8.01-538 - Attachment of ships, boats and other vessels of more than twenty tons. - Virginia Statutes

§ 8.01-538. Attachment of ships, boats and other vessels of more than twentytons.

No attachment against any ship, boat, or other vessel of more than twentytons, shall issue unless the plaintiff or someone in his behalf, shall firstestablish, to the satisfaction of the court in which he files his petitionfor attachment that he has a reasonable expectation of recovering an amountexclusive of all costs, equal to at least one-half the damages demanded inthe petition for attachment. Reasonable notice of appearance before the courtshall be given the owner, agent or master of said vessel, and at the time ofthe appearance the court shall determine the amount of such reasonableexpectation of recovery and the amount of bond necessary to secure therelease of the vessel if and when a writ be levied in accordance with thissection.

No attachment issued in violation of the provisions of this section shallcreate a valid lien upon the property sought to be attached, and no levy madeunder authority thereof shall be of any effect.

(Code 1950, § 8-524.1; 1954, c. 254; 1977, c. 617.)