---
title: "Walter S. Felton Jr. | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/walter-s-felton-jr-8421"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-02"
---

# Walter S. Felton Jr.

Court of Appeals of Virginia · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals of Virginia
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Court of Appeals of Virginia, 2002-present
- Walter S. Felton Jr. (July 28, 1944 – April 29, 2022) was a distinguished Virginia state court judge, serving as Chief Judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals from 2006 until his retirement in 2014
- In 2002, he was elected to the Virginia Court of Appeals, later becoming Chief Judge in 2006
- Served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1969 to 1973
- Felton began in private practice, then joined the faculty at William & Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law

### Education

- University of Richmond — B.A.
- University of Richmond — J.D.

### Additional information

- Retired from active service on December 31, 2014, assuming senior status.
- Born in Suffolk, Virginia, Felton graduated from the University of Richmond in 1966 and from its T.C. Williams School of Law in 1969.
- Counsel to Governor James S. Gilmore III and Director of Policy
- Notable recognition: The University of Richmond Law Review’s In Memoriam highlighted his three major service phases — military law, gubernatorial counsel, and appellate judging — as embodying his “called to service” ethos.
- representing wounded Vietnam veterans.

## 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.courtlistener.com/person/8421/walter-s-felton-jr/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8421/walter-s-felton-jr/)
- [Court of Appeals of Virginia current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8421/walter-s-felton-jr/)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8421/walter-s-felton-jr/)

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