"The qualities of a good prosecutor are as elusive and as impossible to define as those which mark a gentleman. And those who need to be told would not understand it anyway. A sensitiveness to fair play and sportsmanship is perhaps the best protection against the abuse of power, and the citizen's safety lies in the prosecutor who tempers zeal with human kindness, who seeks truth and not victims, who serves the law and not factional purposes, and who approaches his task with humility".  - Justice R. H. Jackson

Though written many years ago, these words of Justice Jackson embody ideals which I believe should govern my service as your Commonwealth's Attorney. Historically, the concerns of the criminal justice system have focused on the accused, while the needs of crime victims and witnesses received only minimal attention. Justice, however, belongs to all citizens, and I believe we have made great strides in recent years to relieve the inequity of this situation.

The successful prosecution of crime in Alexandria is impossible without the support, assistance and cooperation of our citizens. In our mutual endeavor to make Alexandria a safer place in which to live and work, I ask for your cooperation and assistance, and promise to do all I can to ensure that the ends of justice are served. Thank you.

- Bryan L. Porter, Commonwealth's Attorney

Commonwealth's Attorney Community Advisory Board 

The purpose of the Community Advisory Board is to provide the Commonwealth's Attorney with diverse community input and ideas regarding criminal justice reform and strategies for addressing criminal activity. The Board meets quarterly and comprises of 15-20 members who live or work in Alexandria. The board members serve for a term of one year and may serve multiple terms if inclined. Openings on the board will be filled as they arise. Applications are currently closed for this term, but for more information, please check back again soon.

• Procedure for U-Visa and T-Visa Applications

Commonwealth's Attorney Citizen's Academy

The Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Citizen’s Academy offers valuable insights into the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, the laws governing police-citizen interactions, and an in-depth look at the prosecution of criminal offenses. The next session is scheduled for October 4, 2025, with applications opening later this summer. For further details, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov.

National Victims' Rights Week 2025

The Victim Witness Assistance Program of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney will be hosting a National Victims' Rights Week Educational Seminar on April 11, 2025. For more information, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor and acts as a legal advisor to the Sheriff and the Police Department on criminal matters. Bryan Porter currently serves as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria. A prosecutor since 2001, he began his first term in January 2014. Under his leadership, the office has expanded significantly and now consists of 20 prosecutors, 14 administrative professionals, 7 victim-witness advocates, 3 law clerks, and an APD Liaison. 

Prosecutors in the office actively participate in various city initiatives, including the Youth Policy Commission, the Economic Opportunities Commission, the City-Wide Code Compliance Task Force, and the Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Victim-witness advocates serve as systems-based advocates, collaborating with community-based organizations to support crime victims and survivors. They also engage in community events and outreach efforts to raise awareness and provide education on victim rights and resources.

Prosecutors in the office are assigned cases based on specific areas of law. (See Prosecutors and Their Assignments.) Each prosecutor is supported by a victim-witness advocate and a paralegal and is available on call as needed to collaborate with police officers in developing cases for prosecution.

If you would like a prosecutor to speak to your civic group or school class on a law enforcement-related topic, please contact the office by phone or email.

If you are a witness in a case and need to confirm whether your appearance is required, please check Case Updates after 5:00 p.m. on the day before the scheduled hearing.

The Alexandria Mental Health Initiative (MHI) is a specialized program within the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) aimed at addressing the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. The program’s primary goal is to ensure that individuals with mental health conditions receive appropriate treatment and support while maintaining public safety.

MHI operates with a two-fold approach:

1. Diversion & Treatment – When public safety permits, the program seeks alternatives to incarceration for individuals whose offenses are linked to mental health conditions. This includes referrals to pre-trial services, mental health treatment, and probation monitoring.
2. Expedited Case Management for Forensic Services – For individuals in custody who require forensic evaluations, such as competency and insanity assessments, MHI ensures cases are identified and handled efficiently to facilitate timely legal and clinical interventions.

MHI collaborates closely with mental health professionals, law enforcement, the judiciary, and community partners to provide:

• Access to Mental Health Treatment – Coordination with the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and other providers.
• Court-Ordered Services & Supervision – Structured monitoring and support for individuals in diversion programs.
• Forensic Evaluations & Legal Support – Assistance in navigating competency and mental health defenses.
• Interagency Collaboration – A cooperative effort between the OCA, law enforcement, the courts, public defenders, and mental health agencies.

By prioritizing treatment over punishment when appropriate, MHI helps reduce recidivism, improve individual outcomes, and promote a more effective and compassionate approach to justice.

The Alexandria Recovery Court (ARC) is a specialized, treatment-focused diversion program designed to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system. The program’s mission is to promote long-term recovery, reduce recidivism, and enhance public safety by providing participants with structured treatment, intensive supervision, and comprehensive support services.

ARC operates through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA), the Alexandria Circuit Court, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Pre-Trial Services, Local Probation (ACJS), the Public Defender’s Office, the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), Probation & Parole (P&P), the Alexandria Police Department, and the City Manager’s Office.

Key components of the program include:

• Substance Use Treatment & Counseling – Access to evidence-based treatment, including therapy and recovery support services.
• Judicial Oversight & Supervision – Regular court appearances and monitoring by the Recovery Court judge.
• Case Management & Support Services – Assistance with housing, employment, education, and life skills.
• Accountability & Incentives – Structured phases, incentives for progress, and sanctions for non-compliance.

By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and focusing on rehabilitation, ARC helps participants reintegrate into society as law-abiding, healthy, and productive members of the Alexandria community.

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program of the Alexandria Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) provides essential support, guidance, and advocacy to individuals impacted by crime. The program is dedicated to ensuring that victims and witnesses understand their rights, receive necessary resources, and are supported throughout the criminal justice process.

Victim-witness advocates work closely with prosecutors, law enforcement, and community-based organizations to provide:

• Courtroom Support & Advocacy – Assistance in navigating the legal process, including court accompaniment and case updates.
• Crisis Intervention & Emotional Support – Immediate and ongoing support for victims of crime.
• Victim Rights Education – Information on legal rights, protective measures, and available resources.
• Coordination of Services – Referrals to counseling, shelter, financial assistance, and other support services.
• Restitution & Compensation Assistance – Help in seeking financial restitution and applying for the Virginia Victims Fund.

The program ensures that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect while working to hold offenders accountable and enhance public safety.

For more information on OCA programs, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov.

From I-495:

Take Route 1 North (Exit 1) from the Beltway (this is the last exit before crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge or the first exit when coming from Maryland). Proceed north for seven blocks, then turn right onto King Street. Follow King Street for five blocks to the Alexandria Courthouse at 520 King Street. The Victim/Witness Program is located within the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) in Room 301.

Parking:

• Underground parking is available beneath the courthouse for $10.00 per day.
• Metered parking is available around the courthouse.
• Two-hour residential parking can be found one or more blocks away.

From I-395:

Take King Street East (Exit 5) and continue on King Street into Old Town Alexandria. After crossing Patrick Street, proceed five blocks to the Alexandria Courthouse at 520 King Street. (See parking information above.)

By Metro:

The King Street Metro Station is located one mile west of the courthouse. For bus routes and schedules:

• Alexandria DASH: (703) 746-3274
• Metrobus: (202) 637-2437

Office Information:

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) is located within the courthouse in Suite 301.

• Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Contact: (703) 746-4100