Virginia Code § 19.2-299 outlines the circumstances under which probation officers are required to conduct investigations and prepare reports in certain criminal cases. These cases include specific misdemeanor and felony charges, particularly when defendants are found guilty or enter plea agreements, with provisions for court discretion and waivers.
Probation officers are required to investigate in cases involving certain misdemeanors like assault, stalking, sexual battery, and DUI, as well as some felony cases when there is a plea agreement or a guilty plea.
Yes, the court may waive the investigation requirement if both the defendant and the attorney for the Commonwealth agree to do so.
No, it specifically applies to certain misdemeanor and felony cases, particularly those involving specified charges and plea agreements.
Charges include assault and battery, stalking, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery, and driving while intoxicated, among others specified in the law.