Virginia § 8.01-195.10 - Purpose; action by the General Assembly required; definitions
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 8.01-195.10 — Purpose; action by the General Assembly required; definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8.01-195.10. Purpose; action by the General Assembly required; definitions
A. The purpose of this article is to provide directions and guidelines for the compensation of persons who have been wrongfully incarcerated in the Commonwealth. Compensation for wrongful incarceration is governed by Article IV, § 14 of the Constitution of Virginia, which prohibits the General Assembly from granting relief in cases in which the courts or other tribunals may have jurisdiction. No compensation shall be awarded under this article unless the recipient has executed a release and waiver pursuant to subsection B of § 8.01-195.12. The payment and receipt of any compensation for wrongful incarceration shall be contingent upon the General Assembly appropriating funds for that purpose. This article shall not provide an entitlement to compensation for persons wrongfully incarcerated or require the General Assembly to appropriate funds for the payment of such compensation.
B. As used in this article:
"Incarceration" or "incarcerated" means (i) confinement in a local or regional correctional facility, juvenile correctional center, state correctional facility, or residential detention center or (ii) confinement in a facility operated pursuant to the Corrections Private Services Act (§ 53.1-261 et seq.).
"Wrongful incarceration" or "wrongfully incarcerated" means incarceration for a felony conviction for which the conviction has been vacated pursuant to Chapter 19.2 (§ 19.2-327.2 et seq.) or 19.3 (§ 19.2-327.10 et seq.) of Title 19.2, or the person incarcerated has been granted an absolute pardon for the commission of a crime that he did not commit.
2004, cc. 818, 840; 2010, cc. 496, 557; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345; 2022, cc. 572, 573; 2024, c. 396; 2025, c. 337.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 8.01-195.10
What does Code of Virginia § 8.01-195.10 cover?
Section 8.01-195.10 ("Purpose; action by the General Assembly required; definitions") 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 § 8.01-195.10?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 8.01-195.10" (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 § 8.01-195.10 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.