Source: http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2008/sb244/fulltext/
Timestamp: 2013-05-25 01:31:56
Document Index: 739015568

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 3', '§ 19', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 19', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§\n55', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 15', '§ 37', '§\n37', '§ 16', '§ 32', '§ 32', '§ 9', '§ 15', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 2', '§ 20', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 18', '§ 16', '§ 18', '§ 16', '§ 3', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 55', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§\n8', '§ 8', '§ 32', '§ 32', '§ 9', '§ 15', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 2', '§ 20', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 16', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19']

Richmond Sunlight » SB244: Magistrates; reforms system by transferring appointment and supervisory responsibilities.
SB244: Magistrates; reforms system by transferring appointment and supervisory responsibilities.
SB244ESB244
SENATE BILL NO. 244 Senate Amendments in [ ] -- February 7, 2008
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 3.1-383, 3.1-796.93:1,
3.1-796.116, 3.1-796.126:10, 8.01-126, 8.01-537, 8.01-540, 15.2-1704,
15.2-1710, 16.1-135, 19.2-5, 19.2-34 through 19.2-39, 19.2-43, 19.2-44,
19.2-45, 19.2-46, 19.2-46.1, 19.2-48, 19.2-48.1, 19.2-77, 19.2-81.3, 19.2-119,
19.2-152.4:3, 20-70, 20-84, 27-32, 27-32.1, 27-32.2, 27-37.1, 37.2-808,
37.2-809, 37.2-1103, 37.2-1104, 43-29, 46.2-104, 49-6, 55-205, 55-230, 59.1-98,
and 59.1-106 of the Code of Virginia and to repeal §§ 19.2-30 and 19.2-41 of
the Code of Virginia, relating to magistrates.
Patrons Prior to Engrossment—Senators Howell, Edwards, Marsh
and Reynolds ----------
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice ----------
1. That §§ 3.1-383, 3.1-796.93:1, 3.1-796.116,
3.1-796.126:10, 8.01-126, 8.01-537, 8.01-540, 15.2-1704, 15.2-1710, 16.1-135,
19.2-5, 19.2-34 through 19.2-39, 19.2-43, 19.2-44, 19.2-45, 19.2-46, 19.2-46.1,
19.2-48, 19.2-48.1, 19.2-77, 19.2-81.3, 19.2-119, 19.2-152.4:3, 20-70, 20-84,
27-32, 27-32.1, 27-32.2, 27-37.1, 37.2-808, 37.2-809, 37.2-1103, 37.2-1104,
43-29, 46.2-104, 49-6, 55-205, 55-230, 59.1-98, and 59.1-106 of the Code of
§ 3.1-383. Food forbidden to be sold; seizure; prosecution and
punishment; inspection. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or to offer or
expose for sale for human food any article which has been prepared, handled or
kept where the sanitary conditions are such that the article is rendered unhealthy,
unwholesome, deleterious, or otherwise unfit for human food, or which consists
in whole or in part of diseased, filthy, decomposed or putrid animal or
vegetable matter. The Commissioner, his agents or assistants, and all peace and
health officers shall have the power and are required to seize any and all
articles which are offered or exposed for sale for human food, which have been
prepared, handled or kept where the sanitary conditions are such that the
article is rendered unhealthy, unwholesome, deleterious or otherwise unfit for
human food, or which consist in whole or in part of diseased, filthy,
decomposed or putrid animal or vegetable matter; and shall deliver present
the same forthwith to and before the nearest a
magistrate, or other officer authorized to issue such warrants, together with
all information obtained, and the magistrate or other officer shall, upon sworn
complaint being filed, issue a warrant, for the arrest of any person charged in
any such complaint with a violation of the provisions of this section,
returnable before the general district court, which shall proceed to try the
case. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than
$10 nor more than $100, and the article or articles of food in question shall
be destroyed. The Commissioner, his agents or assistants, and all peace and
health officers in the execution of the provisions of this section, shall have
full right to enter and inspect all places in which any articles of human food
are stored, offered or exposed for sale; and any person who shall hinder or
obstruct any of the officers in the discharge of the authority or duty imposed
by the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation of the same. § 3.1-796.93:1. Control of dangerous or vicious dogs;
penalties. A. As used in this section: "Dangerous dog" means a canine or canine crossbreed
that has bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury on a person or companion animal
that is a dog or cat, or killed a companion animal that is a dog or cat.
However, when a dog attacks or bites a companion animal that is a dog or cat,
the attacking or biting dog shall not be deemed dangerous (i) if no serious
physical injury as determined by a licensed veterinarian has occurred to the
dog or cat as a result of the attack or bite, (ii) if both animals are owned by
the same person, (iii) if such attack occurs on the property of the attacking
or biting dog's owner or custodian, or (iv) for other good cause as determined
by the court. No dog shall be found to be a dangerous dog as a result of
biting, attacking, or inflicting injury on a dog or cat while engaged with an
owner or custodian as part of lawful hunting or participating in an organized,
lawful dog handling event. "Vicious dog" means a canine or canine crossbreed
that has (i) killed a person; (ii) inflicted serious injury to a person,
including multiple bites, serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health,
or serious impairment of a bodily function; or (iii) continued to exhibit the
behavior that resulted in a previous finding by a court or, on or before July
1, 2006, by an animal control officer as authorized by local ordinance, that it
is a dangerous dog, provided that its owner has been given notice of that
finding. B. Any law-enforcement officer or animal control officer who
has reason to believe that a canine or canine crossbreed within his
jurisdiction is a dangerous dog or vicious dog shall apply to a magistrate of
serving the jurisdiction for the issuance of a summons requiring the
owner or custodian, if known, to appear before a general district court at a
specified time. The summons shall advise the owner of the nature of the
proceeding and the matters at issue. If a law-enforcement officer successfully
makes an application for the issuance of a summons, he shall contact the local
animal control officer and inform him of the location of the dog and the
relevant facts pertaining to his belief that the dog is dangerous or vicious.
The animal control officer shall confine the animal until such time as evidence
shall be heard and a verdict rendered. If the animal control officer determines
that the owner or custodian can confine the animal in a manner that protects
the public safety, he may permit the owner or custodian to confine the animal
until such time as evidence shall be heard and a verdict rendered. The court,
through its contempt powers, may compel the owner, custodian or harborer of the
animal to produce the animal. If, after hearing the evidence, the court finds
that the animal is a dangerous dog, the court shall order the animal's owner to
comply with the provisions of this section. If, after hearing the evidence, the
court finds that the animal is a vicious dog, the court shall order the animal
euthanized in accordance with the provisions of § 3.1-796.119. The procedure
for appeal and trial shall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors.
Trial by jury shall be as provided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260 et seq.) of Chapter
15 of Title 19.2. The Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a
reasonable doubt. C. No canine or canine crossbreed shall be found to be a
dangerous dog or vicious dog solely because it is a particular breed, nor is
the ownership of a particular breed of canine or canine crossbreed prohibited.
