Virginia Service of Process USM-285 (Marshal's Service) is a service provided by the U.S. Marshals Service that covers the service of court process in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This service is available for civil process, criminal process, and other court documents. It includes both personal service of process and service by publication or other alternate methods. The USM-285 service is designed to ensure that individuals are properly served with court documents, as required by law. There are three main types of USM-285 services: Direct Service, Substitute Service, and Service by Publication. Direct Service is the delivery of legal documents directly to the person to be served. Substitute Service is when the documents are left with an adult at the defendant’s last known address or place of business. Service by Publication is when legal documents are published in a newspaper. All three types of USM-285 services are designed to ensure that individuals receive proper and timely notification of court proceedings.