About the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office

• Who is the Commonwealth’s Attorney and what does he do?
• Where is Lynchburg, Virginia?

Legal basics

• What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor charge?
• Why am I a witness? I didn’t see the crime occur.
• What if the defense attorney contacts me?
• I was issued a subpoena for court. What happens if I don’t show up?
• What if my employer won’t let me come to court?
• Can I drop charges?
• What is a preliminary hearing, and do I need to be there?
• What is an advisement and why does the victim/witness NOT have to be present?
• What is a grand jury and why does the victim/witness NOT need to be present?
• Why are some misdemeanor cases not assigned to a prosecutor, leaving the victim/witness without legal representation at the court hearing?

What to expect in court

• Do I have to testify in front of the defendant?
• Who will be with me in court?
• How long will I be in court?
• How do I know if my case has been “called off”?

Domestic Violence topics

• When does the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office handle domestic violence misdemeanors?
• I am a domestic violence victim. My husband promised to never lay a hand on me again. Can I drop the charges?

Resources/Assistance

• What if someone threatens me?
• Who pays for travel expenses for a victim or witness who does not live in the Lynchburg area?
• I can’t afford to pay the medical expenses that resulted from this crime. What compensation is available to me?
• What resources are available in the community to assist me?
• I am the victim in a criminal case. How do I find out who will be prosecuting my case?
• I feel that a crime has been committed. What should I do? Do I report the crime directly to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office?
• Who is being prosecuted at the present time?
• Can you tell me when a court event is scheduled?
• Can I talk to Mr. Doucette? I think he is the person working on my case since his name appears on my court documents.