dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-160. Appointment of counsel or waiver of right.
If the charge against the accused is a crime the penalty for which may be incarceration, and the accused is not represented by counsel, the court shall ascertain by oral examination of the accused whether or not the accused desires to waive his right to counsel.

In the event the accused desires to waive his right to counsel, and the court ascertains that such waiver is voluntary and intelligently made, then the court shall provide the accused with a statement to be executed by the accused to document his waiver. The statement shall be in a form designed and provided by the Supreme Court. Any executed statement herein provided for shall be filed with and become a part of the record of such proceeding.

In the absence of a waiver of counsel by the accused, and if he shall claim that he is indigent, the court shall proceed in the same manner as is provided in § 19.2-159.

Should the defendant refuse or otherwise fail to sign either of the statements described in this section and § 19.2-159, the court shall note such refusal on the record. Such refusal shall be deemed to be a waiver of the right to counsel, and the court, after so advising the accused and offering him the opportunity to rescind his refusal shall, if such refusal is not rescinded and the accused's signature given, proceed to hear and decide the case. However, if, prior to the commencement of the trial, the court states in writing, either upon the request of the attorney for the Commonwealth or, in the absence of the attorney for the Commonwealth, upon the court's own motion, that a sentence of incarceration will not be imposed if the defendant is convicted, the court may try the case without appointing counsel, and in such event no sentence of incarceration shall be imposed.

Code 1950, § 19.1-241.9; 1973, c. 316; 1975, c. 495; 1978, c. 365; 1979, c. 468; 1983, c. 97; 1989, c. 385.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-160.1. Appointment of counsel in Class 1 felony cases or cases involving a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life.
A. In any case in which an indigent defendant is charged with a Class 1 felony or any felony punishable by a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life in a jurisdiction in which a public defender office is established, the court shall, upon request for the appointment of counsel and in the absence of a conflict, appoint such public defender office to represent the defendant. Upon motion of the attorney from a public defender office, the judge of the circuit court shall appoint a competent, qualified, and experienced attorney from the list maintained by the Indigent Defense Commission pursuant to § 19.2-163.01 to serve as co-counsel.

If the public defender notifies the court of a conflict and withdraws from representation, and the court had appointed one additional counsel to assist the public defender's office, then upon the withdrawal of the public defender's office the court shall appoint one additional competent, qualified, and experienced attorney from the list maintained by the Indigent Defense Commission pursuant to § 19.2-163.01 to serve as co-counsel for the defendant.

B. In any case in which an indigent defendant is charged with a Class 1 felony or any felony punishable by a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life in a jurisdiction in which there is no public defender, upon request for the appointment of counsel, the court shall appoint two competent, qualified, and experienced attorneys from the list maintained by the Indigent Defense Commission pursuant to § 19.2-163.01 to serve as co-counsels for the defendant.

2023, c. 228; 2025, c. 170.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-161. Penalty for false swearing with regard to statement of indigence.
Any person charged with a felony who shall falsely swear or who shall execute the statement provided for in § 19.2-159 knowing such statement to be false, shall be guilty of perjury, punishable as a Class 5 felony.

Any person charged with a misdemeanor punishable by confinement in jail who shall falsely swear or who shall execute the statement provided for in § 19.2-159 knowing such statement to be false shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 19.1-241.6, 19.1-241.12; 1964, c. 657; 1973, c. 316; 1975, c. 495.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-162. Continuances to be granted if necessary.
Courts before which criminal proceedings are pending shall afford such continuances and take such other action as is necessary to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

Code 1950, §§ 19.1-241.4, 19.1-241.10; 1964, c. 657; 1973, c. 316; 1975, c. 495.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.01:1. Supplementing compensation of public defender.
A. The governing body of any county or city may supplement the compensation of the public defender or any of his deputies or employees above the compensation fixed by the executive director, in such amounts as it may deem expedient. Such additional compensation shall be wholly payable from the funds of any such county or city.

B. Due to the privileged and protected nature of the attorney-client relationship and the statutory scope of representation provided in §§ 19.2-157 and 19.2-163.3, no county or city providing a supplement to compensation under this section shall place any condition or requirement upon the receipt of such funds.

