Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-227 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-227
Same; sale from pump indicating other brand
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to store, keep, expose for sale, offer for sale or sell, from any tank or container, or from any pump or other distributing device or equipment, any other liquid fuels, lubricating oils or other similar products than those indicated by the name, trade name, symbol, sign or other distinguishing mark or device of the manufacturer or distributor, appearing upon the tank, container, pump or other distributing equipment from which the same are sold, offered for sale or distributed.

Code 1950, § 59.1-56; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.27 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.27
Conduct of bingo games
Status: in_force

A. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks or debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games.

B. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games.

C. Bingo games may be held by qualified organizations on any calendar day.

D. Qualified organizations may hold an unlimited number of bingo sessions on any calendar day.

E. Except as provided in subsection F, no organization may conduct bingo games (i) at a location outside of the county, city, or town in which its principal office, as registered with the State Corporation Commission, is located or in an adjoining county, city, or town or (ii) at an establishment that has been granted a license pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1 unless such license is held by the organization.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection E, a qualified organization may lease the premises of any social organization authorized pursuant to § 18.2-340.26:3 for the purpose of conducting bingo games.

1995, c. 837 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2010, c. 429 ; 2017, c. 739 ; 2020, c. 568 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520 ; 2022, cc. 722 , 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-209.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-209.2
Failure of clerk to give notice of appointment of special commissioner to collect purchase money or rent
Status: in_force

If any clerk fail to give notice as required by § 8.01-103 of a special commissioner, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

1978, c. 718.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.38 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.38
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 754 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-445 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-445
Immunity of witnesses
Status: in_force

No witness called by the court or attorney for the Commonwealth and giving evidence for the prosecution, either before the grand jury or the court in any prosecution, under this article shall ever be proceeded against for any offense of giving, or offering to give, or accepting a bribe committed by him at the time and place indicated in such prosecution; but such witness shall be compelled to testify, and for refusing to answer questions may, by the court, be punished for contempt.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-280, 18.1-405; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-61 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-61
Rape
Status: in_force

A. If any person has sexual intercourse with a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, to engage in sexual intercourse with any other person and such act is accomplished (i) against the complaining witness's will, by force, threat or intimidation of or against the complaining witness or another person; or (ii) through the use of the complaining witness's mental incapacity or physical helplessness; or (iii) with a child under age 13 as the victim, he or she shall be guilty of rape.

B. A violation of this section shall be punishable, in the discretion of the court or jury, by confinement in a state correctional facility for life or for any term not less than five years; and in addition:

1. For a violation of clause (iii) of subsection A where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, if done in the commission of, or as part of the same course of conduct as, or as part of a common scheme or plan as a violation of (i) subsection A of § 18.2-47 or § 18.2-48 , (ii) § 18.2-89 , 18.2-90 , or 18.2-91 , or (iii) § 18.2-51.2 , the punishment shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement of 25 years; or

2. For a violation of clause (iii) of subsection A where it is alleged in the indictment that the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life.

The mandatory minimum terms of confinement prescribed for violations of this section shall be served consecutively with any other sentence. If the term of confinement imposed for any violation of clause (iii) of subsection A, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, is for a term less than life imprisonment, the judge shall impose, in addition to any active sentence, a suspended sentence of no less than 40 years. This suspended sentence shall be suspended for the remainder of the defendant's life, subject to revocation by the court.

There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a juvenile over the age of 10 but less than 12, does not possess the physical capacity to commit a violation of this section. In any case deemed appropriate by the court, all or part of any sentence imposed for a violation under this section against a spouse may be suspended upon the defendant's completion of counseling or therapy, if not already provided, in the manner prescribed under § 19.2-218.1 if, after consideration of the views of the complaining witness and such other evidence as may be relevant, the court finds such action will promote maintenance of the family unit and will be in the best interest of the complaining witness.

C. Upon a finding of guilt under this section, when a spouse is the complaining witness in any case tried by the court without a jury, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt, upon motion of the defendant who has not previously had a proceeding against him for violation of this section dismissed pursuant to this subsection and with the consent of the complaining witness and the attorney for the Commonwealth, may defer further proceedings and place the defendant on probation pending completion of counseling or therapy, if not already provided, in the manner prescribed under § 19.2-218.1 . If the defendant fails to so complete such counseling or therapy, the court may make final disposition of the case and proceed as otherwise provided. If such counseling is completed as prescribed under § 19.2-218.1 , the court may discharge the defendant and dismiss the proceedings against him if, after consideration of the views of the complaining witness and such other evidence as may be relevant, the court finds such action will promote maintenance of the family unit and be in the best interest of the complaining witness.

Code 1950, § 18.1-44; 1960, c. 358; 1972, c. 394; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 606; 1981, c. 397; 1982, c. 506; 1986, c. 516; 1994, cc. 339 , 772 , 794 ; 1997, c. 330 ; 1999, c. 367 ; 2002, cc. 810 , 818 ; 2005, c. 631 ; 2006, cc. 853 , 914 ; 2012, cc. 575 , 605 ; 2013, cc. 761 , 774 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-338 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-338
Enforcement of § 18.2-331 by Governor and Attorney General
Status: in_force

If it shall come to the knowledge of the Governor that § 18.2-331 is not being enforced in any county, city or town, the Governor may call upon the Attorney General to direct its enforcement in such county, city or town, and thereupon the Attorney General may instruct the attorney for the Commonwealth, sheriff and chief of police, if any, of such county, or the attorney for the Commonwealth and chief of police of such city, or the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county in which such town is located and the chief of police or sergeant of such town, to take such steps as may be necessary to insure the enforcement of such section in such county, city or town, and if any such officers, after receiving such instructions, shall thereafter fail or refuse to exercise diligence in the enforcement of § 18.2-331 , the Attorney General shall make report thereof in writing to the Governor and to the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the acts thereby prohibited, and thereupon the Attorney General upon being directed so to do by the Governor, shall take such steps as he may deem proper in directing the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings, to secure the enforcement of § 18.2-331 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-334; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-365 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-365
Adultery defined; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person, being married, who voluntarily shall have sexual intercourse with any person not his or her spouse shall be guilty of adultery, punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§18.1-187, 18.1-190; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.7:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.7:1
Storage of firearms; penalty
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this section:

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

"Minor" means an individual younger than 18 years of age who is not authorized to use or possess a firearm under § 18.2-308.7 .

B. Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall store such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person, or shall render such firearm incapable of being fired by use of a gun locking device appropriate to that firearm and specific to this purpose. A firearm may be stored loaded, provided that (i) such firearm is stored in a storage device with a combination lock, coded lock, or biometric lock and (ii) no minor or prohibited person is an authorized user for the lock of such storage device. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) any person in lawful possession of a firearm who is carrying such firearm on his person or (ii) the storage of any antique firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 .

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing any person from lawfully authorizing a minor to access a firearm in accordance with § 18.2-56.2 .

E. Every dealer, as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 , shall post in a conspicuous manner at the premises of such dealer a notice stating: "Any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where such person knows that a minor or a person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present shall store such firearm in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person, or shall render such firearm incapable of being fired by use of a gun locking device appropriate to that firearm and specific to this purpose. A violation of this law is a Class 2 misdemeanor."

2026, cc. 1006 , 1074 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-57
Assault and battery; penalty
Status: in_force

A. 1. Any person who commits a simple assault or assault and battery is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2. Any person who commits a simple assault or assault and battery against a person he intentionally selects because of his race, religious conviction, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or ethnic or national origin, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months.

B. However, if a person intentionally selects the person against whom an assault and battery resulting in bodily injury is committed because of his race, religious conviction, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or ethnic or national origin, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months.

C. In addition, if any person commits an assault or an assault and battery against another knowing or having reason to know that such other person is a judge, a magistrate, a law-enforcement officer as defined in subsection H, a correctional officer as defined in § 53.1-1 , a person directly involved in the care, treatment, or supervision of inmates in the custody of the Department of Corrections or an employee of a local or regional correctional facility directly involved in the care, treatment, or supervision of inmates in the custody of the facility, a person directly involved in the care, treatment, or supervision of persons in the custody of or under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee or other individual who provides control, care, or treatment of sexually violent predators committed to the custody of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, a firefighter as defined in § 65.2-102 , or a volunteer firefighter or any emergency medical services personnel member who is employed by or is a volunteer of an emergency medical services agency or as a member of a bona fide volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency, regardless of whether a resolution has been adopted by the governing body of a political subdivision recognizing such firefighters or emergency medical services personnel as employees, engaged in the performance of his public duties anywhere in the Commonwealth, such person is guilty of a Class 6 felony, and, upon conviction, the sentence of such person shall include a mandatory minimum term of confinement of six months.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the right of any person charged with a violation of this section from asserting and presenting evidence in support of any defenses to the charge that may be available under common law.

D. In addition, if any person commits a battery against another knowing or having reason to know that such other person is a full-time or part-time employee of any public or private elementary or secondary school and is engaged in the performance of his duties as such, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and the sentence of such person upon conviction shall include a sentence of 15 days in jail, two days of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of confinement. However, if the offense is committed by use of a firearm or other weapon prohibited on school property pursuant to § 18.2-308.1 , the person shall serve a mandatory minimum sentence of confinement of six months.

E. In addition, any person who commits a battery against another knowing or having reason to know that such individual is a health care provider as defined in § 8.01-581.1 who is engaged in the performance of his duties in a hospital or in an emergency room on the premises of any clinic or other facility rendering emergency medical care is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The sentence of such person, upon conviction, shall include a term of confinement of 15 days in jail, two days of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of confinement.

F. In addition, any person who commits an assault or an assault and battery against another knowing or having reason to know that such individual is an operator of a vehicle operated by a public transportation service as defined in § 18.2-160.2 who is engaged in the performance of his duties is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The sentence of such person, upon conviction, shall also prohibit such person from entering or riding in any vehicle operated by the public transportation service that employed such operator for a period of not less than six months as a term and condition of such sentence.

G. In addition, any person who commits a battery against another knowing or having reason to know that such individual is a sports official for an entity sponsoring an interscholastic or intercollegiate sports event or any person performing services as a sports official for a public entity or a private, nonprofit organization that sponsors an amateur sports event who (i) is engaged in the performance of his duties or (ii) is on the premises of such event prior to engaging in his duties or upon conclusion of his duties is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The sentence of such person, upon conviction, may also prohibit such person from attending any such sports event operated by the entity or organization that employed such sports official for a period of not less than six months as a term and condition of such sentence.

H. As used in this section:

"Disability" means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities.

"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.

"Judge" means any justice or judge of a court of record of the Commonwealth including a judge designated under § 17.1-105 , a judge under temporary recall under § 17.1-106 , or a judge pro tempore under § 17.1-109 , any member of the State Corporation Commission, or of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, and any judge of a district court of the Commonwealth, including a judge under temporary recall under § 16.1-69.22:1 , or any substitute judge of such district court.

"Law-enforcement officer" means any full-time or part-time employee of a police department or sheriff's office that is part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof who is responsible for the prevention or detection of crime and the enforcement of the penal, traffic or highway laws of the Commonwealth, any conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioned pursuant to § 10.1-115 , any special agent of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, conservation police officers appointed pursuant to § 29.1-200 , full-time sworn members of the enforcement division of the Department of Motor Vehicles appointed pursuant to § 46.2-217 , and any employee with internal investigations authority designated by the Department of Corrections pursuant to subdivision 11 of § 53.1-10 , and such officer also includes jail officers in local and regional correctional facilities, all deputy sheriffs, whether assigned to law-enforcement duties, court services or local jail responsibilities, auxiliary police officers appointed or provided for pursuant to §§ 15.2-1731 and 15.2-1733 , auxiliary deputy sheriffs appointed pursuant to § 15.2-1603 , police officers of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority pursuant to § 5.1-158, and fire marshals appointed pursuant to § 27-30 when such fire marshals have police powers as set out in §§ 27-34.2 and 27-34.2:1 .

"School security officer" means the same as that term is defined in § 9.1-101 .

"Sports official" includes an umpire, referee, judge, scorekeeper, timekeeper, or other person who is a neutral participant in a sports event.

I. "Simple assault" or "assault and battery" shall not be construed to include the use of, by any school security officer or full-time or part-time employee of any public or private elementary or secondary school while acting in the course and scope of his official capacity, any of the following: (i) incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact or other actions designed to maintain order and control; (ii) reasonable and necessary force to quell a disturbance or remove a student from the scene of a disturbance that threatens physical injury to persons or damage to property; (iii) reasonable and necessary force to prevent a student from inflicting physical harm on himself; (iv) reasonable and necessary force for self-defense or the defense of others; or (v) reasonable and necessary force to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects or controlled substances or associated paraphernalia that are upon the person of the student or within his control.

In determining whether a person was acting within the exceptions provided in this subsection, due deference shall be given to reasonable judgments that were made by a school security officer or full-time or part-time employee of any public or private elementary or secondary school at the time of the event.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 658 ; 1997, c. 833 ; 1999, cc. 771 , 1036 ; 2000, cc. 288 , 682 ; 2001, c. 129 ; 2002, c. 817 ; 2004, cc. 420 , 461 ; 2006, cc. 270 , 709 , 829 ; 2008, c. 460 ; 2009, c. 257 ; 2011, cc. 230 , 233 , 374 ; 2013, cc. 698 , 707 , 711 , 748 , 782 ; 2014, cc. 663 , 714 ; 2015, cc. 38 , 196 , 730 ; 2016, c. 420 ; 2017, cc. 29 , 56 ; 2019, c. 120 ; 2020, cc. 746 , 1171 ; 2023, c. 549 ; 2024, cc. 266 , 334 ; 2025, c. 361 ; 2026, cc. 71 , 72 , 1084 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.17 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.17
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 884 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-26 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-26
Attempts to commit felonies other than Class 1 felony offenses; how punished
Status: in_force

Except as provided in § 18.2-25 , every person who attempts to commit an offense that is a felony shall be punished as follows:

(1) If the felony attempted is punishable by a maximum punishment of life imprisonment or a term of years in excess of twenty years, an attempt thereat shall be punishable as a Class 4 felony.

(2) If the felony attempted is punishable by a maximum punishment of twenty years' imprisonment, an attempt thereat shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony.

(3) If the felony attempted is punishable by a maximum punishment of less than twenty years' imprisonment, an attempt thereat shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-17, 18.1-18; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 639 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.23 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.23
Organizations exempt from certain fees and reports
Status: in_force

A. No organization that reasonably expects, on the basis of prior charitable gaming annual results or any other quantifiable method, to realize gross receipts of $40,000 or less in any 12-month period from raffles conducted in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be required to (i) notify the Department of its intention to conduct raffles or (ii) comply with Department regulations governing raffles.

B. Any organization that reasonably expects, on the basis of prior charitable gaming annual results or any other quantifiable method, to realize gross receipts of $40,000 or less from all charitable gaming other than raffles on a total of no more than seven days per calendar year shall be required to register with the Department pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.24:1 .