No animal shall be found to be a dangerous dog or vicious dog if the threat,
injury or damage was sustained by a person who was (i) committing, at the time,
a crime upon the premises occupied by the animal's owner or custodian, (ii)
committing, at the time, a willful trespass upon the premises occupied by the
animal's owner or custodian, or (iii) provoking, tormenting, or physically
abusing the animal, or can be shown to have repeatedly provoked, tormented,
abused, or assaulted the animal at other times. No police dog that was engaged
in the performance of its duties as such at the time of the acts complained of
shall be found to be a dangerous dog or a vicious dog. No animal that, at the time
of the acts complained of, was responding to pain or injury, or was protecting
itself, its kennel, its offspring, a person, or its owner's or custodian's
property, shall be found to be a dangerous dog or a vicious dog. D. If the owner of an animal found to be a dangerous dog is a
minor, the custodial parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for
complying with all requirements of this section. E. The owner of any animal found to be a dangerous dog shall,
within 10 days of such finding, obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate
from the local animal control officer or treasurer for a fee of $50, in
addition to other fees that may be authorized by law. The local animal control
officer or treasurer shall also provide the owner with a uniformly designed tag
that identifies the animal as a dangerous dog. The owner shall affix the tag to
the animal's collar and ensure that the animal wears the collar and tag at all
times. All certificates obtained pursuant to this subsection shall be renewed
annually for the same fee and in the same manner as the initial certificate was
obtained. The animal control officer shall provide a copy of the dangerous dog
registration certificate and verification of compliance to the State
Veterinarian. F. All dangerous dog registration certificates or renewals
thereof required to be obtained under this section shall only be issued to
persons 18 years of age or older who present satisfactory evidence (i) of the
animal's current rabies vaccination, if applicable, (ii) that the animal has
been neutered or spayed, and (iii) that the animal is and will be confined in a
proper enclosure or is and will be confined inside the owner's residence or is
and will be muzzled and confined in the owner's fenced-in yard until the proper
enclosure is constructed. In addition, owners who apply for certificates or
renewals thereof under this section shall not be issued a certificate or
renewal thereof unless they present satisfactory evidence that (i) their
residence is and will continue to be posted with clearly visible signs warning
both minors and adults of the presence of a dangerous dog on the property and
(ii) the animal has been permanently identified by means of a tattoo on the
inside thigh or by electronic implantation. All certificates or renewals
persons who present satisfactory evidence that the owner has liability
insurance coverage, to the value of at least $100,000, that covers animal
bites. The owner may obtain and maintain a bond in surety, in lieu of liability
insurance, to the value of at least $100,000. G. While on the property of its owner, an animal found to be a
dangerous dog shall be confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked
structure of sufficient height and design to prevent its escape or direct
contact with or entry by minors, adults, or other animals. The structure shall
be designed to provide the animal with shelter from the elements of nature.
When off its owner's property, an animal found to be a dangerous dog shall be
kept on a leash and muzzled in such a manner as not to cause injury to the
animal or interfere with the animal's vision or respiration, but so as to
prevent it from biting a person or another animal. H. The owner of any dog found to be dangerous shall register
the animal with the Commonwealth of Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry, as
established under § 3.1-796.93:3, within 45 days of such a finding by a court
of competent jurisdiction. The owner shall also cause the local animal control officer to
be promptly notified of (i) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all
owners; (ii) all of the means necessary to locate the owner and the dog at any
time; (iii) any complaints or incidents of attack by the dog upon any person or
cat or dog; (iv) any claims made or lawsuits brought as a result of any attack;
(v) tattoo or chip identification information or both; (vi) proof of insurance
or surety bond; and (vii) the death of the dog. I. After an animal has been found to be a dangerous dog, the
animal's owner shall immediately, upon learning of same, cause the local animal
control authority to be notified if the animal (i) is loose or unconfined; or
(ii) bites a person or attacks another animal; or (iii) is sold, given away, or
dies. Any owner of a dangerous dog who relocates to a new address shall, within
10 days of relocating, provide written notice to the appropriate local animal
control authority for the old address from which the animal has moved and the
new address to which the animal has been moved. J. Any owner or custodian of a canine or canine crossbreed or
other animal is guilty of a: 1. Class 2 misdemeanor if the canine or canine crossbreed
previously declared a dangerous dog pursuant to this section, when such
declaration arose out of a separate and distinct incident, attacks and injures
or kills a cat or dog that is a companion animal belonging to another person; 2. Class 1 misdemeanor if the canine or canine crossbreed
declaration arose out of a separate and distinct incident, bites a human being
or attacks a human being causing bodily injury; or 3. Class 6 felony if any owner or custodian whose willful act
or omission in the care, control, or containment of a canine, canine
crossbreed, or other animal is so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a
reckless disregard for human life, and is the proximate cause of such dog or
other animal attacking and causing serious bodily injury to any person. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any
animal that, at the time of the acts complained of, was responding to pain or
injury, or was protecting itself, its kennel, its offspring, a person, or its
owner's or custodian's property, or when the animal is a police dog that is
engaged in the performance of its duties at the time of the attack. K. The owner of any animal that has been found to be a
dangerous dog who willfully fails to comply with the requirements of this
section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. L. All fees collected pursuant to this section, less the costs
incurred by the animal control authority in producing and distributing the
certificates and tags required by this section, shall be paid into a special
dedicated fund in the treasury of the locality for the purpose of paying the
expenses of any training course required under § 3.1-796.104:1. M. The governing body of any locality may enact an ordinance
parallel to this statute regulating dangerous and vicious dogs; provided,
however, that no locality may impose a felony penalty for violation of such
local ordinances. § 3.1-796.116. Dogs killing, injuring or chasing livestock or
poultry. It shall be the duty of any animal control officer or other
officer who may find a dog in the act of killing or injuring livestock or
poultry to kill such dog forthwith whether such dog bears a tag or not. Any
person finding a dog committing any of the depredations mentioned in this
section shall have the right to kill such dog on sight as shall any owner of
livestock or his agent finding a dog chasing livestock on land utilized by the
livestock when the circumstances show that such chasing is harmful to the
livestock. Any court shall have the power to order the animal control officer or
other officer to kill any dog known to be a confirmed livestock or poultry
killer, and any dog killing poultry for the third time shall be considered a
confirmed poultry killer. The court, through its contempt powers, may compel
the owner, custodian, or harborer of the dog to produce the dog. Any animal control officer who has reason to believe that any
dog is killing livestock or poultry shall be empowered to seize such dog solely
for the purpose of examining such dog in order to determine whether it committed
any of the depredations mentioned herein. Any animal control officer or other
person who has reason to believe that any dog is killing livestock, or
committing any of the depredations mentioned in this section, shall apply to a
magistrate of serving the county, city or town wherein such dog
may be, who shall issue a warrant requiring the owner or custodian, if known,
to appear before a general district court at a time and place named therein, at
which time evidence shall be heard. If it shall appear that the dog is a
livestock killer, or has committed any of the depredations mentioned in this
section, the district court shall order that the dog be (i) killed immediately
by the animal control officer or other officer designated by the court or (ii) removed
to another state which does not border on the Commonwealth and prohibited from
returning to the Commonwealth. Any dog ordered removed from the Commonwealth
which is later found in the Commonwealth shall be ordered by a court to be
killed immediately. § 3.1-796.126:10. Hybrid canines killing, injuring or chasing
livestock. It shall be the duty of any animal control officer or other
officer who may find a hybrid canine in the act of killing or injuring
livestock or poultry to kill such hybrid canine forthwith, whether such hybrid
canine bears a tag or not. Any person finding a hybrid canine committing any of
the depredations mentioned in this section shall have the right to kill such
hybrid canine on sight as shall any owner of livestock or his agent finding a
hybrid canine chasing livestock on land lawfully utilized by the livestock when
the circumstances show that such chasing is harmful to the livestock. Any court
shall have the power to order the animal control officer or other officer to
kill any hybrid canine known to be a confirmed livestock or poultry killer, and
any hybrid canine killing poultry for the third time shall be considered a
the owner, custodian, or harborer of the hybrid canine to produce the hybrid
canine. Any animal control officer who has reason to believe that any
hybrid canine is killing livestock or poultry shall be empowered to seize such
hybrid canine solely for the purpose of examining such hybrid canine in order
to determine whether it committed any of the depredations mentioned herein. Any
