The Hon. Joel R. Branscom is a judge for the 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia. He was elected to the bench by the Virginia General Assembly in 2018, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Malfound W. Bo Trumbo.
The 25th Judicial District includes the Cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro as well as the Counties of Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland, and Rockbridge.
Prior to his election, Branscom was the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Botetourt County, following his election to the post in 1993. He began his legal career with the City of Roanoke’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, where he spent more than a decade.
Branscom received a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary. He then completed a J.D. at William & Mary Law School in 1984.
Branscom was active with the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys, including serving on its Legislative Committee and as the organization's president. In addition, he was involved with the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Services Council, which provides training and education to the state’s prosecutors.
Branscom is a native of Botetourt County, Virginia.
| Current Appointment 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia | 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia |
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Education
J.D., William & Mary Law School - 1984 Bachelor's degree, College of William & Mary |
J.D., William & Mary Law School - 1984 Bachelor's degree, College of William & Mary |
| Current Court: | VA - 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia |
|---|---|
| Clerk phone: | +1 (540) 245-5321 |
| Botetourt County: | +1 (540) 473-8274 |
| Staunton City: | +1 (540) 332-3874 |
| Rockbridge County: | +1 (540) 463-2232 |
| Role | Employer | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Prosecutor | Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney | Roanoke, Virginia |
| Commonwealth's Attorney | Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney | Botetourt County, Virginia |
| Judge | 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia | None |
Martindale: Joel Robert Branscom
Fincastle Herald: Branscom Moves to Circuit Bench from Prosecutor’s Job on February 1
The Roanoke Times: General Assembly Elects Botetourt Prosecutor Joel Branscom to Judgeship
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