C. Funds provided by any county or city under this section may be paid directly to the Indigent Defense Commission or to the employees with notice to the Indigent Defense Commission of any amount so provided. The Commission shall provide the supplementing funds directly to employees in combination with the compensation fixed by the executive director.

2008, cc. 536, 815; 2010, c. 314; 2023, c. 467.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.02. Membership of Indigent Defense Commission; expenses.
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission shall consist of 14 members as follows: the Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice or their designees who shall be members of the Courts of Justice committees; the chairman of the Virginia State Crime Commission or his designee; the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court or his designee; two attorneys officially designated by the Virginia State Bar; two persons appointed by the Governor; three persons appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and three persons appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. At least one of the appointments made by the Governor, one of the appointments made by the Speaker, and one of the appointments made by the Senate Committee on Rules, shall be an attorney in private practice with a demonstrated interest in indigent defense issues. Persons who are appointed by virtue of their office shall hold terms coincident with their terms of office. If the Chairman of the Virginia State Crime Commission is (i) the Chairman of the House Committee for Courts of Justice, then the Vice-Chairman of the Committee shall serve in the position designated for the Committee Chairman or (ii) the Chairman of the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice, then the Senate Committee on Rules, upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the Committee, shall appoint a member of the Committee to serve in the position designated for the Committee Chairman. All other members shall be appointed for terms of three years and may be reappointed.

The Commission shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among its membership annually. The chairman or his designee shall preside at all regular and called meetings of the Commission and shall have no additional duties or authority unless set by statute or by resolution of the Commission and annually confirmed by the Commission. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Commission shall meet at least four times each year. The meetings of the Commission shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever three of the members so request.

Members shall be paid reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Legislative members shall receive compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive compensation for their services as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2004, cc. 884, 921; 2005, cc. 176, 758; 2006, cc. 429, 501; 2008, c. 115.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.04. Public defender offices.
Public defender offices are established in:

a. The City of Virginia Beach;

b. The City of Petersburg;

c. The Cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro and the Counties of Augusta and Rockbridge;

d. The City of Roanoke;

e. The City of Portsmouth;

f. The City of Richmond;

g. The Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and the City of Winchester;

h. The City and County of Fairfax;

i. The City of Alexandria;

j. The City of Radford and the Counties of Bland, Pulaski, and Wythe;

k. The Counties of Fauquier, Loudoun, and Rappahannock;

l. The City of Suffolk;

m. The City of Franklin and the Counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton;

n. The County of Bedford;

o. The City of Danville;

p. The Counties of Halifax, Lunenburg, and Mecklenburg;

q. The City of Fredericksburg and the Counties of King George, Stafford, and Spotsylvania;

r. The City of Lynchburg;

s. The City of Martinsville and the Counties of Henry and Patrick;

t. The City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle;

u. The City of Norfolk;

v. The County of Arlington and the City of Falls Church;

w. The City of Newport News;

x. The City of Chesapeake;

y. The City of Hampton;

z. The Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park and the County of Prince William;

aa. The County of Chesterfield; and

ab. The City of Harrisonburg and the County of Rockingham.

2004, cc. 884, 921; 2004, Sp. Sess. I, c. 4, cl. 2; 2005, c. 951; 2006, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2; 2016, cc. 164, 312; 2020, cc. 348, 376; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 341; 2024, c. 313.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, cc. 884 and 921.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.3. Duties of public defenders.
Public defenders shall carry out the following duties in accordance with the guidance, policies, and authorizations of the Indigent Defense Commission:

(a) To assist the executive director of the Commission in securing office space, to employ a staff, to fix salaries and to do such other things necessary to carry out the duties imposed upon them with the approval of the Commission.

(b) To represent or supervise assistants in representing within their respective jurisdictions as set out in § 19.2-163.04 indigent persons charged with a crime or offense when such persons are entitled to be represented by law by court-appointed counsel in a court of record or a court not of record.

(c) To represent or supervise assistants in representing indigent persons who are entitled to be represented by court-appointed counsel in an appeal of their conviction to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of Virginia.

