---
title: "Rupen R. Shah | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/rupen-r-shah-va-augusta-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Rupen R. Shah

Augusta General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Augusta 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

- Judge of Virginia’s 25th Judicial District Court, elected in 2017 as the state’s first Indian‐American judge
- Also listed as a judge in the Waynesboro General District Court and other courts within the district
- In this capacity, he worked closely with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney on criminal and civil cases

### Education

- Syracuse University College of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- Shah was appointed by unanimous vote of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate on January 25, 2017, and began his tenure on February 1, 2017.
- Active in the Virginia State Bar, serving on its Executive Committee and Council, chairing the state bar’s Diversity Conference, and being recognized as a local leader in 2009.
- Before becoming a judge, Shah was Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County, Virginia, a role he held for over 20 years.
- Past president of the Augusta County Bar Association.
- His election marked a historic milestone as the first Indian‐American judge in Virginia.
- 25th Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers the cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro, plus counties including Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland, and Rockbridge.
- Founder of the Valley Children’s Center, a nonprofit supporting law enforcement and Child Protective Services in interviewing abused and neglected children.