Q. WHAT CHARGES DOES THE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE PROSECUTE?

A. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for York County and the City of Poquoson are involved in all felony charges in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, or Circuit Court, as well as all misdemeanors that are appealed to the Circuit Court. In Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes all charges against juveniles except possession of tobacco and traffic matters; these are prosecuted by the law enforcement agent who took out the charge.  For adult defendants in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is involved in domestic assaults, drug-related charges, firearm-related charges, and all felonies.  In General District Court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes all felonies, but a more limited numbers of misdemeanors.  As a rule, the office prosecutes DUIs, drug, weapon, sexual battery, and stalking misdemeanor charges.  The Commonwealth may become involved in other misdemeanors at their discretion, or upon victim/witness request.