James R. Swanson at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James R. Swanson
Judge · Roanoke County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Swanson’s professional background includes service as a judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia
- Judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, covering Roanoke City, Salem, and Roanoke County
- Also listed as a judge of the Roanoke County Circuit Court
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) — Washington and Lee University School of Law, 1978
- Bachelor’s Degree — University of Kentucky
Additional information
- Recognized in judicial directories and legal publications such as Virginia Lawyers Weekly and Martindale.
- Judge Swanson has authored and been cited in various cases, including matters on custody, protective orders, search and seizure, and criminal defense.
- 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which includes the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and Roanoke County.
- His office is located in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24011.
- His judicial position is part of Virginia’s legislatively elected circuit court system.
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 ↗