Getting to Know鈥istrict Attorney Brianna Vanata; doing what needs to be done for her community
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Greene County District Attorney Brianna Vanata was in high school when she realized she wanted to be a lawyer, though it took some time for her to decide exactly what type of law she would practice.
It was in her home county that the Greensboro native found the answer.
“I interned here with then-District Attorney Marjorie Fox while I was in law school and was really introduced to criminal law and things just clicked,” Vanata said.
After working in private practice for two years, she became an assistant district attorney under Fox for 10 years, and last year was elected the county’s district attorney.
“We’re the highest ranked law enforcement official in the county. We cannot arrest people or do investigations, but we’re responsible for seeing those cases through,” Vanata said.
As a prosecutor, Vanata said it’s not always clear to the public why someone is, or more pointedly is not, charged with a crime. She explained that just because something looks a certain way doesn’t always mean there is enough evidence to file charges.
Making those decisions can be heartbreaking, she said.
“The child abuse cases are probably the worst,” said Vanata. “(Y)ou sort of develop a wall around yourself to keep your feelings out of the situation and learn to see if the puzzle pieces fit with the law.”
In the cases where charges are filed, she looks for ways to support victims and pours herself into doing what she can, when she can.
“I enjoy helping victims of a crime. It’s rewarding to bring justice to people affected,” Vanata said. “You also see people fall on hard times, make poor decisions and turn their lives around. That’s rewarding too.”
One of the first things Vanata did when she took office in January was to bring in a victim/witness advocate, a role that had been vacant.
“This is a grant-funded position. I’m always interested in reaching beyond this job to do things if I can,” Vanata said. “The victim witness advocate continues to help victims by coming to court with them and letting them know their rights under the law.”
With a “wonderful support staff,” Vanata said she wants to rebuild the district attorney’s office to be one the community can count on.
“I want people to know that the hard decisions are not always the most popular decisions but I’m always looking to follow the law and do what is right for this community,” Vanata said. “I want them to be proud they chose me.”