Virginia § 53.1-196 - Good conduct credits of persons convicted after October 1, 1942; effect of credit upon eligibility for parole
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 53.1-196 — Good conduct credits of persons convicted after October 1, 1942; effect of credit upon eligibility for parole, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53.1-196. Good conduct credits of persons convicted after October 1, 1942; effect of credit upon eligibility for parole
Every person convicted of a felony on or after October 1, 1942 and every person convicted of a misdemeanor and confined in any state correctional facility shall, for every twenty days of confinement after sentence, either in a local correctional facility awaiting transfer to the Department or in any state correctional facility serving the sentence imposed upon him, without violation of any written jail or prison rule or regulation, be allowed a credit of ten days upon his total term of confinement to which he has been sentenced, in addition to the time he actually serves. So much of the credit allowed to misdemeanants by this section as applies to time served prior to June 24, 1944, shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, any credit they may have earned under the law as it existed prior to such date.
Any credit allowed under the provisions of this section shall also be considered as reducing the term of imprisonment to which the prisoner was or is sentenced for the purpose of determining his eligibility for parole.
So much of an order of any court contrary to the provisions of this section shall be deemed null and void.
Code 1950, § 53-213; 1970, c. 648; 1972, c. 487; 1973, c. 208; 1974, c. 533; 1977, c. 182; 1982, c. 636.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 53.1-196
What does Code of Virginia § 53.1-196 cover?
Section 53.1-196 ("Good conduct credits of persons convicted after October 1, 1942; effect of credit upon eligibility for parole") 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 § 53.1-196?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 53.1-196" (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 § 53.1-196 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.