Virginia § 53.1-191 - Credits allowed in cases of injuries to or extraordinary services performed by prisoners; nonforfeiture of credits hereunder
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 53.1-191 — Credits allowed in cases of injuries to or extraordinary services performed by prisoners; nonforfeiture of credits hereunder, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53.1-191. Credits allowed in cases of injuries to or extraordinary services performed by prisoners; nonforfeiture of credits hereunder
The Director, with the consent of the Governor, may allow to any prisoner confined in a state correctional facility a credit toward his term of confinement if he (i) renders assistance in preventing the escape of another prisoner or in the apprehension of an escaped prisoner; (ii) gives a blood donation to another prisoner; (iii) voluntarily or at the instance of a prison official renders other extraordinary services; or (iv) suffers bodily injury while in the prison system. The Director shall determine the amount of any such credit for each such service or injury. In unusual circumstances a prisoner may receive credit for donating blood, under regulations prescribed by the Director, to blood banks licensed by or subject to regulations of the State Board of Health. The Director may allow the credit permitted by this section to a prisoner who has been sentenced to the Department of Corrections but who is confined in a local correctional facility.
Except as provided hereafter, any credit allowed under the provisions of this section shall be applied as provided in § 53.1-199. A prisoner who has been sentenced to a term of life imprisonment or to two or more life sentences shall be eligible for credits allowed under the provisions of this section. One-half of such credit shall be applied to reduce the period of time such prisoner shall serve before being eligible for parole.
Credits allowed under the provisions of this section may not be forfeited under § 53.1-189. Credits shall not be allowed under the provisions of this section to apply toward a term of confinement imposed upon a conviction of a felony offense committed on or after January 1, 1995.
Code 1950, § 53-220; 1952, c. 8; 1976, c. 209; 1981, c. 392; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 253; 1994, 2nd Sp. Sess., cc. 1, 2; 2002, c. 59; 2020, c. 759.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 53.1-191
What does Code of Virginia § 53.1-191 cover?
Section 53.1-191 ("Credits allowed in cases of injuries to or extraordinary services performed by prisoners; nonforfeiture of credits hereunder") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 53.1-191?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 53.1-191" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 53.1-191 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.