Which statement correctly describes the authority for process servers in Norfolk and Virginia Beach?

Which statement correctly describes the authority for process servers in Norfolk and Virginia Beach?

• A. High constables in the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach are authorized to serve process
• B. Only sheriffs can serve process there
• C. Private process servers are not allowed
• D. Process service is not permitted in those cities

Answer: (A)

In these Virginia cities, who can serve civil process isn’t limited only to sheriffs. The authority is defined by local practice and city charters, and in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, high constables are the officials designated to serve process. That means they have the same practical role as other authorized process servers within their jurisdiction, handling summonses, writs, and other civil papers. So the statement is correct because it reflects the city-specific arrangement granting process-service authority to high constables. The other options misstate the situation: process service isn’t excluded to sheriffs only, it isn’t prohibited for private process servers across these cities, and service is indeed permitted there.

In these Virginia cities, who can serve civil process isn’t limited only to sheriffs. The authority is defined by local practice and city charters, and in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, high constables are the officials designated to serve process. That means they have the same practical role as other authorized process servers within their jurisdiction, handling summonses, writs, and other civil papers.

So the statement is correct because it reflects the city-specific arrangement granting process-service authority to high constables. The other options misstate the situation: process service isn’t excluded to sheriffs only, it isn’t prohibited for private process servers across these cities, and service is indeed permitted there.