Claiborne H. Stokes at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Claiborne H. Stokes
Biography
Professional career
- 2016–present: Judge, 16th Judicial District Court of Virginia, appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Edward K. Carpenter
- Claiborne H. Stokes, Jr. is the Presiding Judge of the 16th Judicial District Court of Virginia, serving since 2016, and is also the Chief Judge of the Goochland County Combined District Court
- 2004–2016: Commonwealth’s Attorney for Goochland County, Virginia
- 1994–2004: Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Goochland County
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D. (1989)
- University of Richmond — B.A. (1982)
Additional information
- handling traffic violations, minor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, and civil claims under $25,000.
- Judge Stokes presides over the 16th Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Charlottesville and counties including Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Madison, and Orange.
- Judge Stokes’ appointment was marked by a ceremonial session in Goochland County, where he was sworn in by Judge Timothy K. Sanner.
- The event was attended by local officials, bar association members, and fellow judges, with tributes to his predecessor, Hon. Edward K. Carpenter
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Cell Phones And Electronic Devices
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.
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 ↗
Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster ↗Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy ↗