Virginia law § 19.2-175 outlines the compensation for court-appointed experts such as psychiatrists and psychologists. It specifies fee limits, conditions for state-employed experts, and reimbursement procedures for expert witnesses in criminal cases, excluding aggravated murder cases. The court determines fees based on Supreme Court guidelines, ensuring fair payment for professional services rendered.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, or other experts appointed by the court, whether or not they are regularly employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, are eligible for compensation.
The fee generally cannot exceed $1,200, except in aggravated murder cases, and includes additional mileage and per diem fees for court appearances.
No, state-employed experts are only paid for services outside their official duties and during nonstate hours, with approval from their employing agency.
The court determines the fee based on Supreme Court guidelines, and expenses must be itemized, sworn, and approved before payment from the state treasury.