Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Rights & Responsibilities


The Rights of Requesters and the Responsibilities of the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media 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 record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format - that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents 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.

The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

The Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s FOIA Office


The Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s FOIA Office is located at the following address:
Godwin Courts Building
150 North Main Street
Suffolk, VA, 23434

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer
Vaughn T. Breedlove, Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney
150 North Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone: 757-514-4371
Email Commonwealth's Attorney FOIA Office

FOIA Log Sheet

The Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s FOIA Office maintains a log of all FOIA requests and responses. This log is updated daily with information on the status of the response for each FOIA request and its final disposition.


FOIA Rights and Responsibilities Link