The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia announces major changes to the Personal Electronic Devices Policy, Effective 1/6/2025.  The complete policy can be found here.  The updated policy impacts entrance requirements for the general public and all attorneys. 

Effective 1/6/2025, cellular phones and smart watches may be brought to any Eastern District of Virginia Courthouse without prior authorization of the Court. However, all visitors bringing cellular telephones or smart watches will be required to place said device into a Yondr Pouch upon entering the Courthouse. The pouch will be locked by a Court Security Officer (CSO). The pouch contains signal blocking technology such that the pouched phone and smartwatch will not receive any calls, texts, or other outside communication while in the pouch.

The visitor’s pouch will be unlocked by a CSO at the Courthouse exit, as the visitor is exiting the Courthouse.

Cellular telephones and smart watches will be prohibited for large events such as naturalization ceremonies, portrait hangings, and investiture ceremonies.

All personal electronic devices other than cell phones and smart watches are prohibited from entry into the courthouse without prior authorization from a judge of that court. These devices include, but are not limited to, tablets, laptop computers, and any other device capable of recording audio/video or still image photography.

No lockers will be provided in U.S. District courthouses to store these items while visiting the building.

The policy and procedure requiring prior approval from a Judge for any attorney requesting to bring their laptop into a courtroom remains unchanged.