Norfolk Assigns Prosecutors to All Misdemeanors | Virginia Beach News

Norfolk is revolutionizing its justice system by becoming the first city in Hampton Roads to assign prosecutors to every criminal case with potential jail time, backed by a $900K investment and nine new hires. With 50 attorneys now on staff, the move ensures fairness in misdemeanor cases like assaults and thefts—previously often handled without a prosecutor—preventing wrongful convictions or guilty parties walking free. The initiative prioritizes justice over punishment, while a new diversion director targets first-time offenders with alternatives like treatment and community service, and connects repeat offenders with mental health and housing support to tackle root causes. Six of the nine new prosecutor roles are already filled, and the office is already assigning prosecutors to new cases. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/fd6f396ed1a07bfb