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title: "William G. Petty | KnowJudges"
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# William G. Petty

Court of Appeals of Virginia · Senior Appellate Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals of Virginia
- State: Virginia
- Role: Senior Appellate Judge
- Service status: senior
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- American jurist who held the role of a judge on the Virginia Court of Appeals from March 16, 2006, until his retirement on October 31, 2021
- Judge, Court of Appeals of Virginia, 2006-2014
- Petty’s career combined prosecutorial experience, legal ethics work, and appellate judicial service, with a focus on criminal justice reform and procedural fairness

### Education

- College of William & Mary — J.D. (1974)
- College of William and Mary — B.A.
- William & Mary Law School

### Additional information

- His service ended with retirement on October 31, 2021
- He was re-elected in 2014 for another eight-year term
- State commissions and committees: Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission (1997–2003) Virginia State Crime Commission (1998–2006) Virginia State Bar Standing Committee on Legal Ethics (1993–2002) Commonwealth’s Attorneys Services Council (1978–2006) Virginia Supreme Court commissions on Courts in the 21st Century and Appellate Rules Reform (2005–2007)
- First elected by the Virginia General Assembly on March 10, 2006 to an eight-year term on the Virginia Court of Appeals, beginning March 16, 2006
- Commonwealth’s Attorney: Lynchburg, VA (1978–2006)
- Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney: Lynchburg, VA (1976–1978)
- Private practice: Abingdon, VA (1974–1976)
- A.B. in 1971
- Petty was born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949
- Date of birth: 1949
- During his tenure, he reviewed civil and criminal appeals in Virginia
- His long tenure on the Court of Appeals reflects both legal expertise and commitment to Virginia’s justice system
- Birth place: Santa Monica

## 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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8433/william-g-petty/)
- [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/8433/william-g-petty/)
- [Wikidata: William G. Petty](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55386757)

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