Duties of the Commonwealth Attorney

The commonwealth’s attorney is primarily responsible for matters involving enforcement of the criminal law within the county. In counties having less than 15,000 population or in counties and cities having a joint criminal justice system wherein the combined population is less than 15,000, the commonwealth’s attorney also serves as the county’s legal advisor or representative in civil matters, unless the board has appointed a county attorney. The county attorney handles civil duties in most Virginia counties, and, upon agreement with the commonwealth’s attorney, may prosecute violations of certain county ordinances. The commonwealth’s attorney serves a four year term.