---
title: "James E. Wiser | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-e-wiser-va-suffolk-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# James E. Wiser

Suffolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Suffolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations 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

- The Chief Judge of the 5th Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court of Virginia, appointed in 2016 by the Virginia General Assembly
- 15 years as a prosecutor in the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
- As a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge, Wiser hears cases involving
- He currently holds the position of Chief Judge in the Suffolk and Franklin Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts

### Education

- Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia
- George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School — J.D.

### Additional information

- Appointment: Elected to the bench in 2016, replacing Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris
- Judge James E. Wiser serves in the 5th Judicial District of Virginia, which includes Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County
- Brief period in private practice before becoming a prosecutor