Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-254.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-254.3
Behavioral Health Docket Act
Status: in_force

A. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Behavioral Health Docket Act."

B. The General Assembly recognizes the critical need to promote public safety and reduce recidivism by addressing co-occurring behavioral health issues, such as mental illness and substance abuse, related to persons in the criminal justice system. It is the intention of the General Assembly to enhance public safety by facilitating the creation of behavioral health dockets to accomplish this purpose.

C. The goals of behavioral health dockets shall include (i) reducing recidivism; (ii) increasing personal, familial, and societal accountability among offenders through ongoing judicial intervention; (iii) addressing mental illness and substance abuse that contribute to criminal behavior and recidivism; and (iv) promoting effective planning and use of resources within the criminal justice system and community agencies. Behavioral health dockets promote outcomes that will benefit not only the offender but society as well.

D. Behavioral health dockets are specialized criminal court dockets within the existing structure of Virginia's court system that enable the judiciary to manage its workload more efficiently. Under the leadership and regular interaction of presiding judges, and through voluntary offender participation, behavioral health dockets shall address offenders with mental health conditions and drug addictions that contribute to criminal behavior. Behavioral health dockets shall employ evidence-based practices to diagnose behavioral health illness and provide treatment, enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, ensure offender accountability, and promote offender rehabilitation in the community. Local officials shall complete a planning process recognized by the state behavioral health docket advisory committee before establishing a behavioral health docket program.

E. Administrative oversight of implementation of the Behavioral Health Docket Act shall be conducted by the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Supreme Court of Virginia shall be responsible for (i) providing oversight of the distribution of funds for behavioral health dockets; (ii) providing technical assistance to behavioral health dockets; (iii) providing training to judges who preside over behavioral health dockets; (iv) providing training to the providers of administrative, case management, and treatment services to behavioral health dockets; and (v) monitoring the completion of evaluations of the effectiveness and efficiency of behavioral health dockets in the Commonwealth.

F. A state behavioral health docket advisory committee shall be established in the judicial branch. The committee shall be chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, who shall appoint a vice-chair to act in his absence. The membership of the committee shall include a behavioral health circuit court judge, a behavioral health general district court judge, a behavioral health juvenile and domestic relations district court judge, the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court or his designee, the Governor or his designee, and a representative from each of the following entities: the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council, the Virginia Court Clerks' Association, the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Virginia Organization of Consumers Asserting Leadership, a community services board or behavioral health authority, and a local community-based probation and pretrial services agency.

G. Each jurisdiction or combination of jurisdictions that intend to establish a behavioral health docket or continue the operation of an existing behavioral health docket shall establish a local behavioral health docket advisory committee. Jurisdictions that establish separate adult and juvenile behavioral health dockets may establish an advisory committee for each such docket. Each local behavioral health docket advisory committee shall ensure quality, efficiency, and fairness in the planning, implementation, and operation of the behavioral health dockets that serve the jurisdiction or combination of jurisdictions. Advisory committee membership may include, but shall not be limited to, the following persons or their designees: (i) the behavioral health docket judge; (ii) the attorney for the Commonwealth or, where applicable, the city or county attorney who has responsibility for the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses; (iii) the public defender or a member of the local criminal defense bar in jurisdictions in which there is no public defender; (iv) the clerk of the court in which the behavioral health docket is located; (v) a representative of the Virginia Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, or both, from the local office that serves the jurisdiction or combination of jurisdictions; (vi) a representative of a local community-based probation and pretrial services agency; (vii) a local law-enforcement officer; (viii) a representative of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or a representative of local treatment providers, or both; (ix) a representative of the local community services board or behavioral health authority; (x) the behavioral health docket administrator; (xi) a public health official; (xii) the county administrator or city manager; (xiii) a certified peer recovery specialist; and (xiv) any other persons selected by the local behavioral health docket advisory committee.

H. Each local behavioral health docket advisory committee shall establish criteria for the eligibility and participation of offenders who have been determined to have problems with drug addiction, mental illness, or related issues. The committee shall ensure the use of a comprehensive, valid, and reliable screening instrument to assess whether the individual is a candidate for a behavioral health docket. Once an individual is identified as a candidate appropriate for a behavioral health court docket, a full diagnosis and treatment plan shall be prepared by qualified professionals.

Subject to the provisions of this section, neither the establishment of a behavioral health docket nor anything in this section shall be construed as limiting the discretion of the attorney for the Commonwealth to prosecute any criminal case arising therein that he deems advisable to prosecute, except to the extent that the participating attorney for the Commonwealth agrees to do so.

I. Each local behavioral health docket advisory committee shall establish policies and procedures for the operation of the docket to attain the following goals: (i) effective integration of appropriate treatment services with criminal justice system case processing; (ii) enhanced public safety through intensive offender supervision and treatment; (iii) prompt identification and placement of eligible participants; (iv) efficient access to a continuum of related treatment and rehabilitation services; (v) verified participant abstinence through frequent alcohol and other drug testing and mental health status assessments, where applicable; (vi) prompt response to participants' noncompliance with program requirements through a coordinated strategy; (vii) ongoing judicial interaction with each behavioral health docket participant; (viii) ongoing monitoring and evaluation of program effectiveness and efficiency; (ix) ongoing interdisciplinary education and training in support of program effectiveness and efficiency; and (x) ongoing collaboration among behavioral health dockets, public agencies, and community-based organizations to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.

J. If there is cause for concern that a defendant was experiencing a crisis related to a mental health or substance abuse disorder then his case will be referred, if such referral is appropriate, to a behavioral health docket to determine eligibility for participation. Participation by an offender in a behavioral health docket shall be voluntary and made pursuant only to a written agreement entered into by and between the offender and the Commonwealth with the concurrence of the court. If an offender determined to be eligible to participate in a behavioral health docket resides in a locality other than that in which the behavioral health docket is located, or such offender desires to move to a locality other than that in which the behavioral health docket is located, and the court determines it is practicable and appropriate, the supervision of such offender may be transferred to a supervising agency in the new locality. If the receiving agency accepts the transfer, it shall confirm in writing that it can and will comply with all of the conditions of supervision of the behavioral health docket, including the frequency of in-person and other contact with the offender and updates from the offender's treatment providers. If the receiving agency cannot comply with the conditions of supervision, the agency shall deny the transfer in writing and the sending agency shall notify the court. Where supervision is transferred, the sending agency shall be responsible for providing reports on an offender's conduct, treatment, and compliance with the conditions of supervision to the court.

K. An offender may be required to contribute to the cost of the treatment he receives while participating in a behavioral health docket pursuant to guidelines developed by the local behavioral health docket advisory committee.

L. Nothing contained in this section shall confer a right or an expectation of a right to treatment for an offender or be construed as requiring a local behavioral health docket advisory committee to accept for participation every offender.

M. The Office of the Executive Secretary shall, with the assistance of the state behavioral health docket advisory committee, develop a statewide evaluation model and conduct ongoing evaluations of the effectiveness and efficiency of all behavioral health dockets. The Executive Secretary shall submit an annual report of these evaluations to the General Assembly by December 1 of each year. The annual report shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website. Each local behavioral health docket advisory committee shall submit evaluative reports, as provided by the Behavioral/Mental Health Docket Advisory Committee, to the Office of the Executive Secretary as requested.

2020, c. 1096 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 191 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-479 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-479
Escape without force or violence or setting fire to jail; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection B, any person lawfully confined in jail or lawfully in the custody of any court, officer of the court, or law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 18.2-57 , for violation of his probation or parole or on a charge or conviction of a misdemeanor who escapes, other than by force or violence or by setting fire to the jail, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any person lawfully confined in jail or lawfully in the custody of any court, officer of the court, or law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 18.2-57 , on a charge or conviction of a felony who escapes, other than by force or violence or by setting fire to the jail, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-290; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 555; 2005, c. 573 ; 2025, cc. 38 , 41 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-287.01
Carrying weapon in air carrier airport terminal
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or transport into any air carrier airport terminal in the Commonwealth any (i) gun or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind, (ii) frame, receiver, muffler, silencer, missile, projectile or ammunition designed for use with a dangerous weapon, and (iii) any other dangerous weapon, including explosives, stun weapons as defined in § 18.2-308.1 , and those weapons specified in subsection A of § 18.2-308 . Any such weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any weapon possessed or transported in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth and disposed of as provided in § 19.2-386.28 .

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any police officer, sheriff, law-enforcement agent or official, conservation police officer, conservator of the peace employed by the air carrier airport, or retired law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016 , nor shall the provisions of this section apply to any passenger of an airline who, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, transports a lawful firearm, weapon, or ammunition into or out of an air carrier airport terminal for the sole purposes, respectively, of (i) presenting such firearm, weapon, or ammunition to U.S. Customs agents in advance of an international flight, in order to comply with federal law, (ii) checking such firearm, weapon, or ammunition with his luggage, or (iii) retrieving such firearm, weapon, or ammunition from the baggage claim area.

Any other statute, rule, regulation, or ordinance specifically addressing the possession or transportation of weapons in any airport in the Commonwealth shall be invalid, and this section shall control.

