---
title: "Thomas W. Roe | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-w-roe-va-roanoke-city-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Thomas W. Roe

Roanoke City General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Roanoke City 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

- In summary: Judge Thomas W. Roe, Jr. is an experienced Virginia trial judge with a background in public service and private legal practice, serving the 23rd Judicial District Court in Roanoke, Salem, and Roanoke County since 2016
- Prior roles: Partner, Spigle, Roe, Massey & Clay, PLC Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Roanoke City (1987–1989)
- Clerk’s Office (Roanoke City): Rick S. Kahl, (540) 853‐2767 (traffic/criminal)
- Clerk’s Office (Roanoke County): Gretchen S. Preston, (540) 387‐6168
- Thomas W. Roe, Jr. is a judge of the 23rd Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers Roanoke City, Salem, and Roanoke County

### Education

- in Business Marketing — Bowling Green State University — B.A.
- Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- Elected: 2016 by the Virginia General Assembly
- Sworn in: June 8, 2016, at the Roanoke County Courthouse
- Judge Roe’s swearing‐in was marked by presentations from the Virginia Women Attorneys Association, Roanoke Bar Association, and Salem/Roanoke County Bar Association.