C. If any organization's actual gross receipts from raffles for the 12-month period exceed $40,000 as described in subsection A or actual gross receipts from all charitable gaming other than raffles conducted on a total of no more than seven days per calendar year exceed $40,000 as described in subsection B, the Department shall require the organization to obtain a permit pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.25 and file by a specified date the report required by § 18.2-340.30 .

D. Any (i) organization described in subdivision 18 of the definition of "organization" in § 18.2-340.16 or (ii) volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being part of the safety program of such political subdivision shall be exempt from the payment of application fees required by § 18.2-340.25 and the payment of audit fees required by § 18.2-340.31 . Any such organization, department, agency, or unit that conducts electronic gaming shall be subject to such application fees and audit fees for its electronic gaming activities; however, in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-340.31 , any audit fees may be paid by either the organization or the electronic gaming manufacturer whose electronic gaming devices are present on the premises of the organization, department, agency, or unit. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as exempting any organizations described in subdivision 18 of the definition of "organization" in § 18.2-340.16 , volunteer fire departments, or volunteer emergency medical services agencies from any other provisions of this article or other Department regulations.

E. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Department from conducting any investigation or audit it deems appropriate to ensure an organization's compliance with the provisions of this article and, to the extent applicable, Department regulations.

1995, c. 837 ; 1997, cc. 777 , 838 ; 2003, c. 884 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2009, c. 121 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520 ; 2022, cc. 554 , 609 , 722 , 767 ; 2023, cc. 592 , 593 , 594 , 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-272 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-272
Driving after forfeiture of license
Status: in_force

A. Any person who drives or operates any motor vehicle on any highway, as defined in § 46.2-100 , in the Commonwealth, or any engine or train in the Commonwealth, during the time for which he was deprived of the right to do so (i) upon conviction of a violation of § 18.2-268.3 or 46.2-341.26:3 or of an offense set forth in subsection E of § 18.2-270 , (ii) by § 18.2-271 or 46.2-391.2 , (iii) after his license has been revoked pursuant to § 46.2-389 or 46.2-391 , or (iv) in violation of the terms of a restricted license issued pursuant to subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 , subsection C of § 18.2-270.1 , or subsection E of § 18.2-270.1 , as it shall become effective on July 1, 2021, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor except as otherwise provided in § 46.2-391 , and is subject to administrative revocation of his driver's license pursuant to §§ 46.2-389 and 46.2-391 . Any person convicted of three violations of this section committed within a 10-year period is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Nothing in this section or § 18.2-266 , 18.2-270 , or 18.2-271 shall be construed as conflicting with or repealing any ordinance or resolution of any county, city, or town that restricts still further the right of such persons to drive or operate any such vehicle or conveyance.

B. Regardless of compliance with any other restrictions on his privilege to drive or operate a motor vehicle, it shall be a violation of this section for any person whose privilege to drive or operate a motor vehicle has been restricted, suspended or revoked because of a violation of § 18.2-36.1 , 18.2-51.4 , 18.2-266 , 18.2-268.3 , 46.2-341.24 , or 46.2-341.26:3 or a similar ordinance or law of another state or the United States to drive or operate a motor vehicle on any highway, as defined in § 46.2-100 , in the Commonwealth while he has a blood alcohol content of 0.02 percent or more.

Any person suspected of a violation of this subsection shall be entitled to a preliminary breath test in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-267 , shall be deemed to have given his implied consent to have samples of his blood, breath or both taken for analysis pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-268.2 , and, when charged with a violation of this subsection, shall be subject to the provisions of §§ 18.2-268.1 through 18.2-268.12 .

C. Any person who drives or operates a motor vehicle on any highway, as defined in § 46.2-100 , in the Commonwealth without a certified ignition interlock system as required by § 46.2-391.01 is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and is subject to administrative revocation of his driver's license pursuant to §§ 46.2-389 and 46.2-391 .

D. Any person who drives or operates a motor vehicle who has tampered with, or in any way attempted to circumvent the operation of, a remote alcohol monitoring device that an offender is ordered to use under § 18.2-270.1 is not guilty of a violation of this section but is guilty of a violation of subsection H of § 18.2-270.1 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-60; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1988, c. 859; 1991, c. 64; 2004, cc. 948 , 1013 ; 2005, cc. 757 , 840 ; 2006, c. 390 ; 2007, c. 258 ; 2009, cc. 71 , 255 ; 2017, c. 623 ; 2020, cc. 1007 , 1019 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-319 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-319
Discarding or abandoning iceboxes, etc.; precautions required
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to discard, abandon, leave or allow to remain in any place any icebox, refrigerator or other container, device or equipment of any kind with an interior storage area of more than two cubic feet of clear space which is airtight, without first removing the door or doors or hinges from such icebox, refrigerator, container, device or equipment.

This section shall not apply to any icebox, refrigerator, container, device or equipment which is being used for the purpose for which it was originally designed, or is being used for display purposes by any retail or wholesale merchant, or is crated, strapped or locked to such an extent that it is impossible for a child to obtain access to any airtight compartment thereof.

Any violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-415; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.7 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.2 / Section 18.2-265.7
Sale of the methamphetamine precursors ephedrine or related compounds; penalty
Status: in_force

A. The sale of any product containing ephedrine or related compounds sold by a pharmacy or retail distributor shall be limited to no more than 3.6 grams per day and 9 grams per 30-day period per individual customer. The limits shall apply to the total amount of base ephedrine or related compounds contained in the products and not to the overall weight of the products.

B. Ephedrine or related compounds shall only be displayed for sale behind a store counter that is not accessible to consumers or in a locked case that requires assistance by a store employee for customer access.

C. Any person purchasing, receiving, or otherwise acquiring ephedrine or related compounds shall, prior to taking possession, present photo identification issued by a government or an educational institution.

D. The pharmacy or retail distributor shall maintain a written log or electronic system with the purchaser's name and address, birth date, and signature; the product name and quantity sold; and the date and time of the transaction. Unless exempt under subsection B of § 18.2-265.8 or § 18.2-265.11 , the pharmacy or retail distributor shall use the electronic recordkeeping and monitoring system to report all nonprescription sales of any product containing ephedrine or related compounds.

E. The purchaser shall sign the record acknowledging an understanding of the applicable sales limit and that providing false statements or misrepresentations may subject the purchaser to criminal penalties under § 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

F. The pharmacy or retail distributor shall maintain records of all sales required to be entered into the electronic system or written log for a period of two years from the date of the last entry.

G. The provisions of this article do not apply to sales of ephedrine or related compounds pursuant to a valid prescription.

H. Any person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2012, cc. 160 , 252 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-491 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-491
Construction
Status: in_force

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-428; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-504.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-504.1
Unlawful change of name; punishment
Status: in_force

If any person residing in this Commonwealth changes his name or assumes another name, unlawfully, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 8-577.1; 1956, c. 402; 1973, c. 401; 1976, c. 115; 1977, c. 624.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-200 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-200
Failure to perform promise to deliver crop, etc., in return for advances
Status: in_force

If any person obtain from another an advance of money, merchandise or other thing, upon a promise in writing that he will send or deliver to such other person his crop or other property, and fraudulently fail or refuse to perform such promise, and also fail to make good such advance, he shall be deemed guilty of the larceny of such money, merchandise or other thing.

Code 1950, § 18.1-113; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-498.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-498.1
Short title
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and cited as the Virginia Governmental Frauds Act.

1980, c. 472.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-108.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-108.1
Receipt of stolen firearm
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 18.2-108 , any person who buys or receives a firearm from another person or aids in concealing a firearm, knowing that the firearm was stolen, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony and may be proceeded against although the principal offender is not convicted.

1988, c. 358; 1998, c. 821 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-155 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-155
Injuring, etc., signal used by railroad
Status: in_force

If any person maliciously injure, destroy, molest, or remove any switchlamp, flag or other signal used by any railroad, or any line, wire, post, lamp or any other structure or mechanism used in connection with any signal on a railroad, or destroys or in any manner interferes with the proper working of any signal on a railroad, whereby the life of any person is or may be put in peril he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony; and in the event of the death of such person resulting from such malicious injuring, destroying or removing, the person so offending shall be deemed guilty of murder, the degree to be determined by the jury or the court trying the case without a jury. If such act be done unlawfully but not maliciously the offender shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, provided that in the event of the death of any such person resulting from such unlawful injuring, destroying or removing, the person so offending shall be deemed guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Code 1950, § 18.1-153; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.9:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.9:1
Use of a certified facility dog for testimony in a criminal proceeding
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section, "certified facility dog" means a dog that (i) has completed training and been certified by a program accredited by Assistance Dogs International or by another assistance dog organization that is a member of an organization whose main purpose is to improve training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs and (ii) is accompanied by a duly trained handler.

B. In any criminal proceeding, including preliminary hearings, the attorney for the Commonwealth or the defendant may apply for an order from the court allowing a certified facility dog to be present with a witness testifying before the court through in-person testimony or testimony televised by two-way closed-circuit television pursuant to § 18.2-67.9 .

C. The court may enter an order authorizing a dog to accompany a witness while testifying at a hearing in accordance with subsection B if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that:

1. The dog to be used qualifies as a certified facility dog;

2. The use of a certified facility dog will aid the witness in providing his testimony; and

3. The presence and use of the certified facility dog will not interfere with or distract from the testimony or proceedings.

D. The party seeking such order shall apply for the order at least 14 days before the preliminary hearing, trial date, or other hearing to which the order is to apply.

E. The court may make such orders as necessary to preserve the fairness of the proceeding, including imposing restrictions on and instructing the jury regarding the presence of the certified facility dog during the proceedings.

F. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the court from providing any other accommodations to a witness as provided by law.

2018, cc. 524 , 699 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.5:1
Using a computer to gather identifying information; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person, other than a law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101 , and acting in the performance of his official duties, to use a computer to obtain, access, or record, through the use of material artifice, trickery or deception, any identifying information, as defined in clauses (iii) through (xiii) of subsection C of § 18.2-186.3 . Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who violates this section and sells or distributes such information to another is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. Any person who violates this section and uses such information in the commission of another crime is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

2005, cc. 747 , 760 , 761 , 827 , 837 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-105.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-105.2
Manufacture, sale, etc., of devices to shield against electronic detection of shoplifting prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute or possess any specially coated or laminated bag or other device primarily designed and intended to shield shoplifted merchandise from detection by an anti-theft electronic alarm sensor, with the intention that the same be used to aid in the shoplifting of merchandise. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1984, c. 386; 2003, c. 831 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-46.3:3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2.1 / Section 18.2-46.3:3
Enhanced punishment for gang activity taking place in a gang-free zone; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who violates § 18.2-46.2 (i) upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any public or private elementary, secondary, or postsecondary school or institution of higher education; (ii) upon public property or any property open to public use within 1,000 feet of such school property; (iii) on any school bus as defined in § 46.2-100 ; or (iv) upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any publicly owned or operated community center or any publicly owned or operated recreation center is guilty of a felony punishable as specified in § 18.2-46.2 , and shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years to be served consecutively with any other sentence. A person who violates subsection A of § 18.2-46.3 upon any property listed in this section is guilty of a Class 5 felony, except that any person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection A of § 18.2-46.3 upon any property listed in this section, when such offense is committed against a juvenile, is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Any person who violates subsection B of § 18.2-46.3 upon any property listed in this section is guilty of a Class 4 felony. It is a violation of this section if the person violated § 18.2-46.2 or 18.2-46.3 on the property described in clauses (i) through (iii) regardless of where the person intended to commit such violation.

2005, cc. 764 , 813 ; 2010, c. 364 ; 2013, cc. 761 , 774 ; 2023, cc. 396 , 397 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-136.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-136.1
Enforcement of §§ 18.2-131 through 18.2-135
Status: in_force

Conservation police officers, sheriffs and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of §§ 18.2-131 , 18.2-132 , 18.2-133 , 18.2-134 and 18.2-135 .

1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-51.2
Aggravated malicious wounding; penalty
Status: in_force

A. If any person maliciously shoots, stabs, cuts or wounds any other person, or by any means causes bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony if the victim is thereby severely injured and is caused to suffer permanent and significant physical impairment.

B. If any person maliciously shoots, stabs, cuts or wounds any other woman who is pregnant, or by any other means causes bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill the pregnant woman or to cause the involuntary termination of her pregnancy, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony if the victim is thereby severely injured and is caused to suffer permanent and significant physical impairment.

C. For purposes of this section, the involuntary termination of a woman's pregnancy shall be deemed a severe injury and a permanent and significant physical impairment.

1986, c. 460; 1991, c. 670; 1997, c. 709 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-204 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-204
False statement for the purpose of defrauding industrial sick benefit company
Status: in_force

Any agent, physician or other person who shall knowingly or willfully make any false or fraudulent statement or representation of any material fact:

(1) In or with reference to any application for insurance in any industrial sick benefit company licensed, or which may be licensed, to do business in this Commonwealth,

(2) As to the death or disability of a policy or certificate holder in any such company,

(3) For the purpose of procuring or attempting to procure the payment of any false or fraudulent claim against any such company, or

(4) For the purpose of obtaining or attempting to obtain any money from or benefit in any such company,

shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Any such person who shall willfully make a false statement of any material fact or thing in a sworn statement as to the death or disability of a policy or certificate holder in any such company for the purpose of procuring payment of a benefit named in the policy or certificate of such holder, shall be guilty of perjury, and shall be proceeded against and punished as provided by the statutes of this Commonwealth in relation to the crime of perjury.

Code 1950, § 18.1-122; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-46.7 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2.2 / Section 18.2-46.7
Act of bioterrorism against agricultural crops or animals; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who maliciously destroys or devastates agricultural crops or agricultural animals having a value of $2,500 or more through the use of an infectious biological substance with the intent to (i) intimidate the civilian population or (ii) influence the conduct or activities of the government of the United States, a state or locality through intimidation, is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

For the purposes of this section "agricultural animal" means all livestock and poultry as defined in § 3.2-5900 and "agricultural crop" means cultivated plants or produce, including grain, silage, forages, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, nursery stock or turf grass.

2002, cc. 588 , 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-470 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-470
Extortion by officer
Status: in_force

If any officer, for performing an official duty for which a fee or compensation is allowed or provided by law, knowingly demand and receive a greater fee or compensation than is so allowed or provided, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-304; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-268.2
Implied consent to post-arrest testing to determine drug or alcohol content of blood
Status: in_force

A. Any person, whether licensed by Virginia or not, who operates a motor vehicle upon a highway, as defined in § 46.2-100 , in the Commonwealth shall be deemed thereby, as a condition of such operation, to have consented to have samples of his blood, breath, or both blood and breath taken for a chemical test to determine the alcohol, drug, or both alcohol and drug content of his blood, if he is arrested for violation of § 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or of a similar ordinance within three hours of the alleged offense.

