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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>62824</law_id><section_number>16.1-278.8</section_number><catch_line>Delinquent juveniles</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>16.1-260</reference><reference>16.1-272</reference><reference>16.1-273</reference><reference>16.1-275</reference><reference>16.1-278.11</reference><reference>16.1-278.7</reference><reference>16.1-278.9</reference><reference>16.1-281</reference><reference>16.1-284.1</reference><reference>16.1-286</reference><reference>16.1-291</reference><reference>16.1-292</reference><reference>16.1-293.1</reference><reference>16.1-296</reference><reference>16.1-298</reference><reference>16.1-299</reference><reference>16.1-309.1</reference><reference>16.1-330.1</reference><reference>16.1-69.48:1</reference><reference>17.1-275.1</reference><reference>17.1-275.2</reference><reference>17.1-275.7</reference><reference>18.2-119</reference><reference>18.2-266.1</reference><reference>18.2-64.1</reference><reference>19.2-303.4</reference><reference>19.2-335</reference><reference>19.2-336</reference><reference>4.1-1105.1</reference><reference>46.2-383</reference><reference>63.2-100</reference><reference>63.2-906</reference><reference>66-14</reference><reference>66-17</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="16.1">Courts Not of Record</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="11">Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts</unit><unit label="article" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="9">Disposition</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> If a juvenile is found to be delinquent, except where such <span class="dictionary">finding</span> involves a refusal to take a breath test in violation of &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="Implied consent to post-arrest testing to determine drug or alcohol content of blood" href="/18.2-268.2/">18.2-268.2</a> or a similar <span class="dictionary">ordinance</span>, the <span class="dictionary">juvenile court</span> or the <span class="dictionary">circuit</span> court may make any of the following <span class="dictionary">orders</span> of <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> for his supervision, care and rehabilitation: <a id="paragraph-229002" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Enter an <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Cooperation of certain agencies, officials, institutions and associations" href="/16.1-278/">16.1-278</a>; <a id="paragraph-229003" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Permit the juvenile to remain with his <span class="dictionary">parent</span>, subject to such conditions and limitations as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may <span class="dictionary">order</span> with respect to the juvenile and his <span class="dictionary">parent</span>; <a id="paragraph-229004" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> <span class="dictionary">Order</span> the <span class="dictionary">parent</span> of a juvenile living with him to participate in such programs, cooperate in such treatment or be subject to such conditions and limitations as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may <span class="dictionary">order</span> and as are designed for the rehabilitation of the juvenile and his <span class="dictionary">parent</span>; <a id="paragraph-229005" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> Defer <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> for a specific period of time established by <span class="dictionary">the court</span> with due regard for the gravity of the <span class="dictionary">offense</span> and the juvenile&#x2019;s history, after which time the charge may be dismissed by <span class="dictionary">the judge</span> if the juvenile exhibits good behavior during the period for which <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> is deferred; <a id="paragraph-229006" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> Without entering a <span class="dictionary">judgment</span> of guilty and with the consent of the juvenile and his attorney, defer <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> of the delinquency charge for a specific period of time established by <span class="dictionary">the court</span> with due regard for the gravity of the <span class="dictionary">offense</span> and the juvenile&#x2019;s history, and place the juvenile on <span class="dictionary">probation</span> under such conditions and limitations as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may prescribe. Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, <span class="dictionary">the court</span> shall discharge the juvenile and dismiss the proceedings against him. Discharge and <span class="dictionary">dismissal</span> under these provisions shall be without adjudication of guilt; <a id="paragraph-229007" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> <span class="dictionary">Order</span> the <span class="dictionary">parent</span> of a juvenile with whom the juvenile does not reside to participate in such programs, cooperate in such treatment or be subject to such conditions and limitations as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may <span class="dictionary">order</span> and as are designed for the rehabilitation of the juvenile where <span class="dictionary">the court</span> determines this participation to be in the best interest of the juvenile and other parties concerned and where <span class="dictionary">the court</span> determines it reasonable to expect the <span class="dictionary">parent</span> to be able to comply with such <span class="dictionary">order</span>; <a id="paragraph-229008" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> Place the juvenile on <span class="dictionary">probation</span> under such conditions and limitations as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may prescribe;
				7a. Place the juvenile on <span class="dictionary">probation</span> and <span class="dictionary">order</span> treatment for the abuse or dependence on alcohol or drugs in a program licensed by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for the treatment of juveniles for substance abuse provided that (i) the juvenile has received a substance abuse screening and assessment pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement" href="/16.1-273/">16.1-273</a> and that such assessment reasonably indicates that the commission of the <span class="dictionary">offense</span> was motivated by, or closely related to, the habitual use of alcohol or drugs and indicates that the juvenile is in need of treatment for this condition; (ii) the juvenile has not previously been and is not currently being adjudicated for a <span class="dictionary">violent juvenile felony</span>; and (iii) such facility is available. Upon the juvenile&#x2019;s withdrawal, removal, or refusal to comply with the conditions of participation in the program, he shall be brought before <span class="dictionary">the court</span> for a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> at which <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may impose any other <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> authorized by this section. <span class="dictionary">The court</span> shall review such placements at 30-day intervals; <a id="paragraph-229009" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A8" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> Impose a fine not to exceed $500 upon such juvenile; <a id="paragraph-229010" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A9" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> Suspend the motor vehicle and driver&#x2019;s license of such juvenile or impose a curfew on the juvenile as to the hours during which he may operate a motor vehicle. Any juvenile whose driver&#x2019;s license is suspended may be referred for an assessment and subsequent referral to appropriate services, upon such terms and conditions as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> may order. <span class="dictionary">The court</span>, in its discretion and upon a demonstration of hardship, may authorize the use of a restricted permit to operate a motor vehicle by any juvenile who enters such program for any of the purposes set forth in subsection E of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Probation, education, and rehabilitation of person charged or convicted; person convicted under law of another state or federal law" href="/18.2-271.1/">18.2-271.1</a> or for travel to and from school. The restricted permit shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of such subsection. However, only an abstract of the <span class="dictionary">court order</span> that identifies the juvenile and the conditions under which the restricted license is to be issued shall be sent to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Motor Vehicles.
				If a curfew is imposed, the juvenile shall surrender his driver&#x2019;s license, which shall be held in the physical <span class="dictionary">custody</span> of <span class="dictionary">the court</span> during any period of curfew restriction. <span class="dictionary">The court</span> shall send an abstract of any order issued under the provisions of this section to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Motor Vehicles, which shall preserve a record thereof. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 12 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="(Effective until July 1, 2026) Fingerprints and photographs of juveniles" href="/16.1-299/">16.1-299</a> et seq.) of this chapter or the provisions of Title 46.2, this record shall be available only to all <span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement officers, attorneys for the Commonwealth and <span class="dictionary">courts</span>. A copy of the <span class="dictionary">court order</span>, upon which shall be noted all curfew restrictions, shall be provided to the juvenile and shall contain such information regarding the juvenile as is reasonably necessary to identify him. The juvenile may operate a motor vehicle under the <span class="dictionary">court order</span> in accordance with its terms.
				Any juvenile who operates a motor vehicle in violation of any restrictions imposed pursuant to this section is guilty of a violation of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked" href="/46.2-301/">46.2-301</a>.
				The <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Motor Vehicles shall refuse to <span class="dictionary">issue</span> a driver&#x2019;s license to any juvenile denied a driver&#x2019;s license until such time as is stipulated in the <span class="dictionary">court order</span> or until notification by <span class="dictionary">the court</span> of withdrawal of the order imposing the curfew; <a id="paragraph-229011" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A10" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> Require the juvenile to make <span class="dictionary">restitution</span> or reparation to the <span class="dictionary">aggrieved party</span> or parties for actual <span class="dictionary">damages</span> or loss caused by the <span class="dictionary">offense</span> for which the juvenile was found to be delinquent; <a id="paragraph-229012" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A11" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> Require the juvenile to participate in a <span class="dictionary">public service project</span> under such conditions as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> prescribes; <a id="paragraph-229013" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A12" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> In case of traffic violations, impose only those penalties that are authorized to be imposed on <span class="dictionary">adults</span> for such violations. However, for those violations punishable by confinement if committed by an <span class="dictionary">adult</span>, confinement shall be imposed only as authorized by this title; <a id="paragraph-229014" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A13" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> Transfer <span class="dictionary">legal custody</span> to any of the following:
				a. A relative or other individual who, after study, is found by <span class="dictionary">the court</span> to be qualified to receive and care for the juvenile;
