---
title: "Joseph C. Lindsey | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joseph-c-lindsey-va-norfolk-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Joseph C. Lindsey

Norfolk Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Norfolk Circuit 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

- Prior to this, he was appointed by Chief Judge Mary Jane Hall on November 10, 2020 to the 4th Judicial District Court (Norfolk General District Court).
- Private practice: In 1995, he opened his own firm in Norfolk
- Judicial service: held the role of a substitute judge in Norfolk and Hampton Roads district and juvenile domestic relations courts for 16 years

### Education

- American University Washington College of Law — J.D. (1984)
- in Political Science & Government – Hampton Institute — B.A. (1981)

### Additional information

- Elected to the bench in 2023 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Michelle J. Atkins.
- Joseph C. Lindsey is a judge of Virginia’s 4th Judicial Circuit Court, appointed in 2023 after serving as a Norfolk General District Court judge and former Virginia House of Delegates member.
- He resigned from the House in November 2020 to accept his judicial appointment.
- He was re‐elected in 2015, 2017, and 2019, and held the role of Chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee.
- Legislative service: Elected in 2014 to the Virginia House of Delegates for the 90th District (covering parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach).
- Born August 10, 1959 in Norfolk, Virginia, Lindsey is married to Rhoda Venetia German and has two children, Ashley and Jason.
- handling personal injury, family, criminal defense, and business cases.
- Early career: After law school, Lindsey worked for the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
- Attended Booker T. Washington High School
- Joseph Carnell Lindsey serves on the 4th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Norfolk, in Department Courtroom 5C.
- He is a Democrat, identifies as Protestant, and attends Calvary Revival Church.