Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.2
Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons; penalties; petition for restoration order; when issued
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for (i) any person who has been convicted of a felony; (ii) any person adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile 14 years of age or older at the time of the offense of murder in violation of § 18.2-31 or 18.2-32 , kidnapping in violation of § 18.2-47 , robbery by the threat or presentation of firearms in violation of § 18.2-58 , or rape in violation of § 18.2-61 ; or (iii) any person under the age of 29 who was adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile 14 years of age or older at the time of the offense of a delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult, other than those felonies set forth in clause (ii), whether such conviction or adjudication occurred under the laws of the Commonwealth, or any other state, the District of Columbia, the United States or any territory thereof, to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport any firearm or ammunition for a firearm, any stun weapon as defined by § 18.2-308.1 , or any explosive material, or to knowingly and intentionally carry about his person, hidden from common observation, any weapon described in subsection A of § 18.2-308 . However, such person may possess in his residence or the curtilage thereof a stun weapon as defined by § 18.2-308.1 . Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, any person who violates this subsection by knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm and who was previously convicted of a violent felony as defined in § 17.1-805 shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years. Any person who violates this subsection by knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm and who was previously convicted of any other felony within the prior 10 years shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years. The mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment prescribed for violations of this subsection shall be served consecutively with any other sentence.

A1. It is unlawful for any person who commits a violation of subdivision A 2 of § 18.2-57 on or after July 1, 2026, and is subsequently adjudicated delinquent or convicted of such offense, whether such adjudication or conviction occurred under the laws of the Commonwealth, or the substantially similar laws of any other state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or any territory thereof, to knowingly and intentionally purchase, possess, or transport any firearm. Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this subsection and is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm pursuant to this subsection shall be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm for three years following the date of the conviction, at which point the person convicted of such offense shall no longer be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm.

B. The prohibitions of subsections A and A1 shall not apply to (i) any person who possesses a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, explosive material, or other weapon while carrying out his duties as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the National Guard of Virginia or of any other state, (ii) any law-enforcement officer in the performance of his duties, (iii) any person who has been pardoned or whose political disabilities have been removed pursuant to Article V, § 12 of the Constitution of Virginia provided the Governor, in the document granting the pardon or removing the person's political disabilities, may expressly place conditions upon the reinstatement of the person's right to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms, (iv) any person whose right to possess firearms or ammunition has been restored under the law of another state subject to conditions placed upon the reinstatement of the person's right to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms by such state, or (v) any person adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile who has completed a term of service of no less than two years in the Armed Forces of the United States and, if such person has been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States, received an honorable discharge and who is not otherwise prohibited under clause (i) or (ii) of subsection A.

C. Any person prohibited from possessing, transporting, or carrying a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or a stun weapon under subsection A or A1 may petition the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which he resides or, if the person is not a resident of the Commonwealth, the circuit court of any county or city where such person was last convicted of a felony or adjudicated delinquent of a disqualifying offense pursuant to subsection A or A1 for a restoration order that unconditionally authorizes possessing, transporting, or carrying a firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or a stun weapon; however, no person who has been convicted of a felony shall be qualified to petition for such an order unless his civil rights have been restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority. A copy of the petition shall be mailed or delivered to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction where the petition was filed who shall be entitled to respond and represent the interests of the Commonwealth. The court shall conduct a hearing if requested by either party. The court may, in its discretion and for good cause shown, grant such petition and issue a restoration order. Such order shall contain the petitioner's name and date of birth. The clerk shall certify and forward forthwith to the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), on a form provided by the CCRE, a copy of the order to be accompanied by a complete set of the petitioner's fingerprints. The Department of State Police shall forthwith enter the petitioner's name and description in the CCRE so that the order's existence will be made known to law-enforcement personnel accessing the computerized criminal history records for investigative purposes. The provisions of this section relating to firearms, ammunition for a firearm, and stun weapons shall not apply to any person who has been issued a restoration order pursuant to this subsection.

C1. Any person who was prohibited from possessing, transporting, or carrying explosive material under subsection A or A1 may possess, transport, or carry such explosive material if his right to possess, transport, or carry explosive material has been restored pursuant to federal law.

C2. The prohibitions of subsection A or A1 shall not prohibit any person other than a person convicted of an act of violence as defined in § 19.2-297.1 or a violent felony as defined in subsection C of § 17.1-805 from possessing, transporting, or carrying (i) antique firearms or (ii) black powder in a quantity not exceeding five pounds if it is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms. For the purposes of this subsection, "antique firearms" means any firearm described in subdivision 3 of the definition of "antique firearm" in subsection F of § 18.2-308.2:2 .

D. For the purpose of this section:

"Ammunition for a firearm" means the combination of a cartridge, projectile, primer, or propellant designed for use in a firearm other than an antique firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 .

"Explosive material" means any chemical compound mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion; the term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite and other high explosives, black powder, pellet powder, smokeless gun powder, detonators, blasting caps, and detonating cord but shall not include fireworks or permissible fireworks as defined in § 27-95 .

1979, c. 474; 1982, c. 515; 1983, c. 233; 1986, cc. 409, 641; 1987, c. 108; 1988, c. 237; 1989, cc. 514, 531; 1993, cc. 468, 926; 1994, cc. 859 , 949 ; 1999, cc. 829 , 846 ; 2001, cc. 811 , 854 ; 2002, c. 362 ; 2003, c. 110 ; 2004, cc. 429 , 461 , 995 ; 2005, cc. 600 , 833 ; 2007, c. 519 ; 2008, c. 752 ; 2009, c. 236 ; 2010, c. 781 ; 2015, cc. 200 , 767 ; 2016, c. 337 ; 2017, c. 767 ; 2019, c. 203 ; 2020, cc. 1111 , 1112 ; 2026, c. 1084 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.02 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.02
Application for a concealed handgun permit; Virginia resident or domiciliary
Status: in_force

A. Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing or electronically to the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides, or if he is a member of the United States Armed Forces and stationed outside the Commonwealth, the county or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun. There shall be no requirement regarding the length of time an applicant has been a resident or domiciliary of the county or city. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Supreme Court, requiring only that information necessary to determine eligibility for the permit. Additionally, the application may request but not require that the applicant provide an email or other electronic address where a notice of permit expiration can be sent pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.01 0. The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). No information or documentation other than that which is allowed on the application in accordance with this section may be requested or required by the clerk or the court.

B. The court shall require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun in person and the applicant may demonstrate such competence by one of the following, but no applicant is required to submit to any additional demonstration of competence, nor shall any proof of demonstrated competence expire:

1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;

2. Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;

3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;

4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;

5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;

6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;

7. Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;

8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or

9. Completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.

A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition constitutes evidence of qualification under this subsection.

C. The making of a materially false statement in an application under this article constitutes perjury, punishable as provided in § 18.2-434 .

D. The clerk of court shall withhold from public disclosure the applicant's name and any other information contained in a permit application or any order issuing a concealed handgun permit, except that such information shall not be withheld from any law-enforcement officer acting in the performance of his official duties or from the applicant with respect to his own information. The prohibition on public disclosure of information under this subsection shall not apply to any reference to the issuance of a concealed handgun permit in any order book before July 1, 2008; however, any other concealed handgun records maintained by the clerk shall be withheld from public disclosure.

E. An application is deemed complete when all information required to be furnished by the applicant, including the fee for a concealed handgun permit as set forth in § 18.2-308.03 , is delivered to and received by the clerk of court before or concomitant with the conduct of a state or national criminal history records check.

F. For purposes of this section, a member of the United States Armed Forces is domiciled in the county or city where such member claims his home of record with the United States Armed Forces.

2013, cc. 659 , 746 ; 2014, cc. 16 , 401 , 549 ; 2017, cc. 99 , 237 ; 2019, c. 624 ; 2020, cc. 390 , 958 , 1130 ; 2023, cc. 93 , 94 ; 2026, c. 1034 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.1:3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.1:3
(Effective July 1, 2027) Possession or distribution of cannabis oil, or industrial hemp; laboratories; Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Law employees
Status: in_force

A. No person employed by an analytical laboratory to retrieve, deliver, or possess cannabis oil or industrial hemp samples from a permitted pharmaceutical processor, a registered industrial hemp grower, a federally licensed hemp producer, or a registered industrial hemp processor for the purpose of performing required testing shall be prosecuted under Chapter 11 (§ 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or § 18.2-248 , 18.2-250 , or 18.2-255 for the possession or distribution of cannabis oil or industrial hemp or for storing cannabis oil or industrial hemp for testing purposes in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. B. No employee of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or of the Department of Law shall be prosecuted under Chapter 11 (§ 4.1-1100 et. seq.) of Title 4.1 or § 18.2-248 , 18.2-248.01 , or 18.2-250 for the possession or distribution of industrial hemp or any substance containing tetrahydrocannabinol when possession of industrial hemp or any substance containing tetrahydrocannabinol is necessary in the performance of his duties.

2020, c. 941 , § 18 .2-251.1:2; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 110 , 550 , 551 ; 2023, cc. 744 , 794 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.15 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 18.2-246.15
Enforcement
Status: in_force

The Attorney General is authorized to enforce the provisions of this article. The Attorney General may assess the civil penalties authorized by this article, with the concurrence of the attorney for the Commonwealth pursuant to § 2.2-511 , may prosecute criminal violations under this article, and may bring an action in the appropriate court to collect assessed penalties or prevent or restrain violations of this article by any person, or any person controlling such person. The Board and the State Department of Taxation shall cooperate with the Attorney General in his enforcement efforts and provide to the Attorney General all information and documentation in their possession necessary for the Attorney General to accomplish such enforcement.

2003, c. 1010 ; 2009, c. 847 ; 2013, c. 625 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-498.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-498.5
Actions on behalf of Commonwealth or localities
Status: in_force

The Attorney General on behalf of the Commonwealth, or the attorney for the Commonwealth, on behalf of the county or city as the case may be may institute actions and proceedings for any and all violations occurring within their jurisdictions.

1980, c. 472.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-448 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-448
Certain matters not to constitute defenses
Status: in_force

It shall be no defense to any prosecution under § 18.2-447 that a person whom the actor sought to influence was not qualified to act in the desired way, whether because he had not yet assumed office, or lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason. Also it shall be no defense to a prosecution under § 18.2-447 that a resident of this Commonwealth charged with committing an act of bribery was temporarily absent from this Commonwealth at the time such act was committed.

Code 1950, § 18.1-282.3; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-226 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-226
Fraud and misrepresentation in sale of liquid fuels, lubricating oils and similar products
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation, to store, sell, expose for sale or offer for sale any liquid fuels, lubricating oils or other similar products, in any manner whatsoever, so as to deceive or tend to deceive the purchaser as to the nature, quality and identity of the product so sold or offered for sale.

Code 1950, § 59.1-55; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-25 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-25
Attempts to commit Class 1 felony offenses; how punished
Status: in_force

If any person attempts to commit an offense that is punishable as a Class 1 felony, he is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-16; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 280; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 18.2-246.6
Definitions
Status: in_force

For purposes of this article:

"Adult" means a person who is at least the legal minimum purchasing age.

"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.

"Consumer" means an individual who is not permitted as a wholesaler pursuant to § 58.1-1011 or who is not a retailer.

"Cigarette" means the same as that term is defined in § 3.2-4200 .

"Delivery sale" means any sale of cigarettes to a consumer in the Commonwealth regardless of whether the seller is located in the Commonwealth where either (i) the purchaser submits the order for such sale by means of a telephonic or other method of voice transmission, the mails or any other delivery service, or the Internet or other online service or (ii) the cigarettes are delivered by use of the mails or a delivery service. A sale of cigarettes not for personal consumption to a person who is a wholesale dealer or retail dealer, as such terms are defined in § 58.1-1000 , shall not be a delivery sale.

"Delivery service" means any person who is engaged in the commercial delivery of letters, packages, or other containers.

"Legal minimum purchasing age" is the minimum age at which an individual may legally purchase cigarettes in the Commonwealth.

"Mails" or "mailing" means the shipment of cigarettes through the United States Postal Service.

"Shipping container" means a container in which cigarettes are shipped in connection with a delivery sale.

"Shipping documents" means bills of lading, airbills, or any other documents used to evidence the undertaking by a delivery service to deliver letters, packages, or other containers.

2003, c. 1010 ; 2005, c. 839 ; 2015, cc. 38 , 730 ; 2023, c. 32 ; 2025, cc. 36 , 43 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-147 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-147
Entering or setting in motion, vehicle, aircraft, boat, locomotive or rolling stock of railroad; exceptions
Status: in_force

Any person who shall, without the consent of the owner or person in charge of a vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel, locomotive or other rolling stock of a railroad, climb into or upon such vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel, locomotive or other rolling stock of a railroad, with intent to commit any crime, malicious mischief, or injury thereto, or who, while a vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel, locomotive or other rolling stock of a railroad is at rest and unattended, shall attempt to manipulate any of the levers and starting crank or other device, brakes or mechanism thereof or to set into motion such vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel, locomotive or other rolling stock of a railroad, with the intent to commit any crime, malicious mischief, or injury thereto, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, except that the foregoing provision shall not apply when any such act is done in an emergency or in furtherance of public safety or by or under the direction of an officer in the regulation of traffic or performance of any other official duty.

Code 1950, § 18.1-167; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-94 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-94
Possession of burglarious tools, etc
Status: in_force

If any person have in his possession any tools, implements or outfit, with intent to commit burglary, robbery or larceny, upon conviction thereof he shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. The possession of such burglarious tools, implements or outfit by any person other than a licensed dealer, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to commit burglary, robbery or larceny.

Code 1950, § 18.1-87; 1960, c. 358; 1970, c. 587; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-49.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-49.1
Violation of court order regarding custody and visitation; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who knowingly, wrongfully and intentionally withholds a child from either of a child's parents or other legal guardian in a clear and significant violation of a court order respecting the custody or visitation of such child, provided such child is withheld outside of the Commonwealth, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who knowingly, wrongfully and intentionally engages in conduct that constitutes a clear and significant violation of a court order respecting the custody or visitation of a child is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor upon conviction of a first offense. Any person who commits a second violation of this section within 12 months of a first conviction is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor, and any person who commits a third violation occurring within 24 months of the first conviction is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1987, c. 704; 1989, c. 486; 1994, c. 575 ; 2002, cc. 576 , 596 ; 2003, c. 261 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-517 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 13 / Section 18.2-517
Venue for prosecution
Status: in_force

For the purposes of venue, any violation of this chapter shall be considered to have been committed in any county or city:

1. In which any act was performed in furtherance of any course of conduct that violates this chapter;

2. That is the principal place of the enterprise in the Commonwealth;

3. In which any offender had control or possession of any proceeds of a violation of this chapter, or of any records, or any other material or objects, which were used in furtherance of a violation;

4. In which any offender resides; or

5. Any place of venue under Article 2 (§ 19.2-244 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2.

2004, cc. 883 , 996 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-439 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-439
Acceptance of bribe by officer or candidate
Status: in_force

If any executive, legislative or judicial officer, sheriff or police officer, or any candidate for such office, accept in this Commonwealth, or if, being resident in this Commonwealth, such officer or candidate shall go out of this Commonwealth and accept and afterwards return to and reside in this Commonwealth, any gift or gratuity or any promise to make a gift or do any act beneficial to such officer or candidate under an agreement, or with an understanding, that his vote, opinion or judgment shall be given on any particular side of any question, cause or proceeding which is or may be by law brought before him in his official capacity or that in such capacity he shall make any particular nomination or appointment or take or fail to take any particular action or perform any duty required by law, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and shall forfeit his office and be forever incapable of holding any office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia. The word candidate as used in this section and § 18.2-438 , shall mean anyone who has filed his candidacy with the appropriate electoral official or who is a candidate as defined in § 24.2-101 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-279; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-265.5
Advertisement of drug paraphernalia prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to place in any newspaper, magazine, handbill or other publication any advertisement, knowing or under circumstances where one reasonably should know, that the purpose of the advertisement, in whole or in part, is to promote the sale of objects designed or intended by such person for use as drug paraphernalia. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1983, c. 535.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-93 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-93
Entering bank, armed, with intent to commit larceny
Status: in_force

If any person, armed with a deadly weapon, shall enter any banking house, in the daytime or in the nighttime, with intent to commit larceny of money, bonds, notes, or other evidence of debt therein, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-90; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.8 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-268.8
Fees
Status: in_force

Payment for withdrawing blood shall not exceed $25, which shall be paid out of the appropriation for criminal charges. If the person whose blood sample was withdrawn is subsequently convicted for a violation of § 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or of a similar ordinance, or is placed under the purview of a probational, educational, or rehabilitational program as set forth in § 18.2-271.1 , the amount charged by the person withdrawing the sample shall be taxed as part of the costs of the criminal case and shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury.

