Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
If you or someone you know was a victim or witness of an incident involving the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Division of State Parks or Division of Natural Heritage, the following information is made available to you.
Do you need the contact information for a Commonwealth Attorney's Office? It may be found here:
What if I am threatened to drop the charges or not testify?
Such a person is obstructing justice and is committing a crime, whether the harassment occurs before the crime is reported, or during the prosecution of the case. Contact the prosecutor handling your case and the law enforcement officer in charge of your case immediately.
What if the defense attorney contacts me about the case?
You may discuss the case with the defense if you wish, but you are not required to. You should inform the prosecutor handling your case either way.
How long until a prosecutor is assigned to my case?
A prosecutor will normally be assigned to a case after an investigative report is received from the Virginia Law Enforcement Ranger or other law enforcement agency investigating the case. This is usually between two weeks and one month after the date of the incident.
How do I find out who the prosecutor is for my case?
Contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Use the Link above to find the office's contact information.
When does the Commonwealth Attorney's Office handle domestic violence misdemeanors?
The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney reviews all domestic violence cases and prosecutes such cases where any bodily injuries have been sustained and where sufficient evidence exists to support prosecution.
Can I drop the charges?
If the Commonwealth's Attorney Office proceeds with the case, you can no longer drop the charges. Only the prosecutor assigned to the case may nolle prosse or request a dismissal of the charges.
What is a bond hearing and what is the victim's role?
The defendant may request a bond hearing in which the judge reviews the defendant's current bond and determines whether or not to reduce it. The victim has the right to be notified of such proceedings and may address the court. The victim informs the court of any reason why the defendant should not receive a reduction, i.e. future threat to you or others; unemployed; unstable living conditions; or not living in this area.
What is a preliminary hearing?
It is a scheduled court event with testimony under oath. The judge, defendant, defendant's attorney, the prosecutor, and any victims or witnesses subpoenaed are present. The prosecutor must prove to the judge that there is enough evidence to show that a crime has been committed (known as probable cause). The prosecutor will put on minimal evidence sufficient to justify further proceedings. If the prosecution establishes probable cause, the victim is usually required to testify, and the case is certified to the Grand Jury.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Use the Link above to find the office's contact information.
