David M. Hicks at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
David M. Hicks
Biography
Professional career
- Presiding judge of the 13th Judicial District Court of Virginia, serving in Richmond’s General District Court system since July 1, 2015
- Senior Policy Advisor to Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones (2009), also serving as temporary director of the Department of Justice Services and Department of Social Services
Education
- J.D. — University of Virginia School of Law (1986) Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania (1986), Virginia (1987), and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (1987).
- University of Virginia — B.A. (1983)
Additional information
- In a 2025 WTVR “Untold” podcast, Hicks discussed his approach to distinguishing between “predatory and dangerous” individuals and those who commit “stupid” crimes, reflecting his experience as both prosecutor and judge.
- His term began July 1, 2015, when he was elected by the Virginia General Assembly to fill a vacancy created by the elevation of Phillip L. Hairston to the Richmond Circuit Court.
- Commonwealth’s Attorney for Richmond — served three terms from 1993 to 2005.
- overseeing reforms to the Juvenile Detention Center and Child Protection Program.
- Earlier roles included legal and policy work in Richmond’s municipal government.
- Listed as a Presiding Judge at the John Marshall Courts Building and Marsh Manchester Courts Building in Richmond.
- He has also addressed high-profile cases, such as a Fourth of July mass-shooting plot involving two Guatemalan immigrants, emphasizing the need for evidence before proceeding.
- Judge Hicks presides over cases in the 13th Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Richmond.
- Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Hicks is married to Valerie Hicks, and they have three children.
- He has spoken publicly about his upbringing in an inner-city New Jersey family and the impact of his father’s murder when he was a teenager.
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 ↗