If the person whose blood sample was withdrawn is subsequently convicted for violation of § 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or a similar ordinance, a fee of $25 for testing the first blood sample by the Department shall be taxed as part of the costs of the criminal case and shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury.

1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 2001, c. 561 ; 2003, cc. 933 , 936 ; 2004, c. 1013 ; 2005, cc. 757 , 840 , 868 , 881 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-386.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-386.2
Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who, with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate, maliciously disseminates or sells any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever that depicts another person (i) who is totally nude; (ii) who is in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast; or (iii) whose genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast are not exposed but such videographic or still image is obscene as defined in § 18.2-372 where such person knows or has reason to know that he is not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell such videographic or still image is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this subsection, "another person" includes a person whose image was used in creating, adapting, or modifying a videographic or still image with the intent to depict an actual person and who is recognizable as an actual person by the person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic.

B. If a person uses services of an Internet service provider, an electronic mail service provider, or any other information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server in committing acts prohibited under this section, such provider shall not be held responsible for violating this section for content provided by another person.

C. Venue for a prosecution under this section may lie in the jurisdiction where the unlawful act occurs or where any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever is produced, reproduced, found, stored, received, or possessed in violation of this section.

D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.

2014, c. 399 ; 2019, cc. 490 , 515 ; 2024, c. 697 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-502 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-502
Medical referral for profit
Status: in_force

(a) No person, firm, partnership, association or corporation, or agent or employee thereof, shall for profit engage in any business which in whole or in part includes the referral or recommendation of persons to a physician, hospital, health related facility, or dispensary for any form of medical care or treatment of any ailment or physical condition unless the person is advised of the criteria of selection of the physicians, hospitals, health-related facilities or dispensaries considered for the referral or recommendation. The acceptance of a fee or charge for any such referral or recommendation shall create a presumption that the business is engaged in such service for profit. A violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(b) Whenever there is a violation of this section, in addition to the criminal sanctions, an application may be made by the Attorney General to the circuit court of the city or county in which the offense occurred, to issue an injunction, and upon notice to the defendant of not less than five days, to enjoin and restrain the continuance of such violation. If it appears to the satisfaction of the court or judge that the defendant has, in fact, violated this section, an injunction may be issued by such court or judge enjoining and restraining any further violation, without requiring proof that any person has, in fact, been injured or damaged thereby. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, prohibit, forbid or prevent any licensed physician or practitioner of the healing arts in the ordinary course of his professional practice from making referrals or recommendations to other members of such groups, so long as no fee is received for such referral or recommendation.

The criminal and civil provisions of this section shall not apply to any individual association or corporation not organized or incorporated for pecuniary profit or financial gain, or to any organization or association which is exempt from taxation pursuant to § 501(c) of Title 26 of the United States Code (Int. Rev. Code of 1954).

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any division of fees prohibited by § 54.1-2962 or any remuneration for referral prohibited by federal law or regulation.

Code 1950, § 18.1-417.2; 1972, c. 642; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1986, c. 632.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-465 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-465
Officer summoning juror to act impartially
Status: in_force

If any sheriff or other officer corruptly, or through favor or ill-will, summon a juror, with intent that such juror shall find a verdict for or against either party, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and forfeit his office; and he shall be forever incapable of holding any office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 18.1-296; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-95 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-95
Grand larceny defined; how punished
Status: in_force

A. Any person who (i) commits larceny from the person of another of money or other thing of value of $5 or more, (ii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of $1,000 or more, or (iii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of any firearm, regardless of the firearm's value, shall be guilty of grand larceny, punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than 20 years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, be confined in jail for a period not exceeding 12 months or fined not more than $2,500, either or both.

B. A prosecution for a violation of this section may be had in (i) any place of venue under Article 2 (§ 19.2-244 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2 or (ii) any county or city where the victim of the larceny resides.

Code 1950, § 18.1-100; 1960, c. 358; 1966, c. 247; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 603; 1980, c. 175; 1991, c. 710; 1992, c. 822; 1998, c. 821 ; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 ; 2024, c. 475 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-190.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5.1 / Section 18.2-190.3
Sale of an unlawful electronic communication device; penalty
Status: in_force

A person who (i) knowingly sells an unlawful electronic communication device or (ii) sells material, including hardware, data, computer software or other information or equipment, knowing, or having reason to know, that the purchaser or a third person intends to use such material in the manufacture of an unlawful electronic communication device, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

1993, c. 439; 1998, c. 518 ; 2002, c. 671 ; 2003, c. 354 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-323 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-323
Leaving disabled or dead animal in road, or allowing dead animal to remain unburied
Status: in_force

If any person cast any dead animal into a road or knowingly permit any dead animal to remain unburied upon his property when offensive to the public or, having in custody any maimed, diseased, disabled or infirm animal, leave it to lie or be in a street, road or public place, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 32-70.1; 1958, c. 548; 1970, c. 72; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-188 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-188
Defrauding hotels, motels, campgrounds, boardinghouses, etc
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, without paying therefor, and with the intent to cheat or defraud the owner or keeper to:

1. Put up at a hotel, motel, campground or boardinghouse;

2. Obtain food from a restaurant or other eating house;

3. Gain entrance to an amusement park; or

4. Without having an express agreement for credit, procure food, entertainment or accommodation from any hotel, motel, campground, boardinghouse, restaurant, eating house or amusement park.

It shall be unlawful for any person, with intent to cheat or defraud the owner or keeper out of the pay therefor to obtain credit at a hotel, motel, campground, boardinghouse, restaurant or eating house for food, entertainment or accommodation by means of any false show of baggage or effects brought thereto.

It shall be unlawful for any person, with intent to cheat or defraud, to obtain credit at a hotel, motel, campground, boardinghouse, restaurant, eating house or amusement park for food, entertainment or accommodation through any misrepresentation or false statement.

It shall be unlawful for any person, with intent to cheat or defraud, to remove or cause to be removed any baggage or effects from a hotel, motel, campground, boardinghouse, restaurant or eating house while there is a lien existing thereon for the proper charges due from him for fare and board furnished.

Any person who violates any provision of this section is, if the value of service, credit or benefit procured or obtained is $1,000 or more, guilty of a Class 5 felony or is, if the value is less than $1,000, guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-120; 1960, c. 358; 1974, c. 615; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 178; 1981, c. 197; 1993, c. 575; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-187 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-187
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1978, c. 807.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-101 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-101
Selling, etc., of goods distrained or levied on
Status: in_force

If any person fraudulently sell, pledge, encumber, remove, destroy, receive or secrete any goods, chattels or other personal property of any kind whatsoever that has been distrained or levied upon, with intent to defeat such distress or levy, he shall be deemed guilty of the larceny thereof.

Code 1950, § 18.1-108; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-44 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-44
Civil liability for lynching
Status: in_force

No provisions of this article shall be construed to relieve any member of a mob from civil liability to the personal representative of the victim of a lynching.

Code 1950, § 18.1-33; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-474.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-474.2
Bribery in correctional facilities; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who receives any pecuniary benefit or other consideration to act in violation of § 18.2-474 or 18.2-474.1 is guilty of bribery, punishable as a Class 4 felony.

B. Any law-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101 , jail officer as defined in § 53.1-1 , or correctional officer as defined in § 53.1-1 who violates this section shall be decertified in accordance with § 15.2-1707 , if applicable, and shall be forever ineligible for reemployment as a law-enforcement officer, jail officer, or correctional officer in the Commonwealth.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 289 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-178
Obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense
Status: in_force

A. If any person obtain, by any false pretense or token, from any person, with intent to defraud, money, a gift certificate or other property that may be the subject of larceny, he shall be deemed guilty of larceny thereof; or if he obtain, by any false pretense or token, with such intent, the signature of any person to a writing, the false making whereof would be forgery, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

B. Venue for the trial of any person charged with an offense under this section may be in the county or city in which (i) any act was performed in furtherance of the offense, or (ii) the person charged with the offense resided at the time of the offense.

Code 1950, § 18.1-118; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2001, c. 131 ; 2006, c. 321 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-287
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-435 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-435
Giving conflicting testimony on separate occasions as to same matter; indictment; sufficiency of evidence
Status: in_force

It shall likewise constitute perjury for any person, with the intent to testify falsely, to knowingly give testimony under oath as to any material matter or thing and subsequently to give conflicting testimony under oath as to the same matter or thing. In any indictment for such perjury, it shall be sufficient to allege the offense by stating that the person charged therewith did, knowingly and with the intent to testify falsely, on one occasion give testimony upon a certain matter and, on a subsequent occasion, give different testimony upon the same matter. Upon the trial on such indictment, it shall be sufficient to prove that the defendant, knowingly and with the intent to testify falsely, gave such differing testimony and that the differing testimony was given on two separate occasions.

Code 1950, § 18.1-276; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.34 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.34
Suppliers of charitable gaming supplies; manufacturers of electronic gaming devices; permit; qualification; suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew certificate; maintenance, production and release of records
Status: in_force

A. No person shall offer to sell, sell, or otherwise provide charitable gaming supplies to any qualified organization and no manufacturer shall distribute electronic gaming devices for charitable gaming in the Commonwealth unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a permit by the Department. An application for permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $1,000. Each permit shall remain valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a permit shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $1,000 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.

B. The Commissioner shall have authority to prescribe by regulation reasonable criteria consistent with the provisions of this article for the registration of suppliers and manufacturers of electronic gaming devices for charitable gaming. The Department shall refuse to issue a permit to any supplier or manufacturer who has, or which has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has, (i) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense that, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (ii) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (iii) violated the gaming laws of any jurisdiction within the last five years, including violations for failure to register; or (iv) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to charitable gaming suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction within the last five years. The Department may refuse to issue a permit to any supplier or manufacturer who has, or which has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has, (a) failed to file or has been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth or (b) failed to establish a registered office or registered agent in the Commonwealth if so required by § 13.1-634 or 13.1-763 .

C. The Department shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the permit of any supplier or manufacturer for any conduct described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection B. The Department shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the permit of any supplier or manufacturer for any conduct described in clause (a) or (b) of subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulation of the Department. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the supplier or manufacturer a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

D. Each supplier shall document each sale of charitable gaming supplies, including electronic gaming devices, and other items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming, such as markers, wands, or tape, to a qualified organization on an invoice which clearly shows (i) the name and address of the qualified organization to which such supplies or items were sold; (ii) the date of the sale; (iii) the name or form and serial number of each deal of instant bingo cards and pull-tab raffle cards, the quantity of deals sold, and the price per deal paid by the qualified organization; (iv) the serial number of the top sheet in each packet of bingo paper, the serial number for each series of uncollated bingo paper, and the cut, color, and quantity of bingo paper sold; and (v) any other information with respect to charitable gaming supplies, including electronic gaming devices, or other items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming as the Commissioner may prescribe by regulation. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the charitable gaming supplies when delivered to the qualified organization.

Each manufacturer of electronic gaming devices shall document each distribution of such devices to a qualified organization or supplier on an invoice which clearly shows (a) the name and address of the qualified organization or supplier to which such systems were distributed; (b) the date of distribution; (c) the serial number of each such device; and (d) any other information with respect to electronic gaming devices as the Commissioner may prescribe by regulation. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the electronic gaming devices when delivered to the qualified organization or supplier.

E. Each supplier and manufacturer shall maintain a legible copy of each invoice required by subsection D for a period of three years from the date of sale. Each supplier and manufacturer shall make such documents immediately available for inspection and copying to any agent or employee of the Department upon request made during normal business hours. This subsection shall not limit the right of the Department to require the production of any other documents in the possession of the supplier or manufacturer which relate to its transactions with qualified organizations. All documents and other information of a proprietary nature furnished to the Department in accordance with this subsection shall not be a matter of public record and shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

F. Each supplier and manufacturer shall provide to the Department the results of background checks and any other records or documents necessary for the Department to enforce the provisions of subsections B and C.

1995, c. 837 ; 1996, c. 919 ; 1997, cc. 777 , 838 ; 1999, c. 534 ; 2003, c. 884 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2007, c. 264 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520 ; 2022, cc. 553 , 554 , 609 , 722 , 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-507 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-507
Injunctions against violation of § 18.2-505
Status: in_force

Whenever an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth shall duly file a civil action in the circuit court of any county or city against any person alleging violations of the provisions of § 18.2-505 , and praying that such party defendant be restrained and enjoined from continuing the acts complained of, such court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the issues involved, to issue injunctions pendente lite and permanent injunctions and to decree damages and costs of suit, including reasonable counsel fees to complainants' counsel.

Code 1950, § 18.1-371.3; 1974, c. 342; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2005, c. 681 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-374 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-374
Production, publication, sale, possession, etc., of obscene items
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to:

(1) Prepare any obscene item for the purposes of sale or distribution; or

(2) Print, copy, manufacture, produce, or reproduce any obscene item for purposes of sale or distribution; or

(3) Publish, sell, rent, lend, transport in intrastate commerce, or distribute or exhibit any obscene item, or offer to do any of these things; or

(4) Have in his possession with intent to sell, rent, lend, transport, or distribute any obscene item. Possession in public or in a public place of any obscene item as defined in this article shall be deemed prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

For the purposes of this section, "distribute" shall mean delivery in person, by mail, messenger or by any other means by which obscene items as defined in this article may pass from one person, firm or corporation to another.

Code 1950, § 18.1-228; 1960, c. 233; 1962, c. 289; 1970, c. 204; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-311 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-311
Prohibiting the selling or having in possession blackjacks, etc
Status: in_force

If any person sells or barters, or exhibits for sale or for barter, or gives or furnishes, or causes to be sold, bartered, given, or furnished, or has in his possession, or under his control, with the intent of selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing, any blackjack, brass or metal knucks, any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades that is designed to be thrown or propelled and that may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, ballistic knife as defined in § 18.2-307.1 , or like weapons, such person is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The having in one's possession of any such weapon shall be prima facie evidence, except in the case of a conservator of the peace, of his intent to sell, barter, give, or furnish the same.

Code 1950, § 18.1-271; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 394; 1988, c. 359; 2013, c. 746 ; 2022, c. 27 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-167.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-167.1
Interception or monitoring of customer telephone calls; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to intercept or monitor, or attempt to intercept or monitor, the transmission of a message, signal or other communication by telephone between an employee or other agent of such person, firm or corporation and a customer of such person, firm or corporation.

The provisions of this section shall not apply if the person, firm or corporation gives notice to such employee or agent that such monitoring may occur at any time during the course of such employment.

