Bill > SB1334

This bill modifies Virginia law regarding preliminary hearings for juveniles charged with serious offenses, specifically expanding the circumstances under which a juvenile and domestic relations district court must conduct a preliminary hearing. The bill adds a new provision requiring a preliminary hearing whenever a juvenile 16 years of age or older is charged with entering an occupied dwelling house with intent to commit murder, rape, robbery, or arson. This change means that for this specific type of offense, the court will be mandated to hold a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to believe the juvenile committed the alleged crime. The hearing will assess whether the case should be transferred to a circuit court for criminal proceedings, taking into account factors such as the juvenile's age, the seriousness of the offense, the juvenile's criminal history, and potential for rehabilitation. The bill aims to ensure a thorough review of serious criminal charges involving juveniles, balancing the goals of public safety with considerations of juvenile justice and potential rehabilitation.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1334