Chap. 57.—An ACT to give the courts of record the power to suspend
sentence in convictions of larceny, forgery or uttering or attempting
to employ as true such forged writing, knowing it to be forged, during
good behavior and the effect thereof. (8. B. 127.)

Approved February 17, 1916.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
upon a conviction in a court of record of the charge of larceny,
forgery or uttering or attempting to employ as true such forged
writing, knowing it to be forged, such court may, in its discre-
tion, suspend sentence, during the good behavior of the person
convicted; provided that after such person has been once con-
victed of such offense, and he thereafter commits such offense
or any felony, then such court is not empowered to suspend
such sentence, in such subsequent conviction.

2. For the purpose of indictment and conviction of a second
offense, the plea or verdict of guilty and suspension of sentence
shall be regarded as a conviction, and shall be pleaded accord-
ing to the fact.

3. The said plea or verdict of guilty and supsension of sen-
tence are to be treated in like manner as a conviction, for the
purpose of affecting the weight of the defendant’s testimony in
any action or proceeding, civil or criminal.