Virginia law allows certain statements made by children in cases involving offenses against children to be admitted as evidence, considering factors like the child's age, maturity, and credibility. The law specifies procedures for offering such statements, including notification requirements and conditions for their admissibility, especially when the child is unavailable to testify. Additionally, convicted felons can testify in court, with their convictions affecting their credibility but not disqualifying them as witnesses.
A child's statement can be admitted if the child testifies or is declared unavailable, considering factors like age, maturity, credibility, and potential bias, with corroborative evidence if the child is unavailable.
The party intending to introduce the statement must notify the opposing party in writing at least 14 days before the proceeding and provide copies of the statement.
Yes, a person convicted of a felony or perjury can testify; however, their conviction may be used to assess their credibility, but it does not make them inadmissible as a witness.
No, the law states that the section does not limit the admission of statements under other hearsay exceptions or applicable rules of evidence.