B. Any person so arrested for a violation of clause (i) or (ii) of § 18.2-266 or both, § 18.2-266.1 or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or of a similar ordinance shall submit to a breath test. If the breath test is unavailable or the person is physically unable to submit to the breath test, a blood test shall be given. The accused shall, prior to administration of the test, be advised by the person administering the test that he has the right to observe the process of analysis and to see the blood-alcohol reading on the equipment used to perform the breath test. If the equipment automatically produces a written printout of the breath test result, the printout, or a copy, shall be given to the accused.

C. A person, after having been arrested for a violation of clause (iii), (iv), or (v) of § 18.2-266 or § 18.2-266.1 or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or of a similar ordinance, may be required to submit to a blood test to determine the drug or both drug and alcohol content of his blood. When a person, after having been arrested for a violation of § 18.2-266 (i) or (ii) or both, submits to a breath test in accordance with subsection B or refuses to take or is incapable of taking such a breath test, he may be required to submit to tests to determine the drug or both drug and alcohol content of his blood if the law-enforcement officer has reasonable cause to believe the person was driving under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs, or the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.

1992, c. 830; 1993, c. 746; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 1995, c. 23 ; 2002, c. 748 ; 2004, c. 1013 ; 2005, cc. 616 , 757 , 840 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.27:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.27:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 568 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-346.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-346.01
Prostitution; solicitation; commercial exploitation of a minor; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who offers money or its equivalent to another for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts enumerated in § 18.2-346 and thereafter does any substantial act in furtherance thereof is guilty of solicitation of prostitution, which is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any person who solicits prostitution from a minor (i) 16 years of age or older is guilty of a Class 6 felony or (ii) younger than 16 years of age is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-103 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-103
Concealing or taking possession of merchandise; altering price tags; transferring goods from one container to another; counseling, etc., another in performance of such acts
Status: in_force

Whoever, without authority, with the intention of converting goods or merchandise to his own or another's use without having paid the full purchase price thereof, or of defrauding the owner of the value of the goods or merchandise, (i) willfully conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment, or (ii) alters the price tag or other price marking on such goods or merchandise, or transfers the goods from one container to another, or (iii) counsels, assists, aids or abets another in the performance of any of the above acts, when the value of the goods or merchandise involved in the offense is less than $1,000, shall be guilty of petit larceny and, when the value of the goods or merchandise involved in the offense is $1,000 or more, shall be guilty of grand larceny. The willful concealment of goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment, while still on the premises thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to convert and defraud the owner thereof out of the value of the goods or merchandise.

Code 1950, § 18.1-126; 1960, c. 358; 1970, c. 652; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 706 ; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-511 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-511
Sale of certain military grave markers prohibited
Status: in_force

Any person who sells or offers for sale any military grave marker of one or more deceased persons who served in the military service of the Commonwealth, the United States, or any of the states thereof, shall be assessed a $100 civil penalty payable to the Literary Fund.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to the sale or offer for sale of such grave marker if it was (i) conveyed with real property to which it remains affixed, (ii) sold or offered for sale following manufacture or fabrication and prior to initial installation or dedication, or (iii) lawfully acquired.

2004, c. 299 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-360 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-360
Competency of persons to testify in prosecutions under §§ 18.2-355 through 18.2-361
Status: in_force

Any male or female referred to in §§ 18.2-355 through 18.2-361 shall be a competent witness in any prosecution under such sections to testify to any and all matters, including conversations by or with the accused with third persons in his or her presence, notwithstanding he or she may have married the accused either before or after the violation of any of the provisions of this section; but such witness shall not be compelled to testify after such marriage.

Code 1950, § 18.1-211; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.2
Possession and distribution of flunitrazepam; enhanced penalty
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 54.1-3446 and 54.1-3452 , the drug flunitrazepam shall be deemed to be listed on Schedule I for the purposes of penalties for violations of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.). Any person knowingly manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing or possessing the drug flunitrazepam shall be punished under the penalties prescribed for such violations in accordance with §§ 18.2-248 and 18.2-250 .

1997, c. 595 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.6
Proof of physical resistance not required
Status: in_force

The Commonwealth need not demonstrate that the complaining witness cried out or physically resisted the accused in order to convict the accused of an offense under this article, but the absence of such resistance may be considered when relevant to show that the act alleged was not against the will of the complaining witness.

1981, c. 397.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-270.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-270.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2026, cc. 686 and 687 , cl. 2 , effective July 1, 2026.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-371.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-371.3
Tattooing or body piercing of minors
Status: in_force

No person shall tattoo or perform body piercing for hire or consideration on a person less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such person is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the person's parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.

In addition, no person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for "Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions" and provides the client with the following disclosure:

1. Tattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object.

2. If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo artists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses.

3. Tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.

4. Tattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license from a Virginia health regulatory board.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

For the purposes of this section:

"Body-piercing" means the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. "Body piercing" does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.

"Tattoo" means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.

1997, c. 586 ; 2000, c. 842 ; 2001, c. 270 ; 2006, c. 692 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-99 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-99
Larceny of things fixed to the freehold
Status: in_force

Things which savor of the realty, and are at the time they are taken part of the freehold, whether they be of the substance or produce thereof, or affixed thereto, shall be deemed goods and chattels of which larceny may be committed, although there be no interval between the severing and taking away.

Code 1950, § 18.1-106; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-385 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-385
Section 18.2-384 applicable to motion picture films
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 18.2-384 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the case of motion picture film.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.4; 1966, c. 516; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.36:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.36:1
Civil penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person or organization, whether permitted or qualified pursuant to this article or not, that (i) conducts charitable gaming without first obtaining a permit to do so, (ii) continues to conduct such games after revocation or suspension of such permit, or (iii) otherwise violates any provision of this article shall, in addition to any other penalties provided, be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $25,000 and not more than $50,000 per incident. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be payable to the State Treasurer for remittance to the Department.

B. Any electronic gaming manufacturer, whether permitted pursuant to this article or not, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided, be subject to the penalty identified in subsection A for any violation of any provision of this article.

2022, cc. 555 , 608 , 722 , 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-216.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-216.1
Unauthorized use of name or picture of any person; punishment
Status: in_force

A person, firm, or corporation that knowingly uses for advertising purposes, or for the purpose of trade, the name, portrait, or picture of any person resident in the Commonwealth, without having first obtained the written consent of such person, or if dead, of his surviving consort, or if none, his next of kin, or, if a minor, of his or her parent or guardian, as well as that of such minor, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined not less than $50 nor more than $1,000.

Code 1950, § 8-650; 1977, c. 624.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-57.4
Reporting findings of assault and battery to military family advocacy representatives
Status: in_force

If any active duty member of the United States Armed Forces is found guilty of a violation of § 18.2-57.2 or § 18.2-57.3 , the court shall report the conviction to family advocacy representatives of the United States Armed Forces.

2004, c. 681 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1:4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.1:4
Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons subject to protective orders; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person who is subject to (i) a protective order entered pursuant to § 16.1-253.1 , 16.1-253.4 , 16.1-278.2 , 16.1-279.1 , 19.2-152.8 , 19.2-152.9 , or 19.2-152.10 ; (ii) an order issued pursuant to subsection B of § 20-103 ; (iii) an order entered pursuant to subsection D of § 18.2-60.3 ; (iv) a preliminary protective order entered pursuant to subsection F of § 16.1-253 where a petition alleging abuse or neglect has been filed; or (v) an order issued by a tribunal of another state, the United States or any of its territories, possessions, or commonwealths, or the District of Columbia pursuant to a statute that is substantially similar to those cited in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) to purchase or transport any firearm while the order is in effect. Any person with a concealed handgun permit shall be prohibited from carrying any concealed firearm, and shall surrender his permit to the court entering the order, for the duration of any protective order referred to herein. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. In addition to the prohibition set forth in subsection A, it is unlawful for any person who is subject to a protective order entered pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 or an order issued by a tribunal of another state, the United States or any of its territories, possessions, or commonwealths, or the District of Columbia pursuant to a statute that is substantially similar to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 to knowingly possess any firearm while the order is in effect, provided that for a period of 24 hours after being served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of § 19.2-152.10 such person may continue to possess and, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, transport any firearm possessed by such person at the time of service for the purposes of surrendering any such firearm to a law-enforcement agency in accordance with subsection C or selling or transferring any such firearm to a dealer as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 or to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm in accordance with subsection C. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.

C. Upon issuance of a protective order pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 , the court shall advise such person who is subject to the protective order that a law-enforcement officer may obtain a search warrant to search for any firearms from such person if such law-enforcement officer has probable cause that such person has not relinquished all firearms in his possession.

Additionally, the court shall order the person who is subject to the protective order to (i) within 24 hours after being served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of § 19.2-152.10 (a) surrender any firearm possessed by such person to a designated local law-enforcement agency, (b) sell or transfer any firearm possessed by such person to a dealer as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 , or (c) sell or transfer any firearm possessed by such person to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm, provided that such person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing such firearm is 21 years of age or older and does not reside with the person who is subject to the protective order, and (ii) within 48 hours after being served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of § 19.2-152.10 , certify in writing, on a form provided by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, that such person does not possess any firearms or that all firearms possessed by such person have been surrendered, sold, or transferred and file such certification with the clerk of the court that entered the protective order.

In the event of a surrender, sale, or transfer of a firearm, the person who is subject to the protective order shall provide, on such form, the name, address, and signature of the transferee, federally licensed firearms dealer, or law-enforcement agency in possession of the firearm. The person who is subject to the protective order shall provide a copy of such form to the transferee at the time of such firearm transfer.

The willful failure of any person to certify in writing in accordance with this section that all firearms possessed by such person have been surrendered, sold, or transferred or that such person does not possess any firearms shall constitute contempt of court.

D. The person who is subject to a protective order pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 shall be provided with the address and hours of operation of a designated local law-enforcement agency and the certification forms when such person is served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of § 19.2-152.10 .

E. A law-enforcement agency that takes into custody a firearm surrendered to such agency pursuant to subsection C by a person who is subject to a protective order pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 shall prepare a written receipt containing the name of the person who surrendered the firearm and the manufacturer, model, and serial number of the firearm and provide a copy to such person and to the court that issued the order. Any firearm surrendered to and held by a law-enforcement agency pursuant to subsection C shall be returned by such agency to the person who surrendered the firearm upon the expiration or dissolution of the protective order entered pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 . Such agency shall return the firearm within five days of receiving a written request for the return of the firearm by the person who surrendered the firearm and a copy of the receipt provided to such person by the agency. Prior to returning the firearm to such person, the law-enforcement agency holding the firearm shall confirm that such person is no longer subject to a protective order issued pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 and is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. A firearm surrendered to a law-enforcement agency pursuant to subsection C may be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of § 15.2-1721 if (i) the person from whom the firearm was seized provides written authorization for such disposal to the agency or (ii) the firearm remains in the possession of the agency more than 120 days after such person is no longer subject to a protective order issued pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or 19.2-152.10 and such person has not submitted a request in writing for the return of the firearm.

F. Any law-enforcement agency or law-enforcement officer that takes into custody, stores, possesses, or transports a firearm pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for any damage to or deterioration, loss, or theft of such firearm.

G. The law-enforcement agencies of the counties, cities, and towns within each judicial circuit shall designate, in coordination with each other, and provide to the chief judges of all circuit and district courts within the judicial circuit, one or more local law-enforcement agencies to receive and store firearms pursuant to this section. The law-enforcement agencies shall provide the chief judges with a list that includes the addresses and hours of operation of, any law-enforcement agencies so designated so that such addresses and hours of operation may be provided to a person served with a protective order in accordance with subsection C of § 16.1-279.1 or subsection D of § 19.2-152.10 .

1994, c. 907 ; 1996, c. 866 ; 1998, c. 569 ; 2001, c. 357 ; 2002, cc. 783 , 865 ; 2004, c. 995 ; 2011, cc. 373 , 402 ; 2013, c. 759 ; 2016, cc. 48 , 49 ; 2020, cc. 1221 , 1260 ; 2026, cc. 533 , 534 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-265
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1979, c. 638.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-168 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-168
Forging public records, etc
Status: in_force

If any person forge a public record, or certificate, return, or attestation, of any public officer or public employee, in relation to any matter wherein such certificate, return, or attestation may be received as legal proof, or utter, or attempt to employ as true, such forged record, certificate, return, or attestation, knowing the same to be forged, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-92; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 146.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-188.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-188.1
Defrauding person having a lien on an animal; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to remove or cause any horse or other animal to be removed from the possession of the owner or keeper of a livery stable or other person having a lien on the horse or animal for keep, support and care pursuant to § 43-32 , with intent to defraud or cheat the lienholder. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.

1990, c. 639.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-417 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-417
Slander and libel
Status: in_force

Any person who shall falsely utter and speak, or falsely write and publish, of and concerning any person of chaste character, any words derogatory of such person's character for virtue and chastity, or imputing to such person acts not virtuous and chaste, or who shall falsely utter and speak, or falsely write and publish, of and concerning another person, any words which from their usual construction and common acceptation are construed as insults and tend to violence and breach of the peace or who shall use grossly insulting language to any person of good character or reputation is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The defendant shall be entitled to prove upon trial in mitigation of the punishment, the provocation which induced the libelous or slanderous words, or any other fact or circumstance tending to disprove malice, or lessen the criminality of the offense.

Code 1950, § 18.1-256; 1960, c. 358; 1973, c. 526; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 900 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-442 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-442
Bribery of participants in games, contests or sports
Status: in_force

Whoever gives, promises or offers any valuable thing to any professional or amateur participant or prospective participant in any game, contest or sport, with intent to influence him to lose or try to lose or cause to be lost or to limit his or his team's margin of victory in any professional or amateur game, contest or sport in which such participant is taking part or expects to take part, or has any duty or connection therewith, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-402; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-285 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-285
Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wildlife with a firearm, bow and arrow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow in the Commonwealth while he is (i) under the influence of alcohol; (ii) 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 that impairs his ability to hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow safely; or (iii) under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree that impairs his ability to hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow safely. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conservation police officers, sheriffs, and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

Code 1950, § 29-140.1; 1952, c. 96; 1962, c. 469; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1999, c. 543 ; 2005, c. 507 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.1:2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.1:2
(Effective July 1, 2027) Possession or distribution of medical cannabis; hospitals, nursing homes, and certified nursing facilities; hospice and hospice facilities; assisted living facilities
Status: in_force

No person employed by a hospital, nursing home, hospice, hospice facility, or assisted living facility and authorized to possess, distribute, or administer medications to patients or residents shall be prosecuted under Chapter 11 (§ 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or § 18.2-248 , or 18.2-250 for the possession or distribution of cannabis oil for the purposes of storing, dispensing, or administering cannabis oil to a patient or resident who has been issued a valid written certification for the use of cannabis oil in accordance with § 4.1-1601 .

