{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/19.2-295.3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/19.2-295.3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/19.2-295.3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/19.2-295.3.html"}],"law_id":65204,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65204,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295.3","catch_line":"Admission of victim impact testimony","history":"1998, c. 485; 2004, c. 310; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 43; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345.","full_text":"Whether by trial or upon a plea of guilty, upon a finding that the defendant is guilty of a felony, the court shall permit the victim, as defined in \u00a7 19.2-11.01, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth, to testify in the presence of the accused regarding the impact of the offense upon the victim. The court shall limit the victim’s testimony to the factors set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-299.1. In the case of trial by jury and when the accused has requested the jury to ascertain punishment as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-295, the court shall permit the victim to testify at the sentencing hearing conducted pursuant to \u00a7 19.2-295.1. In all other cases of trial by jury, the case of trial by the court, or the case of a guilty plea, the court shall permit the victim to testify before the court prior to the imposition of the sentence by the presiding judge.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":237138,"text":"Whether by trial or upon a plea of guilty, upon a finding that the defendant is guilty of a felony, the court shall permit the victim, as defined in \u00a7 19.2-11.01, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth, to testify in the presence of the accused regarding the impact of the offense upon the victim. The court shall limit the victim’s testimony to the factors set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-299.1. In the case of trial by jury and when the accused has requested the jury to ascertain punishment as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-295, the court shall permit the victim to testify at the sentencing hearing conducted pursuant to \u00a7 19.2-295.1. In all other cases of trial by jury, the case of trial by the court, or the case of a guilty plea, the court shall permit the victim to testify before the court prior to the imposition of the sentence by the presiding judge.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":14013,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14012,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:36","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:36","permalink":{"id":169443,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14013,"identifier":"1","token":"19.2\/18\/1","url":"\/19.2\/18\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14012,"edition_id":1,"name":"Sentence; Judgment; Execution of Sentence","identifier":"18","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12801,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:36","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:36","permalink":{"id":169441,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14012,"identifier":"18","token":"19.2\/18","url":"\/19.2\/18\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12801,"edition_id":1,"name":"Criminal Procedure","identifier":"19.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":168169,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12801,"identifier":"19.2","token":"19.2","url":"\/19.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":58209,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295","catch_line":"Ascertainment of punishment","url":"\/19.2-295\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295","metadata":false},{"id":67916,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295.1","catch_line":"Sentencing proceeding by the jury after conviction","url":"\/19.2-295.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.1","metadata":false},{"id":60349,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295.2","catch_line":"Probation of felons sentenced for offenses committed on and after January 1, 1995, and on and after July 1, 2000","url":"\/19.2-295.2\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.2","metadata":false},{"id":86676,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295.2:1","catch_line":"Postrelease incarceration of felons sentenced for certain offenses committed on or after July 1, 2006","url":"\/19.2-295.2_1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":65204,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295.3","catch_line":"Admission of victim impact testimony","url":"\/19.2-295.3\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.3","metadata":false},{"id":85451,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-296","catch_line":"Withdrawal of plea of guilty","url":"\/19.2-296\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-296","metadata":false},{"id":78707,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-297","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/19.2-297\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-297","metadata":false},{"id":56020,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-297.1","catch_line":"Sentence of person twice previously convicted of certain violent felonies","url":"\/19.2-297.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-297.1","metadata":false},{"id":74004,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-298","catch_line":"Pronouncement of sentence","url":"\/19.2-298\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-298","metadata":false},{"id":64383,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-298.01","catch_line":"Use of discretionary sentencing guidelines","url":"\/19.2-298.01\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-298.01","metadata":false},{"id":82939,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-298.02","catch_line":"Deferred disposition in a criminal case","url":"\/19.2-298.02\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-298.02","metadata":false},{"id":72885,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-298.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/19.2-298.