animal control officer or other person who has reason to believe that any
hybrid canine is killing livestock, or committing any of the depredations
mentioned in this section, shall apply to a magistrate for serving the
county, city or town wherein such hybrid canine may be, who shall issue a
warrant requiring the owner or custodian, if known, to appear before a general
district court at a time and place named therein, at which time evidence shall
be heard. If it appears that the hybrid canine is a livestock killer, or has
committed any of the depredations mentioned in this section, the district court
shall order that the hybrid canine be (i) killed immediately by the animal
control officer or other officer designated by the court or (ii) removed to
another state which does not border on the Commonwealth and prohibited from
returning to the Commonwealth. Any hybrid canine ordered removed from the
Commonwealth which is later found in the Commonwealth shall be ordered by a
court to be killed immediately. § 8.01-126. Summons for unlawful detainer issued by magistrate
or clerk or judge of a general district court. In any case when possession of any house, land or tenement is
unlawfully detained by the person in possession thereof, the landlord, his
agent, attorney, or other person, entitled to the possession may present to a
magistrate, or a clerk or judge of a general district court a
statement under oath of the facts which authorize the removal of the tenant or
other person in possession, describing such premises; and thereupon such
magistrate, clerk or judge of a general district court shall issue his
summons against the person or persons named in such affidavit. The process
issued upon any such summons issued by a magistrate, clerk or judge may be
served as provided in §§ 8.01-293 and 8.01-296 or § 8.01-299. When issued by a
magistrate it may be returned to and the case heard and determined by the judge
of a general district court. If the summons for unlawful detainer is filed to
terminate a tenancy pursuant to the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (§
55-248.2 et seq.), the initial hearing on such summons shall occur as soon as
practicable, but not more than twenty-one days from the date of filing. If the
case cannot be heard within twenty-one days from the date of filing, the
initial hearing shall be held as soon as practicable. If the plaintiff requests
that the initial hearing be set on a date later than twenty-one days from the
date of filing, the initial hearing shall be set on a date the plaintiff is
available that is also available for the court. Such summons shall be served at
least ten days before the return day thereof. § 8.01-537. Petition for attachment; costs, fees and taxes. A. Every attachment shall be commenced by a petition filed
before a judge, magistrate or clerk of a circuit or general district
court of, or magistrate serving, the county or city in which venue is
given by subdivision 11 of § 8.01-261. If it is sought to recover specific
personal property, the petition shall state (i) the kind, quantity, and
estimated fair market value thereof, (ii) the character of estate therein
claimed by the plaintiff, (iii) the plaintiff's claim with such certainty as
will give the adverse party reasonable notice of the true nature of the claim
and the particulars thereof and (iv) what sum, if any, the plaintiff claims he
is entitled to recover for its detention. If it is sought to recover a debt or
damages for a breach of contract, express or implied, or damages for a wrong,
the petition shall set forth (i) the plaintiff's claim with such certainty as
and the particulars thereof, (ii) a sum certain which, at the least, the
plaintiff is entitled to, or ought to recover, and (iii) if based on a contract
and if the claim is for a debt not then due and payable, at what time or times
the same will become due and payable. The petition shall also allege the
existence of one or more of the grounds mentioned in § 8.01-534, and shall set
forth specific facts in support of the allegation. The petition shall ask for
an attachment against the specific personal property mentioned in the petition,
or against the estate, real and personal, of one or more of the principal
defendants, or against the estate, real and personal, of one or more of the
principal defendants, or against both the specific personal property and the
estate of such defendants, real or personal. The petition shall state whether
the officer is requested to take possession of the attached tangible personal
property. The petition shall be sworn to by the plaintiff or his agent, or some
other person cognizant of the facts therein stated. B. The plaintiff praying for an attachment shall, at the time
that he files his petition, pay to the clerk of the court to which the return
is made the proper costs, fees and taxes, and in the event of his failure to do
so, the attachment shall not be issued. § 8.01-540. Issuance of attachment; against what attachment to
issue. A judge or magistrate of, or a magistrate serving,
the court in which a petition for attachment is filed shall make an ex parte
review of the petition. The judge or magistrate shall issue an attachment in
accordance with the prayer of the petition only upon a determination that (i)
there is reasonable cause to believe that grounds for attachment may exist and
(ii) the petition complies with §§ 8.01-534, 8.01-537 and 8.01-538. The judge
or magistrate may receive evidence only in the form of a sworn petition which
shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the court. If the plaintiff seeks
the recovery of specific personal property, the attachment may be (i) against
such property and against the principal defendant's estate for so much as is
sufficient to satisfy the probable damages for its detention or (ii) at the
option of the plaintiff, against the principal defendant's estate for the value
of the specific property and the damages for its detention. If the plaintiff
seeks to recover a debt or damages for the breach of a contract, express or
implied, or damages for a wrong, the attachment shall be against the principal
defendant's estate for the amount specified in the petition as that which the
plaintiff at the least is entitled to or ought to recover. If the attachment is issued by a magistrate, it shall be
returnable as prescribed by § 8.01-541. The magistrate shall promptly return to
the clerk's office of the court to which the attachment is returnable the
petition and the bond, if any, filed before him. The proceedings thereafter
shall be the same as if the attachment had been issued by a judge. § 15.2-1704. Powers and duties of police force. A. The police force of a locality is hereby invested with all
the power and authority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at
common law and is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, the
apprehension of criminals, the safeguard of life and property, the preservation
of peace and the enforcement of state and local laws, regulations, and
ordinances. B. A police officer has no authority in civil matters, except
(i) to execute and serve temporary detention and emergency custody orders and
any other powers granted to law-enforcement officers in § 37.2-808 or §
37.2-809, (ii) to serve an order of protection pursuant to §§ 16.1-253.1,
16.1-253.4 and 16.1-279.1, (iii) to execute all warrants or summons as may be
placed in his hands by any magistrate for serving the locality
and to make due return thereof, and (iv) to deliver, serve, execute, and
enforce orders of isolation and quarantine issued pursuant to §§ 32.1-48.09,
32.1-48.012, and 32.1-48.014 and to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce an
emergency custody order issued pursuant to § 32.1-48.02. A town police officer,
after receiving training under subdivision 8 of § 9.1-102, may, with the
concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make return
thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and the defendant can be found
within the corporate limits of the town. § 15.2-1710. Fees and other compensation. A police officer shall not receive any fee or other
compensation out of the state treasury or the treasury of a locality for any
service rendered under the provisions of this chapter other than the salary
paid him by the locality and a fee as a witness in cases arising under the
criminal laws of the Commonwealth. A police officer shall not receive any fee
as a witness in any case arising under the ordinances of his locality, nor for
attendance as a witness before any magistrate in serving his
locality. However, if it is necessary or expedient for him to travel beyond the
limits of the locality in his capacity as a police officer, he shall be entitled
to his actual expenses, as provided by law for other expenses in criminal
cases. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a
police officer of a locality from claiming and receiving any reward which may
be offered for the arrest and detention of any offender against the criminal
laws of this or any other state or nation. § 16.1-135. Bail and recognizance; papers filed with circuit
court. A person who has been convicted of an offense in a district
court and who has noted an appeal, either at the time judgment is rendered or
subsequent to its entry, shall be given credit for any bond that he may have
posted in the court from which he appeals and shall be treated in accordance
with the provisions of Article 1 (§ 19.2-119 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title
19.2. Any new bond which may be required for the release of such person pending
the appeal shall be given before the judge or the clerk of the district court
and treated in accordance with Article 1 of Chapter 9 of Title 19.2; however,
if the judge or clerk is not available to take the bond, the bond may be given
before a magistrate of serving the jurisdiction. Whenever an
appeal is taken and the ten-day period prescribed by § 16.1-133 has expired the
papers shall be promptly filed with the clerk of the circuit court. § 19.2-5. Meaning of certain terms. As used in this title, unless otherwise clearly indicated by
the context in which it appears: "Court" means any court vested with appropriate
jurisdiction under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth. "Judge" means any judge, associate judge or
substitute judge, or magistrate, of any court or any magistrate. "Court not of record," and "district
court" shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Chapter 4.1
(§ 16.1-69.1 et seq.) of Title 16.1. § 19.2-34. Number of magistrates. There shall be appointed for each judicial district as
many magistrates as are necessary for the effective administration of justice,
such magistrates and any other personnel in the office of the magistrates.
