About the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

Historical & Political Information

The office of Commonwealth’s Attorney is a Constitutional office established under Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution of Virginia.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney is elected every four years at a regular November election of the voters of their jurisdiction (county or city) for a four-year term which commences the first day of January following the election, unless otherwise provided by law.
Localities may, by special provision of the constitution, share constitutional officers. However, the Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Fredericksburg serves only the jurisdiction of the City of Fredericksburg.
Duties and compensation for these officers are prescribed by general law or special act.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney must be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar which is responsible for licensing and regulating all attorneys who practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Primary Duty

The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal and serious traffic offenses which occur within the City of Fredericksburg, including those on the University of Mary Washington campus.

Additional Duties

Advises and assists law-enforcement agencies, including the Grand Jury
Serves as liaison between courts and various agencies or departments
Provides instruction and counsels police officers
Advises City code compliance officials and prosecutes City building code and safety violations
Interacts with victims and witnesses of crimes
Provides information to members of City agencies and boards regarding filing of financial disclosure and real estate disclosure forms
Renders conflict-of-interest opinions and seeks official advisory opinions from the Attorney General
Handles appeals of civil commitments.