2004, c. 894 ; 2007, cc. 87 , 519 ; 2013, c. 746 ; 2016, c. 257 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.1 / Section 18.2-265.1
(Effective July 1, 2027) Definition
Status: in_force

As used in this article, "drug paraphernalia" means all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are either designed for use or which are intended by the person charged with violating § 18.2-265.3 for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, strength testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance. "Drug paraphernalia" includes:

1. Kits intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, or harvesting any species of plant which is a controlled substance or from which a controlled substance can be derived;

2. Kits intended for use or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, or preparing controlled substances;

3. Isomerization devices intended for use or designed for use in increasing the potency of any species of plant that is a controlled substance;

4. Testing equipment intended for use or designed for use in identifying or in analyzing the strength or effectiveness of controlled substances, other than drug checking products used to determine the presence or concentration of a contaminant that can cause physical harm or death;

5. Scales and balances intended for use or designed for use in weighing or measuring controlled substances;

6. Diluents and adulterants, such as quinine hydrochloride, mannitol, or mannite, intended for use or designed for use in cutting controlled substances;

7. Blenders, bowls, containers, spoons, and mixing devices intended for use or designed for use in compounding controlled substances;

8. Capsules, balloons, envelopes, and other containers intended for use or designed for use in packaging small quantities of controlled substances;

9. Containers and other objects intended for use or designed for use in storing or concealing controlled substances;

10. Hypodermic syringes, needles, and other objects intended for use or designed for use in parenterally injecting controlled substances into the human body;

11. Objects intended for use or designed for use in ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing cocaine into the human body, such as:

a. Metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic pipes with or without screens, permanent screens, or punctured metal bowls;

b. Water pipes;

c. Carburetion tubes and devices;

d. Smoking and carburetion masks;

e. Roach clips, meaning objects used to hold burning material that has become too small or too short to be held in the hand;

f. Miniature cocaine spoons and cocaine vials;

g. Chamber pipes;

h. Carburetor pipes;

i. Electric pipes;

j. Air-driven pipes;

k. Chillums;

l. Bongs;

m. Ice pipes or chillers.

1981, c. 598; 1983, c. 535; 2019, c. 215 ; 2025, cc. 266 , 281 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-316 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-316
Duty of persons causing well or pit to be dug to fill it before abandonment
Status: in_force

Any person who has caused to be dug on his own land or the land of another any well or pit, shall fill such well or pit with earth so that the same shall not be dangerous to human beings, animals or fowls before such well or such pit is abandoned; and any person owning land whereon any such well or pit is located shall in the same manner fill with earth any such well or pit which has been abandoned, provided such person has knowledge of the existence of such well or pit.

But in the case of mining operations in lieu of filling the shaft or pit the owner or operator thereof on ceasing operations in such shaft or pit shall securely fence the same and keep the same at all times thereafter securely fenced.

Any person violating any provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-73; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-23.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-23.1
Completed substantive offense bars conviction for conspiracy
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article or of § 18.2-256 , in any case where a defendant has been tried and convicted of an act he has also conspired to commit, such defendant shall be subject to conviction only for the completed substantive offense and not thereafter be convicted for the underlying conspiracy.

1985, c. 376.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-108 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-108
Receiving, etc., stolen goods
Status: in_force

A. If any person buys or receives from another person, or aids in concealing, any stolen goods or other thing, knowing the same to have been stolen, he shall be deemed guilty of larceny thereof, and may be proceeded against, although the principal offender is not convicted.

B. If any person buys or receives any goods or other thing, used in the course of a criminal investigation by law enforcement that such person believes to have been stolen, he shall be deemed guilty of larceny thereof.

Code 1950, § 18.1-107; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2008, c. 578 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-206 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-206
Procuring an animal, aircraft, vehicle or boat with intent to defraud
Status: in_force

If any person procure any such animal, aircraft, vehicle, boat or vessel mentioned in § 18.2-149 by fraud or by misrepresenting himself as some other person or with the intent to cheat or defraud such other person, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The failure to pay the rental for or damage to such animal, aircraft, vehicle, boat or vessel, or absconding without paying such rental or damage, shall be prima facie evidence of the intent to defraud at the time of renting or leasing such animal, aircraft, vehicle, boat or vessel.

Code 1950, § 18.1-162; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-468 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-468
Making sound recordings of jury deliberations
Status: in_force

If any person shall install or cause to be installed or use or cause to be used any microphone or device designed for recording or transmitting for recording sound in any jury room in this Commonwealth for the purpose of recording the deliberations of any jury or for the purpose of preparing a summary of such deliberations, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-299; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-361.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-361.1
Victims of sex trafficking; affirmative defense; immunity for minors
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Qualifying offense" means a charge for a violation of § 18.2-346 or 18.2-347 .

"Victim of sex trafficking" means any person charged with a qualifying offense in the Commonwealth who committed such offense as a direct result of being solicited, invited, recruited, encouraged, forced, intimidated, or deceived by another to engage in acts of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse for money or its equivalent, as described in § 18.2-346 , regardless of whether any other person has been charged or convicted of an offense related to the sex trafficking of such person.

B. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of a qualifying offense if at the time of the offense leading to such charge, such person was a victim of sex trafficking and (i) was coerced to engage in the offense through the use of force or intimidation or (ii) such offense was committed at the direction of another person other than the individual with whom the person engaged in the acts of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse for such money or its equivalent.

C. No minor shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for a qualifying offense if at the time of the offense leading to such arrest or charge, such minor was a victim of sex trafficking. Such minor shall be referred to the local department of social services for a human trafficking or other assessment pursuant to § 63.2-1506.1 . A law-enforcement officer or the local department of social services may take custody of the minor pursuant to § 63.2-1517 . No law-enforcement officer acting in good faith shall be found liable for false arrest if it is later determined that the minor arrested was immune from prosecution under this subsection.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 334 ; 2026, c. 577 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-56
Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to haze so as to cause bodily injury, any student at any school or institution of higher education.

Any person found guilty thereof shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Any person receiving bodily injury by hazing shall have a right to sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty thereof, whether adults or infants.

The president or other presiding official of any school or institution of higher education receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall, upon satisfactory proof of the guilt of any student hazing another student, sanction and discipline such student in accordance with the institution's policies and procedures. The institution's policies and procedures shall provide for expulsions or other appropriate discipline based on the facts and circumstances of each case and shall be consistent with the model policies established by the Department of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, as applicable. The president or other presiding official of any school or institution of higher education receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall report hazing which causes bodily injury to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such school or institution of higher education is, who shall take such action as he deems appropriate.

For the purposes of this section, "hazing" means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily injury on a student or students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.

Code 1950, § 18.1-71; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2003, cc. 62 , 67 ; 2014, c. 627 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-261 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-261
Monetary penalty
Status: in_force

Any person licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy who violates any of the provisions of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) or of this article, and who is not criminally prosecuted, shall be subject to the monetary penalty provided in this section. If, by a majority vote, the Board shall determine that the respondent is guilty of the violation complained of, the Board shall proceed to determine the amount of the monetary penalty for such violation, which shall not exceed the sum of $1,000 for each violation. Such penalty may be sued for and recovered in the name of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 54-524.107; 1970, c. 650; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 678.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-49 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-49
Threatening, attempting, or assisting in such abduction; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who (1) threatens, or attempts, to abduct any other person with intent to extort money, or pecuniary benefit; (2) assists or aids in the abduction of, or threatens to abduct, any person with the intent to defile such person; or (3) assists or aids in the abduction of, or threatens to abduct, any child under 16 years of age for the purpose of concubinage or prostitution is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-39; 1960, c. 358; 1966, c. 214; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 900 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2:4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.2:4
Firearm verification check; penalty
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Dealer" means any person licensed as a dealer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq.

"Department" means the Department of State Police.

"Firearm" means any handgun, shotgun, or rifle that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material.

B. A dealer who is receiving by sale, transfer, or trade a firearm from a person who is not a dealer may choose to obtain a verification check from the Department to determine if the firearm has been reported to a law-enforcement agency as lost or stolen. If a dealer chooses to obtain a verification check, the procedures in this section shall be followed.

C. The person selling, transferring, or trading the firearm to the dealer shall present a valid photo identification issued by a state or federal governmental agency and shall consent in writing, on a form to be provided by the Department, to have the dealer obtain a verification check to determine if the firearm has been reported to a law-enforcement agency as lost or stolen. Such form shall include only the written consent; the name, address, birth date, gender, race, and verifiable government identification number on the photo identification presented by the person selling, transferring, or trading the firearm; and the serial number, caliber, make, and, if available, model of the firearm.

D. A dealer shall (i) obtain written consent and identifying information on the consent form specified in subsection C; (ii) provide the Department with the serial number, caliber, make, and, if available, model of the firearm intended to be sold, traded, or transferred to the dealer; (iii) request a verification check by telephone or other manner authorized by the Department; and (iv) receive information from the Department as to whether the firearm has been reported to a law-enforcement agency as lost or stolen.

To establish personal identification and residence for purposes of this section, a dealer shall require a prospective transferee to present one photo-identification form containing a verifiable identification number issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth, a similar photo-identification form from another state government or by the U.S. Department of Defense, or other documentation of residence determined acceptable by the Department.

E. Upon receipt of the request for a verification check, the Department shall (i) query firearms databases to determine if the firearm has been reported to a law-enforcement agency as lost or stolen, (ii) inform the dealer if the firearm has been reported to a law-enforcement agency as lost or stolen, and (iii) provide the dealer with a unique response for that inquiry.