The positions of all employees of the magistrate system shall be authorized
by the Committee on District Courts established pursuant to § 16.1-69.33. § 19.2-35. Appointment; supervision generally. Magistrates and any other personnel in the office of the
magistrate shall be appointed by the chief judge of the circuit court having
jurisdiction within the district, in consultation with both the chief general
district court judge and the chief juvenile and domestic relations district
court judge of that districtExecutive Secretary of the Supreme Court of
Virginia [ in consultation with the chief judges of the
circuit courts having jurisdiction within the region ] . Each
magistrate shall be appointed to serve the entire judicial district for
which the appointment is madeone or more of the magisterial regions
created by the Executive Secretary. Each magisterial region shall be
comprised of one or more judicial districts. The chief circuit court
judgeExecutive Secretary shall have full supervisory authority over
the magistrates so appointed [ , but may delegate this authority to the chief
general district court judgeas set forth in § 19.2-43 ] . Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the only methods for the
selection of magistrates shall be as set out in this section. The chief circuit court judge, in consultation with both
the chief general district court judge and the chief juvenile and domestic
relations district court judge of that district, may also appoint so many
substitute magistrates as may be authorized by the Committee on District
Courts. The order of appointment of such substitute magistrate shall specify
the period such substitute magistrate shall serve and during this period such
substitute magistrate shall exercise all the powers enumerated in § 19.2-45 in
the judicial district for which the appointment is made. If a magistrate of any district is absent or unable through
sickness or other disability to perform his duties, the chief magistrate of
that district may call upon any off-duty magistrate of an adjoining district to
serve in a replacement capacity. When so designated, the replacement magistrate
shall have all the authority and power of a magistrate of that district. No person shall be appointed under this section until he has submitted
his fingerprints to be used for the conduct of a national criminal records
search and a Virginia criminal history records search. No person with a
criminal conviction for a felony shall be appointed as a magistrate. § 19.2-36. Chief magistrates. A. The chief judge of a circuit court, in
consultation with both the chief general district court judge and the chief
juvenile and domestic relations district court judge of that district,Executive
Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia may appoint a chief
magistratemagistrates, for the purpose of maintaining the
proper schedules, assisting in the training of the magistrates within
such judicial district and to bebeing responsible to the chief
circuit court judge Executive Secretary for the conduct of the
magistrates and to further assist the chief circuit court judgeOffice
of the Executive Secretary in the operation of the magistrate systemone
or more of the magisterial regions. The chief magistrate shall exercise
direct daily supervision over the magistrates within the district he
supervises and shall have the power to suspend without pay a magistrate
after consultation and with the concurrence of the chief circuit court judgeExecutive
Secretary. B. To be eligible for appointment as chief magistrate, a
person shall meet all of the qualifications of a magistrate under § 19.2-37 and
must be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar. His appointment as
chief magistrate shall terminate effective on the date on which his membership
in good standing ceases. The requirements of this subsection relating to
membership in the Virginia State Bar shall not apply to any person appointed as
a chief magistrate before July 1, 2008, who continues in that capacity without
§ 19.2-37. Magistrates; eligibility for appointment;
restrictions on activities. A. Any person who is a United States citizen and
resident of the Commonwealth may be appointed to the office of magistrate
under this title subject to the limitations of Chapter 28 (§ 2.2-2800 et seq.)
of Title 2.2 and of this section. B. Every person appointed as a magistrate on and after July
1, 2008, shall be required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited
institution of higher education. A person initially appointed as a magistrate
prior to July 1, 2008, who continues in office without a break in service is
not required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of
higher education [ on July 1, 2008. However, such magistrate shall be
required to make satisfactory progress toward such degree beginning in the
academic year following July 1, 2009, and shall be expected to obtain a
bachelor's degree on or before July 1, 2018, unless granted a
waiver by the Executive Secretary ] .
C. A person shall not be eligible for appointment
to the office of as a magistrate under the provisions of this
title: (a) if such person is not a law-enforcement officer; (b) if such
person or his spouse is not a clerk, deputy or assistant clerk, or
employee of any such clerk of a district or circuit court, provided that
the Committee on District Courts may authorize a magistrate to assist in the
district court clerk's office on a part-time basis; (c) if the appointment
does not create a parent-child, husband-wife, or brother-sister relationship
between a district court judge and such person serving within the same judicial
district; (c1) if the parent, child, spouse, or sibling of such person
is a district or circuit court judge in the magisterial region where he will
serve; or (d) if such person is not the chief executive officer, or
a member of the board of supervisors, town or city council, or other governing
body for any political subdivision of this the Commonwealth;
(d) if such person is a United States citizen and a resident of the judicial
district for which he is appointed to serve as magistrate or an adjoining
judicial district. Any magistrate serving in the City of Norfolk on July 1,
1996, shall be eligible for reappointment pursuant to this article regardless
of the judicial district of his residence. D. No magistrate shall issue any warrant or process in
complaint of his spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, parent-in-law,
child-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, nephew, niece,
uncle, aunt, first cousin, guardian or ward. The residence provisions
contained in this section shall not be a bar to the reappointment of any
magistrate in office on July 1, 1973, provided he is otherwise eligible to
serve under the provisions of this chapter.
E. A magistrate may not engage in any other activity for
financial gain during the hours that he is serving on duty as a magistrate. A
magistrate may not be employed outside his duty hours without the prior written
approval of the Executive Secretary.
F. A magistrate may not engage in the practice of law.
G. A magistrate who is designated as a marriage celebrant
under § 20-25 may not accept a fee, a gratuity, or any other thing of value for
exercise of authority as a marriage celebrant. § 19.2-38. Probationary period; compensation and benefits;
vacancies; revocation of appointment. Persons appointed as magistrates under the provisions of this
chapter shall serve for a term of four years. Such term shall commence upon
appointment and qualification, provided that any magistrate appointed for the
first time to any term commencing after July 1, 1980, at the pleasure of
the Executive Secretary. Upon appointment by the Executive Secretary, every
magistrate shall serve initially for a six-monthnine-month
probationary period during which the magistrate must complete the minimum
training program as established by the Committee on District Courts and
satisfactorily complete a certification examination. FailureAny
magistrate who fails to successfully pass the certification examination shall
preclude the magistrate from servingnot serve beyond the six-monthnine-month
probationary period. The probationary period described in this section shall
not apply to any magistrate serving on July 1, 2008, who has successfully
completed the minimum training program and passed the certification
examination, provided there is no break in service after July 1, 2008. Magistrates
shall be entitled to compensation and other benefits only from the time they
take office. Appointments made under the provisions of this chapter shall be
revocable at the pleasure of the chief circuit court judge. § 19.2-38.1. Training standards; training prerequisite to
reappointment; waiver. The Committee on District Courts shall establish minimum
training and certification standards for magistrates in accordance with
such rules and regulations as may be established by the Committee. Every
magistrate appointed to an original term commencing on or after July 1,
1980, shall comply with the minimum trainingthese standards established
by the Committee on District Courts and such magistrates mustshall
complete the minimum training standards as a prerequisite for continuing to
serve as magistrate beyond the six-monthnine-month probationary
period as established by § 19.2-38. All magistrates shall be required to
complete the minimum training standards prior to reappointment for a new term. The
Committee on District Courts upon request may waive any portion of the minimum
training standards for an individual magistrate. Every magistrate appointed to an original term commencing
on or after July 1, 1985, shall be required to have a high school diploma or
General Education Development Certificate. Every magistrate appointed to an original term commencing
on or after July 1, 1995, shall be required to have a bachelor's degree from an
accredited institution of higher learning or equivalent experience. § 19.2-39. Bond. Every magistrate appointed under the provisions of this
chapter shall enter into bond in the sum of $5,000, made payable to the
Commonwealth, before the a clerk of the a circuit
court which exercises jurisdiction over the political subdivision wherein
such magistrate shall serve, for the faithful performance of his duties.
