Virgin Islands Rules of Criminal Procedure – 2026

The Virgin Islands Rules of Criminal Procedure, promulgated in 2017 for the Superior Court. Charging is by information signed by the Attorney General, with a complaint serving as the information that commences a misdemeanour prosecution; the rules contain no grand jury rule. Rule 5 governs the initial appearance and probable-cause review and requires arraignment within 10 days in custody or 20 days out of custody, and Rule 48(b) allows dismissal for unnecessary delay in place of a fixed speedy-trial clock. The set opens with its own table of contents and most rules carry a Reporter's Note.

Last updated October 03, 2026

Browse all 63 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

Rule 1 Title and Application Rule 2 Definitions. Rule 3 The Information. Rule 4 Arrest Warrant or Summons on an Information. Rule 4.1 Warrant or Summons by Telephone or Other Reliable Electronic Means Rule 5 Initial Appearance. Rule 5-1 Bail Rule 8 Joinder of Offenses and of Defendants. Rule 9 [Reserved]. Rule 10 Arraignment. Rule 11 Pleas. Rule 12 Pleadings and Pretrial Motions. Rule 12.1 Notice of an Alibi Defense. Rule 12.2 Notice of an Insanity Defense; Mental Examination. Rule 12.3 Notice of a Public-Authority Defense Rule 12.4 Disclosure Statement Rule 13 Joint Trial of Separate Cases Rule 14 Relief from Prejudicial Joinder Rule 15 Depositions Rule 16 Discovery and Inspection. Rule 16-1 Disclosure of Personnel Records of Law Enforcement Agents Rule 17 Subpoena Rule 23 Jury or Nonjury Trial Rule 24 Trial Jurors Rule 25 Disability of Judge or Magistrate Judge Rule 26 Taking Testimony Rule 26.1 Foreign Law Determination Rule 26.2 Producing a Witness’s Statement Rule 26.3 Mistrial Rule 27 Reserved Rule 28 Interpreters Rule 29 Motion for a Judgment of Acquittal Rule 29.1 Closing Argument Rule 30 Jury Instructions Rule 31 Jury Verdict Rule 32 Sentencing and Judgment. Rule 32.1 Revoking or Modifying Probation Rule 32.2 Criminal Forfeiture [Reserved]. Rule 33 New Trial Rule 34 Arresting Judgment Rule 35 Correcting or Reducing a Sentence or Collateral Rule 36 Clerical Error Rule 37 Indicative Ruling on a Motion for Relief That Is Barred by a Pending Appeal Rule 38 Staying a Sentence Rule 40-1 Extradition. Rule 41 Search and Seizure Rule 42 Criminal Contempt Rule 43 Defendant's Presence Rule 44 Right to Appointed Counsel; Joint Representation Rule 45 Computing and Extending Time Rule 46 Release from Custody Rule 47 Motions and Supporting Affidavits Rule 48 Dismissal Rule 49 Serving and Filing Papers Rule 49.1 Privacy protection for filings made with the Court Rule 50 [Reserved]. Rule 51 Preserving Claimed Error Rule 52 Harmless and Plain Error Rule 53 Photography, Broadcasting, Recording, and Other Disclosures Rule 54 [Reserved]. Rule 55 Records of the Clerk Rule 56 When Court Is Open Rule 57 Transfers Involving Related Complex Civil Cases