2020, c. 846 ; 2021 Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 , 551 ; 2023, cc. 740 , 773 ; 2026, cc. 555 , 556 ; 2026 Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-136 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-136
Right of certain hunters to go on lands of another; carrying firearms or bows and arrows prohibited
Status: in_force

Fox hunters and coon hunters, when the chase begins on other lands, may follow their dogs on prohibited lands, and hunters of all other game, when the chase begins on other lands, may go upon prohibited lands to retrieve their dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls but may not carry firearms or bows and arrows on their persons or hunt any game while thereon. The use of vehicles to retrieve dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls on prohibited lands shall be allowed only with the permission of the landowner or his agent. Any person who goes on prohibited lands to retrieve his dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls pursuant to this section and who willfully refuses to identify himself when requested by the landowner or his agent to do so is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-168; 1964, c. 600; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1988, c. 593; 1991, cc. 317, 327; 2007, cc. 145 , 658 ; 2011, c. 191 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-503 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-503
Possession or duplication of certain keys
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall knowingly possess any key to the lock of any building or other property owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a department, division, agency or political subdivision thereof, without receiving permission from a person duly authorized to give such permission to possess such key.

(b) No person, without receiving permission from a person duly authorized to give such permission, shall knowingly duplicate, copy or make a facsimile of any key to a lock of a building or other property owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a department, division, agency or political subdivision thereof.

Violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-408.1; 1972, c. 139; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1984, c. 61.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-42 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-42
Assault or battery by mob
Status: in_force

Any and every person composing a mob which shall commit a simple assault or battery shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-31; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-321 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-321
Using X ray, fluoroscope, etc., in the fitting of footwear
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to use any X ray, fluoroscope, or other equipment or apparatus employing roentgen rays, in the fitting of shoes or other footwear. This section shall not apply to any licensed physician or surgeon in the practice of his profession. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-416; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-253 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-253
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-456 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-456
Cases in which courts and judges may punish summarily for contempt
Status: in_force

A. The courts and judges may issue attachments for contempt, and punish them summarily, only in the following cases:

1. Misbehavior in the presence of the court, or so near thereto as to obstruct or interrupt the administration of justice;

2. Violence, or threats of violence, to a judge or officer of the court, or to a juror, witness, or party going to, attending, or returning from the court, for or in respect of any act or proceeding had, or to be had, in such court;

3. Vile, contemptuous, or insulting language addressed to or published of a judge for or in respect of any act or proceeding had, or to be had, in such court, or like language used in his presence and intended for his hearing for or in respect of such act or proceeding;

4. Misbehavior of an officer of the court in his official character;

5. Disobedience or resistance of an officer of the court, juror, witness, or other person to any lawful process, judgment, decree, or order of the court; and

6. Willful failure to appear before any court or judicial officer as required after having been charged with a felony offense or misdemeanor offense or released on a summons pursuant to § 19.2-73 or 19.2-74 . In determining whether a failure to appear was willful pursuant to this subdivision, the court shall consider mitigating circumstances, including those circumstances listed in subsection A of § 19.2-128 .

B. The judge shall indicate, in writing, under which subdivision in subsection A a person is being charged and punished for contempt.

C. Nothing in subdivision A 6 shall be construed to prohibit prosecution under § 19.2-128 . The provisions of subdivision A 6 shall not apply to any person who is (i) incarcerated in any correctional facility or (ii) (a) detained in any state or federal facility or (b) in the custody of a law-enforcement officer at the time such person is required to appear before any court or judicial officer.

Code 1950, § 18.1-292; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 708 ; 2024, c. 109 ; 2026, cc. 241 , 242 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.014 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.014
(Effective until July 1, 2027) Reciprocity
Status: in_force

A. A valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state shall authorize the holder of such permit or license who is at least 21 years of age to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth, provided (i) the issuing authority provides the means for instantaneous verification of the validity of all such permits or licenses issued within that state, accessible 24 hours a day if available; (ii) the permit or license holder carries a photo identification issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of State and displays the permit or license and such identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; and (iii) the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. The Superintendent of State Police shall enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with such other states that require an agreement to be in place before such state will recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in such state. The Attorney General shall provide the Superintendent with any legal assistance or advice necessary for the Superintendent to perform his duties set forth in this subsection. If the Superintendent determines that another state requires that an agreement for reciprocal recognition be executed by the Attorney General or otherwise formally approved by the Attorney General as a condition of such other state's entering into an agreement for reciprocal recognition, the Attorney General shall (a) execute such agreement or otherwise formally approve such agreement and (b) return to the Superintendent the executed agreement or, in a form deemed acceptable by such other state, documentation of his formal approval of such agreement within 30 days after the Superintendent notifies the Attorney General, in writing, that he is required to execute or otherwise formally approve such agreement.

B. For the purposes of participation in concealed handgun reciprocity agreements with other jurisdictions, the official government-issued law-enforcement identification card issued to an active-duty law-enforcement officer in the Commonwealth who is exempt from obtaining a concealed handgun permit under this article shall be deemed a concealed handgun permit.

2013, c. 746 ; 2016, cc. 46 , 47 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-254.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-254.2
Specialty dockets; report
Status: in_force

A. The Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court shall develop a statewide evaluation model and conduct ongoing evaluations of the effectiveness and efficiency of all local specialty dockets established in accordance with the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia. Each local specialty docket shall submit evaluative reports to the Office of the Executive Secretary as requested. The Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia shall submit a report of such evaluations to the General Assembly by December 1 of each year.

B. Any veterans docket authorized and established as a local specialty docket in accordance with the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia shall be deemed a "Veterans Treatment Court Program," as that term is used under federal law or by any other entity, for the purposes of applying for, qualifying for, or receiving any federal grants, other federal money, or money from any other entity designated to assist or fund such state programs.

2019, cc. 13 , 51 ; 2020, c. 603 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-11
Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor
Status: in_force

The authorized punishments for conviction of a misdemeanor are:

(a) For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

(b) For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for not more than six months and a fine of not more than $1,000, either or both.

(c) For Class 3 misdemeanors, a fine of not more than $500.

(d) For Class 4 misdemeanors, a fine of not more than $250.

For a misdemeanor 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 subsection B of that section in addition to any other penalty provided by law.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1990, c. 788; 2000, c. 770 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-403.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-403.2
Offenses involving animals — Class 3 misdemeanors
Status: in_force

The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 3 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of § 3.2-6511 pertaining to the failure of a shopkeeper or pet dealer to provide adequate care to animals.

2. Violation of § 3.2-6509 pertaining to the misrepresentation of an animal's condition by the shopkeeper or pet dealer.

3. Violation of § 3.2-6510 pertaining to the sale of baby fowl.

4. Violation of clause (iv) of subsection A of § 3.2-6570 pertaining to soring horses.

5. Violation of § 3.2-6519 pertaining to notice of consumer remedies required to be supplied by boarding establishments.

1984, c. 492; 1992, c. 177; 1993, c. 174; 1999, c. 620 ; 2003, c. 787 ; 2008, cc. 543 , 707 ; 2018, c. 416 ; 2019, cc. 536 , 537 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-194 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-194
Unauthorized possession of two or more signed credit cards or credit card numbers
Status: in_force

When a person, other than the cardholder or a person authorized by him, possesses two or more credit cards which are signed or two or more credit card numbers, such possession shall be prima facie evidence that said cards or credit card numbers were obtained in violation of § 18.2-192 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-125.5; 1968, c. 480; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 266; 2005, c. 157 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-213.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-213.2
Filing false lien or encumbrance against another
Status: in_force

Any person who maliciously files a lien or encumbrance in a public record against the real or personal property of another knowing that such lien or encumbrance is false is guilty of a Class 5 felony. The court in its conviction order or in a separate order, shall direct the clerk of any jurisdiction in which a false lien or encumbrance has been filed to release from record such lien or encumbrance specifically described in the conviction order or separate order, including any notice or memorandum of lien. Such lien or encumbrance shall be deemed invalid and shall be treated as if it was never filed.

2013, c. 454 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.4
Computer trespass; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person, with malicious intent, or through intentionally deceptive means and without authority, to:

1. Temporarily or permanently remove, halt, or otherwise disable any computer data, computer programs or computer software from a computer or computer network;

2. Cause a computer to malfunction, regardless of how long the malfunction persists;

3. Alter, disable, or erase any computer data, computer programs or computer software;

4. Effect the creation or alteration of a financial instrument or of an electronic transfer of funds;

5. Use a computer or computer network to cause physical injury to the property of another;

6. Use a computer or computer network to make or cause to be made an unauthorized copy, in any form, including, but not limited to, any printed or electronic form of computer data, computer programs or computer software residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer or computer network;

7. [Repealed.]

8. Install or cause to be installed, or collect information through, computer software that records all or a majority of the keystrokes made on the computer of another; or

9. Install or cause to be installed on the computer of another, computer software for the purpose of (i) taking control of that computer so that it can cause damage to another computer or (ii) disabling or disrupting the ability of the computer to share or transmit instructions or data to other computers or to any related computer equipment or devices, including but not limited to printers, scanners, or fax machines.

B. Any person who violates this section is guilty of computer trespass, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this section for the purposes of affecting a computer that is exclusively for the use of, or exclusively used by or for, (i) the Commonwealth or any local government within the Commonwealth or any department or agency thereof or (ii) a provider of telephone, including wireless or voice over Internet protocol, oil, electric, gas, sewer, wastewater, or water service to the public is guilty of a Class 6 felony. If there is damage to the property of another valued at $1,000 or more caused by such person's act done with malicious intent in violation of this section, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person, with malicious intent, installs or causes to be installed computer software in violation of this section on more than five computers of another, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person violates subdivision A 8 with malicious intent, the offense is a Class 6 felony.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit terms or conditions in a contract or license related to computers, computer data, computer networks, computer operations, computer programs, computer services, or computer software or to create any liability by reason of terms or conditions adopted by, or technical measures implemented by, a Virginia-based electronic mail service provider to prevent the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail in violation of this article. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the monitoring of the location of a minor or a person with a disability or mental impairment as those terms are defined in § 51.5-40.1 or to prohibit the monitoring of the computer usage of, the otherwise lawful copying of data of, or the denial of computer or Internet access to a minor by a parent or legal guardian of the minor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require notice to a computer user of the activities of a computer hardware or software provider, an interactive computer service, or a telecommunications or cable operator that a reasonable computer user should expect may occur in the context of a computer user's transaction or relationship with that entity or that are required or specifically authorized by law.

1984, c. 751; 1985, c. 322; 1990, c. 663; 1998, c. 892 ; 1999, cc. 886 , 904 , 905 ; 2002, c. 195 ; 2003, cc. 987 , 1016 ; 2005, cc. 761 , 812 , 827 ; 2007, c. 483 ; 2017, c. 562 ; 2020, c. 821 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-265.2
(Effective July 1, 2027) Evidence to be considered in cases under this article
Status: in_force

In determining whether an object is drug paraphernalia, the court may consider, in addition to all other relevant evidence, the following:

1. Constitutionally admissible statements by the accused concerning the use of the object;

2. The proximity of the object to controlled substances, which proximity is actually known to the accused;

3. Instructions, oral or written, provided with the object concerning its use;

4. Descriptive materials accompanying the object that explain or depict its use;

5. National and local advertising within the actual knowledge of the accused concerning its use;

6. The manner in which the object is displayed for sale;

7. Whether the accused is a legitimate supplier of like or related items to the community, such as a licensed distributor or dealer of tobacco products;

8. Evidence of the ratio of sales of the objects defined in § 18.2-265.1 to the total sales of the business enterprise;

9. The existence and scope of legitimate uses for the object in the community;

10. Expert testimony concerning its use or the purpose for which it was designed; and

11. Relevant evidence of the intent of the accused to deliver it to persons who he knows, or should reasonably know, intend to use the object with an illegal drug. The innocence of an owner, or of anyone in control of the object, as to a direct violation of this article shall not prevent a finding that the object is intended for use or designed for use as drug paraphernalia.

1981, c. 598; 1983, c. 535; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-242.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-242.1
Certain referral transactions in connection with consumer sales or leases prohibited; effect of such transactions
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of this section, the term "consumer sale or lease of goods or services" means the sale or lease of goods or services which are purchased or leased by a natural person primarily for a personal, family or household purpose, and not for resale.

(b) With respect to a consumer sale or lease of goods or services, no seller or lessor shall give or offer to give a rebate or discount or otherwise pay or offer to pay value to the buyer or lessee as an inducement for the sale or lease in return for the buyer's giving to the seller or lessor the names of prospective buyers or lessees, or otherwise aiding the seller or lessor in entering into a transaction with another buyer or lessee, if the earning of the rebate, discount, or other value is contingent upon the occurrence of any sale, lease, appointment, demonstration, interview, conference, seminar, bailment, testimonial or endorsement subsequent to the time the buyer or lessee enters into the agreement of sale or lease.

(c) Agreements made in whole or in part pursuant to a referral transaction as above described shall be void and unenforceable by the seller or lessor. The buyer or lessee shall be entitled to retain the goods, services or money received pursuant to a referral transaction without obligation to make any further or future payments of any sort on the transaction total, or he shall be entitled to avoid the transaction and to recover from the seller or lessor any sums paid to the seller or lessor pursuant to the transaction.

Code 1950, § 59.1-68.02; 1975, c. 3; 1976, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-113 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-113
Fraudulent entries, etc., in accounts by officers or clerks of financial institutions, joint stock companies or corporations; penalty
Status: in_force

If any officer or clerk of any financial institution, joint stock company or corporation makes, alters or omits to make any entry in any account kept in or by such financial institution, company or corporation, with intent, in so doing, to conceal the true state of such account, or to defraud such financial institution, company or corporation, or to enable or assist any person to obtain money to which he was not entitled, such officer or clerk shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-111; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1996, c. 77 ; 2003, c. 740 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-140 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-140
Destruction of trees, shrubs, etc
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to pick, pull, pull up, tear, tear up, dig, dig up, cut, break, injure, burn or destroy, in whole or in part, any tree, shrub, vine, plant, flower or turf found, growing or being upon the land of another, or upon any land reserved, set aside or maintained by the Commonwealth as a public park, or as a refuge or sanctuary for wild animals, birds or fish, or upon any land reserved, set aside or maintained as a public park by a park authority created under the provisions of § 15.2-5702 , without having previously obtained the permission in writing of such other or his agent or of the superintendent or custodian of such park, refuge or sanctuary so to do, unless the same be done under the personal direction of such owner, his agent, tenant or lessee or superintendent or custodian of such park, refuge or sanctuary.

Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor; provided, however, that the approval of the owner, his agent, tenant or lessee, or the superintendent or custodian of such park or sanctuary afterwards given in writing or in open court shall be a bar to further prosecution or suit.

Code 1950, § 18.1-178; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 757; 1998, c. 81 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-250.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-250.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 and 551 , cl. 3, effective July 1, 2021.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-76.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-76.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2015, c. 709 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-238 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-238
Buying, etc., pig iron, etc., with intent to defraud; possession; evidence of intent
Status: in_force

If any person buy or receive pig iron or railroad, telephone, telegraph, coal mining, industrial, manufacturing or public utility iron, brass, copper, metal or any composition thereof with intent to defraud, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. Possession of any pig iron or railroad, telephone, telegraph, coal mining, industrial, manufacturing or public utility iron, brass, copper, metal or any composition thereof, if bought or received from any other person than the manufacturer thereof or his authorized agent or of a regularly licensed dealer therein, shall be prima facie evidence of such intent.

