Virginia Code § 19.2-119 provides definitions related to criminal procedure, including terms like bail, bond, criminal history, judicial officer, person, and recognizance. These definitions clarify the legal language used in the chapter concerning pretrial release and court obligations. Understanding these terms is essential for navigating Virginia's criminal justice processes.
Bail refers to the pretrial release of a person from custody under specific terms set by a judicial officer.
A judicial officer includes magistrates, judges of district and circuit courts, Court of Appeals judges, and Supreme Court justices in Virginia.
Recognizance is a signed commitment by a person to appear in court and follow any conditions set by a judicial officer.
It includes records of arrests, detentions, indictments, charges, and related depositions collected by criminal justice agencies.