searchSearch
translate
go backBack

Office of the County Attorney

Menu

Frequently Asked Question

The County Attorney’s Office cannot provide legal advice, legal assistance, or legal representation to members of the public, businesses, or private organizations (ex. HOAs, nonprofits, etc.).  If you need legal advice, legal assistance, or legal representation, you should consult with a private attorney.  Below is information on lawyer referral services offered by the Prince William County Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar.

 

How does the County Attorney's Office differ from the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office?

The County Attorney's Office provides counsel and advice in all civil matters to the Board of County Supervisors and all boards, commissions, departments, agencies, offices and officials of the general County government; drafts and prepares County ordinances and legislative proposals; defends and brings actions in which the County or any of its boards, commissions, etc., shall be a party; and in other matters, advises and represents the general County government. For more information about the County Attorney's Office, click on the following link: County Attorney's Office.

The Commonwealth's Attorneys Office prosecutes all criminal and traffic cases occurring within Prince William County, and all felonies committed in the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office does not investigate criminal offenses. If you feel you are a victim of a crime, please contact your local police department. The Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office is located in the Judicial Center, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 200, Manassas, VA 20110, 703-792-6050; FAX: 703-792-7081.

For more information about the Commonwealth's Attorneys Office, click on the following link: Commonwealth's Attorneys Office.

Does the County Regulate HOAs?

No. Read about the Powers and Responsibilities of a Homeowners' Association for more information on the relationship between Homeowners' Associations and the County. For more information about Homeowners Associations, visit Neighborhood Services Division.

How can I Report Zoning Violations?

If you have a particular concern relating to zoning violations in your neighborhood, contact the Property Code Enforcement Group at 703-792-7018 to file a complaint, or fill out and submit this online form: Property Code Enforcement Complaint Form.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

Pursuant to Section 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, as amended, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides citizens of Virginia with access to existing public records. This access is also provided to newspapers and magazines with circulation in Virginia, as well as radio and television stations broadcasting into the Commonwealth. There are few statutory requirements for making a request under FOIA. Section 2.2-3704 indicates only that FOIA inquiries should be directed to the custodian of the requested records and must identify those records with reasonable specificity. This section also grants the custodian of the records the right to require a requester to provide his or her name and legal address.

As a result of these minimal requirements, there is no form or format that has been adopted by either the Commonwealth or Prince William County for the submission of FOIA requests. However, the following is suggested:

  • That the request be in writing.
  • That the request be directed to the custodian of the records, if known to the requester.
  • That the request specify the documents rather than the information sought.
  • That the request be as specific as possible regarding the documents sought.
  • For more information on FOIA, click the link: Freedom of Information Act.
  •