defendants’ home. The defendants were subsequently charged with multiple counts of obstruction for allegedly altering and orchestrating the crime scene, planting evidence, delaying the reporting of the murder to the authorities, and lying to the police. Both the lawsuit and the criminal case are still pending, and defendants have asked for a stay of the wrongful death suit until the criminal charges have been resolved.

Oakton is part of the 19^th Judicial District of Virginia, which is divided into multiple courts. Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears cases involving children and familial matters. The Fairfax County General District Court handles traffic violations and misdemeanors, and conducts preliminary hearings for felonies. It also has exclusive authority to hear civil cases with claims involving $4,500 or less, and shares authority with the Fairfax Circuit Court to hear cases with claims between $4,500 and $15,000. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear civil claims of over $15,000, as well exclusive jurisdiction over all felony cases.

It is important to file with the correct court to prevent loss of valuable time and money. The best way to ensure that you are filing correctly is by first consulting with a lawyer. There are many attorneys practicing in the Oakton area with various fields of expertise. LegalMatch can help you find the right one to meet your legal needs. LegalMatch also provides reference materials such as an online law library, forums on many legal topics, newsletters, and tips for selecting the best lawyer for you.

For more information on Oakton area lawyers and the Virginia courts, please visit the links below.

• Virginia Court System
• Virginia State Bar Association
• Fairfax County Bar Association
• Lawyer Referral Services for Fairfax County, Virginia