---
title: "Tonya Henderson-Stith | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/tonya-henderson-stith-va-hampton-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Tonya Henderson-Stith

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

- 8th Judicial District Court of Virginia – Judge since 2009, re‐elected in 2015 and 2021
- Tonya Henderson‐Stith is the Chief Judge of Virginia’s 8th Judicial Circuit Court, serving Hampton, and was elected to the bench in 2023 after a long career in law and judicial service.
- Private Practice – Sole practitioner until 2006, then Partner at McDermott, Roe & Walter in Hampton
- Recognized for her service in both state and federal courts, and for her leadership role as Chief Judge of the Hampton Circuit Court
- Court contact (Hampton Circuit Court): Clerk’s Office, 237 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669
- Henderson‐Stith serves as Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Hampton
- Before joining the judiciary, Henderson‐Stith practiced law in Hampton, first as a sole practitioner and later as a partner at McDermott, Roe & Walter.

### Education

- University of Baltimore School of Law — J.D. (1994)
- University of Virginia — B.A. (1990)

### Additional information

- Her term runs until 2027.
- Elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2023 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Christopher W. Hutton.
- Phone: (757) 727‐6105.