NCJ Number
136984
Date Published
1986
Length
760 pages
Annotation
This reference handbook for Virginia prosecutors (Commonwealth's Attorneys) details the law and court decisions that bear on various aspects of criminal prosecutions in that State.
Abstract
The handbook is divided by labels into various topics related to a prosecutor's responsibilities. Each section details procedures to be followed in the focal area with attention to State and Federal laws as well as court decisions. The topics covered include search and seizure; laws of arrest; extra-judicial confessions; the grand jury system; indictments, informations, and presentments; judicial confessions (plea agreements); rules of evidence; appellate procedure; habeas corpus; juvenile proceedings; and duties, responsibility, and privileges of the Commonwealth's Attorney. Sections also address the topics of cooperating agencies, habitual offenders, detainers, asset forfeitures, riot law, argument of counsel, extradition, U.S. Supreme Court decisions on criminal law and procedure, the prosecutor's duty to disclose exculpatory information, and uniform State acts. Other sections pertain to the insanity defense, the prosecution of drunk-driving defendants, jury selection, the prosecution of drug cases, and crime victims