What does Scott Hook do all day? A lot.
There are many misconceptions about Scott Hook's work. Jargon is useless. What exactly is a federal attorney?
And that's not a typo. This name is certainly exclusive, as this attorney is based in Virginia. Most people will immediately recognize the term district attorney (DA) for the same job (perhaps from television). He is an elected official.
In short, federal prosecutors protect public safety by prosecuting criminal suspects, defending and protecting crime victims, and ensuring that convicted violent criminals do not become a threat to the community. maintain.
But it can also be a catch-22. Federal prosecutors must also guarantee defendants' constitutional and legal rights, including protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy and fair public trial.
Warrenton Lifestyle sat down with Scott Houck, Fauquier County Commonwealth's Attorney from 2019, to give our readers an insight into his role in our county.
Why did you decide to run for federal prosecutor?
I had a close friend who died of a fentanyl overdose. I have her three children and I want this community to be as safe as it was when I was growing up here.
What kind of legal practice did you do before becoming a federal prosecutor?
I am a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, and have been in practice for 18 years. I've done a little bit of everything: criminal defense, banking, homeowner and corporate representation, and estate planning. Sometimes I miss handling deeds and going to the records room.
How did you prepare for this position?
My experience as a defense attorney was probably most helpful. As a prosecutor, you are trying to find weaknesses in the defense attorney's case. I can see things from both sides. Sometimes other prosecutors ask me to look at their case from a defense attorney's perspective to strengthen their case.
How would you describe your role as a federal prosecutor?
My primary focus is on three key elements: criminal prosecution, conflict of interest cases, and maintaining voter integrity.
What is involved in maintaining voter integrity?
To maintain voter integrity, we must prevent ineligible people from registering to vote. Because of the automotive sector, this is more complicated than it seems. 95% of people don't know this, but when you apply for or renew a driver's license or register a vehicle, you automatically register to vote. The purpose was to expedite and simplify the voter registration process. But problems could arise, such as when convicted felons are ineligible to vote. Once, I received a notification that a felon had registered to vote seven times. It turns out he owns a landscaping business, bought new equipment, and seven vehicles, so when he registered them with the DMV, he was registered to vote seven times. Also, attempting to register to vote as a felon is itself a separate felony. So I'll take the time to unpack these situations.
How closely do you work with law enforcement?
Another aspect of the job involves keeping law enforcement abreast of constitutional changes that affect how they perform their duties. For example, at one point an officer was able to conduct a traffic stop due to a missing taillight. The law has changed and both taillights must be turned off for a police officer to legally conduct a traffic stop. This may seem like a small thing, but it can impact the filing of a lawsuit. If a police officer conducts an illegal traffic stop, no matter what evidence is found in the vehicle, no matter how significant, it is inadmissible in court and cannot be prosecuted. It is called the poisonous fruit. It can really tie my hands. I cannot work unless I have legal evidence.
What else is involved in this position?
Over the years, local federal prosecutors have increasingly been assigned cases that don't seem like anyone else's job. For example, I'm in charge of apple enforcement. There was a person in the Commonwealth who was selling one type of apple as another type of apple. This is a scam. So they put me in charge of the apple injunction. And Virginia's lawyers are also tasked with stopping the pollution, or dumping, of the Big Sandy River. I didn't know where the Big Sandy River was, nor had I ever crossed it. I can also bring a prostitution injunction, which I've never had to do before, and a bawdy housing injunction (which I believe is a law from the 1920s). ) and injunctions against smugglers. It can be quite random.
Do you go to the crime scene?
Yes, I take part in some big cases, but always in murder cases. Knowing the facts from first-hand experience is invaluable. Being able to see the layout with your own eyes will give you a better understanding of the crime scene than if you were to see it in a photo.
How emotional is the job?
It can be very emotional. Of course, I have to suppress that in court, but some things are very important to me. I once saw a six-year-old boy murdered on an autopsy table. It will never leave me.
Do you often attend autopsies?
They do this all the time in murder cases. It is very important to keep close watch on your doctor's visits. They show me exactly what they found in the moment of “aha” moment. The science is very sophisticated and continues to advance, so it can be interesting.
What is the most difficult thing to do?
100% of the victims are children. No matter what type of crime it is, no matter what happens to them, the children who are the victims suffer the most. ”
Does living here and being part of the community make your job easier or harder?
Actually it's both. It can also be helpful to have relationships with people in your community. Then there are times when the people I prosecute sit next to me at a restaurant. However, there are no major conflicts and it is comfortable most of the time. I also have good professional relationships with other lawyers, which may not necessarily be the case elsewhere.
Have you ever been misunderstood about your position?
The biggest problem is that some people think that I am in charge of criminal investigations and that my office is filing criminal charges. Felony charges can be filed, but it is usually law enforcement that files the criminal charges, and then we begin the investigation. I have great relationships with law enforcement and that's something I really strive for. Law enforcement is like a coin, police officers are on one side of it and I'm on the other side.
Do you go to court often or does the prosecutor on your staff handle it?
I try to be as courteous as possible. I like trying cases. I am one of his nine attorneys in the firm and appear in court frequently. Being in the district court also allows you to learn about trends in the local community. We are fortunate in this county that our court system functions smoothly, but this is not always the case in other courts. Prosecutors are well prepared because the county is well-staffed and assigned dockets months in advance. We have good judges and keep a good flow so you won't have to wait too long.
Do you plan to run for office again when your term ends?
yes. There are no term limits, so as long as I enjoy my job and the people vote for me, I'll keep running.