The premium for such bond shall be paid by the Commonwealth. Provided, however,
that in lieu of specific bonds, the Committee on District Courts may in its
discretion procure faithful performance of duty blanket bonds for any or all
of the districts enumerated in § 16.1-69.6 covering all magistrates included
in such districts and for the penalty contained in this section, unless in
the discretion of the Committee, bonds with a larger penalty should be
obtained. Such blanket bonds shall be made payable to the Commonwealth and
shall cover all funds handled by a magistrate whether such funds belong to the
Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof. Provided further, that in
those instances where specific bonds for magistrates are in effect, the
Committee on District Courts may, whenever it deems it advisable, terminate
such specific bonds upon obtaining a blanket bond covering such magistrates
with appropriate refunds or credit being made for the unearned premiums on the
specific bonds terminated. A copy of any such blanket bond so procured shall be
filed with the State Comptroller and with the clerk of the respective circuit court
which exercises jurisdiction over the district wherein such magistrate shall
servecourts. The premiums for such blanket bonds shall be paid by
the Commonwealth. § 19.2-43. Duty of Executive Secretary of Supreme Court. It shall be the duty of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme
Court to assist the chief general district judges and general district
courts in the supervision and mandatory training of magistrates for which
purpose heexercise general supervisory power over the administration of
magistrates and [ promulgate such rules and regulations adopt
such policies ] as are deemed necessary to supplement
or clarify the provisions of this chapter with respect to such magistrates, to
include fixing the time and place such magistrates shall serve. The Executive
Secretary shall be authorized to conduct training sessions and
meetings for magistrates and provide information and materials for their use.
He may appoint one or more magistrates to assist him and, in addition, with
the approval of the Chief Justice, require annual reports to be filed by
the magistrates on their work as such, fees associated therewith and other
information pertinent to their office, on forms to be furnished by him. The
Executive Secretary may appoint and employ such personnel as are needed to
manage the magistrate system and carry out the duties and responsibilities
conferred upon the Executive Secretary by this chapter.
§ 19.2-44. Territorial jurisdiction. A magistrate shall be authorized to exercise the powers
conferred by this title only in the judicial districtmagisterial
region or regions for which he is appointed. However, a magistrate may
exercise these powers in a contiguous political subdivisionthroughout
the Commonwealth when so authorized by his appointing authority and the
chief circuit court judge of the district to which assistance is to be provided
the Executive Secretary upon a determination that such assistance is necessary.
§ 19.2-45. Powers enumerated. A magistrate shall have the following powers only: (1) To issue process of arrest in accord with the provisions
of §§ 19.2-71 to 19.2-82 of the Code; (2) To issue search warrants in accord with the provisions of
§§ 19.2-52 to 19.2-60 of the Code; (3) To admit to bail or commit to jail all persons charged
with offenses subject to the limitations of and in accord with general laws on
bail; (4) The same power to issue warrants and subpoenas within
such county or city as is conferred upon district courts. A copy of all
felony warrants issued at the request of a citizen shall be promptly delivered
to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the county or city in which the
warrant is returnable. Upon the request of the attorney for the
Commonwealth, a copy of any criminal misdemeanor warrant issued
at the request of a citizen shall be delivered to the attorney for the
Commonwealth for such county or city. All attachments, warrants and subpoenas
shall be returnable before a district court or any court of limited
jurisdiction continued in operation pursuant to § 16.1-70.1; (5) To issue civil warrants directed to the sheriff or
constable of the county or city wherein the defendant resides, together with a
copy thereof, requiring him to summon the person against whom the claim is, to
appear before a district court on a certain day, not exceeding thirty days from
the date thereof to answer such claim. If there be two or more defendants and
any defendant resides outside the jurisdiction in which the warrant is issued,
the summons for such defendant residing outside the jurisdiction may be
directed to the sheriff of the county or city of his residence, and such
warrant may be served and returned as provided in § 16.1-80; (6) To administer oaths and take acknowledgments; (7) To act as conservators of the peace; (8), (9) —Repealed.] (10) To perform such other acts or functions specifically
authorized by law. § 19.2-46. Compensation. The salaries of all magistrates shall be fixed and paid as
provided in § 19.2-46.1. The salaries referred to herein shall be in lieu of
all fees which may accrue to the recipient by virtue of his office. Each substitute magistrate shall receive for his services a
per diem compensation as may be established by the Committee on District
Courts. § 19.2-46.1. Salaries to be fixed by the Executive Secretary;
limitations; mileage allowance. Salaries of magistrates and any other personnel in the office
of the magistrate shall be fixed by the Committee on District Courts
established pursuant to § 16.1-69.33.Executive Secretary of the Supreme
Court. Such salaries shall be fixed by the Committee Executive
Secretary at least annually at such time as it he deems
proper and as soon as practicable thereafter certified to the Comptroller
and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. In addition to the salary authorized by this section, a
magistrate may be reimbursed by the county or city for reasonable mileage
expenses actually incurred in the performance of his duties. In determining the salary of any magistrate, the Committee Executive
Secretary shall consider the work load of and territory and population
served by the magistrate and such other factors it he deems
relevant. It may require of any magistrate or district judge information on
the operation of the office of the magistrate. The governing body of any county or city may add to the fixed
compensation of magistrates such amount as the governing body may appropriate
with the total amount not to exceed fifty percent of the amount paid by the
Commonwealth to magistrates provided such additional compensation was in
effect on June 30, 2008, for such magistrates and any magistrate receiving such
additional compensation continues in office without a break in service.
However, the total amount of additional compensation may not be increased after
June 30, 2008. No additional amount paid by a local governing body shall be
chargeable to the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, nor shall it remove
or supersede any authority, control or supervision of the Executive Secretary
or Committee on District Courts. § 19.2-48. Audits. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit the records of all
magistrates who serve in any county or city when auditing the records of
the district courts of such county or city or upon request of the chief
district judge of the district in which such county or city is located. § 19.2-48.1. Quarters for magistrates. A. Each county and city having a general district court or
juvenile and domestic relations district court and having one or more
magistrates appointed pursuant to Article 3 (§ 19.2-33 et seq.) of this
chapter,The counties and cities served by a magistrate or magistrates
shall provide suitable quarters for such magistrates, including a site for
any videoconferencing equipment necessary to provide remote access to such
magistrates. Insofar as possible, such quarters should be located in a
public facility and should be appropriate to conduct the affairs of a judicial
officer as well as provide convenient access to the public and law-enforcement
officers. The county or city shall also provide all furniture and other
equipment necessary for the efficient operation of the office. B. Wherever practical, the office of magistrate shall be
located at the county seat. However, offices may be located at other locations
in the county, or city adjacent thereto, whenever such additional offices are
necessary to effect the efficient administration of justice. § 19.2-77. Escape, flight and pursuit; arrest anywhere in Commonwealth.
