Title 19.2. Criminal Procedure
Chapter 18. Sentence; Judgment; Execution of Sentence
This section has more than one version with varying effective dates. Scroll down to see all versions.
§ 19.2-295.3. (Effective until July 1, 2021) Admission of victim impact testimony.
Whether by trial or upon a plea of guilty, upon a finding that the defendant is guilty of a felony, the court shall permit the victim, as defined in § 19.2-11.01, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth, to testify in the presence of the accused regarding the impact of the offense upon the victim. The court shall limit the victim's testimony to the factors set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of subsection A of § 19.2-299.1. In the case of trial by jury, the court shall permit the victim to testify at the sentencing hearing conducted pursuant to § 19.2-295.1 or in the case of trial by the court or a guilty plea, the court shall permit the victim to testify before the court prior to the imposition of a sentence. Victim impact testimony in all capital murder cases shall be admitted in accordance with § 19.2-264.4.
§ 19.2-295.3. (Effective July 1, 2021) Admission of victim impact testimony.
Whether by trial or upon a plea of guilty, upon a finding that the defendant is guilty of a felony, the court shall permit the victim, as defined in § 19.2-11.01, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth, to testify in the presence of the accused regarding the impact of the offense upon the victim. The court shall limit the victim's testimony to the factors set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of subsection A of § 19.2-299.1. In the case of trial by jury and when the accused has requested the jury to ascertain punishment as provided in subsection A of § 19.2-295, the court shall permit the victim to testify at the sentencing hearing conducted pursuant to § 19.2-295.1. In all other cases of trial by jury, the case of trial by the court, or the case of a guilty plea, the court shall permit the victim to testify before the court prior to the imposition of the sentence by the presiding judge. Victim impact testimony in all capital murder cases shall be admitted in accordance with § 19.2-264.4.
