Tazewell council approves moving criminal prosecutions to Commonwealth Attorney to cut costs and streamline dockets

After extended discussion about prosecution logistics and costs, the Town of Tazewell council voted to direct criminal prosecutions to the Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and to retain the town attorney for civil matters.

The police chief described operational burdens from having to attend multiple court dockets for related felony and misdemeanor charges and said the split system increased officer overtime and administrative complexity. "It's time that we really visit that," the chief said, summarizing concerns about time and cost.

Councilors and staff reviewed comparative costs presented in the meeting packet. The town’s attorney fees for the most recent fiscal year were referenced in packet materials; staff said municipal legal billing for criminal matters had cost the town approximately $14,028.77 (figure from fiscal materials in the packet) for the prior year’s accounting period.

Supporters of the change argued that using the Commonwealth Attorney would reduce duplicative appearances, improve case continuity and lower costs; others said the council should monitor results and asked staff for a one‑year report on cost, scheduling and case outcomes. The motion to appoint the Tazewell County Commonwealth's Attorney for criminal prosecutions passed by voice vote.

Council directed staff to document existing cases with town counsel and proceed with transitioning new criminal matters to the Commonwealth Attorney, with provisions to allow the town attorney to finish cases where substantial time had already been invested.