Charlottesville District Attorney Accepting Applications for Community Academy

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (WINA) – The Charlottesville Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for its first-ever community academy. The free, seven-week program is designed to give community members an inside look at their local criminal justice system and the day-to-day operations of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.

“We’re really excited to connect with community members and give them a behind-the-scenes look at how their district attorney works,” said Joe Platania, the Commonwealth’s Attorney. “Because it’s their office. It’s the community’s office.”

The program will follow a hypothetical criminal case from investigation to conviction. Topics will include the needs of victims and injured parties, plus look at diversion and rehabilitation. This will be done through presentations by forensic technicians and investigators who will work together to build a case with prosecutors. They will also hear from probation officers, judges, defense attorneys and visit the local jail.

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the city of Charlottesville. To apply, visit Charlottesville.gov or call 970-3179. More information can be found HERE and the application can be found HERE.