Children; expands scope of rape shield statute to include prosecution for taking indecent liberties. (HB3085)

Introduced By

Del. Steve Shannon (D-Vienna)

Description

Admission of evidence; taking indecent liberties. Expands the scope of the rape shield statute to include prosecutions for taking indecent liberties with children under 18.2-370, 18.2-370.01, or 18.2-370.1. Currently, the statute only applies to prosecutions of criminal sexual assault under Article 7 ( 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2. This bill also adds 18.2-370.01 (taking indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 by a child over the age of 13 and under the age of 18 where the accused is five or more years older than the victim) to the list of offenses where the court may, on its own motion or at the request of the Commonwealth, the complaining witness, the accused or their counsel, exclude all persons from the courtroom during preliminary hearings except officers of the court and certain other persons whose presence the court finds is necessary and will not impair the conduct of a fair hearing. Read the Bill »

Status

04/04/2007: enacted

History