---
title: "C. Todd Gilbert | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/c-todd-gilbert-va-shenandoah-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# C. Todd Gilbert

Shenandoah General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Shenandoah General District Court
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### cell phones and electronic devices

Scope: statewide

Virginia courts commonly restrict cell phones and other electronic devices in court buildings; counsel and litigants should check the local court policy before arrival.

Evidence excerpt: Most courts in Virginia do not allow you to bring a cell phone or other electronic device into the building.

[Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Christopher Todd Gilbert is an American attorney and politician who, as of July 1, 2026, serves as a General District Court Judge for Virginia’s 26th Judicial Circuit and District
- Appointment as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia in 2025 (served ~38 days before resigning)
- ~15 years as a criminal defense attorney in private practice
- Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Page County
- The appointment followed the state’s unique legislative judicial selection process, with both the House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees certifying his eligibility

### Education

- Southern Methodist University School of Law — J.D. (1996)
- B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia (1993)

### Additional information

- Unanimously elected by the Virginia General Assembly in March 2026 to a six‐year term on the General District Court bench for the 26th Judicial District, which covers Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Page, Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties, as well as the cities of Winchester and Harrisonburg
- Speaker of the House (2022–2024)
- ~15 years as a prosecutor in multiple jurisdictions
- Majority and Minority Leader of the House
- Chair of the Criminal Law Subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee
- Service on the Virginia State Crime Commission, Criminal Sentencing Commission, Committee on District Courts, and the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Commission