The Department shall provide its response to the requesting dealer electronically or by return call without delay. If the verification check discloses that the firearm cannot be lawfully sold, transferred, or traded, the Department shall have until the end of the dealer's next business day to advise the dealer that its records indicate the firearm cannot be lawfully sold, transferred, or traded pursuant to state or federal law.

In the case of electronic failure or other circumstances beyond the control of the Department, the dealer shall be advised immediately of the reason for such delay and be given an estimate of the length of such delay. After such notification, the Department shall, as soon as possible but in no event later than the end of the dealer's next business day, inform the requesting dealer if the firearm cannot be lawfully sold, transferred, or traded pursuant to state or federal law.

F. The Department shall maintain a log of requests made for a period of 12 months from the date the request was made, consisting of the serial number, caliber, make, and, if available, model of the firearm; the dealer identification number; and the transaction date.

G. The dealer shall maintain the consent form for a period of 12 months from the date of the transaction if the firearm is determined to be lost or stolen. If the firearm is determined not to be lost or stolen, the consent form shall be destroyed by the dealer within two weeks from the date of such determination.

H. The Superintendent of State Police shall promulgate regulations to ensure the identity, confidentiality, and security of all records and data provided pursuant to this section.

I. The provisions of this section shall not apply to transactions between persons who are licensed as firearms importers, manufacturers, or dealers pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq.

J. Any person who willfully and intentionally makes a material false statement on the consent form is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2014, c. 821 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-186.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-186.5
Expungement of false identity information from police and court records; Identity Theft Passport
Status: in_force

A. Any person whose name or other identification has been used without his consent or authorization by another person who has been charged or arrested using such name or identification may file a petition with the court for relief pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 . A person who has petitioned the court pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 as a result of a violation of § 18.2-186.3 , may submit to the Attorney General a certified copy of a court order obtained pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 . Upon receipt by the Attorney General of a certified copy of the court order and upon request by such person, the Office of the Attorney General, in cooperation with the State Police, may issue an "Identity Theft Passport" stating that such an order has been submitted. The Office of the Attorney General shall provide access to identity theft information to (i) criminal justice agencies and (ii) individuals who have submitted a court order pursuant to this subsection.

B. Any person whose name or other identification has been used without his consent or authorization by another person may file with the Attorney General a copy of a police report showing that he has reported to a law-enforcement agency that his name or other identification has been used without his consent or authorization by another person. Upon receipt by the Attorney General of a copy of the police report and upon request by such person, the Office of the Attorney General, in cooperation with the State Police, may issue an Identity Theft Passport stating that such a police report has been submitted. The Office of the Attorney General shall provide access to identity theft information to (i) criminal justice agencies and (ii) individuals who have submitted a copy of a police report pursuant to this subsection.

C. When the Office of the Attorney General issues an Identity Theft Passport, it shall transmit a record of the issuance of the passport, and indicate under which subsection the passport was issued, to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Department shall note on the individual's driver abstract that a court order was obtained pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 or a police report was filed and that an Identity Theft Passport has been issued. The provisions of § 2.2-3808 shall not apply to this section.

2003, cc. 914 , 918 ; 2004, c. 450 ; 2006, c. 298 ; 2011, c. 619 ; 2018, c. 577 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-119 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-119
Trespass after having been forbidden to do so; penalties
Status: in_force

If any person without authority of law goes upon or remains upon the lands, buildings or premises of another, or any portion or area thereof, after having been forbidden to do so, either orally or in writing, by the owner, lessee, custodian, or the agent of any such person, or other person lawfully in charge thereof, or after having been forbidden to do so by a sign or signs posted by or at the direction of such persons or the agent of any such person or by the holder of any easement or other right-of-way authorized by the instrument creating such interest to post such signs on such lands, structures, premises or portion or area thereof at a place or places where it or they may be reasonably seen, or if any person, whether he is the owner, tenant or otherwise entitled to the use of such land, building or premises, goes upon, or remains upon such land, building or premises after having been prohibited from doing so by a court of competent jurisdiction by an order issued pursuant to §§ 16.1-253 , 16.1-253.1 , 16.1-253.4 , 16.1-278.2 through 16.1-278.6 , 16.1-278.8 , 16.1-278.14 , 16.1-278.15 , 16.1-279.1 , 19.2-152.8 , 19.2-152.9 or § 19.2-152.10 or an ex parte order issued pursuant to § 20-103 , and after having been served with such order, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not be construed to affect in any way the provisions of §§ 18.2-132 through 18.2-136 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-173; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1982, c. 169; 1987, cc. 625, 705; 1991, c. 534; 1998, cc. 569 , 684 ; 2011, c. 195 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-54.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-54.2
Adulteration of food, drink, drugs, cosmetics, etc.; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who adulterates or causes to be adulterated any food, drink, prescription or over-the-counter medicine, cosmetic or other substance with the intent to kill or injure any individual who ingests, inhales or uses such substance shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

1983, c. 129.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.3
Use or attempted use of restricted ammunition in commission or attempted commission of crimes prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. When used in this section:

"Restricted firearm ammunition" applies to bullets, projectiles or other types of ammunition that are: (i) coated with or contain, in whole or in part, polytetrafluorethylene or a similar product, (ii) commonly known as "KTW" bullets or "French Arcanes," or (iii) any cartridges containing bullets coated with a plastic substance with other than lead or lead alloy cores, jacketed bullets with other than lead or lead alloy cores, or cartridges of which the bullet itself is wholly comprised of a metal or metal alloy other than lead. This definition shall not be construed to include shotgun shells or solid plastic bullets.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly use or attempt to use restricted firearm ammunition while committing or attempting to commit a crime. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct felony and any person found guilty thereof shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

1983, c. 602; 1988, c. 530.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-165.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-165.2
Unlawful interference with emergency two-way radio communications; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly and willfully (i) interfere with the transmission of a radio communication, the purpose of which is to inform or to inquire about an emergency or (ii) transmit false information about an emergency.

B. For the purposes of this section, "emergency" means a condition or circumstance in which an individual is or is reasonably believed by the person transmitting the communication to be in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm or in which property is in imminent danger of damage or destruction.

C. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1985, c. 100.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-138.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-138.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-274 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-274
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1980, c. 759.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-239 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-239
Pyramid promotional schemes; misdemeanor; definitions; contracts void
Status: in_force

Every person who contrives, prepares, sets up, operates, advertises or promotes any pyramid promotional scheme shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Compensation" means the transfer of money or anything of value.

"Compensation" does not mean payment based on sales of goods or services to persons who are not participants in the scheme and who are not purchasing in order to participate in the scheme;

(2) "Consideration" means the payment of cash or the purchase of goods, services, or intangible property;

(3) "Promotes" means inducing one or more other persons to become a participant; and

(4) "Pyramid promotional scheme" means any plan or operation by which a person gives consideration for the opportunity to receive compensation a majority of which is derived from the introduction of other persons into the plan or operation rather than from the sale or consumption of goods, services, or intangible property by a participant or other persons introduced into the plan or operation.

All contracts and agreements, now existing or hereafter formed, whereof the whole or any part of the consideration is given for the right to participate in pyramid promotional scheme programs, are against public policy, void and unenforceable.

Any violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a prohibited practice under the provisions of § 59.1-200 and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq.).

Code 1950, §§ 59.1-67.1, 59.1-67.2; 1970, c. 450; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2008, cc. 791 , 842 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.3 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.3
Aggravated sexual battery; penalty
Status: in_force

A. An accused is guilty of aggravated sexual battery if he or she sexually abuses the complaining witness, and

1. The complaining witness is less than 13 years of age; or

2. The act is accomplished through the use of the complaining witness's mental incapacity or physical helplessness; or

3. The offense is committed by a parent, step-parent, grandparent, or step-grandparent and the complaining witness is at least 13 but less than 18 years of age; or

4. The act is accomplished against the will of the complaining witness by force, threat or intimidation, and

a. The complaining witness is at least 13 but less than 15 years of age; or

b. The accused causes serious bodily or mental injury to the complaining witness; or

c. The accused uses or threatens to use a dangerous weapon; or

5. The offense is not a recognized form of treatment in the profession, and is committed, without the express consent of the patient, by (i) a massage therapist, or a person purporting to be a massage therapist, during an actual or purported practice of massage therapy, as those terms are defined in § 54.1-3000 ; (ii) a person practicing or purporting to practice the healing arts, during an actual or purported practice of the healing arts, as those terms are defined in §§ 54.1-2900 and 54.1-2903 ; or (iii) a physical therapist, or a person purporting to be a physical therapist, during an actual or purported practice of physical therapy, as those terms are defined in § 54.1-3473 .

B. Aggravated sexual battery is a felony punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility for a term of not less than one nor more than 20 years and by a fine of not more than $100,000.