Code 1950, § 59.1-67; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-210 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-210
Stamping, etc., on newspapers, any word, etc., to cause belief it was done by publisher; circulating such newspapers
Status: in_force

No person, without first obtaining the consent of the publisher so to do, shall affix to, or place or insert in, or print, stamp or impress upon any newspaper or any part thereof, after the same shall have been issued for circulation by the publisher thereof, any word, figure, design, picture, emblem or advertisement with intent to cause, or which when so affixed, placed, inserted, printed, stamped or impressed may cause, the public to believe that such word, figure, design, picture, emblem or advertisement was affixed, placed, printed, inserted, stamped or impressed in and upon such newspaper by the publisher of the same as a part thereof.

No person shall knowingly circulate, distribute or sell, or cause to be circulated, distributed or sold, any newspaper upon which has been so affixed, placed, inserted, printed, stamped or impressed any word, figure, design, picture, emblem or advertisement in violation of the terms hereof.

Any person violating the provisions hereof shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense.

Code 1950, § 18.1-409; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 560; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-384 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-384
Proceeding against book alleged to be obscene
Status: in_force

A. Whenever he has reasonable cause to believe that any person is engaged in the sale or commercial distribution of any obscene book, any citizen or the attorney for the Commonwealth of any county or city, or city attorney, in which the sale or commercial distribution of such book occurs may institute a proceeding in the circuit court in said city or county for adjudication of the obscenity of the book.

B. The proceeding shall be instituted by filing with the court a petition:

1. Directed against the book by name or description;

2. Alleging the obscene nature of the book; and

3. Listing the names and addresses, if known, of the author, publisher, and all other persons interested in its sale or commercial distribution.

C. Upon the filing of a petition pursuant to this article, the court in term or in vacation shall forthwith examine the book alleged to be obscene. If the court find no probable cause to believe the book obscene, the judge thereof shall dismiss the petition; but if the court find probable cause to believe the book obscene, the judge thereof shall issue an order to show cause why the book should not be adjudicated obscene.

D. The order to show cause shall be:

1. Directed against the book by name or description;

2. Published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or city in which the proceeding is filed;

3. If their names and addresses are known, served by registered mail upon the author, publisher, and all other persons interested in the sale or commercial distribution of the book; and

4. Returnable 21 days after its service by registered mail or the commencement of its publication, whichever is later.

E. When an order to show cause is issued pursuant to this article, and upon four days' notice to be given to the persons and in the manner prescribed by the court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order against the sale or distribution of the book alleged to be obscene.

F. On or before the return date specified in the order to show cause, the author, publisher, and any person interested in the sale or commercial distribution of the book may appear and file an answer. The court may by order permit any other person to appear and file an answer amicus curiae.

G. If no one appears and files an answer on or before the return date specified in the order to show cause, the court, upon being satisfied that the book is obscene, shall order the clerk of court to enter judgment that the book is obscene, but the court in its discretion may except from its judgment a restricted category of persons to whom the book is not obscene.

H. If an appearance is entered and an answer filed, the court shall order the proceeding set on the calendar for a prompt hearing. The court shall conduct the hearing in accordance with the rules of civil procedure applicable to the trial of cases by the court without a jury. At the hearing, the court shall receive evidence, including the testimony of experts, if such evidence be offered, pertaining to:

1. The artistic, literary, medical, scientific, cultural and educational values, if any, of the book considered as a whole;

2. The degree of public acceptance of the book, or books of similar character, within the county or city in which the proceeding is brought;

3. The intent of the author and publisher of the book;

4. The reputation of the author and publisher;

5. The advertising, promotion, and other circumstances relating to the sale of the book;

6. The nature of classes of persons, including scholars, scientists, and physicians, for whom the book may not have prurient appeal, and who may be subject to exception pursuant to subsection G.

I. In making a decision on the obscenity of the book, the court shall consider, among other things, the evidence offered pursuant to subsection H, if any, and shall make a written determination upon every such consideration relied upon in the proceeding in his findings of fact and conclusions of law or in a memorandum accompanying them.

J. If he finds the book not obscene, the court shall order the clerk of court to enter judgment accordingly. If he finds the book obscene, the court shall order the clerk of court to enter judgment that the book is obscene, but the court, in its discretion, may except from its judgment a restricted category of persons to whom the book is not obscene.

K. While a temporary restraining order made pursuant to subsection E is in effect, or after the entry of a judgment pursuant to subsection G, or after the entry of judgment pursuant to subsection J, any person who publishes, sells, rents, lends, transports in intrastate commerce, or commercially distributes or exhibits the book, or has the book in his possession with intent to publish, sell, rent, lend, transport in intrastate commerce, or commercially distribute or exhibit the book, is presumed to have knowledge that the book is obscene under §§ 18.2-372 through 18.2-378 of this article.

L. Any party to the proceeding, including the petitioner, may appeal from the judgment of the court to the Court of Appeals, as otherwise provided by law.

M. It is expressly provided that the petition and proceeding authorized under this article, relating to books alleged to be obscene, shall be intended only to establish scienter in cases where the establishment of such scienter is thought to be useful or desirable by the petitioner; and the provisions of § 18.2-384 shall in nowise be construed to be a necessary prerequisite to the filing of criminal charges under this article.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.3; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-265.4
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-90 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-90
Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit murder, rape, robbery or arson; penalty
Status: in_force

If any person in the nighttime enters without breaking or in the daytime breaks and enters or enters and conceals himself in a dwelling house or an adjoining, occupied outhouse or in the nighttime enters without breaking or at any time breaks and enters or enters and conceals himself in any building permanently affixed to realty, or any ship, vessel or river craft or any railroad car, or any automobile, truck or trailer, if such automobile, truck or trailer is used as a dwelling or place of human habitation, with intent to commit murder, rape, robbery or arson in violation of §§ 18.2-77 , 18.2-79 or § 18.2-80 , he shall be deemed guilty of statutory burglary, which offense shall be a Class 3 felony. However, if such person was armed with a deadly weapon at the time of such entry, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-88; 1960, c. 358; 1970, c. 381; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 110; 1992, c. 546; 1997, c. 832 ; 2004, c. 842 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-281 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-281
Setting spring gun or other deadly weapon
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to set or fix in any manner any firearm or other deadly weapon so that it may be discharged or activated by a person coming in contact therewith or with any string, wire, spring, or any other contrivance attached thereto or designed to activate such weapon remotely. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-69.1; 1966, c. 422; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-386.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-386.1
Unlawful creation of image of another; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly and intentionally create any videographic or still image by any means whatsoever of any nonconsenting person if (i) that person is (a) totally nude; (b) clad in undergarments; (c) in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast; or (d) not exposed to show the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast but such videographic or still image is obscene, as defined in § 18.2-372 , when such nonconsenting person is in a restroom, dressing room, locker room, hotel room, motel room, tanning bed, tanning booth, bedroom, or other location; or (ii) the videographic or still image is created by placing the lens or image-gathering component of the recording device in a position directly beneath or between a person's legs for the purpose of capturing an image of the person's intimate parts or undergarments covering those intimate parts when the intimate parts or undergarments would not otherwise be visible to the general public; and when the circumstances set forth in clause (i) or (ii) are otherwise such that the person being recorded would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever by (i) law-enforcement officers pursuant to a criminal investigation which is otherwise lawful or (ii) correctional officials and local or regional jail officials for security purposes or for investigations of alleged misconduct involving a person committed to the Department of Corrections or to a local or regional jail, or to any sound recording of an oral conversation made as a result of any videotaping or filming pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 19.2-61 et seq.) of Title 19.2.

C. A violation of subsection A is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

D. A violation of subsection A involving a nonconsenting person younger than 18 years of age is a Class 6 felony.

E. Where it is alleged in the warrant, information, or indictment on which the person is convicted and found by the court or jury trying the case that the person has previously been convicted within the 10-year period immediately preceding the offense charged of two or more of the offenses specified in this section, each such offense occurring on a different date, and when such offenses were not part of a common act, transaction, or scheme, and such person has been at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

1994, c. 640 ; 2004, c. 844 ; 2005, c. 375 ; 2008, c. 732 ; 2014, c. 399 ; 2026, c. 539 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-211 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-211
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 459 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-454 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-454
Enjoining barratry
Status: in_force

Suits to enjoin barratry may be brought by the Attorney General or the attorney for the Commonwealth in the appropriate circuit court.

Code 1950, § 18.1-392; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-115 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-115
Fraudulent conversion or removal of property subject to lien or title to which is in another
Status: in_force

Whenever any person is in possession of any personal property, including motor vehicles or farm products, in any capacity, the title or ownership of which he has agreed in writing shall be or remain in another, or on which he has given a lien, and such person so in possession shall fraudulently sell, pledge, pawn or remove such property from the premises where it has been agreed that it shall remain, and refuse to disclose the location thereof, or otherwise dispose of the property or fraudulently remove the same from the Commonwealth, without the written consent of the owner or lienor or the person in whom the title is, or, if such writing be a deed of trust, without the written consent of the trustee or beneficiary in such deed of trust, he shall be deemed guilty of the larceny thereof.

In any prosecution hereunder, the fact that such person after demand therefor by the lienholder or person in whom the title or ownership of the property is, or his agent, shall fail or refuse to disclose to such claimant or his agent the location of the property, or to surrender the same, shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of the provisions of this section. In the case of farm products, failure to pay the proceeds of the sale of the farm products to the secured party, lienholder or person in whom the title or ownership of the property is, or his agent, within ten days after the sale or other disposition of the farm products unless otherwise agreed by the lender and borrower in the obligation of indebtedness, note or other evidence of the debt shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of the provisions of this section. The venue of prosecutions against persons fraudulently removing any such property, including motor vehicles, from the Commonwealth shall be the county or city in which such property or motor vehicle was purchased or in which the accused last had a legal residence.

This section shall not be construed to interfere with the rights of any innocent third party purchasing such property, unless such writing shall be docketed or recorded as provided by law.

Code 1950, § 18.1-116; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1986, c. 484.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.13 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.2 / Section 18.2-265.13
Confidentiality of data in possession of Department
Status: in_force

All data, records, and reports related to the sale of ephedrine or related compounds to retail customers and any abstracts of such data, records, and reports that are in the possession of the Department pursuant to this article shall be confidential and exempt from the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) and the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act (§ 2.2-3800 et seq.).

2012, cc. 160 , 252 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-171 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-171
Making or having anything designed for forging any writing, etc
Status: in_force

If any person engrave, stamp, or cast, or otherwise make or mend, any plate, block, press, or other thing, adapted and designed for the forging and false making of any writing or other thing, the forging or false making whereof is punishable by this chapter, or if such person have in possession any such plate, block, press, or other thing, with intent to use, or cause or permit it to be used, in forging or false making any such writing or other thing, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-95; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-190.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5.1 / Section 18.2-190.1
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Electronic communication device" means (i) any type of instrument, device, machine, equipment or software that is capable of transmitting, acquiring, encrypting, decrypting or receiving any signs, signals, writings, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems or (ii) any part, accessory or component of such an instrument, device, machine, equipment or software, including, but not limited to, any computer circuit, computer chip, security module, smart card, electronic mechanism, or other component, accessory or part, that is capable of facilitating the transmission, acquisition, encryption, decryption or reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems.

"Electronic communication service" means any service provided for a charge or compensation to facilitate the lawful origination, transmission, emission or reception of signs, signals, writings, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature through the use of an electronic communication device as that term is defined in this section.

"Electronic communication service provider" means any person or entity providing any electronic communication service including (i) any person or entity owning or operating any cable television, satellite, Internet-based, telephone, wireless, microwave, fiber optic, data transmission or radio distribution network, system or facility; (ii) any person or entity that for a fee supplies equipment or services to an electronic communication service provider; and (iii) any person or entity providing an electronic communication service directly or indirectly using any of the systems, networks, or facilities described in clause (i).

"Equipment or materials used to manufacture an unlawful electronic communication device" means (i) a scanner capable of intercepting the electronic serial number or mobile identification number of a cellular or other wireless telephone; (ii) electronic software or hardware capable of altering or changing the factory-installed electronic serial number of a cellular or other wireless telephone or a computer containing such software; (iii) a list of cellular or other wireless telephone electronic serial numbers with their associated mobile identification numbers; or (iv) a part, accessory or component of an unlawful electronic communications device possessed or used in the manufacture of such device including any electronic serial number, computer software, mobile identification number, service access card, account number, or personal identification number used to acquire, receive, use, decrypt or transmit an electronic communication service without the actual consent or knowledge of the electronic communication service provider.

"Manufacture of an unlawful electronic communication device" means to make, produce or assemble an unlawful electronic communication device, or to modify, alter, program or reprogram an electronic communication device to be capable of performing any of the illegal functions of an unlawful electronic communication device as that term is defined in this section.

"Sell" means to sell, exchange, lease, give or dispose of to another or to offer or agree to do the same.

"Unlawful electronic communication device" means any electronic communication device that has been manufactured, designed, developed, altered, modified, programmed or reprogrammed, alone or in conjunction with another electronic communication device, so as to be capable of facilitating the disruption, acquisition, receipt, transmission, retransmission or decryption of an electronic communication service without the actual consent or knowledge of the electronic communication service provider. Such unlawful devices include, but are not limited to (i) any device, technology, product, service, equipment, computer software, or any component or part thereof, primarily distributed, sold, designed, assembled, developed, manufactured, modified, programmed, reprogrammed or used for the purpose of facilitating the unauthorized receipt of, transmission of, disruption of, decryption of, access to, or acquisition of any electronic communication service provided by any electronic communication service provider; and (ii) any type of instrument, device, machine, equipment, technology, or software that is primarily designed, assembled, manufactured, developed, sold, distributed, possessed, used or offered, promoted or advertised for the purpose of defeating or circumventing any technology, device or software, or any component or part thereof, used by the provider, owner or licensee of any electronic communication service or of any data, audio or video programs or transmissions, to protect any such electronic communication, data, audio or video services, programs or transmissions from unauthorized receipt, acquisition, access, decryption, disclosure, communication, transmission or retransmission.

1993, c. 439; 1998, c. 518 ; 2002, c. 671 ; 2003, c. 354 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-146 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-146
Breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying, or preventing the operation of vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who shall individually or in association with one or more others willfully break, injure, tamper with, or remove any part or parts of any vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel for the purpose of injuring, defacing, or destroying said vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel, or temporarily or permanently preventing its useful operation, or for any purpose against the will or without the consent of the owner of such vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel, or who shall in any other manner willfully or maliciously interfere with or prevent the running or operation of such vehicle, aircraft, boat, or vessel, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, unless such violation of this section involves the breaking, injuring, tampering with, or removal of a catalytic converter or the parts thereof, then he is guilty of a Class 6 felony. A prosecution or proceeding for a felony under this section is a bar to a prosecution or proceeding under § 18.2-137 for the same act.

