{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-273.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-273.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-273.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-273.html"}],"law_id":84576,"edition_id":1,"section_id":84576,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-273","catch_line":"Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 16.1-164; 1956, c. 555; 1972, cc. 672, 835; 1973, c. 440; 1977, cc. 559, 627; 1993, c. 603; 1998, cc. 783, 840; 1999, cc. 350, 891, 913; 2000, cc. 1020, 1041; 2005, c. 843; 2007, c. 510; 2014, cc. 20, 249; 2020, cc. 1285, 1286; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.","full_text":"A\n\nWhen a juvenile and domestic relations district court or circuit court has adjudicated any case involving a child subject to the jurisdiction of the court hereunder, except for a traffic violation, a violation of the game and fish law, or a violation of any city ordinance regulating surfing or establishing curfew violations, the court before final disposition thereof may require an investigation, which (i) shall include a drug screening and (ii) may, and for the purposes of subdivision A 14 or 17 of § 16.1-278.8 shall, include a social history of the physical, mental, and social conditions, including an assessment of any affiliation with a criminal street gang as defined in § 18.2-46.1, and personality of the child and the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation of law. However, in the case of a juvenile adjudicated delinquent on the basis of an act committed on or after January 1, 2000, which would be (a) a felony if committed by an adult, or (b) a violation under Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) or Article 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and such offense would be punishable as a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor if committed by an adult, the court shall order the juvenile to undergo a drug screening. If the drug screening indicates that the juvenile has a substance abuse or dependence problem, an assessment shall be completed by a certified substance abuse counselor as defined in § 54.1-3500 employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice or by a locally operated court services unit or by an individual employed by or currently under contract to such agencies and who is specifically trained to conduct such assessments under the supervision of such counselor.B\n\nThe court also shall, on motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth with the consent of the victim, or may in its discretion, require the preparation of a victim impact statement in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-299.1 if the court determines that the victim may have suffered significant physical, psychological, or economic injury as a result of the violation of law.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":303101,"text":"When a juvenile and domestic relations district court or circuit court has adjudicated any case involving a child subject to the jurisdiction of the court hereunder, except for a traffic violation, a violation of the game and fish law, or a violation of any city ordinance regulating surfing or establishing curfew violations, the court before final disposition thereof may require an investigation, which (i) shall include a drug screening and (ii) may, and for the purposes of subdivision A 14 or 17 of § 16.1-278.8 shall, include a social history of the physical, mental, and social conditions, including an assessment of any affiliation with a criminal street gang as defined in § 18.2-46.1, and personality of the child and the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation of law. However, in the case of a juvenile adjudicated delinquent on the basis of an act committed on or after January 1, 2000, which would be (a) a felony if committed by an adult, or (b) a violation under Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) or Article 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and such offense would be punishable as a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor if committed by an adult, the court shall order the juvenile to undergo a drug screening. If the drug screening indicates that the juvenile has a substance abuse or dependence problem, an assessment shall be completed by a certified substance abuse counselor as defined in § 54.1-3500 employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice or by a locally operated court services unit or by an individual employed by or currently under contract to such agencies and who is specifically trained to conduct such assessments under the supervision of such counselor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":303102,"text":"The court also shall, on motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth with the consent of the victim, or may in its discretion, require the preparation of a victim impact statement in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-299.1 if the court determines that the victim may have suffered significant physical, psychological, or economic injury as a result of the violation of law.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13301,"edition_id":1,"name":"Adjudication","identifier":"8","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12701,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:36","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:36","permalink":{"id":161719,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13301,"identifier":"8","token":"16.1\/11\/8","url":"\/16.1\/11\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12701,"edition_id":1,"name":"Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160945,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12701,"identifier":"11","token":"16.1\/11","url":"\/16.1\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":84576,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-273","catch_line":"Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement","url":"\/16.1-273\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-273","metadata":false},{"id":56443,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-274","catch_line":"Time for filing of reports; copies furnished to attorneys; amended reports; fees","url":"\/16.1-274\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-274","metadata":false},{"id":66915,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-274.1","catch_line":"Admission of evidence of juvenile's age","url":"\/16.1-274.