(d) To submit such reports as required by the Commission.

Code 1950, § 19.1-32.4; 1972, c. 800; 1975, c. 495; 1978, c. 698; 1979, c. 194; 1990, c. 734; 1992, c. 80; 2007, c. 680.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.4. Inapplicability of §§ 17.1-606 and 19.2-163 where public defender offices established; exception.
In counties and cities in which public defender offices are established pursuant to § 19.2-163.04, defense services for indigents charged with jailable offenses shall be provided by the public defenders unless (i) the public defender is unable to represent the defendant or petitioner by reason of conflict of interest; (ii) the court finds that appointment of other counsel is necessary to attain the ends of justice; or (iii) the public defender, with the concurrence of the executive director of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission or his designee, determines that the current active caseload would preclude the public defender from providing adequate representation to new clients. Except for the provisions of § 19.2-163 relating to reasonable expenses, §§ 17.1-606 and 19.2-163 shall not apply when defense services are provided by the public defenders.

Code 1950, § 19.1-32.5; 1972, c. 800; 1975, cc. 476, 495; 1992, c. 80; 1994, c. 415; 2024, c. 524.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.4:1. Repayment of representation costs by convicted persons.
In any case in which an attorney from a public defender office represents an indigent person charged with an offense and such person is convicted, the sum that would have been allowed a court-appointed attorney as compensation and as reasonable expenses shall be taxed against the person defended as a part of the costs of the prosecution, and, if collected, shall be paid to the Commonwealth or, if payment was made to the Commonwealth by a locality for defense of a local ordinance violation, to the appropriate county, city or town. An abstract of such costs shall be docketed in the judgment lien docket and execution book of the court.

2004, cc. 884, 921; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.5. Legal services to public defenders and/or assistant public defenders.
At the request of a public defender, the Attorney General shall provide legal services to such attorney, his assistants, or members of his staff in any proceeding brought against him, his assistants, or staff for money damages, when the cause of action allegedly arises out of the duties of his office.

Any costs chargeable against the defendant or defendants in any such case shall be paid by the Commonwealth from the appropriation for the payment of criminal charges.

1978, c. 698.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.6. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 884 and 921.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-163.7. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 and 345, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2021.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-164. Interpreters for non-English-speaking persons (Supreme Court Rule 2:507 derived in part from this section).
In any criminal case in which a non-English-speaking person is the accused, an interpreter for the non-English-speaking person shall be appointed. In any criminal case in which a non-English-speaking person is a victim or witness, an interpreter shall be appointed by the judge of the court in which the case is to be heard unless the court finds that the person does not require the services of a court-appointed interpreter. An English-speaking person fluent in the language of the country of the accused, a victim or a witness shall be appointed by the judge of the court in which the case is to be heard, unless such person obtains an interpreter of his own choosing who is approved by the court as being competent. The compensation of an interpreter appointed by the court pursuant to this section shall be fixed by the court in accordance with guidelines set by the Judicial Council of Virginia and shall be paid from the general fund of the state treasury as part of the expense of trial. Such fee shall not be assessed as part of the costs unless (i) an interpreter has been appointed for the defendant, (ii) the defendant fails to appear, (iii) the interpreter appears in the case and no other case on that date, and (iv) the defendant is convicted of a failure to appear on that date the interpreter appeared in the case, then the court, in its discretion, may assess as costs the fee paid to the interpreter. Whenever a person communicates through an interpreter to any person under such circumstances that the communication would be privileged, and such person could not be compelled to testify as to the communications, this privilege shall also apply to the interpreter. The provisions of this section shall apply in both circuit courts and district courts.

Code 1950, § 19.1-246.1; 1966, c. 240; 1974, c. 110; 1975, c. 495; 1978, c. 601; 1982, c. 444; 1985, c. 396; 1995, c. 546; 1996, c. 402; 2003, c. 1011; 2007, c. 383.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-164.1. Interpreters for the deaf (Supreme Court Rule 2:507 derived in part from this section).
In any criminal case in which a deaf person is the accused, an interpreter for the deaf person shall be appointed. In any criminal case in which a deaf person is the victim or a witness, an interpreter for the deaf person shall be appointed by the court in which the case is to be heard unless the court finds that the deaf person does not require the services of a court-appointed interpreter and the deaf person waives his rights. Such interpreter shall be procured by the judge of the court in which the case is to be heard through the Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.

