---
title: "David M. Hicks | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-m-hicks-va-richmond-city-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# David M. Hicks

Richmond City General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Richmond City 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

- 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.