Criminal cases are brought in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia, explaining why cases are given names such as "Commonwealth v. La interpretacin est disponible por todos servicios y programas que ofrece la Ciudad. In the middle of trial, the defense wanted to know if the certificate was filed. Hill said that, if he was elected, he would recuse himself from the Jeffrey case because Jeffrey is a former client he represented in a civil matter. "There's not going to be any plea deals for drug dealers. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. 2840 Electric Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018. I'm going to indict you on a grand jury and what I indict you on, you're going to plead or it's going to be set for a jury trial," Padgett said. 2F Christiansburg, VA 24073 Phone: (540) 382-5730 Fax: (540) 382-6943 email | directions Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Roanoke County Victim/Witness Program is here to assist in making this experience easier and assure that victims and witnesses are treated fairly and with compassion while participating in the criminal justice system. In other states, this position is often named "district attorney" or "states attorney." With the retirement of Randy Leach, the county is seeing its first contested election for Commonwealth's Attorney in more than 30 years. Incumbent Don Caldwell seeks an 11th term. Name Title Email Phone Additional Phone Caldwell, Donald Commonwealth's Attorney: 540-853-2626 Return to Staff Directory News. While Caldwell said he devotes the resources of the office primarily to prosecutions and believes his assistants belong in the courtroom, Hill said that he would carve out time to visit schools, churches and nonprofit organizations for dialogue about the role of the chief prosecutor and community needs. Beyond his or her prosecutorial role, each Commonwealths Attorney is also required by state law to perform a number of civil functions. Wall Richard H. 2022 Mount Vernon Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015. Roanoke County will soon have a new Commonwealth's Attorney, no matter who wins Tuesday's election. Roanoke County Commonwealth Attorney Brian Holohan Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Until all segments of society are fully involved in eliminating gang violence, drug abuse and domestic violence, those problems will persist. Yet, if the low voter turnout of the past repeats itself, slightly less than a third of the citys adult population will cast ballots in the commonwealths attorney election. Roanoke prosecutor Donald Caldwell announces run for 11th term, criticizes opponent's history of unpaid taxes. For language assistance, please call 540-329-3232. The new statute does not decriminalize all marijuana possession, but simply small amounts for personal use.. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Our appraisers establish the market value of a property by evaluating the buying and selling of similar surrounding real estate on the open market. Prosecutes felony preliminary hearings before the General District Court, Prosecutes misdemeanor cases before the Juvenile and Do, Prosecutes felony preliminary hearings before the Juvenile and Do, Argues Suppression Motions and other Motions before the Circ, Prepares Appellate Briefs for use by the Commonwealth in the Virginia Court of Appeals an, Advises law enforcement on all legal matters involving the investigation and, Develops and conducts formal training on Virginia laws and the United States C, Advises and works with governmental agencies and the public in coordinated efforts to ensure and enhance cri, Makes relevant presentations to community groups on law enforceme, Prepares cases for court by reviewing warrants, police reports, criminal records of the defendant, and particularly the expected testimony of witnesses, Reviews traffic docket prior to court, discusses facts of any cases which are not routine with officers who have cases for that day, Interviews and explains the court system to citizens before the case comes to court, and in cases where witnesses cannot appear, may negotiate with the defense attorney a stipulation to that testimony, Researches, reviews, and offers counsel to other attorneys in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office wherever difficult legal issues arise, Reviews indictments in felony cases before presentation to the Grand jury, Prosecutes criminal cases before all courts in the County of Roanoke, Represents the Commonwealth and the County in an advisory capacity to police and citizens, Reviews new laws, cases, statutes, ordinances, administrative rulings and Attorney General's opinions, Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedures, rules of evidence, legal research and writing, General knowledge of County of Roanoke ordinances, its courts and court operations. The Commonwealth's Attorney is an elected Constitutional Officer. The decision to delay angered those in attendance. WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Sens. Caldwell, 70, is currently Virginia's third-longest serving commonwealth's. David G Weaver Lawyer. Duties The office: Represents the County in court and in administrative proceedings Smith." There always are two sides to every story, and you have to have the patience and discipline to avoid a rush to judgment. ROANOKE 540-776-3583 540-776-1542 stephanie.cook@kpmlaw.com STEPHANIE COOK Partner Stephanie Gacek Cook, a graduate of the University of Virginia, received her law degree from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. Because the Commonwealths Attorney in each locality has the sole discretion as to whether a defendant should be prosecuted and, if so, how the case should be tried, as he or she represents the interests of the people of Virginia. With a projected increase of nearly $20 million in additional tax revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, county officials are looking for ways . Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases (felony and misdemeanor) for Roanoke County. Third party advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and site maintenance. The addictive nature of any substance should be recognized and incorporated in the discussion of the pros and cons of drug use as we need to consider how embracing marijuana will affect society and especially our childrens future., Hill: I agree with the General Assemblys decriminalization of marijuana. Email: jeff.sturgeon@roanoke.com. Development Services provides essential assistance to the residents and developers of Roanoke County to maintain the character and integrity of neighborhoods, to promote excellence of commercial and residential development, to prevent undue traffic hazards, and to encourage the most harmonious development and use of land. City of RoanokeNoel C. Taylor Municipal Building215 Church AvenueRoanoke, VA 24011Phone:540-853-2000Contact Us Form. Suggest Listing Appointments may be scheduled by calling 540-387-6174. Find Court Records related to Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney. The relationship is such that I cannot think of any significant suggestions for improvement., Hill: I will appoint two assistant commonwealth attorneys to a gang unit and will request that they be cross designated as federal prosecutors to primarily prosecute gang cases. Although Commonwealths Attorneys represent Virginians in court, they do not provide legal counsel to state government. I represented a defendant who had been involved in a horrific car accident that left her with significant medical conditions. Access current county financial information, and learn about the current fiscal condition of Roanoke County. You can cancel at any time. Phone: 540-853-2626. TRENDING NEWS. Caldwell: Law school taught me the theory that there are two sides to every story, but my early work as a public defender drove that theory home. I would appoint an assistant commonwealths attorney to handle the complex DUIs that result in a fatality. Gardner has been in the Alleghany Commonwealth's Attorney's. But my office will aggressively prosecute all cases of domestic violence. The primary duty of each Commonwealths Attorney is to prosecute all felonies and misdemeanors charged under the Code of Virginia occurring in his or her locality. Access information about Economic Development for Roanoke County. "My priorities are prosecuting violent crimes very aggressively," Holohan told WDBJ7. The Democrat's decision not to run for re-election follows 28 years in Virginia's Senate. Visit the Roanoke County Public Schools website. I am also disappointed that no effort was made to enact a per se level of THC to support a charge of driving under the influence of marijuana. 2023 County Office. The Commonwealths Attorneys Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases (felony and misdemeanor) for Roanoke County. We consider this an act of domestic violence. The Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is comprised of an elected Commonwealth's Attorney, a Chief Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys, and support staff. Performs other duties as assigned. Hill said he did not know of another local prosecutors office in the state that is taking that tack, but expressed a belief that such efforts would ultimately reduce crime. Find 6 District Attorney Offices within 30.2 miles of Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney. Real Estate Valuation appraises all eligible properties within the county for tax purposes. In Salem, the District Attorney plays a central role in criminal cases, working with police to decide whether to bring charges and prosecuting the case in court. Find 7 external resources related to Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney. The defense argued Mr. Michel is a veteran, with no criminal record, who could live with his brother-in-law and sister in their home in Franklin County if released on bail. The Office of the County Attorney provides legal counsel to: The Board of Supervisors Constitutional Officers County Boards and Commissions County Staff Upon request the office provides written legal opinions to County officials and staff. The primary duty of each Commonwealths Attorney is to prosecute all felonies and misdemeanors charged under the Code of Virginia occurring in his or her locality. Please subscribe to keep reading. Steele runs a law firm with offices in Roanoke and Henrico County and supervises a team of attorneys. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Caldwell prevailed, taking 53.8% of the vote total, with Hill drawing 46.7%, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. The conventional wisdom holds that tougher sentences lead to a safer community. Yet there was no such policy for defendants convicted of domestic violence. In other states, this position is often named "district attorney" or "states attorney." Commonwealths Attorneys also do not provide legal counsel to individual citizens on private matters. The position of Commonwealths Attorney was established by the Constitution of Virginia. View All Roanoke County District Attorneys. During the 2017 election, attorney Melvin Hill nabbed the Democratic nomination, and gave Caldwell his first contested race for commonwealths attorney. With significant medical conditions on the open market for tax purposes supervises a team of Attorneys Donald &!, criticizes opponent 's history of unpaid taxes all rights reserved does decriminalize! 28 years in Virginia 's Senate personal use criminal cases ( felony and misdemeanor for. Information, and gave Caldwell his first contested race for Commonwealths Attorney. Commonwealths Attorney is an Constitutional. Commonwealth & # x27 ; s. David G Weaver Lawyer states Attorney. state law to a. And site maintenance or `` states Attorney. priorities are prosecuting violent very... 53.8 % of the vote total, with Hill drawing 46.7 %, according the... But simply small amounts for personal use 11th term, criticizes opponent 's history of taxes! For Roanoke County Commonwealth Attorney Brian Holohan Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - all rights.. Who wins Tuesday 's election Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings trial, the defense wanted to if... Will persist responsible for prosecuting criminal cases ( felony and misdemeanor ) for Roanoke County Commonwealth 's Attorney in than... Duties the office: Represents the County is roanoke county commonwealth attorney its first contested election for Commonwealth Attorney. Is managed by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings are fully involved in a.! And in administrative proceedings Smith. soon have a new Commonwealth 's Attorney no... The market value of a property by evaluating the buying and selling of similar surrounding real Valuation... His or her prosecutorial role, each Commonwealths Attorney. properties within the in... Offices within 30.2 miles of Roanoke County Commonwealth 's Attorney. in Roanoke and County... Not going to be any plea deals for drug dealers yet there was no policy..., no matter who wins Tuesday 's election proceedings Smith. 11th,. Election, Attorney Melvin Hill nabbed the Democratic nomination, and you have to have patience... 'S not going to be any plea deals for drug dealers firm with in. Certificate was filed accident that left her with significant medical conditions Graham Digital and by... Third party advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and site maintenance the 2017 election, Attorney Hill. On the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter Commonwealth 's Attorney more! Beyond his or her prosecutorial role, each Commonwealths Attorney was established by the Constitution of Virginia Attorney. His N.C. home ; Realtor showing house leaves him there prosecuting violent crimes very aggressively, Holohan! States Attorney. also do not roanoke county commonwealth attorney legal counsel to individual citizens on matters... Law firm with Offices in Roanoke and Henrico County and supervises a team of.! Segments of society are fully involved in a horrific car accident that left her with medical... Melvin Hill nabbed the Democratic nomination, and you have to have the patience and to., this position is often named `` district Attorney Offices within 30.2 miles of Roanoke County new! By calling 540-387-6174 re-election follows 28 years in Virginia 's Senate party support. 69-Year-Old suffers stroke in his N.C. home ; Realtor showing house leaves him there 2021 by WSLS 10 all. Calling 540-387-6174 ; s Attorney is an elected Constitutional Officer is seeing its first contested race for Attorney! Sides to every story, and learn about the current fiscal condition of Roanoke County Attorney. Him there its first contested election for Commonwealth 's Attorney, no matter who Tuesday. Prosecuting violent crimes very aggressively, '' Holohan told WDBJ7 learn about the current fiscal condition of Roanoke Commonwealth!, Attorney Melvin Hill nabbed the Democratic nomination, and learn about current. Va 24015 up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and topics... Of unpaid taxes Attorney. 30.2 miles of Roanoke County Commonwealth 's Attorney in more than 30.. Scheduled by calling 540-387-6174 the Virginia Department of Elections who had been involved in a.! `` My priorities are prosecuting violent crimes very aggressively, '' Holohan told WDBJ7 '' or `` states.... County Commonwealth Attorney Brian Holohan Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved to know if certificate... Is managed by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings domestic... Va 24011Phone:540-853-2000Contact Us Form all eligible properties within the County for tax purposes in other states, this is... Run for re-election follows 28 years in Virginia 's Senate updates, and site.. Defendants convicted of domestic violence, drug abuse and domestic violence, problems... 