1981, c. 397; 1993, c. 590; 2004, c. 843 ; 2005, cc. 185 , 406 ; 2020, c. 1003 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-469 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-469
Officer refusing, delaying, etc., to execute process for criminal
Status: in_force

If any officer willfully and corruptly refuse to execute any lawful process requiring him to apprehend or confine a person convicted of, or charged with, an offense, or willfully and corruptly omit or delay to execute such process, whereby such person shall escape and go at large, such officer shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-300; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-97 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-97
Larceny of certain animals and poultry
Status: in_force

Any person who shall be guilty of the larceny of a dog, horse, pony, mule, cow, steer, bull, or calf shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony, and any person who shall be guilty of the larceny of any poultry of the value of $5 or more, but of the value of less than $1,000, or of a sheep, lamb, swine, or goat, of the value of less than $1,000, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-102; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 15; 1966, c. 247; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 197; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.1
Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. If any person knowingly possesses any (i) stun weapon as defined in this section; (ii) knife, except a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches; or (iii) weapon, including a weapon of like kind, designated in subsection A of § 18.2-308 , other than a firearm; upon (a) the property of any child day center or public, private, or religious preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, including buildings and grounds; (b) that portion of any property open to the public and then exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; or (c) any school bus owned or operated by any such school, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. If any person knowingly possesses any firearm designed or intended to expel a projectile by action of an explosion of a combustible material while such person is upon (i) the property of any child day center or public, private, or religious preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, including buildings and grounds; (ii) that portion of any property open to the public and then exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; or (iii) any school bus owned or operated by any such school, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. If any person knowingly possesses any firearm designed or intended to expel a projectile by action of an explosion of a combustible material within the building of a child day center or public, private, or religious preschool, elementary, middle, or high school and intends to use, or attempts to use, such firearm, or displays such weapon in a threatening manner, such person is guilty of a Class 6 felony and sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years to be served consecutively with any other sentence.

D. The child day center and private or religious preschool provisions of this section (i) shall apply only during the operating hours of such child day center or private or religious preschool and (ii) shall not apply to any person (a) whose residence is on the property of a child day center or a private or religious preschool and (b) who possesses a firearm or other weapon prohibited under this section while in his residence.

E. The exemptions set out in §§ 18.2-308 and 18.2-308.016 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the provisions of this section. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as a part of the school's curriculum or activities; (ii) a person possessing a knife customarily used for food preparation or service and using it for such purpose; (iii) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as a part of any program sponsored or facilitated by either the school or any organization authorized by the school to conduct its programs either on or off the school premises; (iv) any law-enforcement officer, or retired law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016 ; (v) any person who possesses a knife or blade which he uses customarily in his trade; (vi) a person who possesses an unloaded firearm or a stun weapon that is in a closed container, or a knife having a metal blade, in or upon a motor vehicle, or an unloaded shotgun or rifle in a firearms rack in or upon a motor vehicle; (vii) a person who has a valid concealed handgun permit and possesses a concealed handgun or a stun weapon while in a motor vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle, or other means of vehicular ingress or egress to the school; (viii) a school security officer authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to § 22.1-280.2:1 ; or (ix) an armed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, hired by a child day center or a private or religious school for the protection of students and employees as authorized by such school. For the purposes of this subsection, "weapon" includes a knife having a metal blade of three inches or longer and "closed container" includes a locked vehicle trunk.

F. Nothing in subsection E or any other provision of law shall be construed as providing an exemption to the provisions of this section for a special conservator of the peace appointed pursuant to § 19.2-13 , other than the specifically enumerated exemptions that apply to the general population as provided in subsection E.

G. As used in this section:

"Child day center" means a child day center, as defined in § 22.1-289.02 , that is licensed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14.1 (§ 22.1-289.02 et seq.) of Title 22.1 and is not operated at the residence of the provider or of any of the children.

"Stun weapon" means any device that emits a momentary or pulsed output, which is electrical, audible, optical or electromagnetic in nature and which is designed to temporarily incapacitate a person.

1979, c. 467; 1988, c. 493; 1990, cc. 635, 744; 1991, c. 579; 1992, cc. 727, 735; 1995, c. 511 ; 1999, cc. 587 , 829 , 846 ; 2001, c. 403 ; 2003, cc. 619 , 976 ; 2004, cc. 128 , 461 ; 2005, cc. 830 , 928 ; 2007, c. 519 ; 2011, c. 282 ; 2013, c. 416 ; 2015, c. 289 ; 2016, c. 257 ; 2017, c. 311 ; 2020, cc. 693 , 1037 , 1249 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-473
Persons aiding escape of prisoner or child
Status: in_force

When a person is lawfully detained as a prisoner in any jail or prison or held in custody, or when a child is placed in a local juvenile detention home, or committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center, or Reception and Diagnostic Center for Children or held in custody, if any person: (1) conveys anything into the jail, prison, juvenile detention home, juvenile correctional center or Reception and Diagnostic Center for Children with intent to facilitate a person's escape therefrom, (2) in any way aids such prisoner or child to escape, or in an attempt to escape, from such jail, prison, juvenile detention home, juvenile correctional center, Reception and Diagnostic Center for Children or custody, or (3) forcibly takes, or attempts to take him therefrom, such person, if the taking or escape is effected, shall, if the prisoner or child was detained on conviction, commitment or charge of felony, be confined in a state correctional facility not less than one year nor more than five years. If the same is not effected, or if the prisoner or child was not detained on such conviction, commitment or charge, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-284; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1984, c. 587; 1989, c. 733; 1996, cc. 755 , 914 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.04 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.04
Processing of the application and issuance of a concealed handgun permit
Status: in_force

A. The clerk of court shall enter on the application the date on which the application and all other information required to be submitted by the applicant is received.

B. Upon receipt of the completed application, the court shall consult with either the sheriff or police department of the county or city and receive a report from the Central Criminal Records Exchange.

C. The court shall issue the permit via United States mail and notify the State Police of the issuance of the permit within 45 days of receipt of the completed application unless it is determined that the applicant is disqualified. Any order denying issuance of the permit shall be in accordance with § 18.2-308.08 . If the applicant is later found by the court to be disqualified after a five-year permit has been issued, the permit shall be revoked.

D. A court may authorize the clerk to issue concealed handgun permits, without judicial review, to applicants who have submitted complete applications, for whom the criminal history records check does not indicate a disqualification and, after consulting with either the sheriff or police department of the county or city, about which application there are no outstanding questions or issues. The court clerk shall be immune from suit arising from any acts or omissions relating to the issuance of concealed handgun permits without judicial review pursuant to this section unless the clerk was grossly negligent or engaged in willful misconduct. This section shall not be construed to limit, withdraw, or overturn any defense or immunity already existing in statutory or common law, or to affect any cause of action accruing prior to July 1, 2010.

E. The permit to carry a concealed handgun shall specify only the following information: name, address, date of birth, gender, height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes, and signature of the permittee; the signature of the judge issuing the permit, of the clerk of court who has been authorized to sign such permits by the issuing judge, or of the clerk of court who has been authorized to issue such permits pursuant to subsection D; the date of issuance; and the expiration date. The permit to carry a concealed handgun shall be of a size comparable to a Virginia driver's license, may be laminated or use a similar process to protect the permit, and shall otherwise be of a uniform style prescribed by the Department of State Police.

2013, c. 746 ; 2017, c. 47 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-347 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-347
Keeping, residing in, or frequenting a bawdy place; "bawdy place" defined; penalty
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to keep any bawdy place, or to reside in or at or visit for immoral purposes any such bawdy place. Each day such bawdy place is kept, resided in, or visited shall constitute a separate offense. In a prosecution under this section, the general reputation of the bawdy place may be proved. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

As used in this Code, "bawdy place" means any place within or outside any building or structure that is used or is to be used for lewdness, assignation, or prostitution.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-195, 18.1-196; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 617 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-361.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-361.01
Sexual abuse of animals; penalties
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Animal" means any nonhuman vertebrate species.

"Obscene" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-372 .

"Obscene item" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-373 .

"Sexual contact" means any act committed between a person and an animal for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, abuse, or financial gain involving (i) contact between the sex organs or anus of one and the mouth, sex organs, or anus of another; (ii) the insertion of any part of the animal's body into the vaginal or anal opening of the person; or (iii) the insertion of any part of the body of a person or any object into the vaginal or anal opening of an animal or touching or fondling by a person of the sex organs or anus of an animal without a bona fide veterinary or animal husbandry purpose.

B. Any person who knowingly (i) engages in sexual contact with an animal; (ii) causes another person by force, threat, or intimidation to engage in sexual contact with an animal; (iii) advertises, solicits, offers, sells, purchases, or possesses an animal with the intent that the animal be subject to sexual contact; (iv) permits sexual contact with an animal to be conducted on any premises under his ownership or control; or (v) produces, distributes, publishes, sells, transmits, finances, possesses, or possesses with the intent to distribute, publish, sell, or transmit an obscene item depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be prohibited by the court from possessing, owning, or exercising control over any animal. Additionally, the court may order such person to attend an appropriate treatment program or obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling and may impose the costs of such a program or counseling upon the person convicted.

D. Nothing in this section shall apply to an accepted veterinary practice; the artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes; an accepted animal husbandry practice, including grooming, raising, breeding, or assisting with the birthing process of animals; or generally accepted practices related to the judging of breed conformation.

E. For the purpose of enforcing this section, the provisions of §§ 3.2-6502 , 3.2-6564 , and 3.2-6568 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

2022, c. 594 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-303.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-303.1
What article does not prohibit
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this article shall prohibit or interfere with the possession of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle for scientific purposes, the possession of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle possessed in compliance with federal law or the possession of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle not usable as a firing weapon and possessed as a curiosity, ornament, or keepsake.

