2006 Code of Virginia § 19.2-237 - Process on indictment or presentment for misdemeanor

19.2-237. Process on indictment or presentment for misdemeanor.

On any indictment or presentment for a misdemeanor process shall be issuedimmediately. If the accused appear and plead to the charge, the trial shallproceed without delay, unless good cause for continuance be shown. If, in anymisdemeanor case the accused fails to appear and plead, when required thecourt may either award a capias or proceed to trial in the same manner as ifthe accused had appeared, plead not guilty and waived trial by jury,provided, that the court shall not in any such case enforce a jail sentence.

(Code 1950, 19.1-180, 19.1-184; 1960, c. 366; 1975, c. 495; 1979, c. 468.)