Discovery; electronic means. Provides that if discovery is requested by counsel of record for the accused, the Commonwealth shall provide such discovery by electronic means, defined in the bill, unless (i) such counsel of record requests a physical copy or (ii) such material is prohibited from being distributed by law or impossible to provide by electronic means. Additionally, the bill provides that if such material is impossible to provide by electronic means, the Commonwealth shall provide a physical copy unless such material is prohibited from being distributed by law. Lastly, the bill requires the attorney for the Commonwealth in any district court to provide to counsel of record for the accused, if requested, a physical or electronic copy of any police report related to the case charged at least 10 days prior to the date the case is set for trial. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission.

Statutes affected:
Courts of Justice Substitute: 19.2-265.4