When it comes to the criminal justice system, a critical yet often misunderstood figure is the Commonwealth’s Attorney. In Virginia, the Commonwealth’s Attorney serves as the top prosecutor for their locality – a role that combines legal expertise, leadership, and a deep connection to the community. As voters in Newport News prepare to cast their ballots in the June 2025 Democratic primary, it’s essential to understand the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the characteristics that make someone effective in this position.

When the police make an arrest, that is not the end of the criminal justice process. It is only the beginning. Commonwealth’s Attorneys — and the staff that work for them — continue seeking justice for their community for months or years after an arrest was made. If you have a preconceived idea of what a prosecutor is, read on! You might be surprised at the scope of their work and how important it is to our city.

What Does a Commonwealth’s Attorney Do?

A Commonwealth’s Attorney is the chief prosecutor for a city or county in Virginia, responsible for overseeing the prosecution of criminal cases. Unlike some other states where the position is called a “District Attorney” or “State’s Attorney,” Virginia’s title reflects the unique history and traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Their primary responsibilities include:

1. Pursuing Justice, Not Just Convictions: A Commonwealth’s Attorney determines whether criminal charges are warranted, ensuring that every case is handled fairly and ethically. Experienced Commonwealth’s Attorneys know how to lead their office toward true justice for their community, not just a rush to convictions and prison.
2. Supporting Victims and Families: Commonwealth’s Attorneys and their assistants working closely with victims of crime, ensuring they receive the support, advocacy, and respect they deserve during the judicial process.
3. Ensuring Public Safety: Prosecutors play a vital role in maintaining safety by holding offenders accountable. Experienced Commonwealth’s Attorneys understand that community safety is a partnership with the citizens, and that accountability for offenders must be proportional to the offense.
4. Leading an Office of Legal Professionals: A Commonwealth’s Attorney oversees assistant prosecutors, investigators, and support staff, ensuring that cases are handled with professionalism and care. The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has over seventy-five dedicated and hardworking employees, and it takes experience to know how to lead an office of that size, doing the complex work of criminal justice.
5. Innovating Justice Solutions: Forward-thinking prosecutors explore alternatives like drug courts and mental health programs to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism, ultimately fostering safer, healthier communities. Being a prosecutor isn’t always about sending people to jail. Experienced Commonwealth’s Attorneys know that sometimes justice comes from treatment and rehabilitation.

The Characteristics of an Effective Commonwealth’s Attorney

An effective Commonwealth’s Attorney must possess a combination of experience, integrity, and longstanding community commitment. These characteristics ensure that justice is served in ways that align with the values and needs of the people they represent. Commonwealth’s Attorney represent the public, not individuals. Their role is to promote community safety and their client is you, the citizens.

1. Experience and Leadership
   The role demands seasoned legal expertise and a proven ability to lead. A good Commonwealth’s Attorney has years of experience, not just as a trial lawyer, but as a leader capable of managing a large organization. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys serve under their leadership must be trained and supervised, and must feel supported, guided, and inspired to uphold justice and fairness. The job is a difficult one, but rewarding for the dedicated individuals who do it well.
2. Integrity and Fairness
   Integrity is at the heart of justice. An effective Commonwealth’s Attorney operates with transparency, holding themselves and others accountable. They approach each case without bias, ensuring that decisions are based on individual case circumstances, fairness to all parties, and solid evidence. Great Commonwealth’s Attorneys resist the influence politics or public pressure on cases, and instead remain steadfastly focused on pursuing a fair outcome for the citizens.
3. Commitment to the Community
   A Commonwealth’s Attorney should be deeply rooted in the community they serve. Being “local” isn’t just geography; it’s about understanding the people, their stories, and the challenges they face. This longstanding connection enables them to make decisions that reflect the community’s values and aspirations.
4. Compassion and Balance
   True justice requires compassion. While violent offenders must face consequences that protect the community from more violence, for other offenders rehabilitative programs like drug treatment courts and mental health dockets recognize that addressing the root causes of crime benefits both individuals and the community. This balanced approach fosters safer neighborhoods and gives people a second chance to contribute meaningfully to society.
5. Dedication to Victims and Public Safety
   Crime survivors deserve advocacy and respect, and public safety must always remain a top priority. An effective Commonwealth’s Attorney ensures that victims’ voices are heard while working collaboratively with law enforcement to build trust and promote safety.
6. Vision for the Future
   The justice system must evolve to address modern challenges. Leaders who embrace innovation—whether through restorative justice programs, community outreach, or youth engagement—are better equipped to create a safer, more just future.

Why This Matters for Newport News

Newport News is a city with deep roots, vibrant communities, and its own unique challenges. The role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is not just about the courtroom; it’s about shaping policies and programs that improve lives, reduce crime, and build a more equitable system. Over the years, Newport News has seen progress through initiatives like alternative courts, which address addiction and mental health issues. These programs reflect a belief that justice is not just about punishment—it’s also about healing and prevention.

The next Commonwealth’s Attorney must embody the experience, integrity, and community commitment necessary to keep Newport News moving forward. Whether it’s mentoring future leaders, supporting crime victims, or championing progressive justice solutions, this role requires a leader who is dedicated to balancing justice with compassion.

Understanding the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is critical for voters, especially in local elections where every vote carries weight. As you evaluate candidates for this important office, consider their extensive experience, deep roots in Newport News, steadfast values, and vision for our community.