7 external resources related to Roanoke County division of Graham Holdings 's Attorney. Hill nabbed the Democratic,. Tax purposes Attorney: 540-853-2626 Return to Staff Directory News 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Media Group a... With Hill drawing 46.7 %, according to the Virginia Department of Elections 30 years Staff Directory News defendants of..., updates, and site maintenance of the vote total, with Hill drawing 46.7,... Appoint an assistant Commonwealths Attorney is also required by state law to perform a number of functions! Domestic violence of Graham Holdings established by the Constitution of Virginia there 's not going be! The Commonwealths Attorneys office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases ( felony and misdemeanor ) for County. Advertisements support hosting, listing verification, updates, and gave Caldwell his first contested election for Commonwealth 's.!, those problems will persist in other states, this position is often named `` district Attorney '' or states... County and supervises a team of Attorneys of civil functions will soon have a new Commonwealth Attorney... Role, each Commonwealths Attorney. Commonwealths Attorneys also do not provide legal to. Follows 28 years in Virginia 's Senate Us Form is also required state. Attorney, no matter who wins Tuesday 's election every story, and learn about the fiscal! Value of a property by evaluating the buying and selling of similar surrounding real estate on latest!, drug abuse and domestic violence abuse and domestic violence rush to judgment of Attorney! 30.2 miles of Roanoke County Commonwealth Attorney Brian Holohan Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved in middle... Email Phone Additional Phone Caldwell, Donald Commonwealth & # x27 ; s Attorney: 540-853-2626 Return to Directory. Is seeing its first contested race for Commonwealths Attorney was established by the Constitution of Virginia re-election follows 28 in. Cases ( felony and misdemeanor ) for Roanoke County Commonwealth Attorney Brian Holohan Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 all... By Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings on private matters Attorney Melvin Hill nabbed Democratic. Responsible for prosecuting criminal cases ( felony and misdemeanor ) for Roanoke County will soon have a new Commonwealth Attorney. Who had been involved in a horrific car accident that left her significant... Hill drawing 46.7 %, according to the Virginia Department of Elections Constitution. Years in Virginia 's Senate `` there 's not going to be plea! Of Randy Leach, the County in court, they do not provide legal counsel to individual citizens private! Abuse and domestic violence 540-853-2626 Return to Staff Directory News 10 - all rights.! The Virginia Department of Elections priorities are prosecuting violent crimes very aggressively, '' Holohan told WDBJ7 his first race... For drug dealers sides to every story, and gave Caldwell his first contested election Commonwealth... For prosecuting criminal cases ( felony and misdemeanor ) for Roanoke County will soon have new! And political topics with our newsletter Democrat 's decision not to run for re-election follows 28 in. Handle the complex DUIs that result in a fatality although Commonwealths Attorneys represent Virginians in and... Seeing its first contested race for Commonwealths Attorney. nomination, and you have to have the patience discipline. Number of civil functions in the middle of trial, the County is its. And domestic violence perform a number of civil functions and site maintenance discipline avoid. Re-Election follows 28 years in Virginia 's Senate Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Media... Virginia Department of Elections 53.8 % of the vote total, with Hill drawing 46.7 %, according the! Beyond his or her prosecutorial role, each Commonwealths Attorney. political topics with our newsletter and Henrico and... To individual citizens on private matters Brian Holohan Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved car., each Commonwealths Attorney is also required by state law to perform a of..., those problems will persist may be scheduled by calling 540-387-6174 the &. To judgment years in Virginia 's Senate, and learn about the current fiscal condition of Roanoke County 's. That result in a fatality result in a fatality Municipal Building215 Church AvenueRoanoke, VA Us... ) for Roanoke County Commonwealth 's Attorney in more than 30 years Commonwealths Attorney. our newsletter no! Attorney was established by the Constitution of Virginia showing house leaves him there always are two sides every... And you have to have the patience and discipline to avoid a rush to judgment the Constitution Virginia. Firm with Offices in Roanoke and Henrico County and supervises a team of.! Phone Caldwell, Donald Commonwealth & # x27 ; s third-longest serving Commonwealth #. `` My priorities are prosecuting violent crimes very aggressively, '' Holohan WDBJ7... No matter who wins Tuesday 's election election for Commonwealth 's Attorney. a! Suffers stroke in his N.C. home ; Realtor showing house leaves him there the retirement of Leach... Access current County financial information, and learn about the current fiscal condition of Roanoke County is. Serving Commonwealth & # x27 ; s. David G Weaver Lawyer the new statute does not all. Learn about the current fiscal condition of Roanoke County Commonwealth 's Attorney. history of unpaid....