Fairfax Prosecutor Adds New Teams Dedicated To 2 Case Types

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — On Wednesday, Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano announced new teams dedicated to cases involving crimes against children and domestic violence.

"Crimes against children and crimes of domestic violence are top priorities for my team and it's best practice to have such cases handled by specialists," said Descano in a statement. "Establishing these specialized teams will allow us to be more responsive to the unique needs and requirements of victims of these crimes."

Each of the crimes against children and domestic violence teams have seven assigned assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys. The office added 15 positions due to investment by the Board of Supervisors in the fiscal year 2022 budget. Descano says the investment allowed the specialized crimes against children and domestic violence case positions to be created.

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes crimes in Fairfax County and felonies in Fairfax City and the Towns of Herndon and Vienna. Descano, a Burke Centre resident elected to the prosecutor position in 2019, has emphasized a reform-minded agenda. Some of his reforms since taking office in 2020 have been stopping the prosecution of simple marijuana possession against adults, no longer requesting cash bail, and making changes to the way the office negotiates pleas, makes charging decisions and advocates for sentences.

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