---
title: "Marcus A. Brinks | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/marcus-a-brinks-va-patrick-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Marcus A. Brinks

Patrick Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Patrick 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

- Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving since 2019 after being elected by the Virginia General Assembly.
- 2016: Judge, 21st Judicial District Court of Virginia
- Earlier: Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Patrick County, VA
- Nine years active duty with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps

### Education

- Washington and Lee University School of Law — J.D. (1981)

### Additional information

- In May 2026, Judge Brinks (sitting as a substitute judge) dismissed a recall petition against Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones, ruling the petition lacked the legally required 10% of voter signatures.
- Private Practice: Attorney in Virginia before judicial service
- The decision awarded $40,000 in attorneys’ fees to the mayor’s legal team and reimbursed the special prosecutor.
- Born and raised in Canton, Ohio
- Brinks’ appointment was widely supported by local leaders, the Martinsville–Henry County Bar Association, and community members.
- His investiture ceremony in Patrick County included a gavel made from a tulip poplar tree from Monticello.