Whenever a person in the custody of an officer shall escape or
whenever a person shall flee from an officer attempting to arrest him, such
officer, with or without a warrant, may pursue such person anywhere in the
Commonwealth and, when actually in close pursuit, may arrest him wherever he is
found. If the arrest is made in a county or city adjoining that from which the
accused fled, or in any area of the Commonwealth within one mile of the
boundary of the county or city from which he fled, the officer may forthwith
return the accused before the proper official of the county or city from which
he fled. If the arrest is made beyond the foregoing limits, the officer shall
proceed according to the provisions of § 19.2-76, and if such arrest is made without
a warrant, the officer shall procure a warrant from the magistrate of serving
the county or city wherein the arrest was made, charging the accused with
the offense committed in the county or city from which he fled. § 19.2-81.3. Arrest without a warrant authorized in cases of
assault and battery against a family or household member and stalking and for
violations of protective orders; procedure, etc. A. Any law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 19.2-81, may
arrest without a warrant for an alleged violation of §§ 18.2-57.2, 18.2-60.4 or
§ 16.1-253.2 regardless of whether such violation was committed in his
presence, if such arrest is based on probable cause or upon personal
observations or the reasonable complaint of a person who observed the alleged
offense or upon personal investigation. B. A law-enforcement officer having probable cause to believe
that a violation of § 18.2-57.2 or § 16.1-253.2 has occurred shall arrest and
take into custody the person he has probable cause to believe, based on the
totality of the circumstances, was the predominant physical aggressor unless
there are special circumstances which would dictate a course of action other
than an SENATE BILL NO. 244
Patrons-- Howell, Marsh and Reynolds
kept where the sanitary conditions are such that the article is rendered
unhealthy, unwholesome, deleterious, or otherwise unfit for human food, or
which consists in whole or in part of diseased, filthy, decomposed or putrid
animal or vegetable matter. The Commissioner, his agents or assistants, and all peace and
the same forthwith to and before the
nearest a magistrate, or other officer
authorized to issue such warrants, together with all information obtained, and
the magistrate or other officer shall, upon sworn complaint being filed, issue
a warrant, for the arrest of any person charged in any such complaint with a
violation of the provisions of this section, returnable before the general
district court, which shall proceed to try the case. Any person who shall
violate any of the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $100, and
the article or articles of food in question shall be destroyed. The Commissioner, his agents or assistants, and all peace and
jurisdiction is a dangerous dog or vicious dog shall apply to a magistrate of serving
the jurisdiction for the issuance of a summons requiring the owner
or custodian, if known, to appear before a general district court at a
animal control officer and inform him of the location of the dog and the relevant
facts pertaining to his belief that the dog is dangerous or vicious. The animal
control officer shall confine the animal until such time as evidence shall be
heard and a verdict rendered. If the animal control officer determines that the
owner or custodian can confine the animal in a manner that protects the public
safety, he may permit the owner or custodian to confine the animal until such
time as evidence shall be heard and a verdict rendered. The court, through its
contempt powers, may compel the owner, custodian or harborer of the animal to
produce the animal. If, after hearing the evidence, the court finds that the
animal is a dangerous dog, the court shall order the animal's owner to comply
with the provisions of this section. If, after hearing the evidence, the court
finds that the animal is a vicious dog, the court shall order the animal
shall be found to be a dangerous dog or a vicious dog. No animal that, at the
time of the acts complained of, was responding to pain or injury, or was
protecting itself, its kennel, its offspring, a person, or its owner's or
custodian's property, shall be found to be a dangerous dog or a vicious dog. D. If the owner of an animal found to be a dangerous dog is a
(ii) the animal has been permanently identified by means of a tattoo on the inside
thigh or by electronic implantation. All certificates or renewals thereof
required to be obtained under this section shall only be issued to persons who
present satisfactory evidence that the owner has liability insurance coverage,
to the value of at least $100,000, that covers animal bites. The owner may
obtain and maintain a bond in surety, in lieu of liability insurance, to the
value of at least $100,000. G. While on the property of its owner, an animal found to be a
livestock. Any court shall have the power to order the animal control officer
or other officer to kill any dog known to be a confirmed livestock or poultry
for the purpose of examining such dog in order to determine whether it
committed any of the depredations mentioned herein. Any animal control officer
or other person who has reason to believe that any dog is killing livestock, or
magistrate of serving the
county, city or town wherein such dog may be, who shall issue a warrant
requiring the owner or custodian, if known, to appear before a general district
court at a time and place named therein, at which time evidence shall be heard.
If it shall appear that the dog is a livestock killer, or has committed any of
the depredations mentioned in this section, the district court shall order that
the dog be (i) killed immediately by the animal control officer or other
officer designated by the court or (ii) removed to another state which does not
border on the Commonwealth and prohibited from returning to the Commonwealth.
Any dog ordered removed from the Commonwealth which is later found in the
Commonwealth shall be ordered by a court to be killed immediately. § 3.1-796.126:10. Hybrid canines killing, injuring or chasing
mentioned in this section, shall apply to a magistrate for serving
the county, city or town wherein such hybrid canine may be, who
shall issue a warrant requiring the owner or custodian, if known, to appear
before a general district court at a time and place named therein, at which
time evidence shall be heard. If it appears that the hybrid canine is a
section, the district court shall order that the hybrid canine be (i) killed
immediately by the animal control officer or other officer designated by the
court or (ii) removed to another state which does not border on the
Commonwealth and prohibited from returning to the Commonwealth. Any hybrid
canine ordered removed from the Commonwealth which is later found in the
Commonwealth shall be ordered by a court to be killed immediately. § 8.01-126. Summons for unlawful detainer issued by magistrate
magistrate, or a
clerk or judge of a general district court a statement under oath of the facts
which authorize the removal of the tenant or other person in possession,
describing such premises; and thereupon such magistrate, clerk or judge of a
general district court shall issue his summons against the person
or persons named in such affidavit. The process issued upon any such summons
issued by a magistrate, clerk or judge may be served as provided in §§ 8.01-293
and 8.01-296 or § 8.01-299. When issued by a magistrate it may be returned to
and the case heard and determined by the judge of a general district court. If
the summons for unlawful detainer is filed to terminate a tenancy pursuant to
the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (§ 55-248.2 et seq.), the initial
hearing on such summons shall occur as soon as practicable, but not more than
twenty-one days from the date of filing. If the case cannot be heard within
twenty-one days from the date of filing, the initial hearing shall be held as
soon as practicable. If the plaintiff requests that the initial hearing be set
on a date later than twenty-one days from the date of filing, the initial
hearing shall be set on a date the plaintiff is available that is also
available for the court. Such summons shall be served at least ten days before
the return day thereof. § 8.01-537. Petition for attachment; costs, fees and taxes. A. Every attachment shall be commenced by a petition filed
before a judge, magistrate or clerk of a circuit or
general district court of, or magistrate serving, the county or
city in which venue is given by subdivision 11 of § 8.01-261. If it is sought
to recover specific personal property, the petition shall state (i) the kind,
quantity, and estimated fair market value thereof, (ii) the character of estate
therein claimed by the plaintiff, (iii) the plaintiff's claim with such
certainty as will give the adverse party reasonable notice of the true nature
of the claim and the particulars thereof and (iv) what sum, if any, the
plaintiff claims he is entitled to recover for its detention. If it is sought
to recover a debt or damages for a breach of contract, express or implied, or
damages for a wrong, the petition shall set forth (i) the plaintiff's claim
with such certainty as will give the adverse party reasonable notice of the
true nature of the claim and the particulars thereof, (ii) a sum certain which,
at the least, the plaintiff is entitled to, or ought to recover, and (iii) if
based on a contract and if the claim is for a debt not then due and payable, at
what time or times the same will become due and payable. The petition shall
also allege the existence of one or more of the grounds mentioned in §
8.01-534, and shall set forth specific facts in support of the allegation. The
petition shall ask for an attachment against the specific personal property
mentioned in the petition, or against the estate, real and personal, of one or
more of the principal defendants, or against the estate, real and personal, of
one or more of the principal defendants, or against both the specific personal
property and the estate of such defendants, real or personal. The petition
shall state whether the officer is requested to take possession of the attached
tangible personal property. The petition shall be sworn to by the plaintiff or
his agent, or some other person cognizant of the facts therein stated. B. The plaintiff praying for an attachment shall, at the time
issue. A judge or magistrate of, or a magistrate
serving, the court in which a petition for attachment is filed
shall make an ex parte review of the petition. The judge or magistrate shall
issue an attachment in accordance with the prayer of the petition only upon a
determination that (i) there is reasonable cause to believe that grounds for
attachment may exist and (ii) the petition complies with §§ 8.01-534, 8.01-537
and 8.01-538. The judge or magistrate may receive evidence only in the form of
a sworn petition which shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the court.
