HB51: Deferred disposition; trial court shall announce judgment within 72 hours of guilt phase of trial.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 19.2-298.02 as follows:
§ 19.2-298.02. Deferred disposition in a criminal case.
Except as otherwise provided law, a trial court presiding in a criminal case shall, unless all parties agree to a waiver of the requirement, either announce a judgment of conviction or acquittal in the presence of all parties or enter a written order of conviction or acquittal to be supplied to all parties (i) within 72 hours of entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by the defendant; (ii) in a jury trial, within 72 hours of the return of a jury verdict in the guilt phase; or (iii) in a bench trial, within 72 hours of the conclusion of the presentation of evidence and argument by the parties. Upon its announcement of, or entry of a written order of, conviction, the court shall make prompt arrangements to proceed to sentencing.
If circumstances exist that render the court unable to comply with the 72-hour deadline or that justify further consideration of a material matter, the court may, upon notice to all parties, delay announcement of the verdict or entry of the written order for 21 additional days.
If the court declares a mistrial and a new trial is permissible, the court shall arrange for a new trial without undue delay.