Commonwealth’s Attorney

Responsibilities

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney works with State and local law enforcement officers and the county's citizens in order to prosecute those persons who choose to break the law. Our office serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the county, prosecutes all felonies and certain misdemeanors and traffic offenses. It is the Commonwealth's Attorney sole discretion as to whether a defendant should be prosecuted and, if so, how the case should be tried; the Commonwealth's Attorney represents the interests of the people of Virginia. Criminal cases are brought in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia, explaining why cases are given names such as "Commonwealth v. Smith". The Commonwealth's Attorney has the dual responsibility to vigorously prosecute those who violate the law while refusing to prosecute those against whom the evidence does not indicate probable guilt. We also advise citizens, law enforcement agencies, and magistrates regarding interpretation of criminal law. Our goal is to make our communities strong, safe, and drug free.

Office Staff

The Commonwealth's Attorney office consists of the Commonwealth's Attorney, assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, and paralegal/administrative assistant support staff.

Victim/Witness

The Dickenson County Victim/Witness Program is located in the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office.  If you are a victim or witness of a crime, you have rights under the Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act in the Code of Virginia.  This program can provide a copy of those rights and assist you in utilizing them.

The Criminal Justice System can be confusing and this program was designed to provide information, support, and assistance to victims and witnesses of crime in Dickenson County.   For more information about this program or to request services, please call Lisa Skeens at 926-1678 or call/text 1-276-365-6214.