{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/15.2-1620.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/15.2-1620.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/15.2-1620.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/15.2-1620.html"}],"law_id":347456,"edition_id":2,"section_id":347456,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1620","catch_line":"Process, etc., sent to officer by mail","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 15-518; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-83; 1997, c. 587.","full_text":"Any sheriff or other officer may transmit by mail to the proper officer, with his return thereon, any order, warrant or process which came to his hands from beyond his locality and proof that any order, warrant or process was put into the post office, duly addressed to any officer, and that the postage thereon was paid, shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt thereof by the officer to whom the same is addressed, by due course of mail, and this prima facie evidence may be furnished by the receipt taken, at the time the order, warrant or process is put into the post office, from the postmaster, or his deputy, and the certificate of a magistrate of the acknowledgment of the receipt before him. However, an officer may protect himself from a forfeiture or fine upon such proof, by making oath that he did not himself receive the order, warrant or process, so addressed to him, and that he verily believes it was not received by any of his deputies.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1296320,"text":"Any sheriff or other officer may transmit by mail to the proper officer, with his return thereon, any order, warrant or process which came to his hands from beyond his locality and proof that any order, warrant or process was put into the post office, duly addressed to any officer, and that the postage thereon was paid, shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt thereof by the officer to whom the same is addressed, by due course of mail, and this prima facie evidence may be furnished by the receipt taken, at the time the order, warrant or process is put into the post office, from the postmaster, or his deputy, and the certificate of a magistrate of the acknowledgment of the receipt before him. However, an officer may protect himself from a forfeiture or fine upon such proof, by making oath that he did not himself receive the order, warrant or process, so addressed to him, and that he verily believes it was not received by any of his deputies.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":49865,"edition_id":2,"name":"Sheriff","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":3,"parent_id":49862,"metadata":{"child_laws":32,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:49","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:30","permalink":{"id":1380365,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49865,"identifier":"3","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3","url":"\/15.2\/II\/16\/3\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49862,"edition_id":2,"name":"Local Constitutional Officers, Courthouses and Supplies","identifier":"16","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":7,"parent_id":49834,"metadata":{"child_laws":105,"child_structures":10},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:48","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:30","permalink":{"id":1380307,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49862,"identifier":"16","token":"15.2\/II\/16","url":"\/15.2\/II\/16\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49834,"edition_id":2,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":2,"parent_id":49831,"metadata":{"child_laws":1081,"child_structures":112},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:24","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1379371,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49834,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49831,"edition_id":2,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":46,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":2297,"child_structures":225},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:22","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:22","permalink":{"id":1378281,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49831,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":347441,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609","catch_line":"Sheriff","url":"\/15.2-1609\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609","metadata":false},{"id":347430,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.1","catch_line":"Number of deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.1","metadata":false},{"id":347431,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.10","catch_line":"Prohibited practices; collection of data","url":"\/15.2-1609.10\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.10","metadata":false},{"id":347432,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.11","catch_line":"Arrest or summons quota prohibited","url":"\/15.2-1609.11\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.11","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":347433,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.2","catch_line":"Sheriffs' salaries; salaries of certain full-time deputies; maximum limits","url":"\/15.2-1609.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.2","metadata":false},{"id":347434,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.3","catch_line":"Fees and mileage allowances","url":"\/15.2-1609.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.3","metadata":false},{"id":347435,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.4","catch_line":"Records of expenses of sheriffs and full-time deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.4","metadata":false},{"id":347436,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.5","catch_line":"Submission of statement of expenses","url":"\/15.2-1609.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.5","metadata":false},{"id":347437,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.6","catch_line":"Agreements regarding traveling expenses","url":"\/15.2-1609.6\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.6","metadata":false},{"id":347438,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.7","catch_line":"Salaries and expense allowances to be paid by Commonwealth","url":"\/15.2-1609.7\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.7","metadata":false},{"id":347439,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.8","catch_line":"Payments to counties having certain optional forms of organization and government","url":"\/15.2-1609.8\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.8","metadata":false},{"id":347440,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1609.9","catch_line":"Compensation of part-time deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.9\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.9","metadata":false},{"id":347442,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1610","catch_line":"Standard uniforms and motor vehicle markings to be adopted by sheriffs","url":"\/15.2-1610\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1610","metadata":false},{"id":347443,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1611","catch_line":"Alternate clothing for sheriff and deputies","url":"\/15.2-1611\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1611","metadata":false},{"id":347445,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1612","catch_line":"Wearing of same or similar uniforms by unauthorized persons; penalty","url":"\/15.2-1612\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1612","metadata":false},{"id":347444,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1612.1","catch_line":"Deputy sheriffs to complete course of instruction established by Department of Criminal Justice Services","url":"\/15.2-1612.