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-274.1","metadata":false},{"id":75959,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-274.2","catch_line":"Certain education records as evidence","url":"\/16.1-274.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-274.2","metadata":false},{"id":68027,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-275","catch_line":"Physical and mental examinations and treatment; nursing and medical care","url":"\/16.1-275\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-275","metadata":false},{"id":87109,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-276","catch_line":"Fees and travel expenses of witnesses","url":"\/16.1-276\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-276","metadata":false},{"id":64722,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-276.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-276.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-276.1","metadata":false},{"id":79168,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-276.2","catch_line":"Transportation orders in certain proceedings","url":"\/16.1-276.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-276.2","metadata":false},{"id":76333,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-276.3","catch_line":"Use of telephonic communication systems or electronic video and audio communication systems to conduct hearing","url":"\/16.1-276.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-276.3","metadata":false},{"id":82701,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-276.4","catch_line":"Use of restraints on juveniles in court prohibited; exceptions","url":"\/16.1-276.4\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-276.4","metadata":false},{"id":79123,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-277","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-277\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277","metadata":false},{"id":73490,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-277.01","catch_line":"Approval of entrustment agreement","url":"\/16.1-277.01\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277.01","metadata":false},{"id":73075,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-277.02","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2026) Petition for relief of care and custody","url":"\/16.1-277.02\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277.02","metadata":false},{"id":54290,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-277.1","catch_line":"Time limitation","url":"\/16.1-277.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277.1","metadata":false},{"id":75663,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-277.2","catch_line":"Rejection of plea agreement; recusal","url":"\/16.1-277.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277.2","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":56443,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-274","catch_line":"Time for filing of reports; copies furnished to attorneys; amended reports; fees","url":"\/16.1-274\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-274","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-273\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 12 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 555; in 1972, chapters 672 and 835; in 1973, chapter 440; in 1977, chapters 559 and 627; in 1993, chapter 603; in 1998, chapters 783<\/a> and 840<\/a>; in 1999, chapters 350<\/a>, 891<\/a>, and 913<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 1020<\/a> and 1041<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 843<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 510<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 20<\/a> and 249<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 1285<\/a> and 1286<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":55813,"section_number":"16.1-269.2","catch_line":"Admissibility of statement; investigation and report; bail","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-269.2\/"},{"id":56443,"section_number":"16.1-274","catch_line":"Time for filing of reports; copies furnished to attorneys; amended reports; fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-274\/"},{"id":80876,"section_number":"16.1-278.7","catch_line":"Commitment to Department of Juvenile Justice","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.7\/"},{"id":62824,"section_number":"16.1-278.8","catch_line":"Delinquent juveniles","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.8\/"},{"id":67041,"section_number":"16.1-278.8:01","catch_line":"Juveniles found delinquent of first drug offense; screening; assessment; drug tests; costs and fees; education or treatment programs","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.8_01\/"},{"id":81859,"section_number":"16.1-296","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of appeals; procedure","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-296\/"},{"id":56192,"section_number":"19.2-11.01","catch_line":"Crime victim and witness rights","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-11.01\/"},{"id":81089,"section_number":"19.2-389","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Dissemination of criminal history record information","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-389\/"},{"id":60447,"section_number":"22.1-288.2","catch_line":"Receipt, dissemination and maintenance of records of certain law-enforcement information","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-288.2\/"},{"id":67477,"section_number":"4.1-1105.1","catch_line":"Possession of marijuana or marijuana products unlawful in certain cases; venue; exceptions; penalties; treatment and education programs and services","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-1105.