---
title: "Michael A. Gaten | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-a-gaten-va-hampton-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Michael A. Gaten

Hampton Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hampton 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 on the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving the City of Hampton, elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2018
- Clerk’s Office Contact: (757) 727‐6105
- Prior Career: Judicial law clerk to the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Chesapeake, Newport News, and Williamsburg/James City County Associate at Geddy, Harris, Franck & Hickman, Williamsburg, VA

### Education

- B.A. in Political Science & Government, College of William & Mary (2001) J.D., William & Mary Law School (2004)

### Additional information

- In February 2022, as Chief Judge, Gaten led the decision to recuse all 8th Judicial Circuit judges from hearing the Cory Bigsby case due to potential conflicts and concerns over police handling of the matter.
- Elected: July 1, 2018, by the Virginia General Assembly to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement of Hon. Wilford Taylor.
- This unusual move was praised by legal professionals for preserving judicial integrity and transparency.
- PO Box 40, 237 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669
- Gaten resides in Hampton, Virginia, with his wife Carmen and two children.