Commonwealth's Attorney

The Commonwealth's Attorney, an elected Constitutional Officer serving a four-year term, is an active partner with Highland's law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes all felonies occurring in the County, and has the discretion to prosecute Class 1, 2, and 3 misdemeanors, all of which may carry the possibility of confinement in jail, and/or a $500.00 fine or more.

Melissa Ann Dowd, the current Commonwealth's Attorney, whose first term began January 1, 2008, is the first female attorney to hold this position in the history of the County. Her current term ends December 31, 2023. She also maintains a private practice and serves as the County Attorney and the attorney for the Town of Monterey on all civil matters.