The compensation of an interpreter appointed by the court pursuant to this section shall be fixed by the court and paid from the general fund of the state treasury as part of the expense of trial. Such fee shall not be assessed as part of the costs; if the Department cannot procure such services, then the court may appoint a readily available interpreter with full certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., or an equivalent national certification. Such court-appointed interpreter's qualifications are subject to review and approval by the Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.

Any person entitled to the services of an interpreter under this section may waive these services for all or a portion of the proceedings. Such a waiver shall be made by the person upon the record after an opportunity to consult with legal counsel. A judicial officer, utilizing an interpreter obtained in accordance with this section, shall explain to the deaf person the nature and effect of any waiver. Any waiver shall be approved in writing by the deaf person's legal counsel. If the person does not have legal counsel, approval shall be made in writing by a judicial officer. A person who waives his right to an interpreter may provide his own interpreter at his own expense without regard to whether the interpreter is qualified under this section.

The provisions of this section shall apply in both circuit courts and district courts.

Whenever a person communicates through an interpreter to any person under such circumstances that the communication would be privileged, and such person could not be compelled to testify as to the communications, this privilege shall also apply to the interpreter.

In any judicial proceeding, the judge on his own motion or on the motion of a party to the proceeding may order all of the testimony of a deaf person and the interpretation thereof to be visually electronically recorded for use in verification of the official transcript of the proceedings.

1982, c. 444; 1985, c. 396; 1995, c. 546; 1996, c. 402; 2023, cc. 415, 416.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-165. Recording evidence and incidents of trial in felony cases; cost of recording; cost of transcripts; certified transcript deemed prima facie correct; request for copy of transcript.
In all criminal cases in a court of record, the court or judge trying the case shall by order entered of record provide for the recording verbatim of the evidence and incidents of trial either by a court reporter or by mechanical or electronic devices approved by the court. The expense of reporting or recording the trial of criminal cases shall be paid by the Commonwealth out of the appropriation for criminal charges, upon approval of the trial judge. However, if the defendant is convicted, the Commonwealth shall be entitled to receive the amount allocated to the court reporter fund under the fixed felony fee. Localities that maintain mechanical or electronic devices for this purpose shall be entitled to retain their reasonable expenses attributable to the cost of operating and maintaining such equipment. The clerk shall receive the evidence at the time of admission of such evidence by the court and shall maintain control over such evidence until the time such evidence is transferred on appeal, or destroyed or returned in accordance with law.

The costs for the preparation of the transcript of the evidence for an appeal shall be paid by the Commonwealth out of the appropriation for criminal charges.

The reporter or other individual designated to report and record the trial shall file the original shorthand notes or other original records with the clerk of the circuit court who shall preserve them in the public records of the court for not less than five years if an appeal was taken and a transcript was prepared, or ten years if no appeal was taken. The transcript in any case certified by the reporter or other individual designated to report and record the trial shall be deemed prima facie a correct statement of the evidence and incidents of trial.

Upon the request of any counsel of record, or of any party not represented by counsel, and upon payment of the reasonable cost thereof, the court reporter covering any proceeding shall provide the requesting party with a copy of the transcript of such proceeding or any requested portion thereof.

The court shall not direct the court reporter to cease recording any portion of the proceeding without the consent of all parties or of their counsel of record.

The administration of this section shall be under the direction of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 17-30.1; 1952, c. 642; 1956, c. 699; 1962, c. 419; 1964, c. 533; 1968, c. 358; 1975, cc. 495, 640; 1983, c. 505; 1984, c. 752; 1994, c. 497; 1999, c. 9; 2014, c. 291; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-165.1. Payment of medical fees in certain criminal cases; reimbursement.
A. Except as provided in subsection B, all medical fees expended in the gathering of evidence for all criminal cases where medical evidence is necessary to establish a crime has occurred and for cases involving abuse of children under the age of 18 shall be paid by the Commonwealth out of the appropriation for criminal charges, provided that any medical evaluation, examination, or service rendered be performed by a physician or facility specifically designated by the attorney for the Commonwealth in the city or county having jurisdiction of such case for such a purpose. If no such physician or facility is reasonably available in such city or county, then the attorney for the Commonwealth may designate a physician or facility located outside and adjacent to such city or county.

