Douglas B. Ottinger at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Douglas B. Ottinger
Judge · Portsmouth Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge on Virginia’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, serving as Presiding Judge for the Portsmouth Circuit Court, and has been on the bench since 2009
- Listed as Presiding Judge for the Portsmouth Circuit Court
- His current role as Presiding Judge on the Portsmouth Circuit Court reflects his long-standing leadership in the state’s judicial system
Education
- University of Dayton School of Law — J.D. (1993)
- in Political Science, Pennsylvania State University — B.A. (1989)
Additional information
- 2009–present: Judge, 3rd Judicial District Court (Portsmouth) held the role of Chief Judge for three two-year terms Managed the Mental Health Tracking Docket, initiating efforts to gain Commonwealth recognition for a behavioral health docket
- Elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2024 to serve on the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Portsmouth.
- His tenure in Circuit Court began in January 2024.
- 2002–2009: Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Portsmouth
- 2001–2002: Private practice
- 1993–2001: Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Chesapeake
- Veteran Virginia jurist with over a decade of judicial service, a strong background in public prosecution, and a commitment to community service.
- Appointed member, Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee on Mentoring for the Virginia Supreme Court
- Executive Committee, James Kent Inn of Court
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 ↗