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title: "Marla Graff Decker | KnowJudges"
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# Marla Graff Decker

Court of Appeals of Virginia · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals of Virginia
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Virginia, a position she has held since January 1, 2019, after being appointed to the court in 2013 and elected to a full term in 2014.
- 2005–2010: Deputy Attorney General, Public Safety and Enforcement Division
- 2002–2005: Senior Assistant Attorney General, Chief, Special Prosecutions Section
- 1983–2002: Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Litigation Section
- She also held the role of an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond School of Law and Virginia Union University

### Education

- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D. (1983)
- Gettysburg College — B.A. (1980)
- Decker continues to teach lawyering skills at the University of Richmond, judges moot court competitions, and mentors law students.

### Additional information

- Current term: Ends February 1, 2030
- Chief Judge: Elected by peers in 2018 for a four-year term starting January 1, 2019; re-elected for a second term in 2023
- Elected: January 14, 2014 by the Virginia General Assembly for an eight-year term
- Appointed: October 1, 2013 by Governor Bob McDonnell to fill a vacancy; took office November 1, 2013
- 2010–2013: Secretary of Public Safety under Governor McDonnell
- Date of birth: 1958-05-31
- She has described her judicial role as an “honor and tremendous opportunity” after 20 years of arguing before the court.
- In summary: Marla Graff Decker is a seasoned Virginia jurist with a background in criminal litigation, public safety leadership, and appellate law, now guiding the Virginia Court of Appeals through significant structural and jurisdictional reforms.
- Birth place: New York City

## 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)
- [Official biography source for Marla Graff Decker](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Wikidata: Marla Graff Decker](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19867723)

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