A judge or jury may make a permissive inference that a person who is in possession of a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle to have obtained the catalytic converter in violation of this section unless the person is (i) an authorized agent or employee acting in the performance of his official duties for a motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle garage or repair shop, or salvage yard that is licensed or registered by the Commonwealth; (ii) a scrap metal purchaser that has adhered to the compliance provisions of subdivisions B 1 or 2 of § 59.1-136.3 ; or (iii) a person who possesses vehicle registration documentation indicating that the catalytic converter in the person's possession is the result of a replacement of a catalytic converter from a vehicle registered in that person's name.

Code 1950, § 18.1-166; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2022, cc. 664 , 665 ; 2023, cc. 90 , 91 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-331 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-331
Illegal possession, etc., of gambling device; penalty
Status: in_force

A person is guilty of illegal possession of a gambling device when he manufactures, sells, transports, rents, gives away, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of any gambling device, believing or having reason to believe that the same is to be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-323, 18.1-329, 18.1-330; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 633; 1964, c. 371; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-369 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-369
Abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any responsible person to abuse or neglect any vulnerable adult. Any responsible person who abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult in violation of this section and the abuse or neglect does not result in serious bodily injury or disease to the vulnerable adult is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any responsible person who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this subsection is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any responsible person who abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult in violation of this section and the abuse or neglect results in serious bodily injury or disease to the vulnerable adult is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Any responsible person who abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult in violation of this section and the abuse or neglect results in the death of the vulnerable adult is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

C. For purposes of this section:

"Abuse" means (i) knowing and willful conduct that causes physical injury or pain or (ii) knowing and willful use of physical restraint, including confinement, as punishment, for convenience or as a substitute for treatment, except where such conduct or physical restraint, including confinement, is a part of care or treatment and is in furtherance of the health and safety of the vulnerable adult.

"Neglect" means the knowing and willful failure by a responsible person to provide treatment, care, goods, or services which results in injury to the health or endangers the safety of a vulnerable adult.

"Responsible person" means a person who has responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a vulnerable adult by operation of law or who has assumed such responsibility voluntarily by contract or in fact.

"Serious bodily injury or disease" includes but is not limited to (i) disfigurement, (ii) a fracture, (iii) a severe burn or laceration, (iv) mutilation, (v) maiming, or (vi) life-threatening internal injuries or conditions, whether or not caused by trauma.

"Vulnerable adult" means any person 18 years of age or older who is impaired by reason of mental illness, intellectual or developmental disability, physical illness or disability, or other causes, including age, to the extent the adult lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out reasonable decisions concerning his well-being or has one or more limitations that substantially impair the adult's ability to independently provide for his daily needs or safeguard his person, property, or legal interests.

D. No responsible person shall be in violation of this section whose conduct was (i) in accordance with the informed consent of the vulnerable adult that was given when he was not vulnerable or a person authorized to consent on his behalf; (ii) in accordance with a declaration by the vulnerable adult under the Health Care Decisions Act (§ 54.1-2981 et seq.) that was given when he was not vulnerable or with the provisions of a valid medical power of attorney; (iii) in accordance with the wishes of the vulnerable adult that were made known when he was not vulnerable or a person authorized to consent on behalf of the vulnerable adult and in accord with the tenets and practices of a church or religious denomination; (iv) incident to necessary movement of, placement of, or protection from harm to the vulnerable adult; or (v) a bona fide, recognized, or approved practice to provide medical care.

1992, c. 551; 1994, c. 620 ; 2000, c. 796 ; 2001, c. 181 ; 2004, c. 863 ; 2007, cc. 562 , 653 ; 2012, cc. 476 , 507 ; 2019, c. 234 ; 2022, cc. 259 , 642 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.29 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.29
Joint operation of bingo games; written reports; joint permit required
Status: in_force

A. Any two or more qualified organizations may jointly organize and conduct bingo games provided both have fully complied with all other provisions of this article.

B. Any two or more qualified organizations jointly conducting such games shall be (i) subject to the same restrictions and prohibitions contained in this article that would apply to a single organization conducting bingo games and (ii) required to furnish to the Department a written report setting forth the location where such games will be held, the division of manpower, costs, and proceeds for each game to be jointly conducted.

Upon a finding that the division of manpower and costs for each game bears a reasonable relationship to the division of proceeds, the Department shall issue a joint permit.

C. No bingo game shall be jointly conducted until the joint permit issued pursuant to subsection B is obtained by the organizations.

1995, c. 837 ; 2003, c. 884 ; 2006, c. 644 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-3
Certain notices, recognizances and processes validated
Status: in_force

Any notice given, recognizance taken, or process or writ issued before October 1, 1975, shall be valid although given, taken or to be returned to a day after such date, in like manner as if this title had been effective before the same was given, taken or issued.

1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-461.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-461.1
False emergency communication to emergency personnel; penalties
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Emergency communication" means a communication of any type to report a fire or to summon a firefighter, as defined in § 65.2-107 , law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101 , or emergency medical services personnel, as defined in § 32.1-111.1 , in a situation where human life, health, or property is reported to be in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.

"Emergency personnel" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-426 .

"Emergency response" means a response by a firefighter, law-enforcement officer, or emergency medical services personnel to a situation where human life, health, or property is in jeopardy and the prompt provision of aid is essential to protect human life, health, or property.

B. Any person who knowingly reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Any person who knowingly reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response and any person suffers serious bodily injury, as defined in § 18.2-51.4 , as a direct and proximate result of the false emergency communication to emergency personnel is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

D. Any person who reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response and any person is killed as a direct and proximate result of the false emergency communication to personnel is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

E. Any person violating this section may be prosecuted in the county or city where the emergency communication was made, in the county or city where the emergency communication was received, or in the county or city where the emergency response occurred.

F. A violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.

2023, cc. 22 , 23 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.03 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.03
Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute methamphetamine; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $500,000 and imprisonment for not less than five nor more than 40 years, three years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other sentence.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute 227 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $1 million and imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than life, five years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other sentence.

2008, cc. 858 , 874 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-391 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-391
(Effective until October 1, 2026) Unlawful acts; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, rent or loan to a juvenile, knowing or having reason to know that such person is a juvenile, or to knowingly display for commercial purpose in a manner whereby juveniles may examine and peruse:

1. Any picture, photography, drawing, sculpture, motion picture in any format or medium, video or computer game, electronic file or message containing an image, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body which depicts sexually explicit nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to juveniles, or

2. Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however reproduced, electronic file or message containing words, or sound recording which contains any matter enumerated in subdivision 1 of this subsection, or explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and which, taken as a whole, is harmful to juveniles.

However, if a person uses services of an Internet service provider or an electronic mail service provider in committing acts prohibited under this subsection, such Internet service provider or electronic mail service provider shall not be held responsible for violating this subsection.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to sell to a juvenile an admission ticket or pass, or knowingly to admit a juvenile to premises whereon there is exhibited a motion picture, show or other presentation which, in whole or in part, depicts sexually explicit nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to juveniles or to exhibit any such motion picture at any such premises which are not designed to prevent viewing from any public way of such motion picture by juveniles not admitted to any such premises.

C. It shall be unlawful for any juvenile falsely to represent to any person mentioned in subsection A or subsection B hereof, or to his agent, that such juvenile is 18 years of age or older, with the intent to procure any material set forth in subsection A, or with the intent to procure such juvenile's admission to any motion picture, show or other presentation, as set forth in subsection B.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to make a false representation to any person mentioned in subsection A or subsection B hereof or to his agent, that he is the parent or guardian of any juvenile, or that any juvenile is 18 years of age, with the intent to procure any material set forth in subsection A, or with the intent to procure such juvenile's admission to any motion picture, show or other presentation, as set forth in subsection B.

E. No person shall sell, rent, or loan any item described in subdivision A 1 or A 2 to any individual who does not demonstrate his age in accordance with the provisions of subsection B of § 18.2-371.2 .

F. A violation of subsection A, B, C, or D is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A person or separate retail establishment who violates subsection E shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $100 for a first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $200 for a second violation, and a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for a third or subsequent violation.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.7; 1970, c. 560; 1972, c. 421; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 504; 1985, c. 506; 1987, c. 356; 1999, c. 936 ; 2000, c. 1009 ; 2001, c. 451 ; 2006, c. 463 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-51.3
Prohibition against reckless endangerment of others by throwing objects from places higher than one story; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person, with the intent to cause injury to another, to intentionally throw from a balcony, roof top, or other place more than one story above ground level any object capable of causing any such injury.

B. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.

1990, c. 761.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-92 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-92
Breaking and entering dwelling house with intent to commit other misdemeanor
Status: in_force

If any person break and enter a dwelling house while said dwelling is occupied, either in the day or nighttime, with the intent to commit any misdemeanor except assault and battery or trespass, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, if the person was armed with a deadly weapon at the time of such entry, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-88.1; 1968, c. 530; 1970, c. 381; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 486.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248
(Effective July 1, 2027) Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance prohibited; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Except as authorized in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.), it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, give, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance.

B. In determining whether any person intends to manufacture, sell, give or distribute an imitation controlled substance, the court may consider, in addition to all other relevant evidence, whether any distribution or attempted distribution of such pill, capsule, tablet or substance in any other form whatsoever included an exchange of or a demand for money or other property as consideration, and, if so, whether the amount of such consideration was substantially greater than the reasonable value of such pill, capsule, tablet or substance in any other form whatsoever, considering the actual chemical composition of such pill, capsule, tablet or substance in any other form whatsoever and, where applicable, the price at which over-the-counter substances of like chemical composition sell.

C. Except as provided in subsection C1, any person who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II shall upon conviction be imprisoned for not less than five nor more than 40 years and fined not more than $500,000. Upon a second conviction of such a violation, and it is alleged in the warrant, indictment, or information that the person has been before convicted of such an offense or of a substantially similar offense in any other jurisdiction, which offense would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth, and such prior conviction occurred before the date of the offense alleged in the warrant, indictment, or information, any such person may, in the discretion of the court or jury imposing the sentence, be sentenced to imprisonment for life or for any period not less than five years, three years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other sentence, and he shall be fined not more than $500,000.

When a person is convicted of a third or subsequent offense under this subsection and it is alleged in the warrant, indictment or information that he has been before convicted of two or more such offenses or of substantially similar offenses in any other jurisdiction which offenses would be felonies if committed in the Commonwealth and such prior convictions occurred before the date of the offense alleged in the warrant, indictment, or information, he shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life or for a period of not less than 10 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other sentence, and he shall be fined not more than $500,000.

Any person who manufactures, sells, gives, distributes or possesses with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute the following is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $1 million and imprisonment for five years to life, five years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other sentence:

1. 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;

2. 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of:

a. Coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;

b. Cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;

c. Cocaine base;

d. Ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or

e. Any compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of any of the substances referred to in subdivisions 2a through 2d; or

3. 10 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers or 20 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers.

The mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be imposed for a violation of this subsection shall not be applicable if the court finds that:

a. The person does not have a prior conviction for an offense listed in subsection C of § 17.1-805 ;

b. The person did not use violence or credible threats of violence or possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in connection with the offense or induce another participant in the offense to do so;

c. The offense did not result in death or serious bodily injury to any person;

d. The person was not an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor of others in the offense, and was not engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise as defined in subsection I; and

e. Not later than the time of the sentencing hearing, the person has truthfully provided to the Commonwealth all information and evidence the person has concerning the offense or offenses that were part of the same course of conduct or of a common scheme or plan, but the fact that the person has no relevant or useful other information to provide or that the Commonwealth already is aware of the information shall not preclude a determination by the court that the defendant has complied with this requirement.

C1. Any person who violates this section with respect to the manufacturing of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers or less than 200 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for not less than 10 nor more than 40 years and fined not more than $500,000. Upon a second conviction of such a violation, any such person may, in the discretion of the court or jury imposing the sentence, be sentenced to imprisonment for life or for any period not less than 10 years, and be fined not more than $500,000. When a person is convicted of a third or subsequent offense under this subsection and it is alleged in the warrant, indictment, or information that he has been previously convicted of two or more such offenses or of substantially similar offenses in any other jurisdiction, which offenses would be felonies if committed in the Commonwealth and such prior convictions occurred before the date of the offense alleged in the warrant, indictment, or information, he shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life or for a period not less than 10 years, three years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other sentence and he shall be fined not more than $500,000.

Upon conviction, in addition to any other punishment, a person found guilty of this offense shall be ordered by the court to make restitution, as the court deems appropriate, to any innocent property owner whose property is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise rendered unusable as a result of such methamphetamine production. This restitution shall include the person's or his estate's estimated or actual expenses associated with cleanup, removal, or repair of the affected property. If the property that is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise rendered unusable as a result of such methamphetamine production is property owned in whole or in part by the person convicted, the court shall order the person to pay to the Methamphetamine Cleanup Fund authorized in § 18.2-248.04 the reasonable estimated or actual expenses associated with cleanup, removal, or repair of the affected property or, if actual or estimated expenses cannot be determined, the sum of $10,000. The convicted person shall also pay the cost of certifying that any building that is cleaned up or repaired pursuant to this section is safe for human occupancy according to the guidelines established pursuant to § 32.1-11.7 .

D. If such person proves that he gave, distributed or possessed with intent to give or distribute a controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II only as an accommodation to another individual who is not an inmate in a community correctional facility, local correctional facility or state correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof, 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 5 felony.

E. If the violation of the provisions of this article consists of the filling by a pharmacist of the prescription of a person authorized under this article to issue the same, which prescription has not been received in writing by the pharmacist prior to the filling thereof, and such written prescription is in fact received by the pharmacist within one week of the time of filling the same, or if such violation consists of a request by such authorized person for the filling by a pharmacist of a prescription which has not been received in writing by the pharmacist and such prescription is, in fact, written at the time of such request and delivered to the pharmacist within one week thereof, either such offense shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

E1. Any person who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule III except for an anabolic steroid classified in Schedule III, constituting a violation of § 18.2-248.5 , is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

E2. Any person who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

E3. Any person who proves that he gave, distributed or possessed with the intent to give or distribute a controlled substance classified in Schedule III or IV, except for an anabolic steroid classified in Schedule III, constituting a violation of § 18.2-248.5 , only as an accommodation to another individual who is not an inmate in a community correctional facility, local correctional facility or state correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof, and not with the 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, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

F. Any person who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule V or Schedule VI or an imitation controlled substance that imitates a controlled substance classified in Schedule V or Schedule VI, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

G. Any person who violates this section with respect to an imitation controlled substance that imitates a controlled substance classified in Schedule I, II, III, or IV is guilty of a Class 6 felony. In any prosecution brought under this subsection, it is not a defense to a violation of this subsection that the defendant believed the imitation controlled substance to actually be a controlled substance.