If the plaintiff seeks the recovery of specific personal property, the
attachment may be (i) against such property and against the principal
defendant's estate for so much as is sufficient to satisfy the probable damages
for its detention or (ii) at the option of the plaintiff, against the principal
defendant's estate for the value of the specific property and the damages for
its detention. If the plaintiff seeks to recover a debt or damages for the
breach of a contract, express or implied, or damages for a wrong, the
attachment shall be against the principal defendant's estate for the amount
specified in the petition as that which the plaintiff at the least is entitled
to or ought to recover. If the attachment is issued by a magistrate, it shall be
placed in his hands by any magistrate for serving
the locality and to make due return thereof, and (iv) to deliver,
serve, execute, and enforce orders of isolation and quarantine issued pursuant
to §§ 32.1-48.09, 32.1-48.012, and 32.1-48.014 and to deliver, serve, execute,
and enforce an emergency custody order issued pursuant to § 32.1-48.02. A town
police officer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of § 9.1-102, may,
with the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make
return thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and the defendant can be
found within the corporate limits of the town. § 15.2-1710. Fees and other compensation. A police officer shall not receive any fee or other
attendance as a witness before any magistrate in serving
his locality. However, if it is necessary or expedient for him to
travel beyond the limits of the locality in his capacity as a police officer,
he shall be entitled to his actual expenses, as provided by law for other
expenses in criminal cases. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a
before a magistrate of serving the
jurisdiction. Whenever an appeal is taken and the ten-day period prescribed by
§ 16.1-133 has expired the papers shall be promptly filed with the clerk of the
circuit court. § 19.2-5. Meaning of certain terms. As used in this title, unless otherwise clearly indicated by
substitute judge, or magistrate, of any court or
any magistrate. "Court not of record," and "district
(§ 16.1-69.1 et seq.) of Title 16.1. § 19.2-34. Number of magistrates. There shall be appointed for each judicial
district as many magistrates as are necessary for the effective
administration of justice, such magistrates and any other personnel in the
office of the magistrates. The positions of all
employees of the magistrate system shall be authorized by the
Committee on District Courts established pursuant to § 16.1-69.33. § 19.2-35. Appointment; supervision generally. Magistrates and any other personnel in the office of the
magistrate shall be appointed by the chief judge of the
circuit court having jurisdiction within the district, in consultation with
both the chief general district court judge and the
chief juvenile and domestic relations district court judge of that districtExecutive
Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Each magistrate shall
be appointed to serve the entire judicial district for which the
appointment is madeone or more of the magisterial regions created by
the Executive Secretary. Each magisterial region
shall be comprised of one or more judicial districts. The chief
circuit court judgeExecutive Secretary shall have full
supervisory authority over the magistrates so appointed, but may delegate this
authority to the chief general district court judgeas set
forth in § 19.2-43. Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the only methods for the selection of magistrates shall be as
set out in this section. The chief circuit court judge, in consultation with
both the chief general district court judge and the chief juvenile and domestic
the judicial district for which the appointment is made. If a magistrate of any district is absent or unable
through sickness or other disability to perform his duties, the chief
magistrate of that district may call upon any off-duty magistrate of an
adjoining district to serve in a replacement capacity. When so designated, the
replacement magistrate shall have all the authority and power of a magistrate
of that district. No person shall be appointed under this section until he has
submitted his fingerprints to be used for the conduct of a national criminal
records search and a Virginia criminal history records search. No person with a
criminal conviction for a felony shall be appointed as a magistrate. § 19.2-36. Chief magistrates. A. The chief judge of a circuit
court, in consultation with both the chief general district court judge and the
chief juvenile and domestic relations district court judge of that district,Executive
Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia
may appoint a chief magistratemagistrates,
for the purpose of maintaining the proper schedules,
assisting in the training of the magistrates within such judicial
district and to bebeing
responsible to the chief circuit court judge
Executive Secretary for the conduct of
the magistrates and to further assist the chief circuit court
judgeOffice of the Executive Secretary
in the operation of the magistrate systemone or
more of the magisterial regions. The chief magistrate shall
exercise direct daily supervision over the magistrates within the district he
supervises and shall have the power to suspend without pay a
magistrate after consultation and with the concurrence of the chief
circuit court judgeExecutive Secretary. B. To be eligible for appointment as chief
magistrate, a person shall meet all of the qualifications of a magistrate under
§ 19.2-37 and must be a member in good standing of
the Virginia State Bar. His appointment as chief magistrate shall
terminate effective on the date on which his membership in good standing ceases.
The requirements of this subsection relating to membership in the Virginia
State Bar shall not apply to any person appointed as a chief magistrate before
July 1, 2008, who continues in that capacity without a break
restrictions on activities. A. Any person who is a United States
citizen and resident of the Commonwealth may be appointed to the
office of magistrate under this title subject to the limitations of Chapter 28
(§ 2.2-2800 et seq.) of Title 2.2 and of this section. B. Every person appointed as a magistrate on and
after July 1, 2008, shall be required to have a bachelor's degree from an
accredited institution of higher education. A
person initially appointed as a magistrate prior to July 1, 2008, who continues
in office without a break in service is not required to have a bachelor's
degree from an accredited institution of higher education on
July 1, 2008. However, such magistrate shall be required to make satisfactory
progress toward such degree beginning in the academic year following July 1,
2009, and shall be expected to obtain a bachelor's degree on or before July 1,
2018, unless granted a waiver by the Executive Secretary.
C. A person shall not be
eligible for appointment to the office of as a
magistrate under the provisions of this title: (a) if such person is not a
law-enforcement officer; (b) if such person or his spouse is not a
clerk, deputy or assistant clerk, or employee of any such clerk of a district or
circuit court, provided that the Committee on District Courts may
authorize a magistrate to assist in the district court clerk's office on a
part-time basis; (c) if the appointment does not create a parent-child,
husband-wife, or brother-sister relationship between a district court judge and
such person serving within the same judicial district; (c1) if
the parent, child, spouse, or sibling of such person is a district or circuit
court judge in the magisterial region where he will serve; or (d)
if such person is not the chief executive officer, or a
member of the board of supervisors, town or city council, or other governing
body for any political subdivision of this the
Commonwealth; (d) if such person is a United States citizen and
a resident of the judicial district for which he is appointed to serve as
magistrate or an adjoining judicial district. Any magistrate serving in the
City of Norfolk on July 1, 1996, shall be eligible for reappointment pursuant
to this article regardless of the judicial district of his residence.
D. No magistrate shall issue any
warrant or process in complaint of his spouse, child, grandchild, parent,
grandparent, parent-in-law, child-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law or
sister-in-law, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, first cousin, guardian or ward. The
residence provisions contained in this section shall not be a bar to the
reappointment of any magistrate in office on July 1, 1973, provided he is
otherwise eligible to serve under the provisions of this chapter.
