Virginia law allows courts to pay for the legal expenses of indigent defendants appealing their criminal cases, with the possibility of reimbursement if the conviction is upheld. The law specifies the minimum amounts for attorney fees and expenses that the court may order the Commonwealth to cover. Additionally, it details how appellate court judgments are certified and entered into the record.
Indigent defendants who cannot afford attorney fees, costs, and expenses related to their appeal, as certified by the court.
The court can order payment of at least $300 for attorney fees, costs, and necessary expenses.
Yes, if the conviction is upheld on appeal, the defendant may be assessed for the attorney fees, costs, and expenses paid by the Commonwealth.
Judgments are certified to the lower court and entered into its order book as the court's official judgment.