VA HB245

Allows district court judges to delay felony case proceedings, with consent of both the accused and the Commonwealth's attorney, to permit defendants to complete specialty dockets (drug treatment courts) or behavioral health dockets before certification to circuit court.

Retains jurisdiction in district courts for felony cases where proceedings have been delayed for specialty or behavioral health docket completion, rather than automatically transferring jurisdiction to circuit court upon certification.

Requires cases to proceed with normal certification to circuit court if the accused fails to complete the assigned specialty docket or behavioral health docket program.

Amends four sections of Virginia Code (§§ 16.1-123.1, 16.1-241, 19.2-183, and 19.2-186) to provide consistent treatment across both general district courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts.