(SB23)
GOVERNOR'S VETO
Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 23, which would prohibit criminal defendants from waiving their Fourth Amendment rights as a condition of a plea agreement.
Permitting a defendant to waive their Fourth Amendment rights as part of a plea agreement is a common practice in courtrooms across the Commonwealth and Virginia law sets standards for Fourth Amendment waivers to protect defendants. Senate Bill 23 would limit plea agreement options for defendants and Commonwealth's Attorneys as they seek negotiated resolutions.
Accordingly, I veto this bill.