---
title: "Cheryl V. Higgins | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/cheryl-v-higgins-va-albemarle-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Cheryl V. Higgins

Albemarle Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Albemarle Circuit 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

- Judge on Virginia’s 16th Judicial Circuit Court, serving since 2007, with a background in private practice and as an assistant Commonwealth’s attorney in Albemarle County

### Education

- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D. (1986)
- Wheaton College — B.A.

### Additional information

- She was re‐elected in 2015, with her current term set to expire in 2023.
- In summary: Judge Cheryl V. Higgins is an experienced Virginia circuit court judge with a long legal career, serving the 16th Judicial Circuit since 2007, and is currently active in both trial and appellate matters within her jurisdiction.
- Elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2007 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Paul M. Peatross.
- Practiced law at St. John, Bowling & Lawrence in Charlottesville.
- Judge Higgins presides over the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Madison, and Orange.
- She is registered as a Republican.