Long-Time Town Prosecutor Michelle M. Jones Seeks Republican Nomination for Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney

STAFF REPORTS

TALKWINCHESTER.COM

Jones brings more than 20 years of local experience as an attorney; she has resided in Clarke County for 24 years.

“Clarke County is one of the safest areas in Virginia…. I want to continue to do my part to protect our great county.”

CLARKE COUNTY, VA – Local attorney Michelle M. Jones announces she is seeking the Republican nomination for Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Michelle has prosecuted Berryville’s traffic, DUI, and other local law violations for more than 20 years and has prosecuted similar offenses for other local governments in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.  She is an attorney in private practice with offices in Berryville and Winchester.

“Clarke County is a remarkable place to live and raise a family – and is one of the safest areas in Virginia,” says Jones. “To make sure Clarke stays that way requires that our community continues to elect leadership who will protect our county and whose core values align with those of the people who live here. I want to continue to do my part to help protect our great county. I’ve worked with law enforcement for many years while prosecuting at the local level and have built strong relationships with community leaders across all constituencies.”

Jones adds, “For me, the role of Commonwealth’s Attorney calls for not only proven experience but also building a culture of trust, collaboration, open communication, stability, and accountability. These are key attributes of my work thus far, and I would be honored to continue this service in a more significant way as Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney.”

A special election is anticipated to happen this November to fill the vacancy that will occur when the current Commonwealth’s Attorney, Anne M. Williams, resigns so that she can begin sitting as a General District Court Judge for the 26^th Judicial Circuit on August 1. An interim Commonwealth’s Attorney will be appointed to serve from August 1 until a new Commonwealth’s Attorney is elected.

Jones has lived in Clarke County for more than 24 years. She is a current member of the Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority (appointed in 2014) and has previously served as a board member for various Clarke County organizations, including the Foundation of the State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm, the Clarke County Education Foundation, and the Clarke County Rotary Club. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her law degree from the University of Richmond.  She has been a trial attorney since 1994.