CHAPTER 692

An Act to amend and reenact § 20-72 of the Code of Virginia, relating to
suspending of sentence and release on probation, of defendants in
desertion and nonsupport cases, so as to remove one class of persons
from those to whom the court may direct certain payments to be made.

[H 616]
Approved April 7, 1952 :

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

iy That § 20-72 of the Code of Virginia be amended and reenacted as
ollows:

§ 20-72. Probation on order directing defendant to pay and enter
recognizance.—Before the trial, with the consent of the defendant, or at
the trial on entry of a plea of guilty, or after conviction, instead of im-
posing the penalties hereinbefore provided, or in addition thereto, the
judge or justice, in his discretion, having regard to the circumstances of
the case and to the financial ability or earning capacity of the defendant,
shall have the power to make an order, directing the defendant to pay a
certain sum or a certain percentage of his earnings periodically, either
directly or through the court * to the wife or to the guardian, curator
or custodian of such minor child or children, or to an organization or
individual designated by the court as trustee, and to suspend sentence
and release the defendant from custody on probation, upon his or her
entering into a recognizance with or without surety, in such sum as the
court may order and approve.