top of page

Our Team.

This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.

Photo Directory

Victims’ Rights Laws

 

The rights of victims are set forth in the Virginia Constitution
 
“That in criminal prosecutions, the victim shall be accorded fairness, dignity and respect by the officers, employees and agents of the Commonwealth’s and its political subdivisions and officers of the courts and, as the General Assembly may define and provide by law, may be accorded rights to reasonable and appropriate notice, information, restitution, protection, and access to a meaningful role in the criminal justice process. These rights may include, but not be limited to, the following:
 
  1. The right to protection from further harm or reprisal through the imposition of appropriate bail and conditions of release;
  2. The right to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness at all stages of the criminal justice system;
  3. The right to address the circuit court at the time sentence is imposed;
  4. The right to receive timely notification of judicial proceedings;
  5. The right to restitution;
  6. The right to be advised of release from custody or escape of the offender, whether before or after disposition; and
  7. The right to confer with the prosecution.”
   VA. Const. art. I, Section 8-A
 
Virginia’s Commonwealth’s Attorneys work hard every day to give meaning to the Victims’ Rights provisions of the Virginia Constitution stated above. They provide victims with early notice of their rights, and with ongoing notice of all critical phases of the criminal case. Prosecutors strive to treat the victims of crime with the utmost dignity and respect and communicate regularly with them to give information and get input. Finally, and most importantly, Virginia’s Commonwealth’s Attorneys are committed to upholding every crime victim’s right to justice.
 
For more information about Virginia Crime Victims’ Rights, visit: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/sites/dcjs.virginia.gov/files/publications/victims/summary-virginias-crime-victim-witness-rights-act.pdf

How to Keep Your Community Safe

 

It’s a fact. All the police and prosecutors in the world can’t make a community safe if the citizens are not active partners with law enforcement. Individuals who choose to participate in keeping their communities safe and hold criminals accountable are the most powerful force in crime prevention and reduction.
 
Every community in Virginia has the potential to reduce crime, and the local criminal justice system should reflect each county’s shared value system.
 
A strong partnership among communities, police officers, prosecutors and judges is the best crime-fighting weapon available in Virginia. When all the parts of the criminal justice system and community work together to address problems and develop shared solutions, we can achieve long-term public safety.
 
 Here are some examples of how you can contribute to a more safe and healthy community:
 
  • Participate in or form a local community/neighborhood crime watch groups
  • Serve on jury duty when called
  • Participate in your local police and/or prosecutor Citizens Academy
  • Contact your local Commonwealth’s Attorney to find out how to support the efforts of his/her office
  • Get to know your neighbors and local law enforcement members
  • Use your security system if you have one
  • Improve the lighting in and around your house. Make use of timers or motion sensors for your lights
  • Keep doors and windows locked
  • Consider installing security cameras
  • Keep your vacation dates off social media
  • Don’t let mail or newspapers accumulate
  • Report suspicious behavior around your neighborhood
  • Never leave valuables in plain sight in your car
  • Don’t keep garage door openers inside a parked car outside
  • Keep legal guns secured and out of the reach of children
  • Get involved in local organizations that support at-risk children
bottom of page