---
title: "Claiborne H. Stokes | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/claiborne-h-stokes-va-goochland-combined-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Claiborne H. Stokes

Goochland Combined District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Goochland Combined 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

- 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