19.2-265.01 - Victims, certain members of the family and support persons not to be excluded. - Virginia Statutes

§ 19.2-265.01. Victims, certain members of the family and support persons notto be excluded.

During the trial of every criminal case and in all court proceedingsattendant to trial, whether before, during or after trial, including anyproceedings occurring after an appeal by the defendant or the Commonwealth,at which attendance by the defendant is permitted, whether in a circuit ordistrict court, any victim as defined in § 19.2-11.01 may remain in thecourtroom and shall not be excluded unless the court determines, in itsdiscretion, the presence of the victim would impair the conduct of a fairtrial. In any case involving a minor victim, the court may permit an adultchosen by the minor to be present in the courtroom during any proceedings inaddition to or in lieu of the minor's parent or guardian.

The attorney for the Commonwealth shall give prior notice when practicable ofsuch trial and attendant proceedings and changes in the scheduling thereof toany known victim and to any known adult chosen in accordance with thissection by a minor victim, at the address or telephone number, or both,provided in writing by such person.

(1993, cc. 447, 452; 1994, cc. 361, 598; 1995, c. 687; 1996, c. 546; 1999, c.844; 2000, c. 339.)