Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. Department of Justice policy prohibits the release of mug shots for all defendants charged with federal crimes. An exception to this rule is when a defendant is a fugitive and the release of their photo would serve a legitimate law enforcement function.

The name, age, residence, employment, and marital status of all defendants charged can be released; the substance of the charge(s), limited to the wording contained in the charging document; the identity of the investigating and/or arresting agency and the length and scope of the investigation; and the circumstances immediately surrounding an arrest, including the time and place of arrest, resistance, pursuit and possession and/or use of weapons.

Observations about a defendant’s character; statements, admissions, confessions or alibis attributable to a defendant or the refusal or failure of the accused to make a statement; reference to investigative procedures such as fingerprints, polygraph examinations, ballistic tests or laboratory tests, or the refusal by the defendant to submit to such tests or examinations; statements concerning the identity or credibility of prospective witnesses; statements concerning evidence or argument in the case, whether or not it is anticipated that such evidence or argument will be used at trial; any opinion of the accused’s guilt or the possibility of a plea of guilty to the offense charged or the possibility of a plea to a lesser offense; information concerning a defendant’s prior criminal record; addresses or names of victims and/or witnesses; and photographs of the defendant.

No. It is improper for the United States Attorney’s Office to make any public statements during a jury trial.

Our office maintains an e-mail distribution list, organized by division (Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Danville and Abingdon). Any media outlet wishing to be added to our lists, please see the "contact us" page.