2006 Code of Virginia § 16.1-344 - Involuntary commitment; hearing

16.1-344. Involuntary commitment; hearing.

The court shall summon to the hearing all material witnesses requested byeither the minor or the petitioner. All testimony shall be under oath. Therules of evidence shall apply; however, the evaluator's report required by 16.1-342 shall be admissible into evidence by stipulation of the parties.The petitioner, minor and, with leave of court for good cause shown, anyother person shall be given the opportunity to present evidence andcross-examine witnesses. The hearing shall be closed to the public unless theminor and petitioner request that it be open. Within thirty days of any finalorder committing the minor or dismissing the petition, the minor orpetitioner shall have the right to appeal de novo to the circuit court havingjurisdiction where the minor was committed or where the minor is hospitalizedpursuant to the commitment order. The juvenile and domestic relationsdistrict court shall appoint an attorney to represent any minor desiring toappeal who does not appear to be already represented.

(1990, c. 975; 1992, c. 539.)