Explanation of Emergency Custody Procedures
Virginia · Supreme Court of Virginia
This form explains the rules and reasons why a person might be placed into emergency custody. It describes the conditions under which a judge, special justice, magistrate, or law-enforcement officer might take someone into custody for evaluation.
Where this fits in a case
General & infoInformation / general use — not tied to one step of a case
This form is given to a person who has been taken into emergency custody. It explains the legal basis for the custody and what happens while the person is being evaluated.
Prepared by the court or clerk.
Official instructions
How-to guides published by the court for this form.
Common questions
- Who receives this form?
- This form is for the Respondent, meaning the person who has been taken into emergency custody.
- How long can someone stay in emergency custody?
- The maximum time a person could remain in emergency custody is 8 hours.
- What must happen if an emergency custody order is used?
- If an emergency custody order is used, it must be carried out within 8 hours of when the order was given, or the order is void.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026.
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