H. Any person who manufactures, sells, gives, distributes or possesses with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute the following:

1. 1.0 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;

2. 5.0 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of:

a. Coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;

b. Cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;

c. Cocaine base;

d. Ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or

e. Any compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of any of the substances referred to in subdivisions a through d; or

3. 100 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers or 200 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $1 million and imprisonment for 20 years to life, 20 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum sentence. Such mandatory minimum sentence shall not be applicable if the court finds that (i) the person does not have a prior conviction for an offense listed in subsection C of § 17.1-805 ; (ii) the person did not use violence or credible threats of violence or possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in connection with the offense or induce another participant in the offense to do so; (iii) the offense did not result in death or serious bodily injury to any person; (iv) the person was not an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor of others in the offense, and was not engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise as defined in subsection I; and (v) not later than the time of the sentencing hearing, the person has truthfully provided to the Commonwealth all information and evidence the person has concerning the offense or offenses that were part of the same course of conduct or of a common scheme or plan, but the fact that the person has no relevant or useful other information to provide or that the Commonwealth already is aware of the information shall not preclude a determination by the court that the defendant has complied with this requirement.

H1. Any person who was the principal or one of several principal administrators, organizers or leaders of a continuing criminal enterprise is guilty of a felony if (i) the enterprise received at least $100,000 but less than $250,000 in gross receipts during any 12-month period of its existence from the manufacture, importation, or distribution of heroin or cocaine or ecgonine or methamphetamine or the derivatives, salts, isomers, or salts of isomers thereof or (ii) the person engaged in the enterprise to manufacture, sell, give, distribute or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute the following during any 12-month period of its existence:

1. At least 1.0 kilograms but less than 5.0 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;

2. At least 5.0 kilograms but less than 10 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of:

a. Coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;

b. Cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;

c. Cocaine base;

d. Ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or

e. Any compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of any of the substances referred to in subdivisions a through d; or

3. At least 100 grams but less than 250 grams of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers or at least 200 grams but less than 1.0 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers.

A conviction under this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1 million and imprisonment for 20 years to life, 20 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum sentence.

H2. Any person who was the principal or one of several principal administrators, organizers or leaders of a continuing criminal enterprise if (i) the enterprise received $250,000 or more in gross receipts during any 12-month period of its existence from the manufacture, importation, or distribution of heroin or cocaine or ecgonine or methamphetamine or the derivatives, salts, isomers, or salts of isomers thereof or (ii) the person engaged in the enterprise to manufacture, sell, give, distribute or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute the following during any 12-month period of its existence:

1. At least 5.0 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;

2. At least 10 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of:

a. Coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;

b. Cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;

c. Cocaine base;

d. Ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or

e. Any compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of any of the substances referred to in subdivisions a through d; or

3. At least 250 grams of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers or at least 1.0 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $1 million and imprisonment for life, which shall be served with no suspension in whole or in part. Such punishment shall be made to run consecutively with any other sentence. However, the court may impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years if the court finds that the defendant substantially cooperated with law-enforcement authorities.

I. For purposes of this section, a person is engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise if (i) he violates any provision of this section, the punishment for which is a felony and either (ii) such violation is a part of a continuing series of violations of this section which are undertaken by such person in concert with five or more other persons with respect to whom such person occupies a position of organizer, a supervisory position, or any other position of management, and from which such person obtains substantial income or resources or (iii) such violation is committed, with respect to methamphetamine or other controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II, for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang as defined in § 18.2-46.1 .

J. Except as authorized in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.), any person who possesses any two or more different substances listed below with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, methcathinone, or amphetamine is guilty of a Class 6 felony: liquefied ammonia gas, ammonium nitrate, ether, hypophosphorus acid solutions, hypophosphite salts, hydrochloric acid, iodine crystals or tincture of iodine, phenylacetone, phenylacetic acid, red phosphorus, methylamine, methyl formamide, lithium, sodium metal, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate, potassium permanganate, chromium trioxide, methylbenzene, methamphetamine precursor drugs, trichloroethane, or 2-propanone.

K. The term "methamphetamine precursor drug," when used in this article, means a drug or product containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine or any of their salts, optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers.

Code 1950, § 54-524.101:1; 1972, c. 798; 1973, c. 479; 1974, c. 586; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 614; 1977, c. 409; 1978, cc. 177, 779; 1979, c. 435; 1982, cc. 276, 462; 1985, c. 569; 1986, c. 453; 1988, c. 355; 1990, c. 82; 1991, c. 13; 1992, cc. 685, 737, 756; 1995, c. 538 ; 1999, c. 722 ; 2000, cc. 1020 , 1041 ; 2004, c. 461 ; 2005, cc. 174 , 759 , 796 , 923 , 941 ; 2006, cc. 697 , 759 ; 2008, cc. 79 , 618 ; 2009, c. 750 ; 2012, cc. 219 , 710 , 844 ; 2013, c. 426 ; 2014, c. 513 ; 2025, cc. 394 , 403 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-64.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-64.2
Carnal knowledge of a person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer or an inmate, parolee, probationer, juvenile detainee, pretrial defendant or posttrial offender, or confidential informant; penalty
Status: in_force

A. An accused is guilty of carnal knowledge of a person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer or an inmate, parolee, probationer, juvenile detainee, or pretrial defendant or posttrial offender if he is a law-enforcement officer or an employee or contractual employee of, or a volunteer with, a state or local correctional facility or regional jail, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a secure facility or detention home as defined in § 16.1-228 , a state or local court services unit as defined in § 16.1-235 , a local community-based probation services agency, or a pretrial services agency; is in a position of authority over the person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer, inmate, probationer, parolee, juvenile detainee, or pretrial defendant or posttrial offender; knows that the person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer, inmate, probationer, parolee, juvenile detainee, or pretrial defendant or posttrial offender is in the custody of a private, local, or state law-enforcement agency or under the jurisdiction of a state or local correctional facility or regional jail, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a secure facility or detention home as defined in § 16.1-228 , a state or local court services unit as defined in § 16.1-235 , a local community-based probation services agency, or a pretrial services agency; and carnally knows, without the use of force, threat, or intimidation, (i) an inmate who has been committed to jail or convicted and sentenced to confinement in a state or local correctional facility or regional jail or (ii) a person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer, probationer, parolee, juvenile detainee, or pretrial defendant or posttrial offender in the custody of a private, local, or state law-enforcement agency or under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a secure facility or detention home as defined in § 16.1-228 , a state or local court services unit as defined in § 16.1-235 , 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 program or agency. Such offense is a Class 6 felony.

An accused is guilty of carnal knowledge of a pretrial defendant or posttrial offender if he (a) is an owner or employee of the bail bond company that posted the pretrial defendant's or posttrial offender's bond; (b) has the authority to revoke the pretrial defendant's or posttrial offender's bond; and (c) carnally knows, without use of force, threat, or intimidation, a pretrial defendant or posttrial offender. Such offense is a Class 6 felony.

An accused is guilty of carnal knowledge of a person serving as a confidential informant if he (1) is a law-enforcement officer; (2) knows that such person is serving as a confidential informant for the law-enforcement agency where such officer is employed; and (3) carnally knows, without use of force, threat, or intimidation, such confidential informant while such person is serving as a confidential informant or is expected to testify in a criminal case for which the confidential informant assisted the law-enforcement agency with its investigation. Such offense is a Class 6 felony.

B. For the purposes of this section:

"Carnal knowledge" includes the acts of sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, and animate or inanimate object sexual penetration.

"Confidential informant" means any person, other than an employee of a law-enforcement agency, who engages in, or provides information about, criminal activity for the purpose of assisting a law-enforcement agency in investigating the criminal activity of another, in exchange for a benefit, the promise of a benefit, or the hope or expectation thereof.

"Law-enforcement officer" means the same as that term is defined in § 9.1-101 .

1999, c. 294 ; 2000, c. 1040 ; 2001, c. 385 ; 2007, c. 133 ; 2013, c. 602 ; 2020, c. 479 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 26 , 37 ; 2024, c. 592 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-322 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-322
Expectorating in public places
Status: in_force

No person shall spit, expectorate, or deposit any sputum, saliva, mucus, or any form of saliva or sputum upon the floor, stairways, or upon any part of any public building or place where the public assemble, or upon the floor of any part of any public conveyance, or upon any sidewalk abutting on any public street, alley or lane of any town or city.

Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 32-69; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-333 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-333
Exceptions to article; certain sporting events
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent any contest of speed or skill between men, animals, fowl or vehicles, where participants may receive prizes or different percentages of a purse, stake or premium dependent upon whether they win or lose or dependent upon their position or score at the end of such contest.

Any participant who, for the purpose of competing for any such purse, stake or premium offered in any such contest, knowingly and fraudulently enters any contestant other than the contestant purported to be entered or knowingly and fraudulently enters a contestant in a class in which it does not belong, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-319, 18.1-322; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 401; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-283 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-283
Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship
Status: in_force

If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-241; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 411; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-74.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-74.1
Abortion, etc., when necessary to save life of woman
Status: in_force

In the event it is necessary for a licensed physician to terminate a human pregnancy or assist in the termination of a human pregnancy by performing an abortion or causing a miscarriage on any woman in order to save her life, in the opinion of the physician so performing the abortion or causing the miscarriage, §§ 18.2-71 , 18.2-73 and 18.2-74 shall not be applicable.

Code 1950, § 18.1-62.3; 1970, c. 508; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.5:3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.5:3
Punishment upon conviction of certain subsequent violent felony sexual assault
Status: in_force

A. Any person convicted of more than one offense specified in subsection B, when such offenses were not part of a common act, transaction or scheme, and who has been at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction shall, upon conviction of the second or subsequent such offense, be sentenced to life imprisonment and shall not have all or any portion of the sentence suspended, provided it is admitted, or found by the jury or judge before whom he is tried, that he has been previously convicted of at least one of the specified offenses.

B. The provisions of subsection A shall apply to convictions for:

1. Rape in violation of § 18.2-61 ;

2. Forcible sodomy in violation of § 18.2-67.1 ;

3. Object sexual penetration in violation of § 18.2-67.2 ;

4. Abduction with intent to defile in violation of § 18.2-48 ; or

5. Conspiracy to commit any offense listed in subdivisions 1 through 4 pursuant to § 18.2-22 .

C. For purposes of this section, prior convictions shall include (i) adult convictions for felonies under the laws of any state or the United States that are substantially similar to those listed in subsection B and (ii) findings of not innocent, adjudications or convictions in the case of a juvenile if the juvenile offense is substantially similar to those listed in subsection B, the offense would be a felony if committed by an adult in the Commonwealth and the offense was committed less than twenty years before the second offense.

The Commonwealth shall notify the defendant in the indictment, information, or warrant, at least thirty days prior to trial, of its intention to seek punishment pursuant to this section.

1995, c. 834 ; 2007, c. 506 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-287.2
(Effective July 1, 2027) Wearing of body armor while committing a crime; penalty
Status: in_force

1990, c. 936; 1997, c. 311 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.28:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.28:1
Conduct of network bingo
Status: in_force

A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games pursuant to the provisions of this article may also sell network bingo cards; however, network bingo shall be sold only at such times designated in the permit for regular bingo games and only at locations at which the organization is authorized to conduct regular bingo games pursuant to subsections E and F of § 18.2-340.27 .

B. Any organization selling network bingo cards shall maintain a record of the date and quantity of network bingo cards purchased from a licensed network bingo provider. The organization shall also maintain a written invoice or receipt from a licensed supplier verifying any information required by this subsection. Such supplies shall be paid for only by check drawn on the gaming account of the organization or by electronic fund transfer. A complete inventory of all such gaming supplies shall be maintained by the organization on the premises where network bingo cards are sold.

C. No qualified organization shall sell any network bingo cards to any individual younger than 18 years of age. No individual younger than 18 years of age shall play or redeem any network bingo cards.

D. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks or debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in any network bingo game. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in network bingo games.

E. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in network bingo games.

F. No qualified organization shall conduct network bingo more frequently than one day in any calendar week, which shall not be the same day of each week.

G. No qualified organization shall sell network bingo cards on the Internet or other online service or allow the play of network bingo on the Internet or other online service. However, the location where network bingo games are conducted shall be equipped with a video monitor, television, or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a broadcast or signal, that relays live, real-time video of the numbers as they are called by a live caller. The Internet or other online service may be used to relay information about winning players.

H. Qualified organizations may award network bingo prizes on a graduated scale; however, no single network bingo prize shall exceed $25,000.

I. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an organization from participating in more than one network bingo network.

2013, cc. 36 , 350 ; 2020, c. 568 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520 ; 2022, cc. 722 , 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.7 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-51.7
Female genital mutilation; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates, in whole or in any part, the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained the age of 18 years is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

B. Any parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a minor who consents to the circumcision, excision, or infibulation, in whole or in any part, of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of such minor is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

C. Any parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a minor who knowingly removes or causes or permits the removal of such minor from the Commonwealth for the purposes of committing an offense under subsection A is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

D. A surgical operation is not a violation of this section if the operation is (i) necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed and is performed by a person licensed in the place of its performance as a medical practitioner or (ii) performed on a person in labor who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth by a person licensed in the place it is performed as a medical practitioner, midwife, or person in training to become such a practitioner or midwife.

E. A violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.

2017, c. 667 ; 2018, c. 549 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-478 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-478
Escape from jail or custody by force or violence without setting fire to jail; penalty
Status: in_force

If any person lawfully imprisoned in jail and not tried or sentenced on a criminal offense escapes from jail by force or violence, other than by setting fire thereto, or if any person lawfully in the custody of any law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 18.2-57 , on a charge of criminal offense escapes from such custody by force or violence, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-289; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 555; 2025, cc. 38 , 41 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-176 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-176
Unauthorized wearing or displaying on motor vehicles of any button, insignia or emblem of certain associations or societies or of Southern Cross of Honor
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall wear the button or insignia of any order of police, trade union or veterans' organization or display upon a motor vehicle the insignia or emblem of any automobile club, medical society, order of police, trade union or veterans' organization or use such button, insignia or emblem to obtain aid or assistance unless entitled to wear, display or use the same under the constitution, bylaws, rules or regulations of the organization concerned.

(b) No person shall wear any Southern Cross of Honor when not entitled to do so by the regulations under which such Crosses of Honor are given.

