Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse (E.D. Va.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones and smart watches may be brought in without prior authorization, but they must be powered off and sealed in a signal-blocking Yondr pouch locked by a Court Security Officer at entry; it is unlocked at the exit. All other devices (tablets, laptops, cameras, anything that records audio, video or images) need prior authorization from a judge. Phones are barred at large events such as portrait hangings and investitures. Photography and recording are prohibited. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314 |
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones and smart watches may be brought in without prior authorization, but they must be powered off and sealed in a signal-blocking Yondr pouch locked by a Court Security Officer at entry; it is unlocked at the exit. All other devices (tablets, laptops, cameras, anything that records audio, video or images) need prior authorization from a judge. Phones are barred at large events such as portrait hangings and investitures. Photography and recording are prohibited. |
| Lockers | No lockers are provided in district courthouses to store prohibited devices. |
| Attorneys | No general attorney exemption from the pouch requirement was found. Laptops and other devices need prior judicial authorization, and proof of it must be shown on request; unauthorized equipment may be confiscated by the USMS. Use of the evidence presentation system requires forms submitted to the trial judge. |
| Governing order | E.D. Va. Courthouse Entrance Requirements and Security Policy (Personal Electronic Devices Policy), effective Jan. 6, 2025, revised effective March 3, 2025 |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Virginia county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse?
Cell phones and smart watches may be brought in without prior authorization, but they must be powered off and sealed in a signal-blocking Yondr pouch locked by a Court Security Officer at entry; it is unlocked at the exit. All other devices (tablets, laptops, cameras, anything that records audio, video or images) need prior authorization from a judge. Phones are barred at large events such as portrait hangings and investitures. Photography and recording are prohibited.
Are there phone lockers at the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse?
No lockers are provided in district courthouses to store prohibited devices.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse?
No general attorney exemption from the pouch requirement was found. Laptops and other devices need prior judicial authorization, and proof of it must be shown on request; unauthorized equipment may be confiscated by the USMS. Use of the evidence presentation system requires forms submitted to the trial judge.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.