Any person, firm or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any wiretap or other interception of any communication authorized pursuant to Chapter 6 of Title 19.2 (§ 19.2-61 et seq.).

1982, c. 380.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.05 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.05
Issuance of a de facto permit
Status: in_force

If the court has not issued the permit or determined that the applicant is disqualified within 45 days of the date of receipt noted on the application, the clerk shall certify on the application that the 45-day period has expired, and mail or send via electronic mail a copy of the certified application to the applicant within five business days of the expiration of the 45-day period. The certified application shall serve as a de facto permit, which shall expire 90 days after issuance, and shall be recognized as a valid concealed handgun permit when presented with a valid government-issued photo identification pursuant to subsection A of § 18.2-308.01 , until the court issues a five-year permit or finds the applicant to be disqualified. If the applicant is found to be disqualified after the de facto permit is issued, the applicant shall surrender the de facto permit to the court and the disqualification shall be deemed a denial of the permit and a revocation of the de facto permit.

2013, c. 746 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.12 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.12
Civil relief; damages
Status: in_force

A. Any person whose property or person is injured by reason of a violation of any provision of this article or by any act of computer trespass set forth in subdivisions A 1 through A 8 of § 18.2-152.4 regardless of whether such act is committed with malicious intent may sue therefor and recover for any damages sustained and the costs of suit. Without limiting the generality of the term, "damages" shall include loss of profits.

B. If the injury under this article arises from the transmission of spam in contravention of the authority granted by or in violation of the policies set by the electronic mail service provider where the defendant has knowledge of the authority or policies of the EMSP or where the authority or policies of the EMSP are available on the electronic mail service provider's website, the injured person, other than an electronic mail service provider, may also recover attorneys' fees and costs, and may elect, in lieu of actual damages, to recover the lesser of $10 for each and every spam message transmitted in violation of this article, or $25,000 per day. The injured person shall not have a cause of action against the electronic mail service provider that merely transmits the spam over its computer network. Transmission of electronic mail from an organization to its members shall not be deemed to be spam.

C. If the injury under this article arises from the transmission of spam in contravention of the authority granted by or in violation of the policies set by the electronic mail service provider where the defendant has knowledge of the authority or policies of the EMSP or where the authority or policies of the EMSP are available on the electronic mail service provider's website, an injured electronic mail service provider may also recover attorneys' fees and costs, and may elect, in lieu of actual damages, to recover $1 for each and every intended recipient of a spam message where the intended recipient is an end user of the EMSP or $25,000 for each day an attempt is made to transmit a spam message to an end user of the EMSP. In calculating the statutory damages under this provision, the court may adjust the amount awarded as necessary, but in doing so shall take into account the number of complaints to the EMSP generated by the defendant's messages, the defendant's degree of culpability, the defendant's prior history of such conduct, and the extent of economic gain resulting from the conduct. Transmission of electronic mail from an organization to its members shall not be deemed to be spam.

D. At the request of any party to an action brought pursuant to this section, the court may, in its discretion, conduct all legal proceedings in such a way as to protect the secrecy and security of the computer, computer network, computer data, computer program and computer software involved in order to prevent possible recurrence of the same or a similar act by another person and to protect any trade secrets of any party and in such a way as to protect the privacy of nonparties who complain about violations of this section.

E. The provisions of this article shall not be construed to limit any person's right to pursue any additional civil remedy otherwise allowed by law.

F. A civil action under this section must be commenced before expiration of the time period prescribed in § 8.01-40.1 . In actions alleging injury arising from the transmission of spam, personal jurisdiction may be exercised pursuant to § 8.01-328.1 .

1984, c. 751; 1985, c. 92; 1999, cc. 886 , 904 , 905 ; 2003, cc. 987 , 1016 ; 2005, cc. 746 , 761 , 827 ; 2010, cc. 489 , 529 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-366 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-366
Sexual intercourse by persons forbidden to marry; incest; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any person who engages in sexual intercourse with any person whom he is forbidden by law to marry is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor except as provided by subsection B.

B. Any person who engages in sexual intercourse with his daughter or granddaughter, son or grandson, or father or mother is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if a parent or grandparent engages in sexual intercourse with his child or grandchild, and such child or grandchild is at least 13 years of age but less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, such parent or grandparent is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

C. For the purposes of this section, parent includes stepparent, grandparent includes step-grandparent, child includes a stepchild, and grandchild includes a step-grandchild.

Code 1950, § 18.1-191; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 397; 1993, c. 703; 2014, c. 542 ; 2020, cc. 122 , 900 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-455 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-455
Unprofessional conduct; revocation of license
Status: in_force

Conduct that is made illegal by this article on the part of an attorney at law or any person holding license from the Commonwealth to engage in a profession is unprofessional conduct. Upon hearing pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-3935 , or other statute applicable to the profession concerned, if the defendant be found guilty of barratry, his license to practice law or any other profession shall be revoked for such period as provided by law.

Code 1950, § 18.1-393; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-96 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-96
Petit larceny defined; how punished
Status: in_force

Any person who:

1. Commits larceny from the person of another of money or other thing of value of less than $5, or

2. Commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of less than $1,000, except as provided in clause (iii) of § 18.2-95 , shall be deemed guilty of petit larceny, which shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-101; 1960, c. 358; 1966, c. 247; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 175; 1992, c. 822; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-82 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-82
Burning building or structure while in such building or structure with intent to commit felony
Status: in_force

If any person while in any building or other structure unlawfully, with intent to commit a felony therein, shall burn or cause to be burned, in whole or in part, such building or other structure, the burning of which is not punishable under any other section of this chapter, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-80.1; 1970, c. 356; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-268.4
Trial and appeal for refusal
Status: in_force

A. Venue for the trial of the warrant or summons shall lie in the court of the county or city in which the offense of driving under the influence of intoxicants or other offense listed in subsection A or B of § 18.2-268.3 is to be tried.

B. The procedure for appeal and trial of any civil offense of § 18.2-268.3 shall be the same as provided by law for misdemeanors; if requested by either party on appeal to the circuit court, trial by jury shall be as provided in Article 4 (§ 19.2-260 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 19.2, and the Commonwealth shall be required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

C. If the defendant pleads guilty to a violation of § 18.2-266 or 18.2-266.1 or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or of a similar ordinance, the court may dismiss the warrant or summons.

The court shall dispose of the defendant's license in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-398 ; however, the defendant's license shall not be returned during any period of suspension imposed under § 46.2-391.2 .

1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 151 , 359 , 363 ; 2004, cc. 985 , 1013 ; 2005, cc. 757 , 840 , 943 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.33 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.33
Prohibited practices
Status: in_force

In addition to those other practices prohibited by this article, the following acts or practices are prohibited:

1. No part of the gross receipts or electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts derived by a qualified organization may be used for any purpose other than (i) gaming expenses; (ii) reasonable and proper business expenses; and (iii) those lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized.

2. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.34:1 , no qualified organization shall enter into a contract with or otherwise employ for compensation any person for the purpose of organizing, managing, or conducting any charitable games. However, organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons may use a part of their gross receipts for costs associated with providing clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of charitable gaming.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not prohibit the joint operation of bingo games held in accordance with § 18.2-340.29 .

3. No person shall pay or receive for use of any premises wholly devoted to the conduct of any charitable games, any consideration in excess of the current fair market rental value of such property. Fair market rental value consideration shall not be based upon or determined by reference to a percentage of the proceeds derived from the operation of any charitable games or to the number of people in attendance at such charitable games.

4. No person shall participate in the management or operation of any charitable game unless such person is and, for a period of at least 30 days immediately preceding such participation, has been a bona fide member of the organization. For any organization that is not composed of members, a person who is not a bona fide member may volunteer in the conduct of a charitable game as long as that person is directly supervised by a bona fide official member of the organization.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to (i) persons employed as clerical assistants by qualified organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons; (ii) employees of a corporate sponsor of a qualified organization, provided such employees' participation is limited to the management, operation, or conduct of no more than one raffle per year; (iii) the spouse or family member of any such bona fide member of a qualified organization provided at least one bona fide member is present; or (iv) persons employed by a qualified organization authorized to sell pull tabs or seal cards in accordance with § 18.2-340.16 , provided (a) such sales are conducted by no more than two on-duty employees and (b) such employees receive no compensation for or based on the sale of the pull tabs or seal cards.

5. No person shall receive any remuneration for participating in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game, except that:

a. Persons employed by organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons may receive remuneration not to exceed $30 per event for providing clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of charitable games only for such organizations;

b. Persons under the age of 19 who sell raffle tickets for a qualified organization to raise funds for youth activities in which they participate may receive nonmonetary incentive awards or prizes from the organization;

c. Remuneration may be paid to off-duty law-enforcement officers from the jurisdiction in which such bingo games are played for providing uniformed security for such bingo games even if such officer is a member of the sponsoring organization, provided the remuneration paid to such member is in accordance with off-duty law-enforcement personnel work policies approved by the local law-enforcement official and further provided that such member is not otherwise engaged in the management, operation, or conduct of the bingo games of that organization, or to private security services businesses licensed pursuant to § 9.1-139 providing uniformed security for such bingo games, provided that employees of such businesses shall not otherwise be involved in the management, operation, or conduct of the bingo games of that organization;

d. A member of a qualified organization lawfully participating in the management, operation, or conduct of a bingo game may be provided food and nonalcoholic beverages by such organization for on-premises consumption during the bingo game provided the food and beverages are provided in accordance with Department regulations;

e. Remuneration may be paid to bingo managers or callers who have a current registration certificate issued by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34:1 , or who are exempt from such registration requirement. Except as provided for in subdivision f and subsection E of § 18.2-340.34:1 , such remuneration shall not exceed $200 per session;

f. For services provided on any day designated as a legal holiday pursuant to § 2.2-3300 , remuneration shall be paid at a rate not less than one and one-half times the remuneration rate paid pursuant to subdivision e to bingo managers or callers who have a current registration certificate issued by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34:1 , or who are exempt from such registration requirement; and

g. Volunteers of a qualified organization may be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary travel expenses, not to exceed $50 per session.

6. No landlord shall, at bingo games conducted on the landlord's premises, (i) participate in the conduct, management, or operation of any bingo games; (ii) sell, lease, or otherwise provide for consideration any bingo supplies, including bingo cards, instant bingo cards, or other game pieces; or (iii) require as a condition of the lease or by contract that a particular manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of bingo supplies or equipment be used by the organization.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any qualified organization conducting bingo games on its own behalf at premises owned by it.

7. No qualified organization shall enter into any contract with or otherwise employ or compensate any member of the organization on account of the sale of bingo supplies or equipment.

8. No organization shall award any bingo prize money or any merchandise valued in excess of the following amounts:

a. No bingo door prize shall exceed $250 for a single door prize or $500 in cumulative door prizes in any one session;

b. No regular bingo or special bingo game prize shall exceed $100. However, up to 10 games per bingo session may feature a regular bingo or special bingo game prize of up to $200;

c. No instant bingo, pull tab, or seal card prize for a single card shall exceed $2,000;

d. Except as provided in this subdivision 8, no bingo jackpot of any nature whatsoever shall exceed $1,000, nor shall the total amount of bingo jackpot prizes awarded in any one session exceed $1,000. Proceeds from the sale of bingo cards and the sheets used for bingo jackpot games shall be accounted for separately from the bingo cards or sheets used for any other bingo games; and

e. No single network bingo prize shall exceed $25,000. Proceeds from the sale of network bingo cards shall be accounted for separately from bingo cards and sheets used for any other bingo game.

9. The provisions of subdivision 8 shall not apply to any progressive bingo game in which (i) a regular or special prize, not to exceed $100, is awarded on the basis of predetermined numbers or patterns selected at random and (ii) a progressive prize, not to exceed $500 for the initial progressive prize and $5,000 for the maximum progressive prize, is awarded if the predetermined numbers or patterns are covered when a certain number of numbers is called, provided that (a) there are no more than six such games per session per organization, (b) the amount of increase of the progressive prize per session is no more than $200, (c) the bingo cards or sheets used in such games are sold separately from the bingo cards or sheets used for any other bingo games, (d) the organization separately accounts for the proceeds from such sale, and (e) such games are otherwise operated in accordance with the Department's rules of play.

10. No organization shall award any raffle prize valued at more than $100,000.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a raffle conducted no more than three times per calendar year by a qualified organization qualified as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code for a prize consisting of a lot improved by a residential dwelling where 100 percent of the moneys received from such a raffle, less deductions for the fair market value for the cost of acquisition of the land and materials, are donated to lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational organizations specifically chartered or organized under the laws of the Commonwealth and qualified as a § 501(c) tax-exempt organization. No more than one such raffle shall be conducted in any one geographical region of the Commonwealth.

11. No qualified organization composed of or for deaf or blind persons that employs a person not a member to provide clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of any charitable games shall conduct such games unless it has in force fidelity insurance, as defined in § 38.2-120 , written by an insurer licensed to do business in the Commonwealth.

12. No person shall participate in the management or operation of any charitable game if he has ever been convicted of any felony or if he has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving fraud, theft, or financial crimes within the preceding five years. No person shall participate in the conduct of any charitable game if, within the preceding 10 years, he has been convicted of any felony or if, within the preceding five years he has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving fraud, theft, or financial crimes. In addition, no person shall participate in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game if that person, within the preceding five years, has participated in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game that was found by the Department or a court of competent jurisdiction to have been operated in violation of state law, local ordinance, or Department regulation.

13. Qualified organizations jointly conducting bingo games pursuant to § 18.2-340.29 shall not circumvent any restrictions and prohibitions that would otherwise apply if a single organization were conducting such games. These restrictions and prohibitions shall include the frequency with which bingo games may be held, the value of merchandise or money awarded as prizes, or any other practice prohibited under this section.

14. A qualified organization shall not purchase any charitable gaming supplies for use in the Commonwealth from any person who is not currently registered with the Department as a supplier pursuant to § 18.2-340.34 .

15. Unless otherwise permitted in this article, no part of an organization's charitable gaming gross receipts shall be used for an organization's social or recreational activities.

16. No organization qualified to conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments pursuant to § 18.2-340.28:2 shall conduct any Texas Hold'em poker games where the game has no predetermined end time and the players wager actual money or poker chips that have cash value.

1995, c. 837 ; 1996, c. 919 ; 1997, cc. 777 , 838 ; 1998, cc. 57 , 398 ; 1999, c. 534 ; 2000, c. 1000 ; 2001, c. 754 ; 2002, c. 282 ; 2003, c. 884 ; 2004, c. 275 ; 2005, cc. 776 , 826 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2007, cc. 226 , 790 ; 2008, c. 352 ; 2010, c. 429 ; 2013, cc. 36 , 350 ; 2017, cc. 566 , 739 ; 2020, c. 568 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 491 ; 2022, cc. 553 , 554 , 609 , 612 , 722 , 767 ; 2025, c. 49 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.9 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-268.9
Assurance of breath-test validity; use of breath-test results as evidence
Status: in_force

A. To be capable of being considered valid as evidence in a prosecution under § 18.2-266 or 18.2-266.1 or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or a similar ordinance, chemical analysis of a person's breath shall be performed by an individual possessing a valid license to conduct such tests, with a type of equipment and in accordance with methods approved by the Department.