Where there has been no prior designation of such a physician or facility, such medical fees shall be paid out of the appropriation for criminal charges upon authorization by the attorney for the Commonwealth of the city or county having jurisdiction over the case. Such authorization may be granted prior to or within 48 hours after the medical evaluation, examination, or service rendered.

B. All medical fees expended in the gathering of evidence through physical evidence recovery kit examinations conducted on victims complaining of sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2 shall be paid by the Commonwealth pursuant to subsection F of § 19.2-368.11:1. Victims complaining of sexual assault shall not be required to participate in the criminal justice system or cooperate with law-enforcement authorities in order to be provided with such forensic medical exams.

C. Upon conviction of the defendant in any case requiring the payment of medical fees authorized by this section, the court shall order that the defendant reimburse the Commonwealth for payment of such fees.

1976, c. 292; 1982, c. 507; 1987, c. 330; 1997, c. 322; 1999, c. 853; 2000, c. 292; 2003, cc. 28, 772; 2008, cc. 203, 251.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 10 (Disability of Judge or Attorney for Commonwealth; Court- Appointed Counsel; Interpreters; Transcripts)
§ 19.2-166. Court reporters.
Each judge of a court of record having jurisdiction over criminal proceedings shall be authorized, in all felony cases and habeas corpus proceedings to appoint a court reporter to report proceedings or to operate mechanical or electrical devices for recording proceedings, to transcribe the report or record of such proceedings, to perform any stenographic work related to such report, record or transcript including work pertinent to the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law pertinent thereto. Such reporter shall be paid by the Commonwealth on a per diem or work basis as appropriate out of the appropriation for criminal charges.

Code 1950, § 17-30.1:1; 1968, c. 486; 1975, c. 495; 2003, c. 140.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-167. Accused not to be tried while insane or feebleminded.
No person shall, while he is insane or feebleminded, be tried for a criminal offense.

Code 1950, § 19.1-227; 1960, c. 366; 1964, c. 231; 1968, c. 789; 1975, c. 495.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-168. Notice to Commonwealth of intention to present evidence of insanity; continuance if notice not given.
In any case in which a person charged with a crime intends (i) to put in issue his sanity at the time of the crime charged and (ii) to present testimony of an expert to support his claim on this issue at his trial, he, or his counsel, shall give notice in writing to the attorney for the Commonwealth, at least 60 days prior to his trial, of his intention to present such evidence. However, if the period between indictment and trial is less than 120 days, the person or his counsel shall give such notice no later than 60 days following indictment. In the event that such notice is not given, and the person proffers such evidence at his trial as a defense, then the court may in its discretion, either allow the Commonwealth a continuance or, under appropriate circumstances, bar the defendant from presenting such evidence. The period of any such continuance shall not be counted for speedy trial purposes under § 19.2-243.

Code 1950, § 19.1-227.1; 1970, c. 336; 1975, c. 495; 1986, c. 535; 2008, c. 372.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-168.1. Evaluation on motion of the Commonwealth after notice.
A. If the attorney for the defendant gives notice pursuant to § 19.2-168, and the Commonwealth thereafter seeks an evaluation of the defendant's sanity at the time of the offense, the court shall appoint one or more qualified mental health experts to perform such an evaluation. The court shall order the defendant to submit to such an evaluation and advise the defendant on the record in court that a refusal to cooperate with the Commonwealth's expert could result in exclusion of the defendant's expert evidence. The qualification of the experts shall be governed by subsection A of § 19.2-169.5. The location of the evaluation shall be governed by subsection B of § 19.2-169.5. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall be responsible for providing the experts the information specified in subsection C of § 19.2-169.5. After performing their evaluation, the experts shall report their findings and opinions, and provide copies of psychiatric, psychological, medical or other records obtained during the course of the evaluation to the attorneys for the Commonwealth and the defense. The evaluator shall also send a redacted copy of the report removing references to the defendant's name, date of birth, case number, and court of jurisdiction to the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for the purpose of peer review to establish and maintain the list of approved evaluators described in subsection A of § 19.2-169.5.

