(a)Contents. The indictment or information, in describing the offense charged, must cite the statute or ordinance that defines the offense or, if there is no defining statute or ordinance, prescribes the punishment for the offense. Error in the citation of the statute or ordinance that defines the offense or prescribes the punishments therefor, or omission of the citation, will not be grounds for dismissal of an indictment or information, or for reversal of a conviction, unless the court finds that the error or omission prejudiced the accused in preparing his defense.(b)Joinder of Offenses. Two or more offenses, any of which may be a felony or misdemeanor, may be charged in separate counts of an indictment or information if the offenses are based on the same act or transaction, or on two or more acts or transactions that are connected or constitute parts of a common scheme or plan.(c)Joinder of Defendants. Two or more accused may be charged with a count(s) of an indictment, if they are charged with participating in contemporaneous and related acts or occurrences or in a series of acts or occurrences constituting an offense or offenses.(d)Form. The indictment or information need not contain a formal commencement or conclusion. The return of an indictment must be signed by the foreman of the grand jury, and the information must be signed by the Commonwealth’s attorney.
Va. Sup. Ct. 3A:6
Amended by order dated September 3, 2020, effective September 3, 2020; amended by order dated November 23, 2020, effective March 1, 2021.
