---
title: "Joseph M. Teefey | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joseph-m-teefey-va-petersburg-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Joseph M. Teefey

Petersburg Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Petersburg 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

- Joseph M. Teefey, Jr. is the Chief Judge of Virginia’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court, serving since 2015 after being elected by the Virginia General Assembly to fill a vacancy created by Judge Pamela S. Baskervill’s retirement.
- Before joining the court, Teefey was Managing Partner at Teefey & Teefey, P.C. in Blackstone, Virginia, from 1998
- Earlier, he held the role of Assistant Public Defender in Halifax County (1995–1998)
- Listed as Chief Judge for the circuit

### Education

- University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law While in law school, he was Managing Editor of the Law Review — J.D. (1994)
- in Political Science and Government – Hampden-Sydney College — B.A. (1988)

### Additional information

- Elected: November 10, 2014, by the Virginia General Assembly
- focusing on civil and criminal litigation.
- Teefey’s judicial career spans both public defense and private practice before his election to the bench.
- Judge Teefey presides over the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Petersburg and Amelia, Dinwiddie, Nottoway, and Powhatan Counties.
- His role as Chief Judge involves overseeing circuit court operations, case management, and judicial administration across multiple counties.