Joan Ziglar at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Joan Ziglar
Judge · Henry General District Court
Biography
Professional career
- The Chief Judge of the General District Court for Virginia’s 21st Judicial District, serving since her election by the Virginia General Assembly in 2019
Education
- William & Mary Law School — J.D. (1992)
- M.B.A. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Bachelor’s degree — Ferrum College
Additional information
- The court’s schedule includes arraignments, traffic/criminal cases, civil hearings, and other specialized proceedings.
- Before becoming a judge, Ziglar held the role of an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Martinsville.
- As Chief Judge, Ziglar presides over a range of cases in the General District Court, including civil, criminal, and traffic matters, and oversees court operations in her district.
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 ↗