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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>71719</law_id><section_number>25.1-249</section_number><catch_line>Dismissal of proceedings after commencement of trial on issue of just compensation</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>25.1-250</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="25.1">Eminent Domain</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="2">Condemnation Procedures</unit><unit label="article" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="8">Dismissal of Proceedings</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>At any time after a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> has begun in the <span class="dictionary">trial</span> of the <span class="dictionary">issue</span> of just compensation for the taking or damaging of any <span class="dictionary">property</span> or <span class="dictionary">property</span> interest, if the <span class="dictionary">petitioner</span> has not already acquired title or a lesser interest in, or taken <span class="dictionary">possession</span> of, such <span class="dictionary">property</span>, or paid the amount of just compensation into <span class="dictionary">court</span>, and before the time for noting an <span class="dictionary">appeal</span> from any <span class="dictionary">final order</span> upon a report of just compensation, the <span class="dictionary">petitioner</span> may, upon <span class="dictionary">motion</span>, obtain as a matter of right an order dismissing the proceedings as to such <span class="dictionary">property</span>. Such order shall also provide that the <span class="dictionary">petitioner</span> shall pay such <span class="dictionary">owner</span> or <span class="dictionary">owners</span> for the following expenses that have been actually incurred by them in such amounts as the <span class="dictionary">court</span> deems just and reasonable: (i) an attorney&#x2019;s fee; (ii) <span class="dictionary">witness</span> fees, including reasonable fees of not more than three expert witnesses; and (iii) other reasonable expenses and compensation for time spent as a result of the condemnation proceedings. If any such expenses are not paid within 30 days of the entry of such order, <span class="dictionary">judgment</span> therefor shall be entered against the <span class="dictionary">petitioner</span>.</p></section></text><history>Code 1919, &#xA7; 4387; 1934, p. 514; Code 1950, &#xA7; 25-22; 1962, c. 426, &#xA7; 25-46.34; 1972, c. 742; 2003, c. 940.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