B. If the court finds, after hearing evidence presented by the parties, that the defendant has refused to cooperate with an evaluation requested by the Commonwealth, it may admit evidence of such refusal or, in the discretion of the court, bar the defendant from presenting expert psychiatric or psychological evidence at trial on the issue of his sanity at the time of the offense.

1982, c. 653; 1986, c. 535; 2016, c. 445.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-169. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1982, c. 653.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-169.3:1. Disposition of the unrestorably incompetent defendant; capital murder charge; inpatient custody of the Commissioner.
A. When a defendant charged with capital murder has been determined to be unrestorably incompetent, pursuant to subsections D and F of § 19.2-169.3, the court may commit such defendant to the inpatient custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under this section, provided that such defendant has remained unrestorably incompetent for a period of five years.

B. After a capital murder defendant has been committed to the inpatient custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under subsection A, the Commissioner may make interfacility transfers and treatment and management decisions regarding such defendant after obtaining prior approval of or review by the committing court.

C. The Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall notify the committing court, the attorney for the Commonwealth in the committing jurisdiction, and the defendant's counsel in writing of recommended changes in a defendant's course of treatment that will involve authorization for the defendant to leave the grounds of the hospital in which he is confined. Upon receipt of such notice, the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether the recommendation of the Commissioner is authorized by the court.

D. The Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services may delegate any of the duties and powers imposed on or granted to him by this section to an administrative board composed of persons with demonstrated expertise in such matters. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall assist the board in its administrative and technical duties. Members of the board shall exercise their powers and duties without compensation and shall be immune from personal liability while acting within the scope of their duties except for intentional misconduct.

E. Copies of all orders and notices issued pursuant to this chapter shall be sent to the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

F. Nothing in this section shall alter the requirement that hearings be held pursuant to subsection F of § 19.2-169.3.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 312.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-169.4. Litigating certain issues when the defendant is incompetent.
A finding of incompetency does not preclude the adjudication, at any time before trial, of a motion objecting to the sufficiency of the indictment, nor does it preclude the adjudication of similar legal objections which, in the court's opinion, may be undertaken without the personal participation of the defendant.

1982, c. 653.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-169.7. Disclosure by defendant during evaluation or treatment; use at guilt phase of trial.
No statement or disclosure by the defendant concerning the alleged offense made during a competency evaluation ordered pursuant to § 19.2-169.1, a mental state at the time of the offense evaluation ordered pursuant to § 19.2-169.5, or treatment ordered pursuant to § 19.2-169.2 or § 19.2-169.6 may be used against the defendant at trial as evidence or as a basis for such evidence, except on the issue of his mental condition at the time of the offense after he raises the issue pursuant to § 19.2-168.

1982, c. 653.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-169.8. Orders for evaluation or treatment; duties of clerk; copies.
A. Whenever a court orders an evaluation pursuant to § 19.2-168.1, 19.2-169.1, or 19.2-169.5 or orders treatment pursuant to § 19.2-169.2 or 19.2-169.6, the clerk of the court shall provide a copy of the order to the appointed evaluator or to the director of the community services board, behavioral health authority, or hospital named in the order as soon as practicable but no later than the close of business on the next business day following entry of the order. The party requesting the evaluation pursuant to § 19.2-168.1, 19.2-169.1, or 19.2-169.5, the attorney for the Commonwealth if treatment is ordered pursuant to § 19.2-169.2, or the petitioner if treatment is ordered pursuant to § 19.2-169.6 shall be responsible for providing to the court the name, address, and other contact information for the appointed evaluator or the director of the community services board, behavioral health authority, or hospital unless the court or clerk already has this information. The appointed evaluator or the director of the community services board, behavioral health authority, or hospital shall acknowledge receipt of the order to the clerk of the court on a form developed by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia as soon as practicable but no later than the close of business on the next business day following receipt of the order. The clerk shall also provide a copy of the order to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

B. No person shall be liable for any act or omission relating to the performance of any requirement set forth in subsection A unless the person was grossly negligent or engaged in willful misconduct.