Code 1950, § 18.1-268.5; 1968, c. 661; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 351; 1992, c. 580; 1993, c. 449.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.02 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.02
Allowing a minor or incapacitated person to be present during manufacture or attempted manufacture of methamphetamine or fentanyl prohibited; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person 18 years of age or older who knowingly allows (i) a minor under the age of 15, (ii) a minor 15 years of age or older with whom he maintains a custodial relationship, including but not limited to as a parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, or who stands in loco parentis with respect to such minor, or (iii) a mentally incapacitated or physically helpless person of any age, to be present in the same dwelling, apartment as defined by § 55.1-2000 , unit of a hotel as defined in § 35.1-1 , garage, shed, or vehicle during the manufacture or attempted manufacture of methamphetamine as prohibited by subsection C1 of § 18.2-248 or any substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, including its derivatives, isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than 10 nor more than 40 years. This penalty shall be in addition to and served consecutively with any other sentence.

2005, cc. 923 , 941 ; 2013, c. 743 ; 2024, c. 371 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-419 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-419
Picketing or disrupting tranquility of home
Status: in_force

Any person who shall engage in picketing before or about the residence or dwelling place of any individual, or who shall assemble with another person or persons in a manner which disrupts or threatens to disrupt any individual's right to tranquility in his home, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Each day on which a violation of this section occurs shall constitute a separate offense.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit (1) the picketing in any lawful manner, during a labor dispute, of the place of employment involved in such labor dispute; (2) the picketing in any lawful manner of a construction site; or (3) the holding of a meeting or assembly on any premises commonly used for the discussion of subjects of general public interest.

Notwithstanding the penalties herein provided, any court of general equity jurisdiction may enjoin conduct, or threatened conduct, proscribed by this article, and may in any such proceeding award damages, including punitive damages, against the persons found guilty of actions made unlawful by this section.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-367.2 through 18.1-367.6; 1970, c. 711; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-359 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-359
Venue for criminal sexual assault or where any person transported for criminal sexual assault, attempted criminal sexual assault, or purposes of unlawful sexual intercourse, crimes against nature, and indecent liberties with children; venue for such crimes when coupled with a violent felony
Status: in_force

A. Any person transporting or attempting to transport through or across the Commonwealth any person for the purposes of unlawful sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or prostitution, or for the purpose of committing any crime specified in § 18.2-361 , 18.2-370 , or 18.2-370.1 , or for the purposes of committing or attempting to commit criminal sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4, may be presented, indicted, tried, and convicted in any county or city in which any part of such transportation occurred.

B. Venue for the trial of any person charged with committing or attempting to commit any crime specified in § 18.2-361 , 18.2-370 , or 18.2-370.1 , or sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 may be had in the county or city in which such crime is alleged to have occurred or, with the concurrence of the attorney for the Commonwealth in the county or city in which the crime is alleged to have occurred, in any county or city through which the victim was transported by the defendant prior to the commission of such offense.

C. Venue for the trial of any person charged with committing or attempting to commit criminal sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 against a person under 18 years of age may be had in the county or city in which such crime is alleged to have occurred or, when the county or city where the offense is alleged to have occurred cannot be determined, then in the county or city where the person under 18 years of age resided at the time of the offense.

D. Venue for the trial of any person charged with committing or attempting to commit (i) any crime specified in § 18.2-361 , 18.2-370 , or 18.2-370.1 , or criminal sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 and (ii) any violent felony as defined in § 17.1-805 or any act of violence as defined in § 19.2-297.1 arising out of the same incident, occurrence, or transaction may be had in the county or city in which any such crime is alleged to have occurred or, with the concurrence of the attorney for the Commonwealth in the county or city in which the crime is alleged to have occurred, in any county or city through which the victim was transported by the defendant in the commission of such offense.

Code 1950, § 18.1-210; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 54; 1978, c. 610; 1981, c. 397; 2004, c. 869 ; 2011, c. 763 ; 2014, c. 794 ; 2015, c. 555 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-263 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-263
Unnecessary to negative exception, etc.; burden of proof of exception, etc
Status: in_force

In any complaint, information, or indictment, and in any action or proceeding brought for the enforcement of any provision of this article or of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.), it shall not be necessary to negative any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption contained in this article or in the Drug Control Act, and the burden of proof of any such exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption shall be upon the defendant.

Code 1950, § 54-524.108; 1970, c. 650; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-240 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-240
Same; injunction
Status: in_force

Any attorney for the Commonwealth may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the further prosecution of any pyramid promotional scheme as defined in § 18.2-239 , and to appoint receivers to secure and distribute in an equitable manner any assets received by any participant as a result of such scheme, any such distribution to effect reimbursement, to the extent possible, for uncompensated payments made to become a participant in the scheme. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for equitable relief, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein. Any person who organizes an endless chain scheme and, either directly or through an agent, promotes such scheme within the Commonwealth shall be deemed subject to the personal jurisdiction of such court of competent jurisdiction under §§ 8.01-328 through 8.01-330 , and shall be liable for reasonable costs and attorneys' fees in such suit.

Code 1950, § 59.1-67.3; 1970, c. 450; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-247 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-247
(Effective July 1, 2027) Use of terms "controlled substances," "Schedules I, II, III, IV, V, and VI," "imitation controlled substance," and "counterfeit controlled substance" in Title 18.2
Status: in_force

A. Wherever the terms "controlled substances" and "Schedules I, II, III, IV, V, and VI" are used in Title 18.2, such terms refer to those terms as they are used or defined in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.).

B. The term "imitation controlled substance" when used in this article means (i) a counterfeit controlled substance or (ii) a pill, capsule, tablet, or substance in any form whatsoever that is not a controlled substance subject to abuse, and:

1. Which by overall dosage unit appearance, including color, shape, size, marking and packaging or by representations made, would cause the likelihood that such a pill, capsule, tablet, or substance in any other form whatsoever will be mistaken for a controlled substance unless such substance was introduced into commerce prior to the initial introduction into commerce of the controlled substance which it is alleged to imitate; or

2. Which by express or implied representations purports to act like a controlled substance as a stimulant or depressant of the central nervous system and which is not commonly used or recognized for use in that particular formulation for any purpose other than for such stimulant or depressant effect, unless marketed, promoted, or sold as permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

C. In determining whether a pill, capsule, tablet, or substance in any other form whatsoever, is an "imitation controlled substance," there shall be considered, in addition to all other relevant factors, comparisons with accepted methods of marketing for legitimate nonprescription drugs for medicinal purposes rather than for drug abuse or any similar nonmedicinal use, including consideration of the packaging of the drug and its appearance in overall finished dosage form, promotional materials or representations, oral or written, concerning the drug, and the methods of distribution of the drug and where and how it is sold to the public.

D. The term "counterfeit controlled substance" means a controlled substance that, without authorization, bears, is packaged in a container or wrapper that bears, or is otherwise labeled to bear, the trademark, trade name, or other identifying mark, imprint or device or any likeness thereof, of a drug manufacturer, processor, packer, or distributor other than the manufacturer, processor, packer, or distributor who did in fact so manufacture, process, pack or distribute such drug.

E. The term "tetrahydrocannabinol" means any naturally occurring or synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation and any preparation, mixture, or substance containing, or mixed or infused with, any detectable amount of tetrahydrocannabinol. For the purposes of this definition, "isomer" means the optical, position, and geometric isomers.

F. The term "total tetrahydrocannabinol" means the sum, after the application of any necessary conversion factor, of the percentage by weight of tetrahydrocannabinol and the percentage by weight of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.

G. The Department of Forensic Science shall determine the proper methods for detecting the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol in substances for the purposes of this title, Chapter 11 (§ 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1, and § 54.1-3401 . The testing methodology shall use post-decarboxylation testing or other equivalent method and shall consider the potential conversion of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid into tetrahydrocannabinol.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1979, c. 435; 1982, c. 462; 1984, c. 684; 1992, c. 756; 1999, cc. 661 , 722 ; 2004, c. 688 ; 2019, cc. 653 , 654 ; 2020, cc. 831 , 1285 , 1286 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 110 ; 2023, cc. 744 , 794 ; 2026 Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.01
(Effective until July 1, 2027) Transporting controlled substances into the Commonwealth; penalty.
Status: in_force

Except as authorized in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) it is unlawful for any person to transport into the Commonwealth by any means with intent to sell or distribute one ounce or more of cocaine, coca leaves or any salt, compound, derivative or preparation thereof as described in Schedule II of the Drug Control Act or one ounce or more of any other Schedule I or II controlled substance or five or more pounds of marijuana. A violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct felony. Upon conviction, the person shall be sentenced to not less than five years nor more than 40 years imprisonment, three years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000. A second or subsequent conviction hereunder shall be punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, which shall be served consecutively with any other sentence.

1992, c. 723; 2000, cc. 1020 , 1041 ; 2004, c. 461 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-477 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-477
Prisoner escaping from jail; how punished
Status: in_force

If any person confined in jail or in custody after conviction of a criminal offense shall escape by force or violence, other than by setting fire thereto, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. The term of confinement under this section shall commence from the expiration of the former sentence.

