CODE OF VIRGINIA

DUTY OF COURT WHEN ACCUSED APPEARS WITHOUT COUNSEL (§ 19.2-157)

Except as may otherwise be provided in §§ 16.1-266 through 16.1-268, whenever
a person charged with a criminal offense the penalty for which may be death or
confinement in the state correctional facility or jail, including charges for
revocation of suspension of imposition or execution of sentence or probation,
appears before any court without being represented by counsel, the court shall
inform him of his right to counsel. The accused shall be allowed a reasonable
opportunity to employ counsel or, if appropriate, the statement of indigence
provided for in § 19.2-159 may be executed.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 19.1-241.1, 19.1-241.7; 1964, c. 657; 1966, c. 460;
1973, c. 316; 1975, c. 495; 1978, c. 362.