Virginia law requires courts to condition suspended sentences on individuals found guilty of drug-related offenses to undergo substance abuse screening, testing, and treatment or education. The law specifies that testing costs are covered by the Commonwealth and that treatment must be provided by licensed or approved programs. Courts consider the substance abuse assessment when ordering appropriate treatment or education programs, especially for longer sentences.
The court requires the individual to undergo substance abuse screening, testing, and participate in treatment or education programs as a condition of the suspended sentence.
The costs for testing ordered by the court are paid by the Commonwealth and included as part of the proceedings' costs.
Treatment must be provided by licensed programs approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, or similar programs available through the Department of Corrections or local agencies.
Yes, the court can order treatment or education based on the substance abuse assessment, especially for longer sentences of one year or more.