The indictment or information shall be a plain, concise and definite written statement, (1) naming the accused, (2) describing the offense charged, (3) identifying the county, city or town in which the accused committed the offense, and (4) reciting that the accused committed the offense on or about a certain date. In describing the offense, the indictment or information may use the name given to the offense by the common law, or the indictment or information may state so much of the common law or statutory definition of the offense as is sufficient to advise what offense is charged.
1975, c. 495.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 19.2 - Criminal Procedure
Chapter 14 - Presentments, Indictments and Informations
§ 19.2-216. Definition of indictment, presentment and information
§ 19.2-217.1. Central file of aggravated murder indictments
§ 19.2-218. Preliminary hearing required for person arrested on charge of felony; waiver
§ 19.2-218.1. Preliminary hearings involving certain sexual crimes against spouses
§ 19.2-219. When capias need not be issued; summons; judgment
§ 19.2-220. Contents of indictment in general
§ 19.2-221. Form of prosecutions generally; murder and manslaughter
§ 19.2-223. Charging several acts of embezzlement; description of money
§ 19.2-224. In prosecution for forgery, unnecessary to set forth copy of forged instrument
§ 19.2-225. Allegation of intent
§ 19.2-226. What defects in indictments not to vitiate them
§ 19.2-227. When judgment not to be arrested or reversed
§ 19.2-229. When complaining witness required to give security for costs
§ 19.2-230. Bill of particulars
§ 19.2-231. Amendment of indictment, presentment or information
§ 19.2-232. What process to be awarded against accused on indictment, etc.
§ 19.2-233. How awarded, directed, returnable and executed
§ 19.2-234. Procedure when person arrested under capias
§ 19.2-235. Clerks to mail process to officers in other counties, etc.
§ 19.2-236. Where process of arrest may be executed
§ 19.2-237. Process on indictment or presentment for misdemeanor
§ 19.2-238. Summons against corporation; proceedings; expense of publication