Virginia law requires courts to order substance abuse screening and treatment for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses, provided they have no prior similar convictions. The law mandates periodic testing, including alcohol, with costs covered by the Commonwealth. Treatment must be provided by licensed programs or agencies appropriate to the sentence length and available resources.
Individuals convicted of violating drug laws in Virginia who have no prior similar convictions are subject to screening and testing as ordered by the court.
The costs for substance abuse testing ordered by the court are paid by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Treatment must be provided by licensed programs or agencies approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or similar entities, depending on the sentence length.
No, this law applies only to individuals who have not previously been convicted of drug-related offenses or had such proceedings dismissed.