(c) A violation of this section shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-410; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 124; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1:2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.1:2
Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons adjudicated legally incompetent or mentally incapacitated; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person who has been adjudicated (i) legally incompetent pursuant to former § 37.1-128.02 or former § 37.1-134, (ii) mentally incapacitated pursuant to former § 37.1-128.1 or former § 37.1-132, or (iii) incapacitated pursuant to Chapter 20 (§ 64.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 64.2 to purchase, possess, or transport any firearm. A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any person whose competency or capacity has been restored pursuant to former § 37.1-134.1, former § 37.2-1012, or § 64.2-2012 may petition the general district court in the city or county in which he resides or, if the person is not a resident of the Commonwealth, the general district court of the city or county in which the most recent of the proceedings described in subsection A occurred to restore his right to purchase, possess or transport a firearm. 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. If the court determines, after receiving and considering evidence concerning the circumstances regarding the disability referred to in subsection A and the person's criminal history, treatment record, and reputation as developed through character witness statements, testimony, or other character evidence, that the person will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest, the court shall grant the petition. Any person denied relief by the general district court may petition the circuit court for a de novo review of the denial. Upon a grant of relief in any court, the court shall enter a written order granting the petition, in which event the provisions of subsection A do not apply. The clerk of court shall certify and forward forthwith to the Central Criminal Records Exchange, on a form provided by the Exchange, a copy of any such order.

C. As used in this section, "treatment record" shall include copies of health records detailing the petitioner's psychiatric history, which shall include the records pertaining to the commitment or adjudication that is the subject of the request for relief pursuant to this section.

1994, c. 907 ; 1997, c. 921 ; 2004, c. 995 ; 2011, c. 775 ; 2017, c. 516 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-299 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-299
Definitions
Status: in_force

When used in this article:

"Sawed-off shotgun" means any weapon, loaded or unloaded, originally designed as a shoulder weapon, utilizing a self-contained cartridge from which a number of ball shot pellets or projectiles may be fired simultaneously from a smooth or rifled bore by a single function of the firing device and which has a barrel length of less than 18 inches for smooth bore weapons and 16 inches for rifled weapons. Weapons of less than .225 caliber shall not be included.

"Sawed-off rifle" means a rifle of any caliber, loaded or unloaded, which expels a projectile by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is designed as a shoulder weapon with a barrel or barrels length of less than 16 inches or which has been modified to an overall length of less than 26 inches.

"Crime of violence" applies to and includes any of the following crimes or an attempt to commit any of the same, namely, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, mayhem, assault with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or kill, robbery, burglary, housebreaking, breaking and entering and larceny.

"Person" applies to and includes firm, partnership, association or corporation.

Code 1950, § 18.1-268.1; 1968, c. 661; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 580; 2004, c. 930 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-258.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-258.01
Enjoining nuisances involving illegal drug transactions
Status: in_force

The attorney for the Commonwealth, or any citizen of the county, city, or town, where such a nuisance as is described in § 18.2-258 exists, may, in addition to the remedies given in and punishment imposed by this chapter, maintain a suit in equity in the name of the Commonwealth to enjoin the same; provided, however, the attorney for the Commonwealth shall not be required to prosecute any suit brought by a citizen under this section. In every case where the bill charges, on the knowledge or belief of complainant, and is sworn to by two witnesses, that a nuisance exists as described in § 18.2-258 , a temporary injunction may be granted as soon as the bill is presented to the court provided reasonable notice has been given. The injunction shall enjoin and restrain any owners, tenants, their agents, employees, and any other person from contributing to or maintaining the nuisance and may impose such other requirements as the court deems appropriate. If, after hearing, the court finds that the material allegations of the bill are true, although the premises complained of may not then be unlawfully used, it shall continue the injunction against such persons or premises for such period of time as it deems appropriate, with the right to dissolve the injunction upon a proper showing by the owner of the premises.

1990, c. 948.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.26:3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.26:3
Electronic gaming; penalty
Status: in_force

A. The Department may authorize a social organization to conduct electronic gaming (i) within its social quarters and (ii) elsewhere on the premises of its primary location. Any such authorized social organization may lease its premises to any qualified organization for the purpose of conducting electronic gaming. A qualified organization that leases the premises of a social organization pursuant to this section shall be subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner. No other electronic gaming shall be allowed under this article. Any person who conducts or participates in electronic gaming that is not authorized under this section shall be subject to the penalties specified in § 18.2-340.37 .

B. A social organization may request authorization from the Department to conduct electronic gaming pursuant to this section in accordance with the procedures established under §§ 18.2-340.20 and 18.2-340.25 . Any fee charged by the Department for the purpose of such authorization shall be in addition to any fee charged for a charitable gaming permit. Any charitable gaming permit that also authorizes a social organization to conduct electronic gaming shall identify the expiration date of such authorization and the number of electronic gaming devices authorized at the location.

C. A social organization and any qualified organization that leases the premises of a social organization pursuant to this section are prohibited from advertising any electronic gaming activities to the general public.

D. The Department may authorize a maximum of 18 electronic gaming devices at a location. Each such device shall bear a mark indicating it has been authorized and approved by the Department.

E. An electronic gaming manufacturer that has been issued a permit by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34 shall report all electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.30:2 .

F. The use of electronic gaming devices utilizing multiple video monitors or touchscreens shall be limited to one player at a time.

G. No social organization or qualified organization leasing the premises of a social organization shall allow any individual younger than 21 years of age to participate in electronic gaming. No individual younger than 21 years of age shall participate in electronic gaming or otherwise use an electronic device to play or redeem any instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

H. No social organization or any qualified organization leasing the premises of a social organization shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in electronic gaming.

2022, cc. 722 , 767 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-144.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-144.1
Prohibition against killing or injuring police animals; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously shoot, stab, wound or otherwise cause bodily injury to, or administer poison to or expose poison with intent that it be taken by a dog, horse or other animal owned, used or trained by a law-enforcement agency, regional jail or the Department of Corrections while such animal is performing his lawful duties or is being kept in a kennel, pen or stable while off duty. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. The court shall order that the defendant pay restitution for the cost of any animal killed or rendered unable to perform its duties. Such cost shall include training expenses.

1989, c. 558; 1998, c. 8 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-437 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-437
Immunity of witnesses
Status: in_force

No witness called by the attorney for the Commonwealth, or by the court, and required to give evidence for the prosecution in a proceeding under this article shall ever be proceeded against for the offense concerning which he testified. Such witness shall be compelled to testify and may be punished for contempt for refusing to do so.

Code 1950, § 18.1-277; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-268.1
Chemical testing to determine alcohol or drug content of blood; definitions
Status: in_force

As used in §§ 18.2-268.2 through 18.2-268.12 , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

The phrase "alcohol or drug" means alcohol, a drug or drugs, or any combination of alcohol and a drug or drugs.

The phrase "blood or breath" means either or both.

"Chief police officer" means the sheriff in any county not having a chief of police, the chief of police of any county having a chief of police, the chief of police of the city, or the sergeant or chief of police of the town in which the charge will be heard, or their authorized representatives.

"Department" means the Department of Forensic Science.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Forensic Science.

"License" means any driver's license as defined in § 18.2-6 .

"Ordinance" means a county, city or town ordinance.

1992, c. 830; 2005, cc. 868 , 881 ; 2020, cc. 1227 , 1246 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-28 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-28
Maximum punishment for attempts
Status: in_force

Any provision in this article notwithstanding, in no event shall the punishment for an attempt to commit an offense exceed the maximum punishment had the offense been committed.

Code 1950, § 18.1-20; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-147.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-147.1
Breaking and entering into railroad cars, motortrucks, aircraft, etc., or pipeline systems
Status: in_force

Any person who breaks the seal or lock of any railroad car, vessel, aircraft, motortruck, wagon or other vehicle or of any pipeline system, containing shipments of freight or express or other property, or breaks and enters any such vehicle or pipeline system with the intent to commit larceny or any felony therein shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony; provided, however, that if such person is armed with a firearm at the time of such breaking and entering, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

1979, c. 336.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-371.2:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-371.2:1
(Effective until October 1, 2026) Prohibiting possession of retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age; seizure
Status: in_force

A. No person younger than 21 years of age shall possess any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking, as those terms are defined in § 18.2-371.2 . The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the possession of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age (i) making a delivery of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking in pursuance of his employment or (ii) as part of a scientific study being conducted by an organization for the purpose of medical research to further efforts in cigarette and tobacco use prevention and cessation and tobacco product regulation, provided that such medical research has been approved by an institutional review board pursuant to applicable federal regulations or by a research review committee pursuant to Chapter 5.1 (§ 32.1-162.16 et seq.) of Title 32.1. This subsection shall not apply to the possession of any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking by a law-enforcement officer or his agent when the same is necessary in the performance of his duties.

B. Any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking, as those terms are defined in § 18.2-371.2 , possessed in violation of this section shall be deemed contraband and may be seized by a law-enforcement officer. Any such product, the lawful possession of which is not established, seized by such officer shall be forfeited and disposed of according to the process described in subdivision A 2 of § 19.2-386.23 .

C. The seizure of contraband pursuant to subsection B shall be the sole penalty for a violation of this section.

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

2025, cc. 595 , 596 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-30 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-30
Murder and manslaughter declared felonies
Status: in_force

Any person who commits aggravated murder, murder of the first degree, murder of the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter, is guilty of a felony.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-221 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-221
Advertising new or used automobiles or trucks
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, corporation or association engaged in selling new or used automobiles or trucks to the public shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor unless, in any printed advertisement or printed offer in which a price is stated, the following is included: (a) the make, year, and model of such automobile or truck; (b) if reference is made to items of optional equipment which are not included in the advertised price, the additional cost of each such items of optional equipment; and (c) if the manufacturer's suggested retail price is stated, whether such price is an F.O.B. factory or delivered price.

Code 1950, § 59.1-49; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 420.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-379 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-379
Employing or permitting minor to assist in offense under article
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to hire, employ, use or permit any minor to do or assist in doing any act or thing constituting an offense under this article.

Code 1950, § 18.1-234; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-324 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-324
Throwing or depositing certain substances upon highway; removal of such substances
Status: in_force

No person shall throw or deposit or cause to be deposited upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nail, tack, wire, can, or any other substance likely to injure any person or animal, or damage any vehicle upon such highway, nor shall any person throw or deposit or cause to be deposited upon any highway any soil, sand, mud, gravel or other substances so as to create a hazard to the traveling public. Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive, hazardous or injurious material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from such vehicle. Any persons violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

This section shall not apply to the use, by a law-enforcement officer while in the discharge of official duties, of any device designed to deflate tires. The Division of Purchase and Supply shall, pursuant to § 2.2-1112 , set minimum standards for such devices and shall give notice of such standards to law-enforcement offices in the Commonwealth. No such device shall be used which does not meet or exceed the standards.

Code 1950, § 33.1-350; 1970, c. 322; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1997, c. 136 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-300 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-300
Possession or use of "sawed-off" shotgun or rifle
Status: in_force

A. Possession or use of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a crime of violence is a Class 2 felony.

B. Possession or use of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle for any other purpose, except as permitted by this article and official use by those persons permitted possession by § 18.2-303 , is a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-268.2; 1968, c. 661; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1978, c. 710; 1992, c. 580.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-287.3
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1993, cc. 467, 494.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-105 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-105
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-340
County ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county may adopt ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling, including a provision for forfeiture proceedings in accordance with Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2. Such ordinances shall not conflict with the provisions of this article or with other state laws and any penalties provided for violation of such ordinances shall not exceed a fine of $2,500 or confinement in jail for 12 months, either or both.

Code 1950, § 18.1-344; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1991, c. 710; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-257 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-257
Attempts
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who attempts to commit any offense defined in this article or in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) which is a felony shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than ten years; provided, however, that any person convicted of attempting to commit a felony for which a lesser punishment may be imposed may be punished according to such lesser penalty.

(b) Any person who attempts to commit any offense defined in this article or in the Drug Control Act which is a misdemeanor shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor; provided, however, that any person convicted of attempting to commit a misdemeanor for which a lesser punishment may be imposed may be punished according to such lesser penalty.

Code 1950, § 54-524.104:1; 1972, c. 798; 1973, c. 447; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1979, c. 435.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-199 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-199
Penalties for violation of article
Status: in_force

Persons violating any provision of this article for which no other specific punishment is provided for shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-125.10; 1968, c. 480; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.34:2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.34:2
Licensing of network bingo providers; qualification; suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew license; maintenance, production, and release of records
Status: in_force

A. No person shall sell or offer to sell or otherwise provide access to a network bingo network to any qualified organization unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a license by the Department. An application for license shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500. Each license shall remain valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a license shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500 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 licensure of network bingo providers. The Department may refuse to issue a license to any network bingo provider that 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) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to activities defined as charitable gaming in the Commonwealth suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction; (iv) failed to file or been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth; or (v) 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 may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of any network bingo provider for any conduct described in subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulation of the Department. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the network bingo provider 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. The Commissioner by regulation shall require network bingo providers to have onsite independent supervision of network bingo games as the numbers are called.

E. Each network bingo provider shall document each sale of network bingo supplies and other items incidental to the conduct of network bingo to a qualified organization on an invoice that 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 network bingo card, the quantity of cards sold, and the price per card paid by the qualified organization; and (iv) any other information required by the Department. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the network bingo supplies when delivered to the qualified organization.

F. Each network bingo provider shall maintain a legible copy of each invoice required by subsection E for a period of three years from the date of sale. Each network bingo provider 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 network bingo provider that 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 be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

2013, cc. 36 , 350 ; 2022, cc. 554 , 609 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-108.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-108.01
Larceny with intent to sell or distribute; sale of stolen property; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who commits larceny of property with a value of $1,000 or more with the intent to sell or distribute such property is guilty of a felony punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than two years nor more than 20 years. The larceny of more than one item of the same product is prima facie evidence of intent to sell or intent to distribute for sale.

B. Any person who sells, attempts to sell or possesses with intent to sell or distribute any stolen property with an aggregate value of $1,000 or more where he knew or should have known that the property was stolen is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. A violation of this section constitutes a separate and distinct offense.

2003, c. 831 ; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-259.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-259.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 740 and 741 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-293.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-293.1
What article does not prohibit
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this article shall prohibit or interfere with:

(1) The possession of a machine gun for scientific purposes, or the possession of a machine gun not usable as a weapon and possessed as a curiosity, ornament, or keepsake; and

(2) The possession of a machine gun for a purpose manifestly not aggressive or offensive.

Provided, however, that possession of such machine guns shall be subject to the provisions of § 18.2-295 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-263; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-48 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-48
Abduction with intent to extort money or for immoral purpose
Status: in_force

Abduction (i) of any person with the intent to extort money or pecuniary benefit, (ii) of any person with intent to defile such person, (iii) of any child under sixteen years of age for the purpose of concubinage or prostitution, (iv) of any person for the purpose of prostitution, or (v) of any minor for the purpose of manufacturing child pornography shall be punishable as a Class 2 felony. If the sentence imposed for a violation of (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) includes a term of confinement less than life imprisonment, the judge shall impose, in addition to any active sentence, a suspended sentence of no less than 40 years. This suspended sentence shall be suspended for the remainder of the defendant's life subject to revocation by the court.

Code 1950, § 18.1-38; 1960, c. 358; 1966, c. 214; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1993, c. 317; 1997, c. 747 ; 2006, cc. 853 , 914 ; 2011, c. 785 .