				b. A <span class="dictionary">child welfare agency</span>, private organization or facility that is licensed or otherwise authorized by <span class="dictionary">law</span> to receive and provide care for such juvenile. <span class="dictionary">The court</span> shall not transfer <span class="dictionary">legal custody</span> of a delinquent juvenile to an agency, organization or facility outside of the Commonwealth without the approval of the <span class="dictionary">Director</span>; or
				c. The local board of social services of the county or city in which <span class="dictionary">the court</span> has <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> or, at the discretion of <span class="dictionary">the court</span>, to the local board of the county or city in which the juvenile has residence if other than the county or city in which <span class="dictionary">the court</span> has <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span>. The board shall accept the juvenile for care and custody, provided that it has been given reasonable notice of the pendency of the case and an opportunity to be heard. However, in an emergency in the county or city in which <span class="dictionary">the court</span> has <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span>, such local board may be required to temporarily accept a juvenile for a period not to exceed 14 days without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard if <span class="dictionary">the judge</span> entering the placement order describes the emergency and the need for such temporary placement in the order. Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit the commitment of a juvenile to any local board of social services in the Commonwealth when such local board consents to the commitment. The board to which the juvenile is committed shall have the final authority to determine the appropriate placement for the juvenile. Nothing herein shall limit the authority of <span class="dictionary">the court</span> to review the child&#x2019;s status in foster care in accordance with subsection G of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Foster care plan" href="/16.1-281/">16.1-281</a> or to review the foster care plan through a <span class="dictionary">petition</span> filed pursuant to subsection A of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Foster care review" href="/16.1-282/">16.1-282</a>. Any order authorizing removal from the home and transferring <span class="dictionary">legal custody</span> of a juvenile to a local board of social services as provided in this subdivision shall be entered only upon a <span class="dictionary">finding</span> by <span class="dictionary">the court</span> that reasonable efforts have been made to prevent removal and that continued placement in the home would be contrary to the welfare of the juvenile, and the order shall so state; <a id="paragraph-229015" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A14" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> Unless waived by an agreement between the attorney for the Commonwealth and the juvenile and his attorney or other legal representative, upon consideration of the results of an investigation completed pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement" href="/16.1-273/">16.1-273</a>, commit the juvenile to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Juvenile Justice, but only if (i) he is 11 years of age or older and has been adjudicated delinquent of an act enumerated in subsection B or C of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Trial in circuit court; preliminary hearing; direct indictment; remand" href="/16.1-269.1/">16.1-269.1</a> or (ii) he is 14 years of age or older and the current <span class="dictionary">offense</span> is (a) an <span class="dictionary">offense</span> that would be a felony if committed by an <span class="dictionary">adult</span>, (b) an <span class="dictionary">offense</span> that would be a Class 1 <span class="dictionary">misdemeanor</span> if committed by an <span class="dictionary">adult</span> and the juvenile has previously been found to be delinquent based on an <span class="dictionary">offense</span> that would be a felony if committed by an <span class="dictionary">adult</span>, or (c) an <span class="dictionary">offense</span> that would be a Class 1 <span class="dictionary">misdemeanor</span> if committed by an <span class="dictionary">adult</span> and the juvenile has previously been adjudicated delinquent of three or more <span class="dictionary">offenses</span> that would be a Class 1 <span class="dictionary">misdemeanor</span> if committed by an <span class="dictionary">adult</span>, and each such <span class="dictionary">offense</span> was not a part of a common act, transaction or scheme; <a id="paragraph-229016" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A15" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> Impose the <span class="dictionary">penalty</span> authorized by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="When adult sentenced for juvenile offense" href="/16.1-284/">16.1-284</a>; <a id="paragraph-229017" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A16" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> Impose the <span class="dictionary">penalty</span> authorized by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Placement in secure local facility" href="/16.1-284.1/">16.1-284.1</a>; <a id="paragraph-229018" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A17" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> Unless waived by an agreement between the attorney for the Commonwealth and the juvenile and his attorney or other legal representative, upon consideration of the results of an investigation completed pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement" href="/16.1-273/">16.1-273</a>, impose the <span class="dictionary">penalty</span> authorized by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Commitment of serious offenders" href="/16.1-285.1/">16.1-285.1</a>; <a id="paragraph-229019" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A18" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">18.