Code of Virginia - Title 19.2 Criminal Procedure - Section 19.2-216 Definition of indictment, presentment and information

§ 19.2-216. Definition of indictment, presentment and information

An indictment is a written accusation of crime, prepared by the attorney for the Commonwealth and returned "a true bill" upon the oath or affirmation of a legally impanelled grand jury.

A presentment is a written accusation of crime prepared and returned by a grand jury from their own knowledge or observation, without any bill of indictment laid before them.

An information is a written accusation of crime or a complaint for forfeiture of property or money or for imposition of a penalty, prepared and presented by a competent public official upon his oath of office.

(1975, c. 495.)

Sections:  19.2-216  19.2-217  19.2-217.1  19.2-218  19.2-218.1  19.2-218.2  19.2-219  19.2-220  19.2-221  19.2-222  19.2-223  19.2-224  19.2-225  19.2-226  19.2-227  Next

Last modified: April 3, 2009