B. The Department shall establish a training program for all individuals who are to administer the breath tests. Upon a person's successful completion of the training program, the Department may license him to conduct breath-test analyses. Such license shall identify the specific types of breath test equipment upon which the individual has successfully completed training. Any individual conducting a breath test under the provisions of § 18.2-268.2 shall issue a certificate which will indicate that the test was conducted in accordance with the Department's specifications, the name of the accused, that prior to administration of the test the accused was advised of his right to observe the process and see the blood alcohol reading on the equipment used to perform the breath test, the date and time the sample was taken from the accused, the sample's alcohol content, and the name of the person who examined the sample. This certificate, when attested by the individual conducting the breath test on equipment maintained by the Department, shall be admissible in any court as evidence of the facts therein stated and of the results of such analysis (i) in any criminal proceeding, provided that the requirements of subsection A of § 19.2-187.1 have been satisfied and the accused has not objected to the admission of the certificate pursuant to subsection B of § 19.2-187.1 , or (ii) in any civil proceeding. Any such certificate of analysis purporting to be signed by a person authorized by the Department shall be admissible in evidence without proof of seal or signature of the person whose name is signed to it. A copy of the certificate shall be promptly delivered to the accused. Copies of Department records relating to any breath test conducted pursuant to this section shall be admissible provided such copies are authenticated as true copies either by the custodian thereof or by the person to whom the custodian reports.

Any person qualified to conduct a breath test as provided by this section may administer the breath test or analyze the results.

1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 1996, cc. 154 , 952 ; 1997, c. 256 ; 1999, c. 273 ; 2004, c. 1013 ; 2005, cc. 757 , 840 , 868 , 881 ; 2006, c. 101 ; 2009, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1 , 4 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-297 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-297
How article construed
Status: in_force

This article shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.

Code 1950, § 18.1-267; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-97.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-97.1
Removal of a transmitting device; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who removes an electronic or radio transmitting device from a dog, falcon, hawk, or owl without the permission of the owner and with the intent to prevent or hinder the owner from locating the dog, falcon, hawk, or owl is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Upon a finding of guilt, the court shall order that the defendant pay as restitution the actual value of any dog, falcon, hawk, or owl lost or killed as a result of such removal. The court may also order restitution to the owner for any lost breeding revenues.

2007, cc. 484 , 721 ; 2011, c. 191 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.19 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.3 / Section 18.2-265.19
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Dextromethorphan" means the dextrorotatory isomer of 3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan and its salts.

"Pharmacy" means any establishment or institution from which drugs, medicines, or medicinal chemicals are dispensed or offered for sale or on which a sign is displayed bearing the words "apothecary," "druggist," "drugs," "drug store," "drug sundries," "medicine store," "pharmacist," "pharmacy," "prescriptions filled," or any similar words intended to indicate that the practice of pharmacy is being conducted pursuant to a license issued under Chapter 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) of Title 54.1.

"Retail distributor" means an entity licensed to conduct business in the Commonwealth that offers for sale to the public at a retail outlet any nonprescription compound, mixture, or preparation containing dextromethorphan.

"Unfinished dextromethorphan" means dextromethorphan in the form of a "bulk drug substance" as defined in § 54.1-3401 .

2014, cc. 101 , 362 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-246.1
Title
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Comprehensive Money Laundering Act."

1999, c. 348 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-424 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-424
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2007, c. 467 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-273.8 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 18.2-273.8
Requirements of employees of local ASAPs
Status: in_force

A. No person shall perform duties for, or be employed by, a local ASAP unless such person has obtained and maintains a certification issued by the Commission.

B. Every case manager, and any other employee who is designated by the director of any VASAP-certified local alcohol safety action program operated pursuant to this article to provide probation and related services, shall take an oath of office as prescribed in § 49-1 , by a person authorized to administer oaths pursuant to § 49-3 , before entering the duties of his office.

2026, cc. 686 , 687 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-271.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-271.3
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1999, c. 734 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-426 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-426
"Emergency call" and "emergency personnel" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this article:

"Emergency call" means a call to report a fire or summon police, or for emergency medical services, in a situation where human life or property is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.

"Emergency personnel" means any persons, paid or volunteer, who receive calls for dispatch of police, fire, or emergency medical services personnel, and includes law-enforcement officers, firefighters, including special forest wardens designated pursuant to § 10.1-1135 , and emergency medical services personnel.

Code 1950, § 18.1-370; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1995, c. 791 ; 2000, c. 962 ; 2007, c. 467 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-60.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-60.1
Threatening the Governor or his immediate family
Status: in_force

Any person who shall knowingly and willfully send, deliver or convey, or cause to be sent, delivered or conveyed, to the Governor or his immediate family any threat to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon the Governor or his immediate family, whether such threat be oral or written, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

1982, c. 568; 2020, c. 1002 ; 2022, c. 336 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-290 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-290
Use of machine gun for aggressive purpose
Status: in_force

Unlawful possession or use of a machine gun for an offensive or aggressive purpose is hereby declared to be a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-260; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 229; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-498.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-498.4
Duty to provide certified statement
Status: in_force

A. The Commonwealth, or any department or agency thereof, and any local government or any department or agency thereof, may require that any person seeking, offering or agreeing to transact business or commerce with it, or seeking, offering or agreeing to receive any portion of the public funds or moneys, submit a certification that the offer or agreement or any claim resulting therefrom is not the result of, or affected by, any act of collusion with another person engaged in the same line of business or commerce; or any act of fraud punishable under this article.

B. Any person required to submit a certified statement as provided in subsection A above who knowingly makes a false statement shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

1980, c. 472.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-121.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-121.3
Trespass with an unmanned aircraft system; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who knowingly and intentionally causes an unmanned aircraft system to (i) enter the property of another and come within 50 feet of a dwelling house (a) to coerce, intimidate, or harass another person or (b) after having been given actual notice to desist, for any other reason; (ii) take off or land in violation of current Federal Aviation Administration Special Security Instructions or UAS Security Sensitive Airspace Restrictions; or (iii) (a) drop any item within the boundaries of or (b) obtain any videographic or still image of any identifiable inmate or resident at any state or local correctional facility, as defined in § 53.1-1 , or juvenile correctional center is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any person who knowingly and intentionally, and without authorization, causes an unmanned aircraft system to enter the airspace over any (i) public services or utilities, as described in § 18.2-162 ; (ii) critical infrastructure, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5195c, including any military base authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense; or (iii) facility, as defined in 46 U.S.C. § 70101, covered by the federal Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

C. Subsections A and B shall not apply to any person who causes an unmanned aircraft system to enter the property as set forth in subsection A or B if (i) consent is given to the entry by any person with legal authority to consent or by any person who is lawfully present on such property; (ii) such person is authorized by federal regulations to operate an unmanned aircraft system and is operating such system in an otherwise lawful manner and consistent with federal regulations; (iii) such person is an employee of the property and is conducting official business; or (iv) such person is an employee of a public service or utility, as described in § 18.2-162 , critical infrastructure, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5195c, or facility, as defined in 46 U.S.C. § 70101, and is conducting official business.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A, B, and C, any person who knowingly, intentionally, and without authorization causes an unmanned aircraft system to enter the property of and obtains or attempts to obtain any videographic or still image that contains or reveals any controlled technical information located within a contracted defense facility is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 18.2-146 , the owner or operator of a contracted defense facility and its employees shall be immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability as a result of preventing, stopping, deterring, interrupting, or repelling, or attempting to prevent, stop, deter, interrupt, or repel, an unmanned aircraft system from entering the property of such contracted defense facility, or attempting to stop, deter, interrupt, or repel, an unmanned aircraft system that has entered such property, provided that such action does not result in injury to any person.

As used in this subsection:

"Contracted defense facility" means any manufacturing or engineering facility or other related facility where work involving the design, construction, repair, maintenance, modernization, or inactivation of an asset of the U.S. Department of Defense occurs pursuant to a contract issued by the federal government.

"Controlled technical information" means technical information with military or space application that is subject to controls on the access, use, reproduction, modification, performance, display, release, disclosure, or dissemination, excluding information that is lawfully publicly available without restrictions, as defined in clause 252.204-7012 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, as amended.

2018, cc. 851 , 852 ; 2019, c. 612 ; 2023, cc. 24 , 25 ; 2025, cc. 374 , 381 , 622 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-246
Penalty in general for violations
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided, any person who shall violate any provision of any section in this article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 59.1-68.1; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.16 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.16
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-283.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-283.3
Possession of a weapon in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Developmental services" means the same as that term is defined in § 37.2-100 .

"Hospital" means a public or private institution licensed pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of Title 32.1 or Article 2 (§ 37.2-403 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 37.2.

"Location-restricted knife" means a knife with a blade over three and one-half inches.

"Mental health services" means the same as that term is defined in § 37.2-100 .

B. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly and intentionally possess a (i) firearm, (ii) location-restricted knife, or (iii) other dangerous weapon, including explosives and stun weapons as defined in § 18.2-308.1 , in the building of any hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services in the Commonwealth, including an emergency department or other facility rendering emergency medical care. Any such firearm, knife, explosive, or weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth and disposed of as provided in § 19.2-386.28 . A violation of this subsection is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to (i) a person while in the actual discharge of his official duties as a police officer, sheriff, law-enforcement agent or official, officer or guard of any state correctional institution, or armed security officer; (ii) any person who has written authorization from the hospital, including authorization related to an employee's scope of employment; or (iii) any person brought into a hospital pursuant to the issuance of an emergency custody order or involuntary detention order under the provisions of Article 4 (§ 37.2-808 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 37.2.

D. Notice of the provisions of this section shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance of any hospital and no person shall be convicted of an offense under this section if such notice is not posted at each such public entrance, unless such person had actual notice of the prohibitions of this section.

2026, cc. 1108 , 1109 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-311.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-311.1
Removing, altering, etc., serial number or other identification on firearm; selling, giving, etc., or possessing firearm without serial number; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person, firm, association, or corporation to intentionally remove, alter, change, destroy, or obliterate in any manner or way or cause to be removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner or way the name of the maker, model, manufacturer's or serial number, or any other identification required by federal law on any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. It is unlawful for any person, firm, association, or corporation to knowingly possess any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. It is unlawful for any person, firm, association, or corporation to knowingly sell, give, or distribute any pistol, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, or any other firearm that has a serial number that has been removed, altered, changed, destroyed, or obliterated in any manner. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to antique firearms as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 .

1975, c. 590; 2024, c. 786 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-266 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-266
Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train (i) while such person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in this article, (ii) while such person is under the influence of alcohol, (iii) while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely, (iv) while such person is under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely, or (v) while such person has a blood concentration of any of the following substances at a level that is equal to or greater than: (a) 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood, (b) 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood, (c) 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine per liter of blood, or (d) 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine per liter of blood. A charge alleging a violation of this section shall support a conviction under clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v).

For the purposes of this article, the term "motor vehicle" includes mopeds, while operated on the public highways of this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 18.1-54; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 637; 1984, c. 666; 1986, c. 635; 1987, c. 661; 1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 1996, c. 439 ; 2005, cc. 616 , 845 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.30 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.30
Reports of gross receipts, electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts, and disbursements required; form of reports; failure to file
Status: in_force

A. 1. Each qualified organization shall keep a complete record of all:

a. Inventory of charitable gaming supplies purchased.

b. Receipts from its charitable gaming operation, including a breakdown of receipts attributable to each type of game offered.

c. Electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts.

d. Disbursements related to charitable gaming and electronic gaming operations, including a breakdown of disbursements for each purpose specified in subdivision 1 of § 18.2-340.33 .

2. Except as provided in §§ 18.2-340.23 and 18.2-340.30:2 , each qualified organization shall file under penalty of perjury and at least annually, on a form prescribed by the Department, a report of all receipts and disbursements specified in subdivision 1, the amount of money on hand attributable to charitable gaming as of the end of the period covered by the report, and any other information related to its charitable gaming operation that the Department may require. In addition, the Commissioner, by regulation, may require any qualified organization, except any qualified organization that realizes annual gross receipts of $40,000 or less, whose net receipts exceed a specified amount during any three-month period to file a report of its receipts and disbursements for such period. All reports filed pursuant to this section shall be a matter of public record.

B. All reports required by this section shall be filed on or before the date prescribed by the Department. The Commissioner, by regulation, shall establish a schedule of late fees to be assessed for any organization that fails to submit required reports by the due date.

C. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.23 , each qualified organization shall designate or compensate an outside individual or group who shall be responsible for filing an annual, and, if required, quarterly, financial report if the organization goes out of business or otherwise ceases to conduct charitable gaming activities. The Department shall require such reports as it deems necessary until all proceeds of any charitable gaming have been used for the purposes specified in § 18.2-340.19 or have been disbursed in a manner approved by the Department.

D. Each qualified organization shall maintain for three years a complete written record of (i) all charitable gaming sessions using Department prescribed forms or reasonable facsimiles thereof approved by the Department; (ii) the name and address of each individual to whom is awarded any charitable gaming prize or jackpot that meets or exceeds the requirements of Internal Revenue Service Publication 3079, as well as the amount of the award; and (iii) an itemized record of all receipts and disbursements, including operating costs and use of proceeds incurred in operating bingo games.

E. The failure to file reports within 30 days of the time such reports are due shall cause the automatic revocation of the permit, and no organization shall conduct any bingo game or raffle thereafter until the report is properly filed and a new permit is obtained. However, the Department may grant an extension of time for filing such reports for a period not to exceed 45 days if requested by an organization, provided the organization requests an extension within 15 days of the time such reports are due and all projected fees are paid. For the term of any such extension, the organization's permit shall not be automatically revoked, such organization may continue to conduct charitable gaming, or electronic gaming if authorized to do so pursuant to the provisions of this article, and no new permit shall be required.

F. For purposes of this section, the requirement to file a report shall also include the payment of any applicable fees required to accompany such report.

1995, c. 837 ; 1997, cc. 777 , 838 ; 1999, c. 360 ; 2003, c. 884 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2007, c. 541 ; 2014, c. 208 ; 2022, cc. 553 , 554 , 609 , 722 , 767 ; 2023, cc. 592 , 593 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-465.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-465.1
Penalizing employee for court appearance or service on jury panel
Status: in_force

Any person who is summoned to serve on jury duty or any person, except a defendant in a criminal case, who is summoned or subpoenaed to appear in any court of law or equity when a case is to be heard or who, having appeared, is required in writing by the court to appear at any future hearing, shall neither be discharged from employment, nor have any adverse personnel action taken against him, nor shall he be required to use sick leave or vacation time, as a result of his absence from employment due to such jury duty or court appearance, upon giving reasonable notice to his employer of such court appearance or summons. No person who is summoned and appears for jury duty for four or more hours, including travel time, in one day shall be required to start any work shift that begins on or after 5:00 p.m. on the day of his appearance for jury duty or begins before 3:00 a.m. on the day following the day of his appearance for jury duty. Any employer violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1981, c. 609; 1985, c. 436; 1988, c. 415; 2000, c. 295 ; 2002, c. 423 ; 2004, c. 800 ; 2005, c. 931 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-490 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-490
Penalty
Status: in_force

Any violation of this article shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to § 18.2-488.1 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-427; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 349; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2012, c. 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-387.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-387.1
Obscene sexual display; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who, while in any public place where others are present, intending that he be seen by others, intentionally and obscenely as defined in § 18.2-372 , engages in actual or explicitly simulated acts of masturbation, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2005, c. 422 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-289 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-289
Use of machine gun for crime of violence
Status: in_force

Possession or use of a machine gun in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a crime of violence is hereby declared to be a Class 2 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-259; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-265.3
(Effective July 1, 2027) Penalties for sale, etc., of drug paraphernalia
Status: in_force

A. Any person who sells or possesses with intent to sell drug paraphernalia, knowing, or under circumstances where one reasonably should know, that it is either designed for use or intended by such person for use to illegally plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection A by selling drug paraphernalia to a minor who is at least three years junior to the accused in age is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. Any person 18 years of age or older who distributes drug paraphernalia to a minor is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1981, c. 598; 1983, c. 535; 1984, c. 31; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-215 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-215
Removal or alteration of identification numbers on household electrical appliances; possession of such appliances
Status: in_force

No person, firm, association or corporation, either individually or in association with one or more other persons, firms, associations or corporations shall remove, change or alter the serial number or other identification number stamped upon, cut into or attached as a permanent part of any household or electrical or electronic appliance where such number was stamped upon, cut into or attached to such appliance by the manufacturer thereof.

