Professional landing page template for Coroners in Virginia

The final report including all histology and toxicology tests interpreted by the pathologist will be completed and mailed in approximately 8-10 weeks, however there are times that cases can take longer. This is a general time frame as each case is different.

In felony cases, the accused shall not be called upon to plead, but he may cross-examine any witness who testifies on behalf of the Commonwealth or on behalf of any other defendant, introduce witnesses in his own behalf, and testify in his own behalf.

19.2-186. When accused to be discharged, tried, committed or bailed by judge. The judge shall discharge the accused if he considers that there is not sufficient cause for charging him with the offense.

When a doctor or hospital official requests an autopsy, a pathologist affiliated with the hospital performs the postmortem exam. The hospital also pays for the procedure.

Any statement of fact or of opinion in such reports and records concerning the physical or medical cause of death and not alleging any conduct by the accused shall be admissible as competent evidence of the cause of death in any preliminary hearing.

Virginia became one of the first states to institute a statewide medical examiner system in 1946. In that year, the General Assembly of Virginia abolished the office of Coronerʼs Physician and appointed a Chief Medical Examiner.

Virginia Code 19.2-187 permits the defendantʼs counsel of record (which could be the defendant, if he is proceeding pro se) to request a copy of the certificate of analysis. However, this request must be made at least 10 days prior to trial, and it must be on a form developed by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Prosecution of any misdemeanor violation of any professional licensure requirement imposed by a locality shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense.