---
title: "Matthew D. Nelson | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-d-nelson-va-chesterfield-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Matthew D. Nelson

Chesterfield General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Chesterfield General District 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

- Associate, Chucker & Reibach, Richmond, VA Judge, 12th Judicial District Court of Virginia
- The Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers Chesterfield County and the City of Colonial Heights

### Education

- Gonzaga University School of Law Bachelor’s degree, East Tennessee State University — J.D. (1997)

### Additional information

- Court type: General District Court — handles criminal preliminary hearings, misdemeanor trials, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims, and certain other matters.
- As Chief Judge, Nelson oversees the court’s operations, case management, and judicial policy.