Virginia law allows courts to discharge or supersede commitments and recognizances in assault and misdemeanor cases when the injured party acknowledges satisfaction. This process involves payment of costs and requires proper court orders to be filed and executed. The law aims to facilitate the resolution of certain criminal charges through civil acknowledgment and court approval.
Discharging a recognizance means releasing a person from court-ordered obligations after the injured party acknowledges satisfaction for the injury, often upon payment of costs.
Yes, if the victim acknowledges satisfaction in writing and the court approves, the court may discharge the recognizance or supersede the commitment.
The court must receive a written acknowledgment of satisfaction from the injured party, and the defendant must pay all costs accrued to the Commonwealth or officers.
The court files the order with the clerk, and if held under a commitment, the jailer discharges the individual, with costs judgment entered against the defendant.