Robertson hopes for commonwealth's attorney post

Claudette Robertson, who is running for the office of commonwealth’s attorney, files through paperwork at her desk on Tuesday afternoon.

By: Matt Tomsic | GoDanRiver
Published: June 17, 2009

Claudette Robertson’s passion for prosecuting began while working as a Pittsylvania County assistant commonwealth’s attorney, and she’s always had a passion to serve the community.

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Her entrance into the race for Danville commonwealth’s attorney looks to capitalize on both.

“I just think you need to give back,” Robertson said. “This is just an extension of that.”

She qualified for the race on June 6 after receiving the 125 signatures required to run, and Robertson has a simple platform.

“My biggest goal is to prosecute more crime,” Robertson said. “You do that by having police officers on the street.”

One way to keep the officers on the street is to decrease the time they spend in court, she added.

Robertson also wants to increase communication between the police department and commonwealth’s attorney, she said. She also will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for crimes committed in the Danville Public Schools system.

Robertson owns and manages a defense law firm, Claudette Robertson, P.C., and she said the work helps her thoroughly understand criminals.

“I’ve seen where that side is coming from,” she said.

Robertson also worked as assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Danville from September 2007 to May 2008 after her time in Pittsylvania County.

Her community involvement includes positions on the board of directors for Doves Inc. and the Danville Habitat for Humanity. She is the attorney for the Danville Area Humane Society and special counsel to the Attorney General for the Division of Child Support Enforcement. Robertson also serves as the treasurer for the Danville Bar Association.

She received her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1992 before graduating with a law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1996.

Robertson also served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1991 and in the Air National Guard from 1992 to 1994.