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HB 718

Summons; issuance instead of warrant in certain cases.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Zehr

Virginia HB 718 authorizes police to issue summonses instead of arrest warrants for certain offenses, reducing arrests while maintaining court accountability for lower-level crimes.

Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal
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Bill Summary · HB 718

Legislative bill overview

HB 718 modifies Virginia's criminal procedure by authorizing law enforcement to issue summonses instead of arrest warrants in certain circumstances. The bill expands the use of citations and summonses for lower-level offenses, potentially reducing arrest rates and jail bookings for non-violent crimes.

Why is this important

This change affects both criminal justice administration and individual rights. It could reduce the burden on local jail systems and law enforcement resources, while also decreasing the likelihood of arrest for qualifying offenses. However, it raises questions about consistency in how cases are processed and whether all jurisdictions will apply these standards uniformly.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim and public safety concerns: Critics may worry that issuing summonses instead of arrests reduces accountability or allows dangerous individuals to remain free pending court dates
  • Prosecutorial discretion: The bill may create ambiguity about which offenses qualify, leading to inconsistent application across different jurisdictions and prosecutors
  • Failure to appear issues: Without arrest authority, courts may struggle with defendants who ignore summonses, potentially creating case backlogs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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