The Stephanie N. Morales Future Leaders Initiative was created to embody our Commonwealth’s Attorney’s mission to impact Community Protection & Crime Prevention by Smart Prosecution.
Community Protection – The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Office will strive to ensure fair and diligent prosecution through our advocacy and will provide services to and work closely with victims and witness and will work closely with other involved agencies to ensure justice is served.
Crime Prevention -- The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Office is committed to engaging with the community and building relationships with other agencies. Every month, the office attorneys participate in their assigned Civic League meetings. In addition, the office attorneys participate in various outreach programs within the City of Portsmouth. The Ctrl + Alt + Del Program implemented under this Initiative is a monthly seminar involving the discussion of Recidivism and Restoration of Rights. Our Ctrl+Alt+Del Program is designed for citizens who have once gone down a difficult path but would like to take efforts to become productive members of society.
Smart Prosecution -- The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Office is committed to engaging our youth by exposing them to the judicial system by way of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The Internship Program and Shadowing Assistant Program under the Initiative will expose the youth within our community to legal prosecution.
All programs will be placed on the www.PortsmouthCWA.com website with specific details and deadlines. If there are any additional questions regarding a specific program, please feel free to email Marsha Moore at bentonm@portsmouthva.gov. Please be sure to place the program in the subject line to ensure an accurate response to your question(s).
Junior Commonwealth’s Attorney Program
Eligibility
The Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Junior Commonwealth’s Attorney “Junior CA” Program is designed for students who are entering their senior year of High School or have graduated from High School with an interest in Political Science.
Organization
The ability to be organized is essential to being an efficient lawyer. One of the responsibilities of the Junior CA would be to effectively keep the generated paperwork in order for the attorney’s viewing. You will also be involved in assisting the Administrator on everyday clerical work.
Observation
The Junior CA will be assigned an Attorney within the office. He or she will be able to observe the criminal proceedings within the courtroom and the various programs that are offered as alternatives within the City of Portsmouth. Understanding the courtroom dynamics is essential for any potential attorney to understand the major components of cases and litigation.
interest
The Stephanie N. Morales Future Leaders Initiative is held annually and students from across Hampton Roads and beyond are welcomed. During the program, students learn different aspects of the law and their aspirations are encouraged.
Parents of students interested in attending can email Antoinette Ramseur at ramseura@portsmouthva.gov or call 757-393-8581, ext 7032.