Virginia Code § 19.2-368.19 provides key definitions related to criminal proceedings, including terms like 'defendant,' 'victim,' 'interested party,' and 'division.' These definitions clarify roles and parties involved in crime victim compensation and related legal processes.
A victim is someone who suffers personal, physical, mental, emotional, or financial loss directly caused by a crime, including family members like spouses or children.
A defendant is any person who pleads guilty, is convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a felony resulting in injury or death to another person.
Geistested parties include victims, defendants, their transferees of proceeds, contracting parties, prosecuting attorneys, and the Division of Crime Victims' Compensation.
They provide clarity on roles and parties involved in criminal cases and victim compensation processes, ensuring consistent legal interpretation.