VB attorney receives MADD award

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Harvey L Bryant, Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced Wednesday that Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Charisse Black received the 2009 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National President's Criminal Justice Award - Prosecutor.

Black was one of fifteen individuals and law enforcement agencies nation-wide to be recognized for their dedication towards promoting the mission of MADD, keeping the roads safer.

The award was presented by Christopher Konschak, Executive Director of MADD Virginia, and Kaye Walsh, State Vice Chairwoman of MADD Virginia on behalf of MADD National.

According to a statement issued by MAD, Black deserves this award because of her thorough collection of facts, extensive knowledge of current DUI laws and ability to successfully convict the majority of her cases. Because of Black's diligence in notifying MADD of court dates involving DUI manslaughter or injury, MADD is able to have a representative present in court to provide support to victims and their families.

Black has been with the Va. Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Office since October 2007. She currently works on the 2nd precinct Trial Team

"I'm very proud of Charisse. Her efforts and those other prosecutors in my office have been directed at seeing that those who drive drunk are convicted and punished without delay. Charisse embodies the 'get tough' attitude that this office has toward drunk drivers. She is the only prosecutor being recognized with this award nationwide this year, and one of just three Virginians to ever receive a MADD National award," Bryant said.

"I also applaud MADD, whose courtroom monitoring program is spreading across the nation," Bryant added.

MADD is a non-profit organization established in 1980. They have since expanded their mission to include stopping drunk driving, supporting the victims of DUI crimes, and preventing underage drinking. Many recipients of the 2009 National Award will play a key role in keeping the roads safe during the holiday season, as MADD launches their Holiday Crackdown campaign.