Examen de Testigos y Derechos del Acusado en Virginia

Explicación Simple

Cuando alguien es acusado de un delito, un juez escucha a testigos que hablan a favor y en contra de esa persona. También, si no tiene dinero para un abogado, el juez le asigna uno para que lo ayude.

Es como cuando en una reunión familiar se discute si alguien rompió un jarrón. Todos tienen la oportunidad de contar su versión antes de que se tome una decisión.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan es acusado de robar en una tienda. En la audiencia, el juez escucha a los testigos que dicen que lo vieron y también a Juan, quien puede traer amigos que digan que estaba en otro lugar. Así, el juez decide qué es lo más justo.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

Va. Code § 19.2-183 - Examination of witnesses; assistance of counsel; evidentiary matters and remedies; power to adjourn case. A. The judge before whom any person is brought for an offense shall, as soon as may be practical, in the presence of such person, examine on oath the witnesses for and against him. Before conducting the hearing or accepting a waiver of the hearing, the judge shall advise the accused of his right to counsel and, if the accused is indigent and the offense charged be punishable by confinement in jail or the state correctional facility, the judge shall appoint counsel as provided by law. B. At the hearing the judge shall, in the presence of the accused, hear testimony presented for and against the accused in accordance with the rules of evidence applicable to criminal trials in this Commonwealth. In felony cases, the accused shall not be called upon to plead, but he may cross-examine any witness who testifies on behalf of the Commonwealth or on behalf of any other defendant, introduce witnesses in his own behalf, and testify in his own behalf. C. A judge may adjourn a trial, pending before him, not exceeding 10 days at one time, without the consent of the accused. D. At any preliminary hearing under this section, certificates of analysis and reports prepared pursuant to §§ 19.2-187 and 19.2-188 shall be admissible without the testimony of the person preparing such certificate or report. Code 1950, §§ 19.1-101, 19.1-102; 1960, c. 366; 1968, c. 639; 1973, c. 485; 1975, c. 495; 1982, c. 513; 2010, c. 555 . Va. Code § 19.2-183.1 - Joint preliminary hearings. Upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth, preliminary hearings for persons alleged to have participated in contemporaneous and related acts or occurrences or in a series of such acts or