Virginia legal term
Recognizance in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Recognizance” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Recognizance” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Recognizance" means a signed commitment by a person to appear in court as directed and to adhere to any other terms ordered by an appropriate judicial officer as a condition of bail. (Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-119)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.