Code 1950, § 18.1-288; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 506; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 555.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.26:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.26:1
Sale of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection D, instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards may be sold only (i) by a qualified organization, as defined in § 18.2-340.16 , (ii) upon premises that are owned or exclusively and entirely leased by the qualified organization or leased by the qualified organization pursuant to subsection C, and (iii) at such times that the premises in which the instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards are sold is open only to members and their guests via controlled access. Except as provided in subsections C and D, no organization may sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards (a) at a location outside of the county, city, or town in which the organization's principal office, as registered with the State Corporation Commission, is located or in an adjoining county, city, or town or (b) 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. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the conduct of games of chance involving the sale of pull tabs, or seal cards, commonly known as last sale games, conducted in accordance with this section or, if such games are electronic games, in accordance with § 18.2-340.26:3 .

B. It is prohibited to use an electronic device to conduct instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards except as permitted under § 18.2-340.26:3 .

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a qualified organization may lease the premises of any social organization authorized pursuant to § 18.2-340.26:3 for the purpose of selling instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards may be sold by a qualified organization that has received a temporary permit from the Department pursuant to § 18.2-340.25:2 upon premises located anywhere in the Commonwealth during a convention, conference, or related event lasting no more than seven consecutive days held by such organization's affiliated state, regional, or national organization up to once per quarter as designated in the temporary permit.

2001, c. 833 ; 2006, c. 644 ; 2007, c. 196 ; 2020, c. 979 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520 ; 2022, cc. 722 , 767 ; 2023, cc. 755 , 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-209.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-209.1
Penalties for false certificate or failure to give bond
Status: in_force

A. If any clerk make a certificate as to any bond of a special commissioner appointed under Article 11 (§ 8.01-96 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, knowing it to be false, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction, be removed from his office.

B. If any special commissioner appointed under Article 11 of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 shall advertise property for sale or rent, and shall sell or rent the same before he shall have given bond as is required by § 8.01-99 , he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1978, c. 718.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-246.5
Forfeiture of business license or registration upon conviction of sale or distribution of imitation controlled substance; money laundering
Status: in_force

Any person, firm or corporation holding a license or registration to operate any business as required by either state or local law shall forfeit such license or registration upon conviction of a violation of (i) § 18.2-248 relating to an imitation controlled substance or (ii) § 18.2-246.3 relating to money laundering. Upon a conviction under this section the attorney for the Commonwealth shall notify any appropriate agency.

1999, c. 348 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-374.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-374.4
Display of obscene material, child pornography, or grooming video or materials to a child unlawful; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person 18 years of age or older who displays any obscene item or material, including child pornography or a grooming video or materials to a child younger than 13 years of age with lascivious intent to entice, solicit, or encourage the child to engage in the touching or fondling of his own sexual or genital parts, the touching or fondling of the sexual or genital parts of another, or the touching or fondling of his sexual or genital parts by another, or masturbation, sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, or object sexual penetration is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. For purposes of this section:

"Grooming video or materials" means a cartoon, animation, video, photograph, image, or series of images depicting any person (i) totally nude; (ii) in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast; or (iii) not exposed but the material is obscene and such person is engaged in the touching or fondling of the sexual or genital parts of another, the touching or fondling of his sexual or genital parts by another, masturbation, sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, or object sexual penetration.

2012, c. 624 ; 2026, c. 348 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-220 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-220
Use of word "wholesale" or "wholesaler."
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, corporation or association who in any manner in any advertisement or offer for sale to the public of any merchandise, goods, commodity or thing uses the words "wholesale" or "wholesaler" to represent or describe the nature of its business shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, unless such person, firm, corporation or association is actually engaged in selling at wholesale the merchandise, goods, commodity or thing advertised or offered for sale.

Code 1950, § 59.1-48; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-332 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-332
Certain acts not deemed "consideration" in prosecution under this article
Status: in_force

In any prosecution under this article, no consideration shall be deemed to have passed or been given because of any person's attendance upon the premises of another; his execution, mailing or delivery of an entry blank; his answering of questions, verbally or in writing; his witnessing of a demonstration or other proceeding; or any one or more thereof, where no charge is made to, paid by, or any purchase required of him in connection therewith.

Code 1950, § 18.1-340.1; 1960, c. 226; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-172 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-172
Forging, uttering, etc., other writings
Status: in_force

If any person forge any writing, other than such as is mentioned in §§ 18.2-168 and 18.2-170 , to the prejudice of another's right, or utter, or attempt to employ as true, such forged writing, knowing it to be forged, he shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who shall obtain, by any false pretense or token, the signature of another person, to any such writing, with intent to defraud any other person, shall be deemed guilty of the forgery thereof, and shall be subject to like punishment.

Code 1950, § 18.1-96; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-307 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-307
Short title of article
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the "Sawed-Off Shotgun and Sawed-Off Rifle Act."

Code 1950, § 18.1-268.9; 1968, c. 661; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 580.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-160.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-160.2
Trespassing on public transportation or emergency vehicle; penalty
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Emergency vehicle" means the same as that term is defined in § 46.2-818.2 . "Emergency vehicle" includes any public works or public utilities vehicle.

"Public transportation service" means passenger transportation service provided by bus, rail, or other surface conveyance that provides transportation to the general public on a regular and continuing basis.

B. Any person who enters or remains upon or within a vehicle operated by a public transportation service or an emergency vehicle without the permission of, or after having been forbidden to do so by, the owner, lessee, or authorized operator is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

C. Any person who enters or rides in a vehicle operated by a public transportation service who has been prohibited to do so pursuant to subsection F of § 18.2-57 is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2007, c. 461 ; 2023, c. 549 ; 2026, c. 332 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-102.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-102.1
Removal of shopping cart from store premises
Status: in_force

(1) The term "shopping cart" when used in this section means those push carts of the type or types which are commonly provided by grocery stores, drugstores, or other merchant stores or markets for the use of the public in transporting commodities in stores and markets from the store to a place outside the store.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to remove a shopping cart from the premises, of the owner of such shopping cart without the consent, of the owner or of his agent, servant, or employee given at the time of such removal. For the purpose of this section, the premises shall include all the parking area set aside by the owner, or on behalf of the owner, for the parking of cars for the convenience of the patrons of the owner.

(3) Any person convicted of a violation under subsection (2) shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-117.2; 1975, c. 269.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1:6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.1:6
Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons subject to substantial risk orders; penalty
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person who is subject to an emergency substantial risk order or a substantial risk order entered pursuant to § 19.2-152.13 or 19.2-152.14 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 § 19.2-152.13 or 19.2-152.14 to purchase, possess, or transport any firearm while the order is in effect. Any such person with a concealed handgun permit is prohibited from carrying any concealed firearm while the order is in effect and shall surrender his permit to the court entering the order pursuant to § 19.2-152.13 or 19.2-152.14 . A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2020, cc. 887 , 888 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-271.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-271.5
Restricted permits to operate a motor vehicle; ignition interlock systems
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any criminal case for any violation of Article 7 ( § 46.2-852 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 where a defendant's license to operate a motor vehicle, engine, or train in the Commonwealth is subject to revocation or suspension and the court orders a defendant, as a condition of probation or otherwise, to enter into and successfully complete an alcohol safety action program in the judicial district in which such charge is brought or in any other judicial district upon such terms and conditions as the court may set forth, the court may, in its discretion and for good cause shown, issue the defendant a restricted license to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 where the only restriction of such restricted license that the court shall impose is to prohibit the defendant from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock system for a period of not less than six consecutive months without alcohol-related violations of the interlock requirements.

In no event shall a defendant be permitted to enter any such alcohol safety action program that is not certified as meeting minimum standards and criteria established by the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) pursuant to Article 2.1 (§ 18.2-273.1 et seq.).

No restricted license issued pursuant to this section shall permit any person to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.).

The provisions of subsections E and F of § 18.2-271.1 shall apply to this section mutatis mutandis, except as herein provided.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 279 ; 2026, cc. 686 , 687 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.8 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.2 / Section 18.2-265.8
Real-time electronic recording of sales of ephedrine or related compounds; memorandum of understanding
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with an appropriate entity to establish the Commonwealth's participation in a real-time electronic recordkeeping and monitoring system for the sale of ephedrine or related compounds. The memorandum of understanding shall include the following:

1. A real-time electronic recordkeeping and monitoring system shall be provided at no charge to the Commonwealth or to participating pharmacies and retail distributors and shall be approved by the Department.

2. The system shall provide, at no charge to participating pharmacies and retail distributors, appropriate training, 24-hour online support, and a toll-free telephone help line that is staffed 24 hours a day.

3. The system shall be able to communicate in real time with similar systems operated in other states and the District of Columbia and similar systems containing information submitted by more than one state.

4. The system shall comply with information exchange standards adopted by the National Information Exchange Model.

5. The system shall include a stop sales alert, which shall be a notification that completion of the sale would result in the seller or purchaser violating the quantity limits set forth in § 18.2-265.7 , with an override function that may be used by a pharmacy or retail distributor under the circumstances set forth in § 18.2-265.9 and shall record each instance in which the override function is utilized.

6. The system shall provide for the recording of the following:

a. The date and time of the transaction;

b. The name, address, date of birth, and photo identification number of the purchaser; the type of identification; and the government or educational institution of issuance;

c. The number of packages purchased; the total number of grams of ephedrine or related compounds per package; and the name of the compound, mixture, or preparation containing ephedrine or related compounds; and

d. The signature of the purchaser or unique number connecting the transaction to a paper signature maintained at the retail premises.

