Bill > HB981

This bill, by adding a new section to the Code of Virginia, establishes that if a criminal case is dismissed and it's found that prosecutorial misconduct or an abuse of process occurred, the defendant can recover their reasonable costs and attorney fees. Prosecutorial misconduct or abuse of process includes situations where charges were filed without a good reason (knowing lack of probable cause) or with harmful intent (malicious intent). This provision applies whether the defendant had a court-appointed lawyer or hired their own attorney.