---
title: "Ronald K. Elkins | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ronald-k-elkins-va-wise-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Ronald K. Elkins

Wise Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Wise 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

- Ronald Kelley Elkins is the Chief Judge of the 30th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties, and has been on the bench since 2014
- held the role of Commonwealth’s Attorney for Wise County from 2007, first as a prosecutor in 2001
- The Wise Circuit Court and Scott Circuit Court websites list him as Chief Judge and provide court policies, jury service info, and contact details

### Education

- Samford University Cumberland School of Law — J.D. (2000)

### Additional information

- Elevated to the 30th Judicial Circuit in 2020 by the Virginia General Assembly, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Chadwick Dotson.
- Joined the bench in 2014 after a long legal career.
- As Chief Judge, Elkins oversees the administration of the circuit court, including case scheduling, judicial policy, and court operations.
- Prior to this, held the role of a judge in the 30th Judicial District Court and in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.