The County Attorney is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and serves as chief legal advisor to the Board and to the extent no conflict exists, the County Administrator, county departments and staff. To the extent that no conflict exists or other legal services are retained, the county attorney may also provide limited legal advice and support to constitutional officers and most boards, commissions, committees and subcommittees of the county.
Functions include drafting, reviewing and revising contracts, agreements, deeds, litigations and other legal documents on behalf of the county while also providing sound legal advice in support of county and board decisions.
The attorney does not provide private legal advice or representation, nor handles legal matters for King George residents. The county attorney does not manage criminal prosecutions either—that responsibility lies with the Commonwealth’s attorney.
Applicable Laws
Conflict of Interests Act (COIA)
The Conflict of Interests Act regulates the financial relationship of board members with the county and with any other governmental agency that is related to local government. It also prohibits certain contracts and transactions with the county or its component units that benefit board members and other local officials or employees and their spouse or dependents. For more information, see § 2.2-3100 et seq. and § 30-100 et seq.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act guarantees Virginia residents access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees. A public record is any writing or recording—regardless of whether it is a paper, electronic or any other format—that is prepared, owned by, or in the possession of a public body in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies. For more information, see § 2.2-3700 et seq.
To learn more about FOIA requests with King George County, visit here.