What if I want to “drop the charges”?

When an issue is being addressed by the criminal court, a case is brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia against the individual on trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney is representing society/the Commonwealth being injured by an act of crime. Victims of criminal offenses have certain rights, but they do not have the right to stop the criminal proceeding. For more information on the rights of crime victims, please see the information about the Victim Witness Assistance Program.

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1. What is the main job of a Commonwealth’s Attorney?
2. Why did I get a subpoena?
3. Why am I a witness if I didn’t see the crime happen?
4. What if my employer won’t let me off to come to court? What if my child is subpoenaed as a witness and has to miss school?
5. Do I have to come to court?
6. What if I want to “drop the charges”?
7. I am a victim of a crime- will you help me?
8. How does the City Attorney's Office differ from the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office?
9. What if the defense attorney contacts me?
10. Who will help me at court?
11. What should I do if someone threatens me?
12. I know about a crime that has been committed. Should I report the crime directly to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office?
13. What if I have concerns about testifying?
14. Can the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office help me with my divorce or child custody case?
15. What if I need something you won’t help me with?