Salem Commonwealth Attorney's Office

Services Provided:

The Salem Commonwealth's Attorney's Office prosecutes all criminal and traffic offenses, felony and misdemeanor, that occur in the City of Salem.

Victims and witnesses wishing to speak with the attorney handling their particular case are encouraged to call the Commonwealth's Attorney's office to schedule an appointment.

The office offers a wide range of services to victims and witnesses through its Victim Witness Program.  For a detailed listing of services, please see the Victim/Witness Program on this site.

The office works closely with the Salem Police Department, the Virginia State Police and other law enforcement agencies through each stage of the criminal justice process.

Citizens having general questions about the criminal or traffic court system are invited to call the office to speak with an attorney.

Office staff personnel are available to speak to community and citizen groups, neighborhood watch programs as well as other interested groups on matters dealing with the criminal justice system.

 
Court Schedules:

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (criminal and traffic cases) - each Monday morning and afternoon starting at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively

General District Court - Tuesday and Friday mornings starting at 9:00 a.m.

Circuit Court - Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with cases set for specific times during the day.

Office Staff:

The office staff consists of the elected Commonwealth's  Attorney, Thomas E. Bowers and three assistants: A. Marshall Harrell, Scott A. Webber, and Edward W. Lautenschlager. Katrina Johnson serves as the Victim Witness Program Director and Teresia McNabb is the Administrative Assistant.

Tips on how to be an effective witness:

Dress neatly when coming to court.  Your appearance and demeanor while on the witness stand can have a major impact on how your testimony is received by the court.