No person, firm, association or corporation shall knowingly have in his or its possession for the purpose of resale or keep in his possession for a period in excess of forty-eight hours without reporting such possession to the appropriate law-enforcement agency in his county, town or city a household or electrical or electronic appliance, with knowledge that the serial number or other identification number has been removed, changed or altered.

Any person, firm, association or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 59.1-43; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 305.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-423.01
Burning object on property of another or a highway or other public place with intent to intimidate; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, burns an object on the private property of another without permission, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, burns an object on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

2002, cc. 589 , 600 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-405 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-405
What constitutes a riot; punishment
Status: in_force

Any unlawful use, by three or more persons acting together, of force or violence which seriously jeopardizes the public safety, peace or order is riot.

Every person convicted of participating in any riot shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

If such person carried, at the time of such riot, any firearm or other deadly or dangerous weapon, he shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-254.1, 18.1-254.2; 1968, c. 460; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 251; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.7 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.7
Possession, transportation, or purchase of certain firearms by certain persons; penalty
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Assault firearm" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 .

"Handgun" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-307.1 .

B. It is unlawful for any person younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a handgun or assault firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 anywhere in the Commonwealth.

C. It is unlawful for any person younger than 21 years of age to knowingly and intentionally purchase a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in the Commonwealth.

D. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

E. The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to:

1. Any person while present in his home or on the property of his parent, grandparent, or legal guardian and possessing the firearm with the consent of his parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who owns such firearm;

2. Any person who, while accompanied by an adult, is present at a lawful shooting range or firearms educational class;

3. Any person who, while accompanied by an adult, is actually engaged in lawful hunting;

4. Any person while engaged in official training or carrying out his duties as a law-enforcement officer or as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of the Commonwealth or any other state;

5. Any cadet who is participating in training, competitive, or ceremonial activities as a member of the Corps of Cadets or the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at a public institution of higher education; and

6. Any active duty law-enforcement officer in the course of his duties or an active participant in a Trooper Basic Academy Session administered by the Virginia State Police.

1993, cc. 467, 494; 2003, c. 976 ; 2004, c. 995 ; 2026, cc. 1102 , 1106 , 1107 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-334.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-334.4
Exemptions to article; pari-mutuel wagering
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering conducted in accordance with Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1.

1988, c. 855.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-270.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-270.01
Multiple offenders; payment to Trauma Center Fund
Status: in_force

A. The court shall order any person convicted of a violation of §§ 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 or § 46.2-341.24 who has been convicted previously of one or more violations of any of those sections or any ordinance, any law of another state, or any law of the United States substantially similar to the provisions of those sections within 10 years of the date of the current offense to pay $50 to the Trauma Center Fund for the purpose of defraying the costs of providing emergency medical care to victims of automobile accidents attributable to alcohol or drug use.

B. There is hereby established in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Trauma Center Fund. The Fund shall consist of any moneys paid into it by virtue of operation of subsection A hereof and any moneys appropriated thereto by the General Assembly and designated for the Fund. Any moneys deposited to or remaining in the Fund during or at the end of each fiscal year or biennium, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund and be available for allocation in ensuing fiscal years. The Department of Health shall award and administer grants from the Trauma Center Fund to appropriate trauma centers based on the cost to provide emergency medical care to victims of automobile accidents. The Department of Health shall develop, on or before October 1, 2004, written criteria for the awarding of such grants that shall be evaluated and, if necessary, revised on an annual basis.

2004, c. 999 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-496 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-496
Punishment for violation
Status: in_force

Any person who fails to comply with any of the foregoing provisions of this article is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for each separate offense.

Code 1950, § 18.1-400.4; 1970, c. 442; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-15 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-15
Place of punishment
Status: in_force

Imprisonment for conviction of a felony shall be by confinement in a state correctional facility, unless in Class 5 and Class 6 felonies the jury or court trying the case without a jury fixes the punishment at confinement in jail. Imprisonment for conviction of a misdemeanor shall be by confinement in jail.

1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-17 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-17
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 and 345 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2021.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.18 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.18
Powers and duties of the Department
Status: in_force

The Department shall have all powers and duties necessary to carry out the provisions of this article and to exercise the control of charitable gaming as set forth in § 18.2-340.15 . Such powers and duties shall include the following:

1. The Department is vested with jurisdiction and supervision over all charitable gaming authorized under the provisions of this article and including all persons that conduct or provide goods, services, or premises used in the conduct of charitable gaming. It may employ such persons as are necessary to ensure that charitable gaming is conducted in conformity with the provisions of this article and Department regulations. The Department shall designate such agents and employees as it deems necessary and appropriate who shall be sworn to enforce the provisions of this article and the criminal laws of the Commonwealth and who shall be law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101 .

2. The Department, its agents and employees and any law-enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of charitable gaming laws shall have free access to the offices, facilities, or any other place of business of any organization, including any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of charitable gaming. These individuals may enter such places or premises for the purpose of carrying out any duty imposed by this article, securing records required to be maintained by an organization, investigating complaints, or conducting audits.

3. The Department may compel the production of any books, documents, records, or memoranda of any organization, electronic gaming manufacturer, or supplier involved in the conduct of charitable gaming for the purpose of satisfying itself that this article and its regulations are strictly complied with. In addition, the Department may require the production of an annual balance sheet and operating statement of any person granted a permit pursuant to the provisions of this article and may require the production of any contract to which such person is or may be a party.

4. The Department may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses before it, administer oaths, and compel production of records or other documents and testimony of such witnesses whenever, in the judgment of the Department, it is necessary to do so for the effectual discharge of its duties.

5. The Department may compel any person conducting charitable gaming to file with the Department such documents, information, or data as shall appear to the Department to be necessary for the performance of its duties.

6. The Department may enter into arrangements with any governmental agency of this or any other state or any locality in the Commonwealth or any agency of the federal government for the purposes of exchanging information or performing any other act to better ensure the proper conduct of charitable gaming.

7. The Department may issue a charitable gaming permit while the permittee's tax-exempt status is pending approval by the Internal Revenue Service.

8. The Department shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly, which report shall include a financial statement of the operation of the Department and any recommendations for legislation applicable to charitable gaming in the Commonwealth.

9. The Department, its agents, and employees may conduct such audits, in addition to those required by § 18.2-340.31 , as they deem necessary and desirable.

10. The Department may limit the number of organizations for which a person may manage, operate, or conduct charitable games.

11. The Department may promulgate regulations that require any landlord that leases to a qualified organization any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of bingo games or any other charitable gaming to register with the Department.

12. The Department may report any alleged criminal violation of this article to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth for appropriate action.

13. Beginning July 1, 2024, and at least once every five years thereafter, the Department shall convene a stakeholder work group to review the limitations on prize amounts and provide any recommendations to the General Assembly by November 30 of the year in which the stakeholder work group is convened.

1995, c. 837 ; 1997, cc. 777 , 838 ; 2003, c. 884 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2014, c. 208 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 491 ; 2022, cc. 554 , 609 , 612 , 722 , 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.18 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.2 / Section 18.2-265.18
Failure to report certain sales; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person subject to the recordkeeping and reporting requirements set forth in this article that willfully fails to report nonprescription sales of ephedrine or related compounds is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2012, cc. 160 , 252 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-110 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-110
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-514 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 13 / Section 18.2-514
Racketeering offenses
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for an enterprise, any person who is directed by an organizer, supervisor, or manager of an enterprise, or any person who occupies a position of organizer, supervisor, or manager of an enterprise, to receive or distribute any proceeds or anything of value known to have been derived directly from racketeering activity and to use or invest an aggregate of $10,000 or more of such proceeds or such things of value in the acquisition of any title to, or any right, interest, or equity in, real property, or in the establishment or operation of any enterprise.

B. It shall be unlawful for any enterprise, or for any person who occupies a position of organizer, supervisor, or manager of an enterprise, to directly acquire or maintain any interest in or control of any enterprise or real property through racketeering activity.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person employed by, or associated with, any enterprise to conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in such enterprise through racketeering activity.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to conspire to violate any of the provisions of subsection A, B, or C.

E. Each violation of this section is a separate and distinct felony punishable in accordance with § 18.2-515 .

2004, cc. 883 , 996 ; 2009, c. 847 ; 2023, cc. 607 , 608 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-296 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-296
Search warrants for machine guns
Status: in_force

Warrant to search any house or place and seize any machine gun possessed in violation of this article may issue in the same manner and under the same restrictions as provided by law for stolen property, and any court of record, upon application of the attorney for the Commonwealth, a police officer or conservator of the peace, may order any machine gun, thus or otherwise legally seized, to be confiscated and either destroyed or delivered to a peace officer of the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof.

Code 1950, § 18.1-266; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-181.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-181.1
Issuance of bad checks
Status: in_force

It shall be a Class 6 felony for any person, within a period of 90 days, to issue two or more checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money in violation of § 18.2-181 that have an aggregate represented value of $1,000 or more and that (i) are drawn upon the same account of any bank, banking institution, trust company or other depository and (ii) are made payable to the same person, firm or corporation.

1988, c. 496; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-472.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-472.1
Providing false information or failing to provide registration information; penalty; prima facie evidence
Status: in_force

A. Any person subject to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, other than a person convicted of a Tier III offense or murder as defined in § 9.1-902 , who knowingly fails to register, reregister, or verify his registration information, or who knowingly provides materially false information to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent conviction for an offense under this subsection is a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person convicted of a Tier III offense or murder, as defined in § 9.1-902 , who knowingly fails to register, reregister, or verify his registration information, or who knowingly provides materially false information to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is guilty of a Class 6 felony. A second or subsequent conviction for an offense under this subsection is a Class 5 felony.

C. A prosecution pursuant to this section shall be brought in the city or county where the offender can be found or where the offender last registered, reregistered, or verified his registration information or, if the offender failed to comply with the duty to register, where the offender was last convicted of an offense for which registration or reregistration is required.

D. At any preliminary hearing pursuant to this section, an affidavit from the State Police issued as required in § 9.1-907 shall be admitted into evidence as prima facie evidence of the failure to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information. A copy of such affidavit shall be provided to the registrant or his counsel seven days prior to hearing or trial by the attorney for the Commonwealth.

E. The accused in any preliminary hearing in which an affidavit from the State Police issued as required in § 9.1-907 is offered into evidence pursuant to this section shall have the right to summon and call a custodian of records issuing the affidavit and examine him in the same manner as if he had been called as an adverse witness. Such witness shall appear at the cost of the Commonwealth.

F. At any trial or hearing other than a preliminary hearing conducted pursuant to this section, an affidavit from the State Police issued as required in § 9.1-907 shall constitute prima facie evidence of the failure to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information, provided the requirements of subsection G have been satisfied and the accused has not objected to the admission of the affidavit pursuant to subsection H.

G. If the attorney for the Commonwealth intends to offer the affidavit into evidence in lieu of testimony at a trial or hearing, other than a preliminary hearing, he shall:

1. Provide by mail, delivery, or otherwise, a copy of the affidavit to counsel of record for the accused, or to the accused if he is proceeding pro se, at no charge, no later than 28 days prior to the hearing or trial;

2. Provide simultaneously with the copy of the affidavit so provided under subdivision 1 a notice to the accused of his right to object to having the affidavit admitted without the presence and testimony of a custodian of the records; and

3. File a copy of the affidavit and notice with the clerk of the court hearing the matter on the day that the affidavit and notice are provided to the accused.

H. In any trial or hearing, other than a preliminary hearing, the accused may object in writing to admission of the affidavit, in lieu of testimony, as evidence of the facts stated therein. Such objection shall be filed with the court hearing the matter, with a copy to the attorney for the Commonwealth, no more than 14 days after the affidavit and notice were filed with the clerk by the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the objection shall be deemed waived. If timely objection is made, the affidavit shall not be admissible into evidence unless (i) the objection is waived by the accused or his counsel in writing or before the court, or (ii) the parties stipulate before the court to the admissibility of the affidavit.

I. Where a custodian of the records is not available for hearing or trial and the attorney for the Commonwealth has used due diligence to secure the presence of the person, the court shall order a continuance. Any continuances ordered pursuant to this subsection shall total not more than 90 days if the accused has been held continuously in custody and not more than 180 days if the accused has not been held continuously in custody.

J. Any objection by counsel for the accused, or the accused if he is proceeding pro se, to timeliness of the receipt of notice required by subsection G shall be made before hearing or trial upon his receipt of actual notice unless the accused did not receive actual notice prior to hearing or trial. A showing by the Commonwealth that the notice was mailed, delivered, or otherwise provided in compliance with the time requirements of this section shall constitute prima facie evidence that the notice was timely received by the accused. If the court finds upon the accused's objection made pursuant to this subsection, that he did not receive timely notice pursuant to subsection G, the accused's objection shall not be deemed waived and if the objection is made prior to hearing or trial, a continuance shall be ordered if requested by either party. Any continuance ordered pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the time limitations set forth in subsection I.

K. For the purposes of this section any conviction for a substantially similar offense under the laws of (i) any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or (ii) any state or territory of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, or the United States shall be considered a prior conviction.

1997, c. 747 ; 1999, c. 845 ; 2001, c. 365 ; 2003, c. 584 ; 2006, cc. 857 , 914 , 931 ; 2008, c. 218 ; 2009, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1 , 4 ; 2010, c. 656 ; 2011, c. 285 ; 2020, c. 829 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-254 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-254
Commitment of convicted person for treatment for substance abuse
Status: in_force

A. (Effective until July 1, 2027) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any criminal offense under this article or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic drugs or has not previously had a proceeding against him for violation of such an offense dismissed as provided in § 18.2-251 is found guilty of violating any law concerning the use, in any manner, of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, marijuana, noxious chemical substances, and like substances, the judge or court shall require such person to undergo a substance abuse screening pursuant to § 18.2-251.01 and to submit to such periodic substance abuse testing, to include alcohol testing, as may be directed by the court. The cost of such testing ordered by the court shall be paid by the Commonwealth and taxed as a part of the costs of the criminal proceedings. The judge or court shall also order the person to undergo such treatment or education for substance abuse, if available, as the judge or court deems appropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The treatment or education shall be provided by a program or agency licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or by a similar program or services available through the Department of Corrections if the court imposes a sentence of one year or more or, if the court imposes a sentence of 12 months or less, by a similar program or services available through a local or regional jail, a local community-based probation services agency established pursuant to § 9.1-174 , or an ASAP program certified by the Commission on VASAP.

A. (Effective July 1, 2027) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any criminal offense under this article or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, or stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic drugs or has not previously had a proceeding against him for violation of such an offense dismissed as provided in § 18.2-251 is found guilty of violating any law concerning the use, in any manner, of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, noxious chemical substances, and like substances, the judge or court shall require such person to undergo a substance abuse screening pursuant to § 18.2-251.01 and to submit to such periodic substance abuse testing, to include alcohol testing, as may be directed by the court. The cost of such testing ordered by the court shall be paid by the Commonwealth and taxed as a part of the costs of the criminal proceedings. The judge or court shall also order the person to undergo such treatment or education for substance abuse, if available, as the judge or court deems appropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The treatment or education shall be provided by a program or agency licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or by a similar program or services available through the Department of Corrections if the court imposes a sentence of one year or more or, if the court imposes a sentence of 12 months or less, by a similar program or services available through a local or regional jail, a local community-based probation services agency established pursuant to § 9.1-174 , or an ASAP program certified by the Commission on VASAP.