7. The system shall ensure that submitted data is retained within the system for at least two years from the date of submission.

B. The Department shall provide a process for a pharmacy or retail distributor to apply for, obtain, and periodically renew an exemption from the requirement to report transactions to the electronic system if the pharmacy or retail distributor lacks broadband access or maintains a sales volume of less than 72 grams of ephedrine or related compounds in a 30-day period.

C. The Superintendent of State Police shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) for the implementation of this section. Regulations adopted under this section shall be deemed a customary police function for purposes of subdivision B 6 of § 2.2-4002 .

2012, cc. 160 , 252 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-128 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-128
Trespass upon church or school property
Status: in_force

A. Any person who, without the consent of some person authorized to give such consent, goes or enters upon, in the nighttime, the premises or property of any church or upon any school property for any purpose other than to attend a meeting or service held or conducted in such church or school property, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a church member or student, to enter upon or remain upon any church or school property in violation of (i) any direction to vacate the property by a person authorized to give such direction or (ii) any posted notice which contains such information, posted at a place where it reasonably may be seen. Each time such person enters upon or remains on the posted premises or after such direction that person refuses to vacate such property, it shall constitute a separate offense.

A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor, except that any person, other than a parent, who violates this subsection on school property with the intent to abduct a student shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. For purposes of this section: (i) "school property" includes a school bus as defined in § 46.2-100 and (ii) "church" means any place of worship and includes any educational building or community center owned or leased by a church.

Code 1950, § 18.1-182; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1988, c. 497; 1989, c. 680; 1993, c. 961; 1994, c. 326 ; 1995, cc. 493 , 642 ; 1997, c. 779 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-223 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-223
"Going out of business" sales; permit required
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise, or conduct, a sale for the purpose of discontinuing a retail business, or to modify the word "sale" in any advertisement with the words "going out of business" or any other words which tend to insinuate that the retail business is to be discontinued and the merchandise liquidated, unless such person obtains a permit to conduct such sale from the city, town or county, or from each city, town or county, wherein such sale is to be conducted.

A violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 59.1-53.1; 1972, c. 399; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-162 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-162
Damage or trespass to public services or utilities or critical infrastructure; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who intentionally destroys or damages any facility, fixture, equipment, or information technology system that is used to provide, process, transmit, furnish, or maintain oil, telephone, electric, gas, sewer, wastewater, cable television, broadband, or water service to the public or other critical infrastructure, as defined in § 44-146.28:2 , is guilty of a Class 4 felony, provided that in the event that the destruction or damage may be remedied or repaired for less than $1,000 such act shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. On electric generating property marked with no trespassing signs, the security personnel of a utility may detain a trespasser for a period not to exceed one hour pending arrival of a law-enforcement officer.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, any person who intentionally destroys or damages, or attempts to destroy or damage, any such facility, fixture, equipment, information technology system, or material connected therewith, the destruction or damage of which might, in any manner, threaten the release of radioactive materials or ionizing radiation beyond the areas in which they are normally used or contained, is guilty of a Class 4 felony, provided that in the event the destruction or damage results in the death of another due to exposure to radioactive materials or ionizing radiation, such person is guilty of a Class 2 felony; provided further, that in the event the destruction or damage results in injury to another, such person is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-158; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 224; 1966, c. 446; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 548; 1981, c. 197; 1985, c. 299; 1992, c. 352; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 ; 2026, cc. 105 , 106 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-453 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-453
Aiders and abettors
Status: in_force

A person who aids and abets a barrator by giving money or rendering services to or for the use or benefit of the barrator for committing barratry shall be guilty of barratry and punished as provided in § 18.2-452 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-391; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-80 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-80
Burning or destroying any other building or structure
Status: in_force

If any person maliciously, or with intent to defraud an insurance company or other person, burn, or by the use of any explosive device or substance, maliciously destroy, in whole or in part, or cause to be burned or destroyed, or aid, counsel or procure the burning or destruction of any building, bridge, lock, dam or other structure, whether the property of himself or of another, at a time when any person is therein or thereon, the burning or destruction whereof is not punishable under any other section of this chapter, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony. If he commits such offense at a time when no person is in such building, or other structure, and such building, or other structure, with the property therein, be of the value of $1,000 or more, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony, and if it and the property therein be of less value, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-80, 18.1-81, 18.1-85; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 197; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-130 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-130
Peeping or spying into dwelling or enclosure
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to enter upon the property of another and secretly or furtively peep, spy or attempt to peep or spy into or through a window, door or other aperture of any building, structure, or other enclosure of any nature occupied or intended for occupancy as a dwelling, whether or not such building, structure or enclosure is permanently situated or transportable and whether or not such occupancy is permanent or temporary, or to do the same, without just cause, upon property owned by him and leased or rented to another under circumstances that would violate the occupant's reasonable expectation of privacy.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to use a peephole or other aperture to secretly or furtively peep, spy or attempt to peep or spy into a restroom, dressing room, locker room, hotel room, motel room, tanning bed, tanning booth, bedroom or other location or enclosure for the purpose of viewing any nonconsenting person who is totally nude, clad in undergarments, or in a state of undress exposing the genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breast and the circumstances are such that the person would otherwise have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a lawful criminal investigation or a correctional official or local or regional jail official conducting surveillance for security purposes or during an investigation of alleged misconduct involving a person committed to the Department of Corrections or to a local or regional jail.

D. As used in this section, "peephole" means any hole, crack or other similar opening through which a person can see.

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-174; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 520; 1999, c. 351 ; 2003, cc. 81 , 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-501 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-501
Same; protection of persons testifying or producing evidence
Status: in_force

(a) No natural person shall be prosecuted or be subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which he may testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, in any action, suit, or prosecution authorized by this article; provided, that no person so testifying shall be exempt from prosecution or punishment for perjury committed in so testifying.

(b) As used in this article a "person" is any person, firm, corporation, partnership or association.

Code 1950, § 18.1-74.1:3; 1964, c. 623; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-368 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-368
Placing or leaving spouse for prostitution; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who, by force, fraud, intimidation, or threats, places or leaves or procures any other person to place or leave his spouse in a bawdy place for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus is guilty of pandering, punishable as a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-207; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2014, c. 794 ; 2020, c. 900 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-298 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-298
Short title of article
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the "Uniform Machine Gun Act."

Code 1950, § 18.1-268; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-204.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-204.2
Manufacture, sale, etc., or possession of fictitious, facsimile or simulated official license or identification; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection D of § 18.2-204.1 , it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, advertise for sale, sell or possess any fictitious, facsimile or simulated driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any foreign country or government; United States Armed Forces identification card; United States passport or foreign government visa; Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles special identification card; official identification issued by any other federal, state or foreign government agency; or official student identification card of an institution of higher education, or in any way reproduce any identification card or facsimile thereof in such a manner that it could be mistaken for a valid license or identification of any type specified in this subsection.

B. Any person manufacturing, advertising for sale, selling or reproducing such card or facsimile thereof shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Any person possessing any such card or facsimile thereof shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude an election to prosecute under § 18.2-172 , except to prosecute for forgery or uttering of such license or identification card or facsimile thereof as proof of age.

1980, c. 281; 1989, c. 705; 1992, c. 531; 2006, cc. 445 , 484 ; 2011, c. 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-46.10 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2.2 / Section 18.2-46.10
Violation of sections within article separate and distinct offenses
Status: in_force

A violation of any section in this article shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. If the acts or activities violating any section within this article also violate another provision of law, a prosecution under any section in this article shall not prohibit or bar any prosecution or proceeding under such other provision or the imposition of any penalties provided for thereby.

2002, cc. 588 , 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-271.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-271.4
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2026, cc. 686 , 687 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2026.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.8 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.8
Closed preliminary hearings
Status: in_force

In preliminary hearings for offenses charged under this article or under §§ 18.2-361 , 18.2-366 , 18.2-370 or § 18.2-370.1 , the court may, on its own motion or at the request of the Commonwealth, the complaining witness, the accused, or their counsel, exclude from the courtroom all persons except officers of the court and persons whose presence, in the judgment of the court, would be supportive of the complaining witness or the accused and would not impair the conduct of a fair hearing.

1981, c. 397; 1993, c. 440.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-79 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-79
Burning or destroying meeting house, etc
Status: in_force

If any person maliciously burns, or by the use of any explosive device or substance, maliciously destroys, in whole or in part, or causes to be burned or destroyed, or aids, counsels, or procures the burning or destroying, of any meeting house, courthouse, townhouse, institution of higher education, academy, schoolhouse, or other building erected for public use except an asylum, hotel, jail, prison or church or building owned or leased by a church that is immediately adjacent to a church, or any banking house, warehouse, storehouse, manufactory, mill, or other house, whether the property of himself or of another person, not usually occupied by persons lodging therein at night, at a time when any person is therein, or if he maliciously sets fire to anything, or causes to be set on fire, or aids, counsels, or procures the setting on fire of anything, by the burning whereof any building mentioned in this section is burned, at a time when any person is therein, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony. If such offense is committed when no person is in such building mentioned in this section, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-78; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1997, c. 832 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-41 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-41
Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc., by mob
Status: in_force

Any and every person composing a mob which shall maliciously or unlawfully shoot, stab, cut or wound any person, or by any means cause him bodily injury with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or kill him, shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-30; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.6
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2009, c. 288 , cl. 1.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-452 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-452
Barratry unlawful
Status: in_force

Any person, if an individual, who shall engage in barratry shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor; and if a corporation, may be fined not more than $10,000. If the corporation be a foreign corporation, its certificate of authority to transact business in Virginia shall be revoked by the State Corporation Commission.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-389, 18.1-390; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-370 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-370
Taking indecent liberties with children; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any person 18 years of age or over, who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally commits any of the following acts with any child under the age of 15 years is guilty of a Class 5 felony:

(1) Expose his or her sexual or genital parts to any child to whom such person is not legally married or propose that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts to such person; or

(2) [Repealed.]