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":62824,"section_number":"16.1-278.8","catch_line":"Delinquent juveniles","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.8\/"},{"id":84070,"section_number":"18.2-247","catch_line":"Use of terms \"controlled substances,\" \"marijuana,\" \"Schedules I, II, III, IV, V, and VI,\" \"imitation controlled substance,\" and \"counterfeit controlled substance\" in Title 18.2","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-247\/"},{"id":54839,"section_number":"18.2-265.1","catch_line":"Definition","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-265.1\/"},{"id":86583,"section_number":"18.2-46.1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-46.1\/"},{"id":67741,"section_number":"19.2-299.1","catch_line":"When Victim Impact Statement required; contents; uses","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-299.1\/"},{"id":54880,"section_number":"54.1-3500","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3500\/"}],"permalink":{"id":161721,"object_type":"law","relational_id":84576,"identifier":"16.1-273","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-273","url":"\/16.1-273\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-273\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-273","dublin_core":{"Title":"Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-273","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> When a juvenile and domestic relations district court or circuit<\/span> court has adjudicated any case involving a child subject to the jurisdiction<\/span> of the court<\/span> hereunder, except for a traffic violation, a violation of the game and fish law<\/span>, or a violation of any city ordinance<\/span> regulating surfing or establishing curfew violations, the court<\/span> before final disposition<\/span> thereof may require an investigation, which (i) shall include a drug screening and (ii) may, and for the purposes of subdivision A 14 or 17 of § 16.1-278.8<\/a> shall, include a social history of the physical, mental, and social conditions, including an assessment of any affiliation with a criminal street gang as defined in § 18.2-46.1<\/a>, and personality of the child and the facts<\/span> and circumstances surrounding the violation of law<\/span>. However, in the case of a juvenile adjudicated delinquent on the basis of an act committed on or after January 1, 2000, which would be (a) a felony<\/span> if committed by an adult<\/span>, or (b) a violation under Article 1 (§ 18.2-247<\/a> et seq.) or Article 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and such offense<\/span> would be punishable as a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor<\/span> if committed by an adult<\/span>, the court<\/span> shall order<\/span> the juvenile to undergo a drug screening. If the drug screening indicates that the juvenile has a substance abuse or dependence problem, an assessment shall be completed by a certified substance abuse counselor as defined in § 54.1-3500<\/a> employed by the Department<\/span> of Juvenile Justice or by a locally operated court services unit or by an individual employed by or currently under contract<\/span> to such agencies and who is specifically trained to conduct such assessments under the supervision of such counselor. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The court<\/span> also shall, on motion<\/span> of the attorney for the Commonwealth with the consent of the victim, or may in its discretion, require the preparation of a victim impact statement in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-299.1<\/a> if the court<\/span> determines that the victim may have suffered significant physical, psychological, or economic injury as a result of the violation of law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOURT MAY REQUIRE INVESTIGATION OF SOCIAL HISTORY AND PREPARATION OF VICTIM\nIMPACT STATEMENT (\u00a7 16.1-273)\n\nA. When a juvenile and domestic relations district court or circuit court has\nadjudicated any case involving a child subject to the jurisdiction of the court\nhereunder, except for a traffic violation, a violation of the game and fish law,\nor a violation of any city ordinance regulating surfing or establishing curfew\nviolations, the court before final disposition thereof may require an\ninvestigation, which (i) shall include a drug screening and (ii) may, and for\nthe purposes of subdivision A 14 or 17 of § 16.1-278.8 shall, include a\nsocial history of the physical, mental, and social conditions, including an\nassessment of any affiliation with a criminal street gang as defined in §\n18.2-46.1, and personality of the child and the facts and circumstances\nsurrounding the violation of law. However, in the case of a juvenile adjudicated\ndelinquent on the basis of an act committed on or after January 1, 2000, which\nwould be (a) a felony if committed by an adult, or (b) a violation under Article\n1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) or Article 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1 et seq.) of\nChapter 7 of Title 18.2 and such offense would be punishable as a Class 1 or\nClass 2 misdemeanor if committed by an adult, the court shall order the juvenile\nto undergo a drug screening. If the drug screening indicates that the juvenile\nhas a substance abuse or dependence problem, an assessment shall be completed by\na certified substance abuse counselor as defined in § 54.1-3500 employed by\nthe Department of Juvenile Justice or by a locally operated court services unit\nor by an individual employed by or currently under contract to such agencies and\nwho is specifically trained to conduct such assessments under the supervision of\nsuch counselor.\n\nB. The court also shall, on motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth with the\nconsent of the victim, or may in its discretion, require the preparation of a\nvictim impact statement in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-299.1\nif the court determines that the victim may have suffered significant physical,\npsychological, or economic injury as a result of the violation of law.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 16.1-164; 1956, c. 555; 1972, cc. 672, 835; 1973, c. 440;\n1977, cc. 559, 627; 1993, c. 603; 1998, cc. 783, 840; 1999, cc. 350, 891, 913;\n2000, cc. 1020, 1041; 2005, c. 843; 2007, c. 510; 2014, cc. 20, 249; 2020, cc.\n1285, 1286; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}