B. The court trying the case of any person alleged to have committed any criminal offense designated by this article or by the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) or in any other criminal case in which the commission of the offense was motivated by or closely related to the use of drugs and determined by the court, pursuant to a substance abuse screening and assessment, to be in need of treatment for the use of drugs may commit, based upon a consideration of the substance abuse assessment, such person, upon his conviction, to any facility for the treatment of persons with substance abuse, licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, if space is available in such facility, for a period of time not in excess of the maximum term of imprisonment specified as the penalty for conviction of such offense or, if sentence was determined by a jury, not in excess of the term of imprisonment as set by such jury. Confinement under such commitment shall be, in all regards, treated as confinement in a penal institution and the person so committed may be convicted of escape if he leaves the place of commitment without authority. A charge of escape may be prosecuted in either the jurisdiction where the treatment facility is located or the jurisdiction where the person was sentenced to commitment. The court may revoke such commitment at any time and transfer the person to an appropriate state or local correctional facility. Upon presentation of a certified statement from the director of the treatment facility to the effect that the confined person has successfully responded to treatment, the court may release such confined person prior to the termination of the period of time for which such person was confined and may suspend the remainder of the term upon such conditions as the court may prescribe.

C. The court trying a case in which commission of the criminal offense was related to the defendant's habitual abuse of alcohol and in which the court determines, pursuant to a substance abuse screening and assessment, that such defendant is in need of treatment, may commit, based upon a consideration of the substance abuse assessment, such person, upon his conviction, to any facility for the treatment of persons with substance abuse licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, if space is available in such facility, for a period of time not in excess of the maximum term of imprisonment specified as the penalty for conviction. Confinement under such commitment shall be, in all regards, treated as confinement in a penal institution and the person so committed may be convicted of escape if he leaves the place of commitment without authority. The court may revoke such commitment at any time and transfer the person to an appropriate state or local correctional facility. Upon presentation of a certified statement from the director of the treatment facility to the effect that the confined person has successfully responded to treatment, the court may release such confined person prior to the termination of the period of time for which such person was confined and may suspend the remainder of the term upon such conditions as the court may prescribe.

Code 1950, § 54-524.102; 1972, c. 758; 1974, c. 447; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1978, c. 640; 1979, cc. 413, 435; 1992, c. 852; 1998, c. 724 ; 2000, cc. 1020 , 1041 ; 2004, c. 130 ; 2005, c. 716 ; 2007, c. 133 ; 2009, cc. 813 , 840 ; 2020, cc. 1285 , 1286 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-256 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-256
Conspiracy
Status: in_force

Any person who conspires to commit any offense defined in this article or in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) is punishable by imprisonment or fine or both which may not be less than the minimum punishment nor exceed the maximum punishment prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the conspiracy.

Code 1950, § 54-524.104; 1970, c. 650; 1972, c. 798; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1978, c. 130.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-446 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-446
Definitions
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section except where the context clearly requires a different meaning:

(1) "Benefits" means a gain or advantage, or anything regarded by the beneficiary as a gain or advantage, including a benefit to any other person or entity in whose welfare he is interested, but shall not mean an advantage promised generally to a group or class of voters as a consequence of public measures which a candidate engages to support or oppose;

(2) "Party official" means a person who holds an elective or appointive post in a political party in the United States by virtue of which he directs or conducts, or participates in directing or conducting party affairs at any level of responsibility;

(3) "Pecuniary benefit" means a benefit in the form of money, property, commercial interest or anything else the primary significance of which is economic gain;

(4) "Public servant" means any officer or employee of this Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, including members of the General Assembly and judges, and any person participating as a juror, advisor, consultant or otherwise, in performing any governmental function; but the term does not include witnesses;

(5) "Administrative proceeding" means any proceeding other than a judicial proceeding, the outcome of which is required to be based on a record or documentation prescribed by law including specifically, but not limited to, proceedings before a planning commission and board of zoning appeals.

Code 1950, § 18.1-282.1; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-9 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-9
Classification of criminal offenses
Status: in_force

(1) Felonies are classified, for the purposes of punishment and sentencing, into six classes:

(a) Class 1 felony

(b) Class 2 felony

(c) Class 3 felony

(d) Class 4 felony

(e) Class 5 felony

(f) Class 6 felony.

(2) Misdemeanors are classified, for the purposes of punishment and sentencing, into four classes:

(a) Class 1 misdemeanor

(b) Class 2 misdemeanor

(c) Class 3 misdemeanor

(d) Class 4 misdemeanor.

1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-66 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-66
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2008, cc. 174 and 206 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.06 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.06
Nonresident concealed handgun permits
Status: in_force

A. Nonresidents of the Commonwealth 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the Virginia Department of State Police for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun. The applicant shall submit a photocopy of one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the applicant's state of residency or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). Every applicant for a nonresident concealed handgun permit shall also submit two photographs of a type and kind specified by the Department of State Police for inclusion on the permit and shall submit fingerprints on a card provided by the Department of State Police for the purpose of obtaining the applicant's state or national criminal history record. As a condition for issuance of a concealed handgun permit, the applicant shall submit to fingerprinting by his local or state law-enforcement agency and provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded with the fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding the applicant and obtaining fingerprint identification information from federal records pursuant to criminal investigations by state and local law-enforcement agencies. The application shall be on a form provided by the Department of State Police, requiring only that information necessary to determine eligibility for the permit. If the permittee is later found by the Department of State Police to be disqualified, the permit shall be revoked and the person shall return the permit after being so notified by the Department of State Police. The permit requirement and restriction provisions of subsection C of § 18.2-308.02 and § 18.2-308.09 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the provisions of this subsection.

B. The applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun in person by one of the following:

1. Completing a hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;

2. Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;

3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services or a similar agency of another state;

4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;

5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition approved by the Department of State Police or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;

6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;

7. Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;

8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or

9. Completing any other firearms training that the Virginia Department of State Police deems adequate.

A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any such course or class; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall satisfy the requirement for demonstration of competence with a handgun.

C. The Department of State Police may charge a fee not to exceed $100 to cover the cost of the background check and issuance of the permit. Any fees collected shall be deposited in a special account to be used to offset the costs of administering the nonresident concealed handgun permit program.

D. The permit to carry a concealed handgun shall contain only the following information: name, address, date of birth, gender, height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes, and photograph of the permittee; the signature of the Superintendent of the Virginia Department of State Police or his designee; the date of issuance; and the expiration date.

E. The Superintendent of the State Police shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), for the implementation of an application process for obtaining a nonresident concealed handgun permit.

2013, c. 746 ; 2017, c. 237 ; 2020, cc. 390 , 958 , 1130 ; 2023, cc. 93 , 94 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-433.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-433.3
Exceptions
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to apply to:

1. Any act of a law-enforcement officer performed in the otherwise lawful performance of the officer's official duties;

2. Any activity, undertaken without knowledge of or intent to cause or further a civil disorder, which is intended to teach or practice self-defense or self-defense techniques such as karate clubs or self-defense clinics, and similar lawful activity;

3. Any facility, program or lawful activity related to firearms instruction and training intended to teach the safe handling and use of firearms; or

4. Any other lawful sports or activities related to the individual recreational use or possession of firearms, including but not limited to hunting activities, target shooting, self-defense and firearms collection.

Notwithstanding any language contained herein, no activity of any individual, group, organization or other entity engaged in the lawful display or use of firearms or other weapons or facsimiles thereof shall be deemed to be in violation of this statute.

1987, c. 720.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-85 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-85
Manufacture, possession, use, etc., of fire bombs or explosive materials or devices; penalties
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this section:

"Device" means any instrument, apparatus or contrivance, including its component parts, that is capable of producing or intended to produce an explosion but shall not include fireworks as defined in § 27-95 .

"Explosive material" means any chemical compound, mechanical mixture or device that is commonly used or can be used for the purpose of producing an explosion and which contains any oxidizing and combustive agents or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities or packaging that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, detonation or by any part of the compound or mixture may cause a sudden generation of highly heated gases. These materials include, but are not limited to, gunpowder, powders for blasting, high explosives, blasting materials, fuses (other than electric circuit breakers), detonators, and other detonating agents and smokeless powder.

"Fire bomb" means any container of a flammable material such as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, or other chemical compound, having a wick composed of any material or a device or other substance which, if set or ignited, is capable of igniting such flammable material or chemical compound but does not include a similar device commercially manufactured and used solely for the purpose of illumination or cooking.

"Hoax explosive device" means any device which by its design, construction, content or characteristics appears to be or to contain a bomb or other destructive device or explosive but which is an imitation of any such device or explosive.

Any person who (i) possesses materials with which fire bombs or explosive materials or devices can be made with the intent to manufacture fire bombs or explosive materials or devices or, (ii) manufactures, transports, distributes, possesses or uses a fire bomb or explosive materials or devices shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who constructs, uses, places, sends, or causes to be sent any hoax explosive device so as to intentionally cause another person to believe that such device is a bomb or explosive shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the authorized manufacture, transportation, distribution, use or possession of any material, substance, or device by a member of the armed forces of the United States, fire fighters or law-enforcement officers, nor shall it prohibit the manufacture, transportation, distribution, use or possession of any material, substance or device to be used solely for scientific research, educational purposes or for any lawful purpose, subject to the provisions of §§ 27-97 and 27-97.2 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-78.6; 1968, c. 249; 1972, c. 126; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 497; 1976, c. 526; 1977, c. 326; 1990, cc. 644, 647; 1992, c. 540; 2000, cc. 951 , 1065 ; 2002, cc. 588 , 623 ; 2005, c. 204 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-46.9 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2.2 / Section 18.2-46.9
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-346.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-346.1
Testing of convicted prostitutes and injection drug users for sexually transmitted infection
Status: in_force

A. As soon as practicable following conviction of any person for violation of § 18.2-346 , 18.2-346.01 , or 18.2-361 , any violation of Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) or 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 involving the possession, sale, or use of a controlled substance in a form amenable to intravenous use, or the possession, sale, or use of hypodermic syringes, needles, or other objects designed or intended for use in parenterally injecting controlled substances into the human body, such person shall be provided the option to submit to testing for a sexually transmitted infection. The convicted person shall receive counseling from personnel of the Department of Health concerning (i) the meaning of the test, (ii) sexually transmitted infections, and (iii) the transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

B. Any tests performed pursuant to this section shall be consistent with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The results of such test for a sexually transmitted infection shall be confidential as provided in § 32.1-36.1 and shall be disclosed to the person who is the subject of the test and to the Department of Health as required by § 32.1-36 . The Department shall conduct surveillance and investigation in accordance with the requirements of § 32.1-39 .

C. Upon receiving a report of a positive test for hepatitis C, the State Health Commissioner may share protected health information relating to such positive test with relevant sheriffs' offices, the state police, local police departments, adult or youth correctional facilities, salaried or volunteer firefighters, paramedics or emergency medical technicians, officers of the court, and regional or local jails (i) to the extent necessary to advise exposed individuals of the risk of infection and to enable exposed individuals to seek appropriate testing and treatment and (ii) as may be needed to prevent and control disease and is deemed necessary to prevent serious harm and serious threats to the health and safety of individuals and the public.

The disclosed protected health information shall be held confidential; no person to whom such information is disclosed shall redisclose or otherwise reveal the protected health information without first obtaining the specific authorization from the individual who was the subject of the test for such redisclosure.

Such protected health information shall only be used to protect the health and safety of individuals and the public in conformance with the regulations concerning patient privacy promulgated by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as such regulations may be amended.

D. The results of the tests shall not be admissible in any criminal proceeding.

The cost of the tests shall be paid by the Commonwealth and taxed as part of the cost of such criminal proceedings.

1990, c. 913; 2005, c. 438 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 188 , 465 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-14 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-14
How unclassified offenses punished
Status: in_force

Offenses defined in Title 18.2 and in other titles in the Code, for which punishment is prescribed without specification as to the class of the offense, shall be punished according to the punishment prescribed in the section or sections thus defining the offense.

1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-46.3:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2.1 / Section 18.2-46.3:1
Third or subsequent conviction of criminal street gang crimes
Status: in_force

Upon a felony conviction of § 18.2-46.2 or 18.2-46.3 , where it is alleged in the warrant, information or indictment on which a person is convicted that (i) such person has been previously convicted twice under any combination of § 18.2-46.2 or 18.2-46.3 , within 10 years of the third or subsequent offense, and (ii) each such offense occurred on different dates, such person is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

2004, cc. 396 , 435 , 847 ; 2023, cc. 396 , 397 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-427 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-427
Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods
Status: in_force

Any person who uses obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language, or makes any suggestion or proposal of an obscene nature, or threatens any illegal or immoral act with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass any person, over any telephone or citizens band radio, in this Commonwealth, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

"Over any telephone" includes, for purposes of this section, any electronically transmitted communication producing a visual or electronic message that is received or transmitted by cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications device.

Code 1950, § 18.1-238; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 577; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 312; 1984, c. 592; 2010, c. 565 ; 2011, c. 246 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-151.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-151.1
Injuring, destroying, removing, or tampering with firefighting equipment; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who injures, destroys, removes, tampers with, or otherwise interferes with the operation of (i) any equipment or apparatus used for fighting fires or for protecting property or human life by a fire company or fire department, as those terms are defined in § 27-6.01 , or (ii) any emergency medical services vehicle, as defined in § 32.1-111.1 , intending to temporarily or permanently prevent the useful operation of such equipment or apparatus is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2016, c. 687 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-350 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-350
Confinement of convicted prostitutes and persons violating §§ 18.2-347 through 18.2-349
Status: in_force

In any case in which a person is convicted of a violation of § 18.2-346 or of a misdemeanor violation of § 18.2-347 , 18.2-348 , or 18.2-349 and where a city or county farm or hospital is available for the confinement of persons so convicted, confinement may be in such farm or hospital, in the discretion of the court or judge.

Code 1950, § 18.1-199; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 617 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-351 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-351
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 459 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.4:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.4:1
Infected sexual battery; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection and engages in sexual behavior that poses a substantial risk of transmission to another person with the intent to transmit the infection to that person and transmits such infection to that person is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Nothing in this section shall prevent the prosecution of any other crime against persons under Chapter 4 (§ 18.2-30 et seq.).

2000, c. 831 ; 2004, c. 449 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 465 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-494 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-494
Unlawful use of, filling or refilling, or trafficking in containers
Status: in_force

A. Unless a qualifying emergency is in effect, no person except the owner thereof or person authorized in writing by the owner shall fill or refill with liquefied petroleum gas, or any other gas or compound, a liquefied petroleum gas container or buy, sell, offer for sale, give, take, loan, deliver, or permit to be delivered or otherwise use, dispose of, or traffic in a liquefied petroleum gas container or containers if the container bears upon the surface thereof in plainly legible characters the name, initials, mark, or other device of the owner. Nor shall any person other than the owner of a liquefied petroleum gas container or a person authorized in writing by the owner deface, erase, obliterate, cover up, or otherwise remove or conceal any name, mark, initial, or device thereon.

