Office of the County Attorney

Who we are

The County Attorney is appointed by the Board of Supervisors to advise and represent them, the County Administrator, the various commissions and boards they appoint, and County employees as they go about the County’s business. The County Attorney also represents the Planning Commission, the Economic Development Authority, and the Department of Social Services. Currently, the Office consists of one lawyer and one legal assistant.

What we do

The County Attorney is similar to the general counsel for a corporation. The office advises the Board of Supervisors as it governs the County, including drafting ordinances and analyzing policy. We also advise the various elements of County government during contract negotiation, tort (claims against the County), land use, planning and zoning, and constitutional law. Our practice also includes areas of the law peculiar to local government, such as eminent domain, public employment issues, public procurement, and protecting the interests of abused and neglected children or adults. We do represent the County in court for civil cases.

What we don’t do

We’re not the prosecutor. In Virginia, that person is an elected official called the “Commonwealth’s Attorney”. If you need to talk to someone about a pending criminal complaint or a traffic offense, you need to call that office at (804) 966-5548. If you need to report a crime or traffic incident and it’s not an emergency, please call our Sheriff at (804) 966-9500. If you need immediate assistance, dial 911.

We can’t give legal advice to private citizens. If you need to talk to a lawyer, you might want to contact the Virginia State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 552-7977.

Business Hours and Contact Information

We’re open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You can reach us through the county switchboard at (804) 966-9861. Our fax number is (804) 966-8756.

Our mailing address is:

Office of the County Attorney
Post Office Box 150
12007 Courthouse Circle
New Kent, Virginia 23124-0050