Code of Virginia § 19.2-157. Duty of court when accused appears without counsel.

122 words·~1 min read·/va/title-19-2/chapter-10/19-2-157

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Except as may otherwise be provided in §§ 16.1-266 through 16.1-268 , whenever a person charged with a criminal offense the penalty for which may be confinement in the state correctional facility or jail, including charges for revocation of suspension of imposition or execution of sentence or probation, appears before any court without being represented by counsel, the court shall inform him of his right to counsel. The accused shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to employ counsel or, if appropriate, the statement of indigence provided for in § 19.2-159 may be executed.

Code 1950, §§ 19.1-241.1, 19.1-241.7; 1964, c. 657; 1966, c. 460; 1973, c. 316; 1975, c. 495; 1978, c. 362; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 .