2016, cc. 446, 449; 2022, cc. 74, 75.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-170. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1982, c. 653.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-174.1. Information required prior to admission to a mental health facility.
Prior to any person being placed into the custody of the Commissioner for evaluation or treatment pursuant to §§ 19.2-169.2, 19.2-169.3, 19.2-169.6, 19.2-182.2, and 19.2-182.3, and Chapter 9 (§ 37.2-900 et seq.) of Title 37.2, the court or special justice shall provide the Commissioner with the following, if available: (i) the commitment order, (ii) the names and addresses for the attorney for the Commonwealth, the attorney for the person and the judge holding jurisdiction over the person, (iii) a copy of the warrant or indictment, and (iv) a copy of the criminal incident information as defined in § 2.2-3706.1 or a copy of the arrest report or a summary of the facts relating to the crime. The party requesting the placement into the Commissioner's custody or, in the case of admissions pursuant to §§ 19.2-169.3 and 19.2-169.6, and Chapter 9 (§ 37.2-900 et seq.) of Title 37.2, the person having custody over the defendant or inmate shall gather the above information for submission to the court at the hearing. If the information is not available at the hearing, it shall be provided by the party requesting placement or the person having custody directly to the Commissioner within 96 hours of the person being placed into the Commissioner's custody. If the 96-hour period expires on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the 96 hours shall be extended to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

1995, c. 645; 1999, cc. 946, 985; 2001, c. 837; 2003, c. 989, cls. 4, 5; c. 1018, cls. 4, 5; c. 1042, cls. 10, 11; 2010, cc. 340, 406; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 483.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-175. Compensation of experts.
Each psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or other expert appointed by the court to render professional service pursuant to § 19.2-168.1, 19.2-169.1, 19.2-169.5, 19.2-182.8, 19.2-182.9, or 19.2-301 who is not regularly employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, except by the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, shall receive a reasonable fee for such service. For any psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or other expert appointed by the court to render such professional services who is regularly employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, except by the University of Virginia School of Medicine or the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, the fee shall be paid only for professional services provided during nonstate hours that have been approved by his employing agency as being beyond the scope of his state employment duties. The fee shall be determined in each instance by the court that appointed the expert, in accordance with guidelines established by the Supreme Court after consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Except in aggravated murder cases pursuant to § 18.2-31, the fee shall not exceed $1,200, but in addition, if any such expert is required to appear as a witness in any hearing held pursuant to such sections, he shall receive mileage and a fee of $100 for each day during which he is required so to serve. An itemized account of expense, duly sworn to, must be presented to the court and when allowed shall be certified to the Supreme Court for payment out of the state treasury and be charged against the appropriations made to pay criminal charges. Allowance for the fee and for the per diem authorized shall also be made by order of the court, duly certified to the Supreme Court for payment out of the appropriation to pay criminal charges.

Code 1950, § 19.1-233; 1960, c. 366; 1968, c. 657; 1970, c. 640; 1975, c. 495; 1976, c. 140; 1978, cc. 195, 794; 1979, c. 516; 1982, c. 653; 1986, c. 535; 1990, c. 697; 1995, c. 645; 2003, cc. 1031, 1040; 2006, cc. 114, 170; 2007, c. 829; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2010, cc. 340, 406; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345; 2022, c. 304.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-176. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2010, cc. 340 and 406, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-177. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1988, cc. 787, 873.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-177.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2010, cc. 340 and 406, cl. 2.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-178. Where prisoner kept when no vacancy in facility or hospital.
When a court shall have entered any of the orders provided for in § 19.2-168.1, 19.2-169.1, 19.2-169.5, or 19.2-169.6, the sheriff of the county or city or the proper officer of the penal institution shall immediately proceed to ascertain whether a vacancy exists at the proper facility or hospital and until it is ascertained that there is a vacancy such person shall be kept in the jail of such county or city or in such custody as the court may order, or in the penal institution in which he is confined, until there is room in such facility or hospital. Any person whose care and custody is herein provided for shall be taken to and from the facility or hospital to which he was committed by an officer of the penal institution having custody of him, or by the sheriff of the county or city whose court issued the order of commitment, and the expenses incurred in such removals shall be paid by such penal institution, county or city.

