19.2-270.1 - Use of photographs as evidence in certain larceny and burglary prosecutions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 19.2-270.1. Use of photographs as evidence in certain larceny and burglaryprosecutions.

In any prosecution for larceny under the provisions of §§ 18.2-95, 18.2-96 or§ 18.2-98, or for shoplifting under the provisions of § 18.2-103, or forburglary under the provisions of §§ 18.2-89, 18.2-90, 18.2-91 or § 18.2-92,photographs of the goods, merchandise, money or securities alleged to havebeen taken or converted shall be deemed competent evidence of such goods,merchandise, money or securities and shall be admissible in any proceeding,hearing or trial of the case to the same extent as if such goods,merchandise, money or securities had been introduced as evidence. Suchphotographs shall bear a written description of the goods, merchandise, moneyor securities alleged to have been taken or converted, the name of the ownerof such goods, merchandise, money or securities and the manner of theidentification of same by such owner, or the name of the place wherein thealleged offense occurred, the name of the accused, the name of the arrestingor investigating police officer or conservator of the peace, the date of thephotograph and the name of the photographer. Such writing shall be made underoath by the arresting or investigating police officer or conservator of thepeace, and the photographs identified by the signature of the photographer.Upon the filing of such photograph and writing with the police authority orcourt holding such goods and merchandise as evidence, such goods ormerchandise shall be returned to their owner, or the proprietor or manager ofthe store or establishment wherein the alleged offense occurred.

(1976, c. 577; 1985, c. 184; 1987, c. 493; 1995, c. 447.)