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1612.1","metadata":false},{"id":347447,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1613","catch_line":"Operation of sheriff's office","url":"\/15.2-1613\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1613","metadata":false},{"id":347446,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1613.1","catch_line":"Processing fee may be imposed on certain individuals","url":"\/15.2-1613.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1613.1","metadata":false},{"id":347449,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1614","catch_line":"Destruction of receipts","url":"\/15.2-1614\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1614","metadata":false},{"id":347448,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1614.1","catch_line":"Expense of boarding and lodging jurors","url":"\/15.2-1614.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1614.1","metadata":false},{"id":347451,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1615","catch_line":"Sheriff to deposit funds, keep account of receipts and disbursements, keep books open for inspection","url":"\/15.2-1615\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1615","metadata":false},{"id":347450,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1615.1","catch_line":"Manner of payment of certain items in budgets of sheriffs","url":"\/15.2-1615.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1615.1","metadata":false},{"id":347452,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1616","catch_line":"When deputy may act in place of sheriff","url":"\/15.2-1616\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1616","metadata":false},{"id":347453,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1617","catch_line":"Deputies of deceased sheriffs","url":"\/15.2-1617\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1617","metadata":false},{"id":347454,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1618","catch_line":"Compensating certain law-enforcement officers disabled in performance of duty","url":"\/15.2-1618\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1618","metadata":false},{"id":347455,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1619","catch_line":"When officers not to take obligations","url":"\/15.2-1619\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1619","metadata":false},{"id":347456,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1620","catch_line":"Process, etc., sent to officer by mail","url":"\/15.2-1620\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1620","metadata":false},{"id":347457,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1621","catch_line":"Receipts to be given by officers","url":"\/15.2-1621\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1621","metadata":false},{"id":347458,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1622","catch_line":"Judgment against officer for money due from him","url":"\/15.2-1622\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1622","metadata":false},{"id":347459,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1623","catch_line":"Judgment for officer or sureties against deputy, etc., when officer liable for misconduct of deputy","url":"\/15.2-1623\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1623","metadata":false},{"id":347460,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1624","catch_line":"When judgment against officer or sureties has been obtained and paid","url":"\/15.2-1624\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1624","metadata":false},{"id":347461,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1625","catch_line":"In what court motions may be made","url":"\/15.2-1625\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1625","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":347455,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1619","catch_line":"When officers not to take obligations","url":"\/15.2-1619\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1619","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":347457,"structure_id":49865,"section_number":"15.2-1621","catch_line":"Receipts to be given by officers","url":"\/15.2-1621\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1621","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-1620\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1962, chapter 623; in 1997, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0587\">587<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1380471,"object_type":"law","relational_id":347456,"identifier":"15.2-1620","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1620","url":"\/15.2-1620\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-1620\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1620","dublin_core":{"Title":"Process, etc., sent to officer by mail","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-1620","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Any sheriff or other officer may transmit by mail to the proper officer, with his return thereon, any <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, warrant or process which came to his hands from beyond his <span class=\"dictionary\">locality<\/span> and proof that any <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, warrant or process was put into the post office, duly addressed to any officer, and that the postage thereon was paid, shall be prima facie <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> of the receipt thereof by the officer to whom the same is addressed, by due course of mail, and this prima facie <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> may be furnished by the receipt taken, at the time the <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, warrant or process is put into the post office, from the postmaster, or his deputy, and the certificate of a <span class=\"dictionary\">magistrate<\/span> of the acknowledgment of the receipt before him. However, an officer may protect himself from a forfeiture or fine upon such proof, by making <span class=\"dictionary\">oath<\/span> that he did not himself receive the <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, warrant or process, so addressed to him, and that he verily believes it was not received by any of his deputies.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPROCESS, ETC., SENT TO OFFICER BY MAIL (\u00a7 15.2-1620)\n\nAny sheriff or other officer may transmit by mail to the proper officer, with\nhis return thereon, any order, warrant or process which came to his hands from\nbeyond his locality and proof that any order, warrant or process was put into\nthe post office, duly addressed to any officer, and that the postage thereon was\npaid, shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt thereof by the officer to\nwhom the same is addressed, by due course of mail, and this prima facie evidence\nmay be furnished by the receipt taken, at the time the order, warrant or process\nis put into the post office, from the postmaster, or his deputy, and the\ncertificate of a magistrate of the acknowledgment of the receipt before him.\nHowever, an officer may protect himself from a forfeiture or fine upon such\nproof, by making oath that he did not himself receive the order, warrant or\nprocess, so addressed to him, and that he verily believes it was not received by\nany of his deputies.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 15-518; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-83; 1997, c. 587.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}