WHAT WE DO
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION
The primary responsibility of the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is the prosecution of criminal cases. Under Virginia Code §15.2-1627, the Commonwealth's Attorney has "the duty of prosecuting all warrants, indictments or informations charging a felony, and he may in his discretion, prosecute Class 1, 2 and 3 misdemeanors, or any other violation, the conviction of which carries a penalty of confinement in jail, or a fine of $500 or more, or both such confinement and fine."
Our office prosecutes cases ranging from traffic and speeding tickets to DUIs to drug offenses and violent crimes. We pursue each case with vigor but also with consideration for the wishes of our victims and the bounds of the law.
VICTIM/WITNESS SERVICES
The Victim/Witness Office has two full-time advocates who assist all victims and witnesses of crimes committed in Amherst County and assist individuals with obtaining protective orders. They are part of the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and work closely with them to ensure that victims are treated fairly throughout the criminal justice process. They strive to make sure their victims feel heard and cared for and do everything they can to help them through what can be one of the most challenging times of their lives.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), located in the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq., guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth (that are nor incarcerated) and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.
A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body (which includes us) or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.
The policy of VFOIA states that the purpose of VFOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, VFOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.
RESTORATION OF RIGHTS
The Commonwealth of Virginia is consulted on and party to all requests for all cases regarding restorations of rights, including the restoration of firearms rights, the reinstatement of driving privileges, and the expungements of criminal matters. We do not initiate these proceedings, but we represent the Commonwealth when such matters are brought before the Court. If you wish to have any of these privileges or rights restored, please file or have your attorney file the appropriate paperwork with the relevant Amherst County Court Clerk's Office.