Code 1950, § 19.1-236; 1960, c. 366; 1975, c. 495; 1995, c. 645; 2010, cc. 340, 406.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-179. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1981, c. 310.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-180. Sentence or trial of prisoner when restored to sanity.
When a prisoner whose trial or sentence was suspended by reason of his being found to be insane or feebleminded, has been found to be mentally competent and is brought from a hospital and committed to jail, if already convicted, he shall be sentenced, and if not, the court shall proceed to try him as if no delay had occurred on account of his insanity or feeblemindedness.

Code 1950, § 19.1-238; 1960, c. 366; 1975, c. 495.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-181. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1991, c. 427.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-182. Representation by counsel in proceeding for commitment.
A. In any proceeding for commitment under this title, the judge before whom or upon whose order the proceeding is being held shall ascertain if the person whose commitment is sought is represented by counsel. If the person is not represented by counsel, the judge shall appoint an attorney at law to represent him in the proceeding. The attorney shall receive a fee of $150 for his services, to be paid by the Commonwealth.

B. Any attorney representing any person in any proceeding for commitment under this title shall, prior to such proceeding, personally consult with such person.

Code 1950, § 19.1-239.1; 1966, c. 715; 1975, c. 495; 1991, c. 427; 2016, c. 474.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11 (PROCEEDINGS ON QUESTION OF INSANITY)
§ 19.2-182.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1982, c. 653.
Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11.1 (Disposition of Persons Acquitted by Reason of Insanity)
§ 19.2-182.10. Release of person whose conditional release was revoked.
If an acquittee is returned to the custody of the Commissioner for inpatient treatment pursuant to revocation proceedings, and his condition improves to the degree that, within 60 days of resumption of custody following the hearing, the acquittee, in the opinion of hospital staff treating the acquittee and the supervising community services board or behavioral health authority, is an appropriate candidate for conditional release, he may be, with the approval of the court, conditionally released as if revocation had not taken place. If treatment is required for longer than 60 days, the acquittee shall be returned to the custody of the Commissioner for a period of hospitalization and treatment which is governed by the provisions of this chapter applicable to committed acquittees.

1991, c. 427; 1993, c. 295; 2006, cc. 199, 225; 2007, cc. 485, 565.

Code of Virginia — Title 19.2 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 11.1 (Disposition of Persons Acquitted by Reason of Insanity)
§ 19.2-182.11. Modification or removal of conditions; notice; objections; review.
A. The committing court may modify conditions of release or remove conditions placed on release pursuant to § 19.2-182.7, upon petition of the supervising community services board or behavioral health authority, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the acquittee or upon its own motion based on reports of the supervising community services board or behavioral health authority. However, the acquittee may petition only annually commencing six months after the conditional release order is issued. Upon petition, the court shall require the supervising community services board or behavioral health authority to provide a report on the acquittee's progress while on conditional release.

B. As it deems appropriate based on the community services board's or behavioral health authority's report and any other evidence provided to it, the court may issue a proposed order for modification or removal of conditions. The court shall provide notice of the order, and their right to object to it within ten days of its issuance, to the acquittee, the supervising community services board or behavioral health authority and the attorney for the Commonwealth for the committing jurisdiction and for the jurisdiction where the acquittee is residing on conditional release. The proposed order shall become final if no objection is filed within ten days of its issuance. If an objection is so filed, the court shall conduct a hearing at which the acquittee, the attorney for the Commonwealth, and the supervising community services board or behavioral health authority have an opportunity to present evidence challenging the proposed order. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court shall issue an order specifying conditions of release or removing existing conditions of release.

1991, c. 427; 2007, cc. 485, 565.