---
title: "Patrick M. Blanch | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/patrick-m-blanch-va-fairfax-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Patrick M. Blanch

Fairfax Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Fairfax 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 Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia, appointed in April 2024 and formally commissioned in September 2024, with a background in criminal defense, appellate litigation, and public service
- He officially received his commission on September 20, 2024, at the Fairfax County Courthouse, where Virginia Senate President Scott Surovell presented him with the commission and Judge Todd G. Petit administered his oath
- Was appointed as a substitute judge in 2022 for the 19th Judicial District, presiding in both General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts

### Education

- J.D. — George Washington University School of Law (2006) Admitted to the Virginia Bar in 2006 and to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2010.
- in History — Millersville University of Pennsylvania — B.A. (2002)

### Additional information

- Blanch had previously taken his oath on April 1, 2024, after being appointed in that month.
- Practiced law for 17 years at Blanch & Hart PLLC (and its predecessors)
- focusing on criminal defense, appellate litigation, and court‐appointed or pro bono representation for low‐income clients.