Commonwealth's Attorney

About The Commonwealth's Attorney

The Commonwealth's Attorney is elected for a four-year term and is charged with the prosecution of criminal matters and related civil matters in Madison County on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the County of Madison.

• There are three Trial Courts in Virginia:
  • General District Court
  • Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
  • Circuit Court

Clarissa T. Berry is Madison County's Commonwealth’s Attorney. She was re-elected to a four (4) year term on November 5, 2019.  Her current term expires on December 31, 2023. Mr. Wade Gelbert is the Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, and Mr. Alex Hamilton is the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney. Ms. Berry and her staff are here to help and are grateful for the trust placed in them by the people of Madison County.

As the elected Commonwealth's Attorney, Ms. Berry takes seriously her office's role in maintaining Madison County as a safe place to live, work, and play. To that end, each case — misdemeanor or felony — is examined carefully comparing the facts and circumstances of the situation with the applicable law. As Former Chief Justice Jackson Notes, "This authority has been granted by people who really wanted the right thing done — wanted crime eliminated — but also wanted the best in our American traditions preserved." Ultimately, we seek to achieve this balance between the community's interest, a victim's rights, and the defendant's rights making our community safer within an equitable system.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office for further help or information. We are located in the town of Madison behind the Courthouse at 15 Court Square just off of Main Street. Our phone number is 540-948-7000.

We work closely with law enforcement: 

• Madison County Sheriff's Office
• Virginia State Police
• Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
• Department of Social Services

and other federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute crimes committed in Madison County to maintain Madison County's reputation as a safe place to live and work.

Victim Witness Services

The Madison Office for Victim Witness Services is located in our building easily with its own entrance for privacy at the rear of the building.  Victim Witness Services aims to be a source of information, understanding, and assistance for those who are victims or witnesses of crimes.  Our Victim Witness Services Director is here to help individuals understand the process.  

We understand that being the victim or witness to a crime is at a minimum inconvenient—and often life-changing.  We are here to help navigate the process.  Victim Witness Services may be reached at 540-948-7550 or victimwitness@madisonco.virginia.gov.

Victim Witness Services expertly helps victims and witnesses navigate the criminal justice process by assisting victims in understanding the court process, developing victim impact statements, and ensuring prosecutors and law enforcement know vital information. One program she frequently works with is the Virginia Victim's Fund, which provides money to victims of crime with out-of-pocket expenses.  She also works closely with local government agencies, businesses, and non-profits who provide direct services to victims.

F.O.I.A.

Ms. Berry serves as her office's FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) officer. If you have a FOIA request, please contact Ms. Berry through one of the following:

• By Email
• By letter to:

P.O. Box 450
Madison, Virginia 22727

• In-person at:

15 Court Square
Madison, Virginia 22727

• Or by phone at: 540-948-7000. 

For more information on FOIA requests in Madison County, please see the FOIA Request Form (PDF) (includes preferred, but not mandatory, form for a request). For general information about FOIA requests relating to law enforcement records, check Law Enforcement Records (PDF) (via the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council).