{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-277.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-277.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-277.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-277.1.html"}],"law_id":54290,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54290,"structure_id":13301,"section_number":"16.1-277.1","catch_line":"Time limitation","history":"1985, c. 260; 1988, c. 220; 1999, c. 58; 2009, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1, 4; 2020, cc. 987, 988.","full_text":"A\n\nWhen a child is held continuously in secure detention, he shall be released from confinement if there is no adjudicatory or transfer hearing conducted by the court for the matters upon which he was detained within twenty-one days from the date he was first detained.B\n\nIf a child is not held in secure detention or is released from same after having been confined, an adjudicatory or transfer hearing on the matters charged in the petition or petitions issued against him shall be conducted within 120 days from the date the petition or petitions are filed.C\n\nWhen a child is held in secure detention after the completion of his adjudicatory hearing or is detained when the juvenile court has retained jurisdiction as a result of a transfer hearing, he shall be released from such detention if the disposition hearing is not completed within thirty days from the date of the adjudicatory or transfer hearing.D\n\nThe time limitations provided for in this section shall be tolled during any period in which (i) the whereabouts of the child are unknown, (ii) the child has escaped from custody, (iii) the child has failed to appear pursuant to a court order, or (iv) a report is being prepared pursuant to the written request by the attorney for the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-269.1. The limitations also may be extended by the court for a reasonable period of time based upon good cause shown, provided that the basis for such extension is recorded in writing and filed among the papers of the proceedings. For the purposes of this section, good cause includes extension of limitations necessary to obtain the presence of a witness to testify regarding the results of scientific analyses or examinations and good cause shown by the director of the court services unit completing a report pursuant to subsection C of § 16.1-269.1 that additional time is needed for the completion of the report.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":199314,"text":"When a child is held continuously in secure detention, he shall be released from confinement if there is no adjudicatory or transfer hearing conducted by the court for the matters upon which he was detained within twenty-one days from the date he was first detained.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":199315,"text":"If a child is not held in secure detention or is released from same after having been confined, an adjudicatory or transfer hearing on the matters charged in the petition or petitions issued against him shall be conducted within 120 days from the date the petition or petitions are filed.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":199316,"text":"When a child is held in secure detention after the completion of his adjudicatory hearing or is detained when the juvenile court has retained jurisdiction as a result of a transfer hearing, he shall be released from such detention if the disposition hearing is not completed within thirty days from the date of the adjudicatory or transfer hearing.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":199317,"text":"The time limitations provided for in this section shall be tolled during any period in which (i) the whereabouts of the child are unknown, (ii) the child has escaped from custody, (iii) the child has failed to appear pursuant to a court order, or (iv) a report is being prepared pursuant to the written request by the attorney for the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-269.1. The limitations also may be extended by the court for a reasonable period of time based upon good cause shown, provided that the basis for such extension is recorded in writing and filed among the papers of the proceedings. For the purposes of this section, good cause includes extension of limitations necessary to obtain the presence of a witness to testify regarding the results of scientific analyses or examinations and good cause shown by the director of the court services unit completing a report pursuant to subsection C of § 16.1-269.1 that additional time is needed for the completion of the report.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"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}],"previous_section":{"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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-277.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1985. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 260 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1985 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 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 1988, chapter 220; in 1999, chapter 58<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 987<\/a> and 988<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":66829,"section_number":"16.1-269.1","catch_line":"Trial in circuit court; preliminary hearing; direct indictment; remand","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-269.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":161773,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54290,"identifier":"16.1-277.1","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277.1","url":"\/16.1-277.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-277.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/8\/16.1-277.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Time limitation","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-277.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> When a child is held continuously in secure detention, he shall be released from confinement if there is no adjudicatory or transfer hearing<\/span> conducted by the court<\/span> for the matters upon which he was detained within twenty-one days from the date he was first detained. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> If a child is not held in secure detention or is released from same after having been confined, an adjudicatory or transfer hearing<\/span> on the matters charged in the petition<\/span> or petitions<\/span> issued against him shall be conducted within 120 days from the date the petition<\/span> or petitions<\/span> are filed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> When a child is held in secure detention after the completion of his adjudicatory hearing<\/span> or is detained when the juvenile court<\/span> has retained jurisdiction<\/span> as a result of a transfer hearing<\/span>, he shall be released from such detention if the disposition<\/span> hearing<\/span> is not completed within thirty days from the date of the adjudicatory or transfer hearing<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The time limitations provided for in this section shall be tolled during any period in which (i) the whereabouts of the child are unknown, (ii) the child has escaped from custody<\/span>, (iii) the child has failed to appear pursuant to a court order<\/span>, or (iv) a report is being prepared pursuant to the written request by the attorney for the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-269.1<\/a>. The limitations also may be extended by the court<\/span> for a reasonable period of time based upon good cause shown, provided that the basis for such extension is recorded in writing and filed among the papers of the proceedings. For the purposes of this section, good cause includes extension of limitations necessary to obtain the presence of a witness<\/span> to testify regarding the results of scientific analyses or examinations and good cause shown by the director<\/span> of the court<\/span> services unit completing a report pursuant to subsection C of § 16.1-269.1<\/a> that additional time is needed for the completion of the report. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTIME LIMITATION (\u00a7 16.1-277.1)\n\nA. When a child is held continuously in secure detention, he shall be released\nfrom confinement if there is no adjudicatory or transfer hearing conducted by\nthe court for the matters upon which he was detained within twenty-one days from\nthe date he was first detained.\n\nB. If a child is not held in secure detention or is released from same after\nhaving been confined, an adjudicatory or transfer hearing on the matters charged\nin the petition or petitions issued against him shall be conducted within 120\ndays from the date the petition or petitions are filed.\n\nC. When a child is held in secure detention after the completion of his\nadjudicatory hearing or is detained when the juvenile court has retained\njurisdiction as a result of a transfer hearing, he shall be released from such\ndetention if the disposition hearing is not completed within thirty days from\nthe date of the adjudicatory or transfer hearing.\n\nD. The time limitations provided for in this section shall be tolled during any\nperiod in which (i) the whereabouts of the child are unknown, (ii) the child has\nescaped from custody, (iii) the child has failed to appear pursuant to a court\norder, or (iv) a report is being prepared pursuant to the written request by the\nattorney for the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection C of §\n16.1-269.1. The limitations also may be extended by the court for a reasonable\nperiod of time based upon good cause shown, provided that the basis for such\nextension is recorded in writing and filed among the papers of the proceedings.\nFor the purposes of this section, good cause includes extension of limitations\nnecessary to obtain the presence of a witness to testify regarding the results\nof scientific analyses or examinations and good cause shown by the director of\nthe court services unit completing a report pursuant to subsection C of §\n16.1-269.1 that additional time is needed for the completion of the report.\n\nHISTORY: 1985, c. 260; 1988, c. 220; 1999, c. 58; 2009, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1, 4;\n2020, cc. 987, 988.","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}}