Bill > HB2692

This bill amends the Virginia Code to prohibit law enforcement officers from knowingly making false statements during the custodial interrogation of a child. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for officers to use deceptive tactics, including the creation of fake documents (termed "inauthentic replica documents"), to secure a child's cooperation, confession, or conviction. These "inauthentic replica documents" are defined as any computer-generated or artificially created documents that contain false information such as fabricated signatures, seals, contact information, or that materially misrepresent facts. If an officer is found to have knowingly violated this prohibition, any statements made by the child during the interrogation would be inadmissible in subsequent delinquency or criminal proceedings, with the exception of cases where the prosecution can prove the statement was made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. The bill is designed to protect children from potentially coercive or misleading interrogation techniques by law enforcement, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded during custodial interactions.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2692