</span> Impose the <span class="dictionary">penalty</span> authorized by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Delinquent children; loss of driving privileges for alcohol, firearm, and drug offenses; truancy" href="/16.1-278.9/">16.1-278.9</a>; or <a id="paragraph-229020" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A18"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A19" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">19.</span> Require the juvenile to participate in a gang-activity prevention program including, but not limited to, programs funded under the Virginia Juvenile Community <span class="dictionary">Crime</span> Control Act pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Determination of payment" href="/16.1-309.7/">16.1-309.7</a>, if available, when a juvenile has been found delinquent of any of the following violations: &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc" href="/18.2-51/">18.2-51</a>, <a class="law" title="Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel; penalty; lesser-included offense" href="/18.2-51.1/">18.2-51.1</a>, <a class="law" title="Malicious bodily injury by means of any caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or fire" href="/18.2-52/">18.2-52</a>, <a class="law" title="Shooting, etc., in committing or attempting a felony" href="/18.2-53/">18.2-53</a>, <a class="law" title="Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees" href="/18.2-55/">18.2-55</a>, <a class="law" title="Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty" href="/18.2-56/">18.2-56</a>, <a class="law" title="Assault and battery; penalty" href="/18.2-57/">18.2-57</a>, <a class="law" title="Assault and battery against a family or household member; penalty" href="/18.2-57.2/">18.2-57.2</a>, <a class="law" title="Entering property of another for purpose of damaging it, etc.; penalties" href="/18.2-121/">18.2-121</a>, <a class="law" title="Injuries to churches, church property, cemeteries, burial grounds, etc.; penalty" href="/18.2-127/">18.2-127</a>, <a class="law" title="Trespass upon church or school property" href="/18.2-128/">18.2-128</a>, <a class="law" title="Injuring, etc., any property, monument, etc" href="/18.2-137/">18.2-137</a>, <a class="law" title="Damaging public buildings, etc.; penalty" href="/18.2-138/">18.2-138</a>, <a class="law" title="Breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or preventing the operation of vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel; penalties" href="/18.2-146/">18.2-146</a>, or <a class="law" title="Entering or setting in motion, vehicle, aircraft, boat, locomotive or rolling stock of railroad; exceptions" href="/18.2-147/">18.2-147</a>, or any violation of a local <span class="dictionary">ordinance</span> adopted pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Willful and malicious damage to or defacement of public or private facilities; penalty" href="/15.2-1812.2/">15.2-1812.2</a>. <a id="paragraph-229021" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#A19"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> If <span class="dictionary">the court</span> finds a juvenile delinquent of any of the following <span class="dictionary">offenses</span>, <span class="dictionary">the court</span> shall require the juvenile to make at least partial <span class="dictionary">restitution</span> or reparation for any property damage, for loss caused by the <span class="dictionary">offense</span>, or for actual medical expenses incurred by the victim as a result of the <span class="dictionary">offense</span>: &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc" href="/18.2-51/">18.2-51</a>, <a class="law" title="Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel; penalty; lesser-included offense" href="/18.2-51.1/">18.2-51.1</a>, <a class="law" title="Malicious bodily injury by means of any caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or fire" href="/18.2-52/">18.2-52</a>, <a class="law" title="Shooting, etc., in committing or attempting a felony" href="/18.2-53/">18.2-53</a>, <a class="law" title="Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees" href="/18.2-55/">18.2-55</a>, <a class="law" title="Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty" href="/18.2-56/">18.2-56</a>, <a class="law" title="Assault and battery; penalty" href="/18.2-57/">18.2-57</a>, <a class="law" title="Assault and battery against a family or household member; penalty" href="/18.2-57.2/">18.2-57.2</a>, <a class="law" title="Entering property of another for purpose of damaging it, etc.; penalties" href="/18.2-121/">18.2-121</a>, <a class="law" title="Injuries to churches, church property, cemeteries, burial grounds, etc.; penalty" href="/18.2-127/">18.2-127</a>, <a class="law" title="Trespass upon church or school property" href="/18.2-128/">18.2-128</a>, <a class="law" title="Injuring, etc., any property, monument, etc" href="/18.2-137/">18.2-137</a>, <a class="law" title="Damaging public buildings, etc.; penalty" href="/18.2-138/">18.2-138</a>, <a class="law" title="Breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or preventing the operation of vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel; penalties" href="/18.2-146/">18.2-146</a>, or <a class="law" title="Entering or setting in motion, vehicle, aircraft, boat, locomotive or rolling stock of railroad; exceptions" href="/18.2-147/">18.2-147</a>; or for any violation of a local <span class="dictionary">ordinance</span> adopted pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Willful and malicious damage to or defacement of public or private facilities; penalty" href="/15.2-1812.2/">15.2-1812.2</a>. <span class="dictionary">The court</span> shall further require the juvenile to participate in a <span class="dictionary">community service</span> project under such conditions as <span class="dictionary">the court</span> prescribes. <a id="paragraph-229022" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/16.1-278.8/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1991, c. 534; 1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 859, 949; 1996, cc. 755, 914; 1997, c. 318; 1999, cc. 350, 622; 2000, cc. 954, 978, 981, 988, 1020, 1041; 2004, cc. 325, 462; 2005, c. 810; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2014, cc. 20, 249; 2017, c. 623; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 115; 2022, cc. 305, 414, 415.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