B. When a qualifying emergency is in effect, a residential customer who can demonstrate that he has less than a 24-hour supply of liquefied petroleum gas shall first make a good faith effort to procure delivery of liquefied petroleum gas from the owner of the liquefied petroleum gas container. If the owner of the liquefied petroleum gas container or other person authorized in writing by the owner is unable to make a scheduled delivery or fulfill the residential customer's good faith request within 24 hours, the customer may have an emergency supplier fill, refill, or otherwise deliver liquefied petroleum gas into the customer's liquefied petroleum gas container, provided that the emergency supplier ensures that such liquefied petroleum gas container, and the devices and pipelines operated in connection with such container, have been inspected and certified as required by law. Within five business days of filling, refilling, or otherwise delivering liquefied petroleum gas to the customer's container, the emergency supplier shall give written notice to the owner of the liquefied petroleum gas container that includes (i) the name and address of the customer; (ii) the date of the filling, refilling, or delivery; and (iii) the amount of liquefied petroleum gas that was placed in the customer's container. The emergency supplier shall assume all responsibility and liability for injury to persons or property related to the emergency refilling of the liquefied petroleum gas container.

When an emergency supplier delivers liquefied petroleum gas to a residential customer pursuant to this subsection, neither such emergency supplier nor the owner of the liquefied petroleum gas container may charge any penalty or fee in addition to the filling, refilling, or delivery fees that are usually charged to other customers in the course of business during a nonemergency.

Code 1950, § 18.1-400.2; 1970, c. 442; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2023, c. 531 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.3
Professional use of imitation controlled substances
Status: in_force

No civil or criminal liability shall be imposed by virtue of this article on any person licensed under the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 of Title 54.1, who manufactures, sells, gives or distributes an imitation controlled substance for use as a placebo by a licensed practitioner in the course of professional practice or research.

1982, c. 462.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-10
Punishment for conviction of felony; penalty
Status: in_force

The authorized punishments for conviction of a felony are:

(a) For Class 1 felonies, imprisonment for life and, subject to subdivision (g), a fine of not more than $100,000. Any person who was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense and who is sentenced to imprisonment for life upon conviction of a Class 1 felony shall not be eligible for (i) parole, (ii) any good conduct allowance or any earned sentence credits under Chapter 6 (§ 53.1-186 et seq.) of Title 53.1, or (iii) conditional release pursuant to § 53.1-40.01 or 53.1-40.02 .

(b) For Class 2 felonies, imprisonment for life or for any term not less than 20 years and, subject to subdivision (g), a fine of not more than $100,000.

(c) For Class 3 felonies, a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 20 years and, subject to subdivision (g), a fine of not more than $100,000.

(d) For Class 4 felonies, a term of imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than 10 years and, subject to subdivision (g), a fine of not more than $100,000.

(e) For Class 5 felonies, a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

(f) For Class 6 felonies, a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

(g) Except as specifically authorized in subdivision (e) or (f), the court shall impose either a sentence of imprisonment together with a fine, or imprisonment only. However, if the defendant is not a natural person, the court shall impose only a fine.

For any felony offense committed (i) on or after January 1, 1995, the court may, and (ii) on or after July 1, 2000, shall, except in cases in which the court orders a suspended term of confinement of at least six months, impose an additional term of incarceration of not less than six months nor more than three years, which shall be suspended conditioned upon successful completion of a period of probation pursuant to § 19.2-295.2 and compliance with such other terms as the sentencing court may require. However, such additional term may only be imposed when the sentence includes an active term of incarceration in a correctional facility.

For a felony offense prohibiting proximity to children as described in subsection A of § 18.2-370.2 , the sentencing court is authorized to impose the punishment set forth in that section in addition to any other penalty provided by law.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 492; 1990, c. 788; 1991, c. 7; 1994, Sp. Sess. II, cc. 1 , 2 ; 1995, c. 427 ; 2000, cc. 361 , 767 , 770 ; 2003, cc. 1031 , 1040 ; 2006, cc. 36 , 733 ; 2008, c. 579 ; 2017, cc. 86 , 212 ; 2020, cc. 1115 , 1116 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 ; 2025, c. 716 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.5
Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any person who knowingly manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute the substance medetomidine or xylazine, when intended for human consumption, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

B. Any person who knowingly possesses the substance medetomidine or xylazine, when intended for human consumption, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Notwithstanding subsections A and B, it shall not be an offense to (i) manufacture medetomidine or xylazine for legitimate veterinary use; (ii) distribute or sell medetomidine or xylazine for authorized veterinary use; (iii) possess, administer, prescribe, or dispense medetomidine or xylazine in good faith for use by animals within the course of legitimate veterinary practice; or (iv) possess or administer medetomidine or xylazine pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

2024, cc. 516 , 472 ; 2026, c. 447 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-163 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-163
Tampering with metering device; diverting service; civil liability
Status: in_force

A. Any person who (i) tampers with any metering device incident to the facilities set forth in § 18.2-162 , or otherwise intentionally prevents such a metering device from properly registering the degree, amount or quantity of service supplied, or (ii) diverts such service, except telephonic or electronic extension service not owned or controlled by any such company without authorization from the owner of the facility furnishing the service to the public, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. The presence of any metering device found to have been altered, tampered with, or bypassed in a manner that would cause the metering device to inaccurately measure and register the degree, amount or quantity of service supplied or which would cause the service to be diverted from the recording apparatus of the meter shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate and of the violation of this section by the person to whose benefit it is that such service be unmetered, unregistered or diverted.

C. The court may order restitution for the value of the services unlawfully used and for all costs. Such costs shall be limited to actual expenses, including the base wages of employees acting as witnesses for the Commonwealth, and suit costs. However, the total amount of allowable costs granted hereunder shall not exceed $250, excluding the value of the service.

Code 1950, § 18.1-158.1; 1966, c. 446; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 273; 1978, c. 813; 1992, c. 525.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-334.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-334.5
Exemptions to article; certain gaming operations
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any casino gaming operation conducted in accordance with Chapter 41 (§ 58.1-4100 et seq.) of Title 58.1.

2020, cc. 1197 , 1248 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-245 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-245
Enjoining violation of this article
Status: in_force

(a) Any person, firm, corporation or association who violates any one or more of the sections in this article, may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction notwithstanding the existence of an adequate remedy at law. In any action under this section, it shall not be necessary that damages be alleged or proved.

(b) Actions for injunctive relief under this section may be brought by an attorney for the Commonwealth in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia upon their own complaint or upon the complaint of any person, firm, corporation or association. The bringing of an action under this section shall not prevent the institution or continuation of criminal proceedings against the same defendant or defendants.

Code 1950, § 59.1-50; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-121.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-121.2
Trespass by spotlight on agricultural land
Status: in_force

If any person shall willfully use a spotlight or similar lighting apparatus to cast a light upon private property used for livestock or crops without the written permission of the person in legal possession of such property, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The prohibition of this section shall not apply to light cast by (i) permanently installed outdoor lighting fixtures, (ii) headlamps on vehicles moving in normal travel on public or private roads, (iii) railroad locomotives or rolling stock being operated on the tracks or right-of-way of a railroad company, (iv) aircraft or watercraft, (v) apparatus used by employees of any public utility in maintaining the utility's lines and equipment, (vi) emergency medical services vehicles used by emergency medical services personnel or fire apparatus used by members of fire departments in the performance of their official duties, (vii) apparatus used by any law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties, or (viii) farm machinery or motor vehicles being used in normal farming operations.

1981, c. 460; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-51
Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc
Status: in_force

If any person maliciously shoot, stab, cut, or wound any person or by any means cause him bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill, he shall, except where it is otherwise provided, be guilty of a Class 3 felony. If such act be done unlawfully but not maliciously, with the intent aforesaid, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-65; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-474.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-474.1
(Effective July 1, 2027) Delivery of drugs, firearms, explosives, etc., to prisoners or committed persons
Status: in_force

Nothing herein contained shall be construed to repeal or amend § 18.2-473 .

1975, c. 608; 1982, c. 490; 2011, cc. 384 , 410 ; 2013, cc. 707 , 782 ; 2014, cc. 674 , 719 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-334.6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-334.6
Exemptions to article; amusement devices
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Amusement device" means a game that is activated by a coin, token, or other object of consideration or value and that does not provide the opportunity to (i) enter into a sweepstakes, lottery, or other illegal gambling event or (ii) receive any form of consideration or value, except for an appropriate reward.

"Appropriate reward" means a noncash, merchandise prize (i) the value of which does not exceed the cost of playing the amusement device or the total aggregate cost of playing multiple amusement devices, (ii) that is not and does not include an alcoholic beverage, (iii) that is not eligible for repurchase, and (iv) that is not exchangeable for cash or cash equivalents.

B. A person may make amusement devices available for play if the prize won or distributed to a player is a noncash, merchandise prize or a voucher, billet, ticket, token, or electronic credit redeemable only for an appropriate reward. An appropriate reward shall only be redeemable on the premises where the amusement device is located.

C. An amusement device shall not be designed or adapted to cause or enable a person to cause the release of free games or portions of games when designated as a potential reward for use of the device and shall not contain any meter or other measurement device to record the number of free games or portions of games that are rewarded.

D. An amusement device shall not be designed or adapted to enable a person using the device to increase the chances of winning free games or portions of games by paying more than is ordinarily required to play the game.

2020, cc. 1217 , 1277 , § 18 .2-334.5; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2 ; 2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-458 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-458
Power of judge of district court to punish for contempt
Status: in_force

A judge of a district court shall have the same power and jurisdiction as a judge of a circuit court to punish summarily for contempt, but in no case shall the fine exceed $250, or the imprisonment exceed ten days, for the same contempt.

Code 1950, § 18.1-293; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1999, c. 626 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-104 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-104
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 192 , cl. 1, effective July 1, 2021.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-436 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-436
Inducing another to give false testimony; sufficiency of evidence
Status: in_force

If any person procure or induce another to commit perjury or to give false testimony under oath in violation of any provision of this article, he shall be punished as prescribed in § 18.2-434 .

In any prosecution under this section, it shall be sufficient to prove that the person alleged to have given false testimony shall have been procured, induced, counselled or advised to give such testimony by the party charged.

Code 1950, § 18.1-277; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-186 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-186
False statements to obtain property or credit
Status: in_force

A. A person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if he makes, causes to be made or conspires to make directly, indirectly or through an agency, any materially false statement in writing, knowing it to be false and intending that it be relied upon, concerning the financial condition or means or ability to pay of himself, or of any other person for whom he is acting, or any firm or corporation in which he is interested or for which he is acting, for the purpose of procuring, for his own benefit or for the benefit of such person, firm or corporation, the delivery of personal property, the payment of cash, the making of a loan or credit, the extension of a credit, the discount of an account receivable, or the making, acceptance, discount, sale or endorsement of a bill of exchange or promissory note.

B. Any person who knows that a false statement has been made in writing concerning the financial condition or ability to pay of himself or of any person for whom he is acting, or any firm or corporation in which he is interested or for which he is acting and who, with intent to defraud, procures, upon the faith thereof, for his own benefit, or for the benefit of the person, firm or corporation in which he is interested or for which he is acting, any such delivery, payment, loan, credit, extension, discount making, acceptance, sale or endorsement, shall, if the value of the thing or the amount of the loan, credit or benefit obtained is $1,000 or more, be guilty of grand larceny or, if the value is less than $1,000, be guilty of petit larceny.

C. Venue for the trial of any person charged with an offense under this section may be in the county or city in which (i) any act was performed in furtherance of the offense, or (ii) the person charged with the offense resided at the time of the offense.

D. As used in this section, "in writing" shall include information transmitted by computer, facsimile, e-mail, Internet, or any other electronic medium, and shall not include information transmitted by any such medium by voice transmission.

Code 1950, § 18.1-119; 1960, c. 358; 1966, c. 247; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 197; 1991, c. 546; 2006, c. 321 ; 2007, c. 518 ; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-431 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-431
Duty of telephone companies; notices in directories
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be the duty, on pain of contempt of court, of each telephone company in this Commonwealth to furnish immediately in response to a subpoena issued by a circuit court such information as it, its officers and employees may possess which, in the opinion of the court, may aid in the apprehension of persons suspected of violating the provisions of this article or the provisions of § 18.2-83 or § 18.2-212 .

(2) Every telephone directory distributed to the public which lists the calling numbers of telephones or of any telephone exchange located in this Commonwealth shall contain a notice which explains the offenses made punishable under this article, such notice to be printed in type which conforms with and is comparable to other type on the same page, and to be placed in a prominent place in such directory. Any violation of this subsection shall be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-238, 18.1-371; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 577; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1982, c. 502.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-98.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-98.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1984, c. 751.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-60.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-60.4
Violation of protective orders; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who violates any provision of a protective order issued pursuant to § 19.2-152.8 , 19.2-152.9 , or 19.2-152.10 is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conviction hereunder shall bar a finding of contempt for the same act. The punishment for any person convicted of a second offense of violating a protective order, other than a protective order issued pursuant to subsection C of § 19.2-152.10 , when the offense is committed within five years of the prior conviction and when either the instant or prior offense was based on an act or threat of violence, shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement of 60 days. Any person convicted of a third or subsequent offense of violating a protective order, other than a protective order issued pursuant to subsection C of § 19.2-152.10 , when the offense is committed within 20 years of the first conviction and when either the instant or one of the prior offenses was based on an act or threat of violence, is guilty of a Class 6 felony and the punishment shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement of six months. The mandatory minimum terms of confinement prescribed for violations of this section shall be served consecutively with any other sentence.

B. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who, while knowingly armed with a firearm or other deadly weapon, violates any provision of a protective order with which he has been served issued pursuant to § 19.2-152.8 , 19.2-152.9 , or 19.2-152.10 , other than a protective order issued pursuant to subsection C of § 19.2-152.10 , is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. If the respondent commits an assault and battery upon any party protected by the protective order, other than a protective order issued pursuant to subsection C of § 19.2-152.10 , resulting in bodily injury to the party or stalks any party protected by the protective order in violation of § 18.2-60.3 , he is guilty of a Class 6 felony. Any person who violates such a protective order, other than a protective order issued pursuant to subsection C of § 19.2-152.10 , by furtively entering the home of any protected party while the party is present, or by entering and remaining in the home of the protected party until the party arrives, is guilty of a Class 6 felony, in addition to any other penalty provided by law.

D. Upon conviction of any offense hereunder for which a mandatory minimum term of confinement is not specified, the person shall be sentenced to a term of confinement and in no case shall the entire term imposed be suspended.

E. Upon conviction, the court shall, in addition to the sentence imposed, enter a protective order pursuant to § 19.2-152.10 for a specified period not exceeding two years from the date of conviction.

F. A violation of this section may be prosecuted in the jurisdiction where the protective order was issued, in any county, city, or town where any act constituting the violation of the protective order occurred, or in the jurisdiction where the party protected by the protective order resided at the time of such violation.

G. Upon a violation of this section, if a Military Protective Order issued by a commanding officer in the Armed Forces of the United States, the Virginia National Guard, or the National Guard of any other state against a person under such officer's command and registered in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) has been issued against the same defendant, the law-enforcement officer or agency shall inform the military law-enforcement officer or agency that entered the Military Protective Order into the NCIC or the commanding officer who issued the Military Protective Order of such violation telephonically, in writing, via email, via text, or by any other routine means of interagency communication.