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-298.1","metadata":false},{"id":75041,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-299","catch_line":"Investigations and reports by probation officers in certain cases","url":"\/19.2-299\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-299","metadata":false},{"id":67741,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-299.1","catch_line":"When Victim Impact Statement required; contents; uses","url":"\/19.2-299.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-299.1","metadata":false},{"id":71480,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-299.2","catch_line":"Alcohol and substance abuse screening and assessment for designated Class 1 misdemeanor convictions","url":"\/19.2-299.2\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-299.2","metadata":false},{"id":56093,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-299.3","catch_line":"Report of arrest and conviction of school employees by probation and parole officers for certain offenses","url":"\/19.2-299.3\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-299.3","metadata":false},{"id":64531,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-300","catch_line":"Deferring for mental examination sentence of person convicted of offense indicating sexual abnormality","url":"\/19.2-300\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-300","metadata":false},{"id":65087,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-301","catch_line":"Judge shall require examination under \u00a7 19.2-300; by whom made; report; expenses of psychiatrist","url":"\/19.2-301\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-301","metadata":false},{"id":59002,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-302","catch_line":"Construction and administration of \u00a7\u00a7 19.2-300 and 19.2-301","url":"\/19.2-302\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-302","metadata":false},{"id":63915,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303","catch_line":"Suspension or modification of sentence; probation; taking of fingerprints and blood, saliva, or tissue sample as condition of probation","url":"\/19.2-303\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303","metadata":false},{"id":64740,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.01","catch_line":"Reduction of sentence; substantial assistance to prosecution","url":"\/19.2-303.01\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.01","metadata":false},{"id":74000,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.02","catch_line":"Modification of conditions of suspended sentence or probation to require fingerprinting","url":"\/19.2-303.02\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.02","metadata":false},{"id":74432,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.1","catch_line":"Fixing period of suspension of sentence","url":"\/19.2-303.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.1","metadata":false},{"id":55101,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.2","catch_line":"Persons charged with first offense may be placed on probation","url":"\/19.2-303.2\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.2","metadata":false},{"id":70874,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.3","catch_line":"Sentence to local community-based probation services; services agency; requirements for participation; sentencing; and removal from probation; payment of costs towards supervision and services","url":"\/19.2-303.3\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.3","metadata":false},{"id":63262,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.4","catch_line":"Payment of costs when proceedings deferred and defendant placed on probation","url":"\/19.2-303.4\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.4","metadata":false},{"id":84397,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.5","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/19.2-303.5\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.5","metadata":false},{"id":73653,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-303.6","catch_line":"Deferred disposition in a criminal case; persons with autism or intellectual disabilities","url":"\/19.2-303.6\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-303.6","metadata":false},{"id":71283,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-304","catch_line":"Increasing or decreasing probation period and modification of conditions","url":"\/19.2-304\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-304","metadata":false},{"id":75628,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-305","catch_line":"Requiring fines, costs, restitution for damages, support, or community services from probationer","url":"\/19.2-305\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-305","metadata":false},{"id":82621,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-305.1","catch_line":"Restitution for property damage or loss; community service","url":"\/19.2-305.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-305.1","metadata":false},{"id":59341,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-305.2","catch_line":"Amount of restitution; enforcement","url":"\/19.2-305.2\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-305.2","metadata":false},{"id":64153,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-305.3","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/19.2-305.3\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-305.3","metadata":false},{"id":85689,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-305.4","catch_line":"When interest to be paid on award of restitution","url":"\/19.2-305.4\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-305.4","metadata":false},{"id":66441,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-306","catch_line":"Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation","url":"\/19.2-306\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-306","metadata":false},{"id":85808,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-306.1","catch_line":"Limitation on sentence upon revocation of suspension of sentence; exceptions","url":"\/19.2-306.