E. A magistrate may not engage in any other
activity for financial gain during the hours that he is serving on duty as a
magistrate. A magistrate may not be
employed outside his duty hours without the prior written approval of the
F. A magistrate may
not engage in the practice of law.
G. A magistrate who is designated as a marriage
celebrant under § 20-25 may not accept a fee, a gratuity, or any
other thing of value for exercise of authority as a marriage celebrant.
§ 19.2-38. Probationary period; compensation and benefits;
chapter shall serve for a term of four years. Such
term shall commence upon appointment and qualification, provided that any
magistrate appointed for the first time to any term commencing after July 1,
1980, at the pleasure of the Executive Secretary. Upon
appointment by the Executive Secretary, every magistrate shall
serve initially for a six-monthnine-month
magistrate who fails to successfully pass the certification
examination shall preclude the magistrate from servingnot
serve beyond the six-monthnine-month
completed the minimum training program and passed the certification examination, provided
there is no break in service after July 1, 2008. Magistrates
take office. Appointments made under the provisions of this
chapter shall be revocable at the pleasure of the chief circuit court judge. § 19.2-38.1. Training standards; training prerequisite to
training and certification standards for
magistrates in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be established
by the Committee. Every magistrate appointed to an original
term commencing on or after July 1, 1980, shall comply with the
minimum trainingthese standards established by the
Committee on District Courts and such magistrates mustshall
serve as magistrate beyond the six-monthnine-month
probationary period as established by § 19.2-38. All magistrates shall be
required to complete the minimum training standards prior to reappointment for
a new term. The Committee on District Courts upon request may
waive any portion of the minimum training standards for an individual
magistrate. Every magistrate appointed to an original term
commencing on or after July 1, 1985, shall be required to have a high school
diploma or General Education Development Certificate. Every magistrate appointed to an original term
commencing on or after July 1, 1995, shall be required to have a bachelor's
degree from an accredited institution of higher learning or equivalent
experience. § 19.2-39. Bond. Every magistrate appointed under the provisions of this
court which exercises
jurisdiction over the political subdivision wherein such magistrate shall serve,
for the faithful performance of his duties. The premium for such bond shall be
paid by the Commonwealth. Provided, however, that in lieu of specific bonds,
the Committee on District Courts may in its discretion procure faithful
performance of duty blanket bonds for any or all of the
districts enumerated in § 16.1-69.6 covering all magistrates included
in such districts and for the penalty contained in this section,
unless in the discretion of the Committee, bonds with a larger penalty should
be obtained. Such blanket bonds shall be made payable to the Commonwealth and
servecourts. The premiums for such blanket
bonds shall be paid by the Commonwealth. § 19.2-43. Duty of Executive Secretary of Supreme Court. It shall be the duty of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme
Court to assist the chief general district judges and
general district courts in the supervision and mandatory training of
magistrates for which purpose heexercise general
supervisory power over the administration of magistrates and promulgate such
rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to supplement or clarify the provisions of
this chapter with respect to such magistrates, to include fixing the time and
place such magistrates shall serve. The Executive Secretary shall be
authorized to conduct training sessions and meetings for
magistrates and provide information and materials for their use. He may appoint
one or more magistrates to assist him and, in addition, with the approval of the
Chief Justice, require annual reports to be filed by the
magistrates on their work as such, fees associated therewith and other
Executive Secretary may appoint and employ such personnel as are needed to manage
the magistrate system and carry out the duties and responsibilities conferred
upon the Executive Secretary by this chapter.
§ 19.2-44. Territorial jurisdiction. A magistrate shall be authorized to exercise
the powers conferred by this title only in the judicial
districtmagisterial region or regions for
which he is appointed. However, a magistrate may exercise these powers in a
contiguous political subdivisionthroughout the
Commonwealth when so authorized by his appointing authority
and the chief circuit court judge of the district to which assistance is to be
Executive Secretary upon a determination that such assistance
is necessary. § 19.2-45. Powers enumerated. A magistrate shall have the following powers only: (1) To issue process of arrest in accord with the provisions
such county or city as is conferred upon district courts. A copy
of all felony warrants issued at the request
of a citizen shall be promptly delivered to the attorney for the Commonwealth
for the county or city in which the warrant is returnable. Upon
the request of the attorney for the Commonwealth, a copy of any criminal
misdemeanor warrant issued at the
request of a citizen shall be delivered to the attorney for the Commonwealth
for such county or city. All attachments, warrants and subpoenas shall be
returnable before a district court or any court of limited jurisdiction
continued in operation pursuant to § 16.1-70.1; (5) To issue civil warrants directed to the sheriff or
the summons for such defendant residing outside the jurisdiction may be directed
to the sheriff of the county or city of his residence, and such warrant may be
served and returned as provided in § 16.1-80; (6) To administer oaths and take acknowledgments; (7) To act as conservators of the peace; (8), (9) —Repealed.] (10) To perform such other acts or functions specifically
all fees which may accrue to the recipient by virtue of his office. Each substitute magistrate shall receive for his
services a per diem compensation as may be established by the Committee on
District Courts. § 19.2-46.1. Salaries to be fixed by the Executive Secretary;
of the magistrate shall be fixed by the Committee on District
Courts established pursuant to § 16.1-69.33.Executive
Secretary of the Supreme Court. Such salaries shall be fixed by
the Committee Executive Secretary at
least annually at such time as it he deems
proper and as soon as practicable thereafter certified to the Comptroller and
the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. In addition to the salary authorized by this
section, a magistrate may be reimbursed by the county or city for reasonable
mileage expenses actually incurred in the performance of his duties. In determining the salary of any magistrate, the Committee
Executive Secretary shall consider the
work load of and territory and population served by the magistrate and such
other factors it he deems
relevant. It may require of any magistrate or district judge
information on the operation of the office of the magistrate. The governing body of any county or city may add to the fixed
Commonwealth to magistrates provided such additional
compensation was in effect on June 30, 2008, for such magistrates and any
magistrate receiving such additional compensation continues in office without a
break in service. However, the total amount of additional compensation may not be
increased after June 30, 2008. No additional amount paid by a
local governing body shall be chargeable to the Executive Secretary of the
Supreme Court, nor shall it remove or supersede any authority, control or
supervision of the Executive Secretary or Committee on District Courts. § 19.2-48. Audits. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit the records of all
magistrates who serve in any county or city when auditing
the records of the district courts of such county or city or upon request of
the chief district judge of the district in which such county or city is
located. § 19.2-48.1. Quarters for magistrates. A. Each county and city having a general district
court or juvenile and domestic relations district court and having one or more
chapter,The counties and cities served by a magistrate or
magistrates shall provide suitable quarters for such magistrates,
including a site for any videoconferencing equipment necessary to provide
remote access to such magistrates. Insofar as possible, such
quarters should be located in a public facility and should be appropriate to
conduct the affairs of a judicial officer as well as provide convenient access
to the public and law-enforcement officers. The county or city shall also
provide all furniture and other equipment necessary for the efficient operation
of the office. B. Wherever practical, the office of magistrate shall be
necessary to effect the efficient administration of justice. § 19.2-77. Escape, flight and pursuit; arrest anywhere in
Commonwealth. Whenever a person in the custody of an officer shall escape or
proceed according to the provisions of § 19.2-76, and if such arrest is made
without a warrant, the officer shall procure a warrant from the magistrate of serving
the county or city wherein the arrest was made, charging the
accused with the offense committed in the county or city from which he fled. § 19.2-81.3. Arrest without a warrant authorized in cases of
than an arrest. The standards for determining who is the predominant physical
aggressor shall be based on the following considerations: (i) who was the first
aggressor, (ii) the protection of the health and safety of family and household
members, (
SB244.