1998, c. 569 ; 2003, c. 219 ; 2011, cc. 445 , 480 ; 2013, cc. 761 , 774 ; 2016, cc. 583 , 585 , 638 ; 2020, cc. 487 , 1005 ; 2024, cc. 108 , 118 ; 2025, cc. 208 , 217 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.4
Sexual battery
Status: in_force

A. An accused is guilty of sexual battery if he sexually abuses, as defined in § 18.2-67.10 , (i) the complaining witness against the will of the complaining witness, by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse; (ii) within a two-year period, more than one complaining witness or one complaining witness on more than one occasion intentionally and without the consent of the complaining witness; (iii) an inmate who has been committed to jail or convicted and sentenced to confinement in a state or local correctional facility or regional jail, and the accused is an employee or contractual employee of, or a volunteer with, the state or local correctional facility or regional jail; is in a position of authority over the inmate; and knows that the inmate is under the jurisdiction of the state or local correctional facility or regional jail; (iv) a probationer, parolee, or a pretrial defendant or posttrial offender under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, a local community-based probation services agency, a pretrial services agency, a local or regional jail for the purposes of imprisonment, a work program or any other parole/probationary or pretrial services or agency and the accused is an employee or contractual employee of, or a volunteer with, the Department of Corrections, a local community-based probation services agency, a pretrial services agency or a local or regional jail; is in a position of authority over an offender; and knows that the offender is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, a local community-based probation services agency, a pretrial services agency or a local or regional jail; (v) a person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer and the accused is a law-enforcement officer; is in a position of authority over the person detained or arrested; and knows that the person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer is in the custody of a private, local, or state law-enforcement agency; (vi) a pretrial defendant or posttrial offender and the accused is an owner or employee of the bail company that posted the pretrial defendant's or posttrial offender's bond and has the authority to revoke the pretrial defendant's or posttrial offender's bond; or (vii) a person serving as a confidential informant and the accused is a law-enforcement officer; knows that such person is serving as a confidential informant for the law-enforcement agency where such officer is employed; and such person is serving as a confidential informant or is expected to testify in a criminal case for which he assisted the law-enforcement agency with its investigation.

B. Sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. For the purposes of this section, "confidential informant" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-64.2 .

1981, c. 397; 1997, c. 643 ; 1999, c. 294 ; 2000, cc. 832 , 1040 ; 2006, c. 284 ; 2007, c. 133 ; 2014, c. 656 ; 2024, c. 592 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-218 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-218
Failure to indicate goods, etc., are "seconds," "irregulars," "secondhand," etc
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, corporation or association who in any manner knowingly advertises or offers for sale to the public any merchandise, goods, commodity or thing which is defective, blemished, secondhand or used, or which has been designated by the manufacturer thereof as "seconds," "irregulars," "imperfects," "not first class," or words of similar import without clearly and unequivocally indicating in the advertisement or offer of the merchandise, goods, commodity or thing or the articles, units or parts, thereof so advertised or offered for sale to the public is defective, blemished, secondhand or used or consists of "seconds," "irregulars," "imperfects" or "not first class," shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 59.1-46; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-174 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-174
Impersonating law-enforcement officer; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any person who falsely assumes or exercises the functions, powers, duties, and privileges incident to the office of sheriff, police officer, marshal, or other peace officer, or any local, city, county, state, or federal law-enforcement officer, or who, for the purpose of deceiving another, falsely assumes or pretends to be any such officer, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense of this subsection is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who commits a violation of subsection A while such person is wearing a facial covering is guilty of a Class 5 felony. A second or subsequent offense of this subsection is punishable as a Class 4 felony. For the purposes of this subsection, "facial covering" means any opaque mask, garment, headgear, or other item or device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered to conceal the identity of the wearer, including a balaclava, tactical mask, gator, ski mask, or other similar face-shielding item or device.

C. Any person who commits a violation of subsection A while (i) committing or attempting to commit a violation of § 18.2-31 , 18.2-32 , 18.2-47 , 18.2-61 , 18.2-67.1 , 18.2-67.2 , 18.2-67.3 , or 18.2-67.4 or (ii) circumventing, bypassing, or attempting to circumvent or bypass any security measure of any business, commercial building, residence, building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof, or building owned or leased by a locality or any agency thereof is guilty of a Class 6 felony. A second or subsequent offense of this subsection is punishable as a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-311; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2013, cc. 410 , 431 , 638 ; 2026, cc. 867 , 875 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-349 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-349
Using vehicles to promote prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse; penalty
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any owner or chauffeur of any vehicle, with knowledge or reason to believe the same is to be used for such purpose, to use the same or to allow the same to be used for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse or to aid or promote such prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse by the use of any such vehicle. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any adult who violates this section by using a vehicle or allowing a vehicle to be used for or to aid or promote prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-198; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 617 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-246.2
Definitions
Status: in_force

"Conduct" or "conducts" includes initiating, concluding, participating in, or assisting in a financial transaction.

"Financial transaction" means any purchase, sale, trade, loan, pledge, investment, gift, transfer, transmission, transportation, delivery, deposit, withdrawal, payment, transfer between accounts, exchange of currency, extension of credit, purchase or sale of monetary instruments, use of a safe-deposit box, or any other acquisition or disposition of monetary instruments by any means including the movement of funds by wire or other electronic means, which is knowingly designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the property involved in the transaction.

"Monetary instruments" means (i) coin or currency of the United States or of any other country, travelers' checks, personal checks, bank checks, cashier's checks, credit cards, debit cards, and money orders or (ii) securities or other negotiable instruments, in bearer form or otherwise.

"Person" includes any individual, partnership, association, corporation or joint venture.

"Proceeds" means property acquired or derived, directly or indirectly, from, produced through, realized through, or caused by an act or omission and includes property, real or personal, of any kind.

"Property" means anything of value, and includes any interest therein, including any benefit, privilege, claim or right with respect to anything of value, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible.

1999, c. 348 ; 2003, cc. 541 , 549 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-371 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-371
Causing or encouraging acts rendering children delinquent, abused, etc.; penalty; abandoned infant
Status: in_force

Any person 18 years of age or older, including the parent of any child, who (i) willfully contributes to, encourages, or causes any act, omission, or condition that (a) causes a child younger than 11 years of age to commit an act that would be delinquent if committed by a child 11 years of age or older; (b) renders a child delinquent, in need of services, in need of supervision, or abused or neglected as defined in § 16.1-228 ; or (c) causes any child to participate in or become a member of a criminal street gang in violation of Article 2.1 (§ 18.2-46.1 et seq.) of Chapter 4 or (ii) engages in consensual sexual intercourse or anal intercourse with or performs cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus upon or by a child 15 or older not his spouse, child, or grandchild is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not be construed as repealing, modifying, or in any way affecting §§ 18.2-18 and 18.2-19 , Article 2.1 (§ 18.2-46.1 et seq.) of Chapter 4, and §§ 18.2-61 , 18.2-63 , and 18.2-347 .

If the prosecution under this section is based solely on the accused parent having left the child at a hospital or emergency medical services agency, it shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution of a parent under this section that such parent safely delivered the child within the first 30 days of the child's life to (a) a hospital that provides 24-hour emergency services, (b) an attended emergency medical services agency that employs emergency medical services personnel, or (c) a newborn safety device located at and operated by such hospital or emergency medical services agency. In order for the affirmative defense to apply, the child shall be delivered in a manner reasonably calculated to ensure the child's safety.

Code 1950, § 18.1-14; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, cc. 397, 568; 1990, c. 797; 1991, c. 295; 1993, c. 411; 2003, cc. 816 , 822 ; 2006, c. 935 ; 2008, cc. 174 , 206 ; 2014, c. 794 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 ; 2022, cc. 80 , 81 ; 2026, c. 873 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.9 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 18.2-246.9
Disclosure requirements
Status: in_force

The notice required under subdivision A 3 of § 18.2-246.8 shall include:

1. A prominent and clearly legible statement that cigarette sales to consumers below the legal minimum purchase age are illegal;

2. A prominent and clearly legible statement that consists of one of the warnings set forth in section 4(a)(1) of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (15 U.S.C. § 1333 (a)(1)) rotated on a quarterly basis;

3. A prominent and clearly legible statement that sales of cigarettes are restricted to those consumers who provide verifiable proof of age in accordance with § 18.2-246.8 ; and

4. A prominent and clearly legible statement that cigarette sales are subject to tax under § 58.1-1001 , and an explanation of how such tax has been, or is to be, paid with respect to such delivery sale.

2003, c. 1010 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-230 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-230
Same; assisting in violation of §§ 18.2-226 through 18.2-229
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to aid or assist any other person, firm, association or corporation in the violation of the provisions of §§ 18.2-226 through 18.2-229 by depositing or delivering into any tank, receptacle or other container any other liquid fuels, lubricating oils or like products than those intended to be stored therein and distributed therefrom, as indicated by the name of the manufacturer or distributor or the trademark or trade name of the product displayed on the container itself, or on the pump or other distributing device used in connection therewith.

Code 1950, § 59.1-59; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.5
Illegal stimulants and steroids; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Except as authorized in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.), Chapter 34 of Title 54.1, it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture, sell, give, distribute or possess with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute any anabolic steroid.

A violation of subsection A shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years or, in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months or a fine of not more than $20,000, either or both. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be incarcerated for a mandatory minimum term of six months to be served consecutively with any other sentence.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sell or otherwise distribute, without prescription, to a minor any pill, capsule or tablet containing any combination of caffeine and ephedrine sulfate.

A violation of this subsection B shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1984, c. 620; 1988, c. 428; 1989, c. 567; 2000, cc. 1020 , 1041 ; 2004, c. 461 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-309.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-309.1
Sale, transfer, etc., of certain firearms magazines prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Federal firearms licensee" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-287.4:1.

"Large capacity ammunition feeding device" means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 15 rounds of ammunition but does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

B. Any person who imports, sells, barters, transfers, or purchases a large capacity ammunition feeding device is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the (i) manufacture by, transfer to, or possession by the Commonwealth, or a department, agency, or political subdivision of the Commonwealth, of a large capacity ammunition feeding device; (ii) transfer to or possession by a law-enforcement officer of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for purposes of law enforcement; (iii) possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device by an individual who is retired from service with a law-enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving ammunition transferred to the individual by the law-enforcement agency upon his retirement; (iv) import of a large capacity ammunition feeding device by a person who lawfully purchased and possessed such large capacity ammunition feeding device prior to July 1, 2026; (v) possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device that has been permanently modified such that it cannot accept more than 15 rounds of ammunition; (vi) the sale, barter, or transfer of a large capacity ammunition feeding device by a person who lawfully purchased and possessed such device prior to July 1, 2026, to a federal firearms licensee or any recipient outside of the Commonwealth who may lawfully possess such large capacity ammunition feeding device; or (vii) the import, sale, barter, transfer, purchase, or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device by a federal firearms licensee for the purpose of sale or transfer to any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, to senior military colleges in the Commonwealth organized under 10 U.S.C. § 2111a(f), to a law-enforcement agency or officer, to another federal firearms licensee, to a recipient outside the Commonwealth who may lawfully possess such large capacity ammunition feeding device.

2026, cc. 1106 , 1107 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-241 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-241
Acceptance of promissory notes in payment for food sold at retail
Status: in_force

As used in this section, "food" includes food, groceries and beverages, for human consumption. "Retailer" means a person who sells food for consumption and not for resale.

It shall be unlawful for any retailer to accept, in payment for any food sold by him to a customer, a promissory note or notes for an amount in excess of twice the sales price of food delivered by him to the customer. As used in this section the word "delivered" means that actual physical delivery into the exclusive custody and control of the customer is made within seven days of the receipt of the note by the seller.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 59.1-68; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-154 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-154
Shooting at or throwing missiles, etc., at train, car, vessel, etc.; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who maliciously shoots at, or maliciously throws any missile at or against, any train or cars on any railroad or other transportation company or any vessel or other watercraft, or any motor vehicle or other vehicles when occupied by one or more persons, whereby the life of any person on such train, car, vessel, or other watercraft, or in such motor vehicle or other vehicle, may be put in peril, is guilty of a Class 4 felony. In the event of the death of any such person, resulting from such malicious shooting or throwing, the person so offending is guilty of murder in the second degree. However, if the homicide is willful, deliberate, and premeditated, he is guilty of murder in the first degree.

If any such act is committed unlawfully, but not maliciously, the person so offending is guilty of a Class 6 felony and, in the event of the death of any such person, resulting from such unlawful act, the person so offending is guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

If any person commits a violation of this section by maliciously or unlawfully shooting, with a firearm, at a conspicuously marked law-enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services vehicle, the sentence imposed shall include a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year to be served consecutively with any other sentence.

Code 1950, § 18.1-152; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1990, c. 426; 2004, c. 461 ; 2005, c. 143 ; 2013, cc. 761 , 774 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.6
Selling, giving, or distributing tianeptine product; civil penalty
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section, "tianeptine product" means a product that is marketed for human consumption containing any amount of tianeptine, which is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance pursuant to § 54.1-3446 .

B. A retail establishment that sells, gives, or distributes a tianeptine product, without a prescription, is subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 for a first violation and a civil penalty in the amount of $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period. For any violation of this section by an employee of a retail establishment, such penalty shall be assessed against the establishment.

C. Any attorney for the Commonwealth of the locality in which an alleged violation occurred may bring an action to recover the civil penalty, which shall be paid into the state treasury. Any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation of subsection B.

D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.

2026, c. 987 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-255.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-255.2
(Effective July 1, 2027) Prohibiting the sale or manufacture of drugs on or near certain properties; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, or distribute or possess with intent to sell, give, or distribute any controlled substance or imitation controlled substance while:

1. Upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any public or private elementary or secondary school, any institution of higher education, or any clearly marked licensed child day center as defined in § 22.1-289.02 ;

2. Upon public property or any property open to public use within 1,000 feet of the property described in subdivision 1;

3. On any school bus as defined in § 46.2-100 ;

4. Upon a designated school bus stop, or upon either public property or any property open to public use which is within 1,000 feet of such school bus stop, during the time when school children are waiting to be picked up and transported to or are being dropped off from school or a school-sponsored activity;

5. Upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any publicly owned or publicly operated recreation or community center facility or any public library; or

6. Upon the property of any state facility as defined in § 37.2-100 or upon public property or property open to public use within 1,000 feet of such facility. It is a violation of the provisions of this section if the person possessed the controlled substance or imitation controlled substance on the property described in subdivisions 1 through 6, regardless of where the person intended to sell, give, or distribute the controlled substance or imitation controlled substance. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the authorized distribution of controlled substances.

B. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct felony. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for a term of not less than one year nor more than five years and fined not more than $100,000. A second or subsequent conviction hereunder for an offense involving a controlled substance classified in Schedule I, II, or III of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) shall be punished by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year to be served consecutively with any other sentence. However, if such person proves that he sold such controlled substance only as an accommodation to another individual and not with intent to profit thereby from any consideration received or expected nor to induce the recipient or intended recipient of the controlled substance to use or become addicted to or dependent upon such controlled substance, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. If a person commits an act violating the provisions of this section, and the same act also violates another provision of law that provides for penalties greater than those provided for by this section, then nothing in this section shall prohibit or bar any prosecution or proceeding under that other provision of law or the imposition of any penalties provided for thereby.

1982, c. 594; 1989, cc. 619, 682, 709; 1990, cc. 617, 622; 1991, c. 268; 1991, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 14; 1993, cc. 30, 708, 729; 1999, c. 873 ; 2000, cc. 1020 , 1041 ; 2003, cc. 80 , 91 ; 2004, c. 461 ; 2005, c. 716 ; 2006, c. 325 ; 2011, cc. 384 , 410 ; 2014, cc. 674 , 719 ; 2020, cc. 860 , 861 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-36 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-36
How involuntary manslaughter punished
Status: in_force

Involuntary manslaughter is punishable as a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-25; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1982, c. 301.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-325.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-325.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 879 and 887 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-156 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-156
Taking or removing waste or packing from journal boxes
Status: in_force

If any person shall willfully and maliciously take or remove the waste or packing from any journal box of any locomotive, engine, tender, carriage, coach, car, caboose or truck used or operated upon any railroad, whether the same be operated by steam or electricity, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-151; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.