Rule 3A:17.1 - Proceedings in Bifurcated Jury Trials of Felonies and Class 1 Misdemeanors(a)Application. This Rule applies in cases of trial by jury when the jury finds the defendant guilty of a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor and the accused has requested that the jury ascertain punishment of the offense pursuant to Code § 19.2-295A(A).(b)Bifurcated Proceedings. In any jury trial in which the jury returns a verdict of guilty to one or more felony offenses, or Class 1 misdemeanor, a separate proceeding limited to the ascertainment of punishment must be held as soon as practicable before the same jury.(c)Instruction at Guilt Phase. At the conclusion of all of the evidence in the guilt phase of the trial, the court must instruct the jury as to punishment with respect to any Class 2, 3 or 4 misdemeanor being tried in the same proceeding or any lesser-included Class 2, 3 or 4 misdemeanor of any charged felony offense which may be properly considered by the jury. The jury may not be instructed until the punishment phase with reference to the punishment for any charged or lesser-included felony offense or Class 1 misdemeanor.(d)Opening Statements at Penalty Phase. Both the Commonwealth and the defense are entitled if they choose, to make an opening statement prior to the presentation of any evidence to the jury relevant to the penalty to be imposed. The Commonwealth must give its statement first.(e)Presentation of Evidence at Penalty Phase. If the jury convicts the defendant of one or more felony offenses, or a Class 1 misdemeanor the penalty phase must proceed in the following order: (1) The Commonwealth may present any victim impact testimony pursuant to § 19.2-295.3 and may present the defendant's prior criminal history, including prior convictions and the punishments imposed, by certified, attested, or exemplified copies of the final order(s) as provided by law. As a prerequisite to the introduction of such evidence, the Commonwealth must have advised the defense, in accord with the requirements of law, of its intention to introduce such evidence.(2) The defense may introduce relevant admissible evidence related to punishment. The defense must have the opportunity to present such evidence irrespective of whether or not the Commonwealth presents evidence of previous criminal history.(3) The Commonwealth may introduce relevant, admissible evidence related to punishment in rebuttal.(4) The defense may introduce relevant, admissible evidence related to punishment in rebuttal.(f)Closing Arguments at Penalty Phase. Both the Commonwealth and defense are entitled to make a closing argument on the subject of punishment if they elect to do so. The Commonwealth must be given the opportunity to argue first, followed by the defense. Rebuttal argument may be made by the Commonwealth.(g)Change of Plea. The accused may enter a plea of guilty to the whole of the indictment at any time until the jury returns a verdict on the issue of the defendant's guilt or innocence.(h)Non-Unanimous Jury at the Penalty Phase. Should the jury fail to reach unanimous agreement as to punishment on any charge for which it returned a verdict of guilty, the court will fix punishment.Amended by order dated April 9, 2008, effective 7/1/2008; amended by order dated November 1, 2012, effective immediately; amended by Order dated 11/1/2012; effective immediately ; amended by order dated September 3, 2020, effective 9/3/2020; amended by order dated November 23, 2020, effective 3/1/2021; amended by order dated November 9, 2021, effective 11/9/2021.