How does the City Attorney's Office differ from the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office?

The City Attorney's Office provides counsel and advice in all civil matters to all boards, commissions, departments, agencies, offices and officials of the general City government; drafts and prepares City ordinances and legislative proposals; defends and brings actions in which the City or any of its boards, commissions, etc., shall be a party; and in other matters, advises and represents the general City government. 

The Commonwealth's Attorney’s Office prosecutes all criminal and serious traffic cases occurring within the City of Fredericksburg. They represent the Commonwealth in criminal matters that threaten public safety. 

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1. What is the main job of a Commonwealth’s Attorney?
2. Why did I get a subpoena?
3. Why am I a witness if I didn’t see the crime happen?
4. What if my employer won’t let me off to come to court? What if my child is subpoenaed as a witness and has to miss school?
5. Do I have to come to court?
6. What if I want to “drop the charges”?
7. I am a victim of a crime- will you help me?
8. How does the City Attorney's Office differ from the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office?
9. What if the defense attorney contacts me?
10. Who will help me at court?
11. What should I do if someone threatens me?
12. I know about a crime that has been committed. Should I report the crime directly to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office?
13. What if I have concerns about testifying?
14. Can the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office help me with my divorce or child custody case?
15. What if I need something you won’t help me with?