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-306.1","metadata":false},{"id":85846,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-306.2","catch_line":"Use of sentencing revocation report and discretionary sentencing guidelines in cases of revocation of suspension of sentence and probation","url":"\/19.2-306.2\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-306.2","metadata":false},{"id":56424,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-307","catch_line":"Contents of judgment order","url":"\/19.2-307\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-307","metadata":false},{"id":78445,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-308","catch_line":"When two or more sentences run concurrently","url":"\/19.2-308\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-308","metadata":false},{"id":79069,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-308.1","catch_line":"When sentence may run concurrently with sentence in another jurisdiction","url":"\/19.2-308.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-308.1","metadata":false},{"id":86121,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-309","catch_line":"Sentence of confinement for conviction of a combination of felony and misdemeanor offenses","url":"\/19.2-309\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-309","metadata":false},{"id":63077,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-309.1","catch_line":"Sentence of confinement to jail farms maintained by the Cities of Danville, Martinsville and Newport News","url":"\/19.2-309.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-309.1","metadata":false},{"id":63650,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-310","catch_line":"Transfer of prisoners to custody of Director of Department of Corrections","url":"\/19.2-310\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-310","metadata":false},{"id":65167,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-310.01","catch_line":"Transmission of sentencing documents","url":"\/19.2-310.01\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-310.01","metadata":false},{"id":80141,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-310.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/19.2-310.1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-310.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":86676,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-295.2:1","catch_line":"Postrelease incarceration of felons sentenced for certain offenses committed on or after July 1, 2006","url":"\/19.2-295.2_1\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.2_1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":85451,"structure_id":14013,"section_number":"19.2-296","catch_line":"Withdrawal of plea of guilty","url":"\/19.2-296\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-296","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/19.2-295.3\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1998. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 485<\/a> 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. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 2004, chapter 310<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":56192,"section_number":"19.2-11.01","catch_line":"Crime victim and witness rights","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-11.01\/"},{"id":67916,"section_number":"19.2-295.1","catch_line":"Sentencing proceeding by the jury after conviction","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-295.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":56192,"section_number":"19.2-11.01","catch_line":"Crime victim and witness rights","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-11.01\/"},{"id":58209,"section_number":"19.2-295","catch_line":"Ascertainment of punishment","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-295\/"},{"id":67916,"section_number":"19.2-295.1","catch_line":"Sentencing proceeding by the jury after conviction","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-295.1\/"},{"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\/"}],"permalink":{"id":169461,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65204,"identifier":"19.2-295.3","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.3","url":"\/19.2-295.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/19.2-295.3\/","token":"19.2\/18\/1\/19.2-295.3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Admission of victim impact testimony","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 19.2-295.3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whether by trial<\/span> or upon a plea<\/span> of guilty, upon a finding<\/span> that the defendant<\/span> is guilty of a felony<\/span>, the court<\/span> shall permit the victim, as defined in \u00a7 19.2-11.01<\/a>, upon motion<\/span> of the attorney for the Commonwealth, to testify in the presence of the accused<\/span> regarding the impact of the offense<\/span> upon the victim. The court<\/span> shall limit the victim’s testimony<\/span> to the factors set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-299.1<\/a>. In the case of trial<\/span> by jury<\/span> and when the accused<\/span> has requested the jury<\/span> to ascertain punishment as provided in subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-295<\/a>, the court<\/span> shall permit the victim to testify at the sentencing hearing<\/span> conducted pursuant to \u00a7 19.2-295.1<\/a>. In all other cases of trial<\/span> by jury<\/span>, the case of trial<\/span> by the court<\/span>, or the case of a guilty plea<\/span>, the court<\/span> shall permit the victim to testify before the court<\/span> prior to the imposition of the sentence by the presiding judge<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nADMISSION OF VICTIM IMPACT TESTIMONY (\u00a7 19.2-295.3)\n\nWhether by trial or upon a plea of guilty, upon a finding that the defendant is\nguilty of a felony, the court shall permit the victim, as defined in \u00a7\n19.2-11.01, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth, to testify in the\npresence of the accused regarding the impact of the offense upon the victim. The\ncourt shall limit the victim’s testimony to the factors set forth in\nclauses (i) through (vi) of subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-299.1. In the case of trial\nby jury and when the accused has requested the jury to ascertain punishment as\nprovided in subsection A of \u00a7 19.2-295, the court shall permit the victim to\ntestify at the sentencing hearing conducted pursuant to \u00a7 19.2-295.1. In all\nother cases of trial by jury, the case of trial by the court, or the case of a\nguilty plea, the court shall permit the victim to testify before the court prior\nto the imposition of the sentence by the presiding judge.\n\nHISTORY: 1998, c. 485; 2004, c. 310; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 43; 2021, Sp. Sess.\nI, cc. 344, 345.","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}}