Virginia Code §§ 19.2-183 and 19.2-183.1 outline procedures for examining witnesses, providing counsel, and handling preliminary hearings in criminal cases. The law emphasizes the judge's role in ensuring fair hearings, including advising defendants of their rights and appointing counsel for indigent defendants, and allows for limited trial adjournments. It also covers the admissibility of certain reports without witness testimony during preliminary hearings.
A defendant has the right to be advised of their right to counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to testify or present witnesses in their defense.
Yes, a judge may adjourn a trial for up to 10 days without the defendant's consent.
Yes, reports and certificates prepared under certain sections are admissible without the testimony of the person who prepared them.
If the accused is indigent and charged with an offense punishable by confinement, the judge shall appoint counsel to represent them.