(3) Propose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child; or

(4) Propose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361 ; or

(5) Entice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle, room, house, or other place, for any of the purposes set forth in the preceding subdivisions of this subsection.

B. Any person 18 years of age or over who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally receives money, property, or any other remuneration for allowing, encouraging, or enticing any person under the age of 18 years to perform in or be a subject of sexually explicit visual material as defined in § 18.2-374.1 or who knowingly encourages such person to perform in or be a subject of sexually explicit material is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. Any person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a Class 4 felony, provided that (i) the offenses were not part of a common act, transaction or scheme; (ii) the accused was at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction; and (iii) it is admitted, or found by the jury or judge before whom the person is tried, that the accused was previously convicted of a violation of this section.

D. Any parent, step-parent, grandparent, or step-grandparent who commits a violation of either this section or clause (v) or (vi) of subsection A of § 18.2-370.1 (i) upon his child, step-child, grandchild, or step-grandchild who is at least 15 but less than 18 years of age is guilty of a Class 5 felony or (ii) upon his child, step-child, grandchild, or step-grandchild less than 15 years of age is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-213 through 18.1-215; 1960, c. 358; 1973, c. 131; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1979, c. 348; 1981, c. 397; 1986, c. 503; 2000, c. 333 ; 2001, cc. 776 , 840 ; 2005, cc. 185 , 762 ; 2013, cc. 423 , 470 ; 2014, c. 794 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.010 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.010
Renewal of concealed handgun permit
Status: in_force

A. 1. Persons who previously have held a concealed handgun permit shall be issued, upon application as provided in § 18.2-308.02 , a new five-year permit unless it is found that the applicant is subject to any of the disqualifications set forth in § 18.2-308.09 . Persons who previously have been issued a concealed handgun permit pursuant to this article shall not be required to appear in person to apply for a new five-year permit pursuant to this section, and the application for the new permit, including a photocopy of the applicant's valid photo identification, may be submitted via the United States mail. The circuit court that receives the application shall promptly notify an applicant if the application is incomplete or if the fee submitted for the permit pursuant to § 18.2-308.03 is incorrect.

2. If a new five-year permit is issued while an existing permit remains valid, the new five-year permit shall become effective upon the expiration date of the existing permit, provided that the application is received by the court at least 90 days but no more than 180 days prior to the expiration of the existing permit.

3. Any order denying issuance of the new permit shall be in accordance with subsection A of § 18.2-308.08 .

B. If a permit holder is a member of the Virginia National Guard, Armed Forces of the United States, or the Armed Forces Reserves of the United States, and his five-year permit expires during an active-duty military deployment outside of the permittee's county or city of residence, such permit shall remain valid for 90 days after the end date of the deployment. In order to establish proof of continued validity of the permit, such a permittee shall carry with him and display, upon request of a law-enforcement officer, a copy of the permittee's deployment orders or other documentation from the permittee's commanding officer that order the permittee to travel outside of his county or city of residence and that indicate the start and end date of such deployment.

C. If the clerk has an electronic system for, and issuance of, concealed handgun permits and such system has the capability of sending electronic notices to permit holders and if a permit holder requests such notice on the concealed handgun application form, the clerk that issued the permit shall notify the permit holder by electronic mail at least 90 days prior to the permit expiration date that the permit will expire. The failure of a clerk to send the notice required by this subsection or the failure of the permit holder to receive such notice shall not extend the validity of the existing permit beyond its expiration date.

2013, c. 746 ; 2017, cc. 99 , 237 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-198 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-198
Obtaining airline, railroad, steamship, etc., ticket at discount price
Status: in_force

A person who obtains at a discount price a ticket issued by an airline, railroad, steamship, or other transportation company from other than an apparent agent of such company which was acquired in violation of subsection A or C of § 18.2-195 without reasonable inquiry to ascertain that the person from whom it was obtained had a legal right to possess it shall be presumed to know that such ticket was acquired under circumstances constituting a violation of subsection A or C of § 18.2-195 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-125.9; 1968, c. 480; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2026, cc. 196 , 197 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-135 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-135
Destruction of posted signs; posting land of another
Status: in_force

Any person who shall mutilate, destroy or take down any "posted," "no hunting" or similar sign or poster on the lands or waters of another, or who shall post such sign or poster on the lands or waters of another, without the consent of the landowner or his agent, shall be deemed guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and his hunting, fishing, and trapping license and privileges shall be revoked for a period of one to five years from the date of conviction.

Code 1950, § 29-167; 1962, c. 469; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2010, c. 183 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-318 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-318
Authority of counties, cities and towns to require and regulate well covers
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 18.2-317 , the governing body of any county, city or town may adopt ordinances requiring persons owning or occupying any land within such county, city or town on which there is a well having a diameter greater than six inches and which is more than ten feet deep to keep the same covered in such a manner as not to be dangerous to human beings, animals or fowls.

Any such ordinance may specify and require reasonable minimum standards for the construction, installation and maintenance of such covers, including the manner in which any concrete used in connection therewith shall be reinforced, and may prescribe punishment for violations not inconsistent with general law.

Code 1950, § 18.1-74.1; 1962, c. 525; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-88 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-88
Carelessly damaging property by fire
Status: in_force

If any person carelessly, negligently or intentionally set any woods or marshes on fire, or set fire to any stubble, brush, straw, or any other substance capable of spreading fire on lands, whereby the property of another is damaged or jeopardized, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor, and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses incurred in fighting the fire.

Code 1950, § 18.1-84; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-164 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-164
Unlawful use of, or injury to, telephone and telegraph lines; copying or obstructing messages; penalty
Status: in_force

A. If any person commits any of the following acts, he is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor:

1. Maliciously injure, molest, cut down, or destroy any telephone or telegraph line, wire, cable, pole, tower, or the material or property belonging thereto;

2. Maliciously cut, break, tap, or make any connection with any telephone or telegraph line, wire, cable, or instrument of any telegraph or telephone company which has legally acquired the right-of-way by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise;

3. Maliciously copy in any unauthorized manner any message, either social, business, or otherwise, passing over any telephone or telegraph line, wire, cable, or wireless telephone transmission in the Commonwealth;

4. Willfully or maliciously prevent, obstruct, or delay by any means or contrivance whatsoever the sending, conveyance, or delivery in the Commonwealth of any authorized communication by or through any telephone or telegraph line, wire, cable, or wireless transmission device under the control of any telephone or telegraph company doing business in the Commonwealth;

5. Maliciously aid, agree with, employ, or conspire with any unauthorized person or persons unlawfully to do or cause to be done any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned.

B. If any person, with the intent to prevent another person from summoning law-enforcement, fire, or rescue services:

1. Commits any act set forth in subsection A; or

2. Maliciously prevents or interferes with telephone or telegraph communication by disabling or destroying any device that enables such communication, whether wired or wireless, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-156; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2002, cc. 810 , 818 ; 2006, c. 457 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-152
Stealing from or tampering with parking meter, vending machine, pay telephone, etc
Status: in_force

Any person who enters, forces or attempts to force an entrance into, tampers with, or inserts any part of an instrument into any parking meter, vending machine, pay telephone, money changing machine, or any other device designed to receive money, with intent to steal therefrom, shall for the first conviction thereof be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and for any subsequent conviction of a violation thereof shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-125.1; 1968, c. 518; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-374.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-374.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-55.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-55.1
Hazing of youth gang members unlawful; criminal liability
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to cause bodily injury by hazing (i) any member of a criminal street gang as defined in § 18.2-46.1 , or (ii) a person seeking to become a member of a youth gang or criminal street gang. Any person found guilty of hazing is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

For the purposes of this section, "hazing" means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a person or to inflict bodily injury on a person in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a youth gang or criminal street gang regardless of whether the person so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.

2004, c. 850 ; 2005, c. 843 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-204.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-204.1
Fraudulent use of birth certificates, etc.; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who obtains or possesses a fictitious birth certificate or the birth certificate of another for the purpose of establishing a false identity for himself is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who manufactures, sells, or transfers a fictitious birth certificate or the birth certificate of another for the purpose of establishing a false identity for himself or for another person is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Except as provided in subsection A, any person who obtains, possesses, sells, or transfers any document for the purpose of establishing a false status, occupation, membership, license or identity for himself or any other person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Any person who obtains, possesses, sells, or transfers such birth certificate or document with the intent that such certificate or document be used to purchase a firearm is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of state, federal, county, city or town law-enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties.

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

1978, c. 615; 1979, c. 479; 1981, c. 593; 2003, cc. 889 , 914 , 918 ; 2006, c. 271 ; 2011, c. 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.7:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.7:1
Harassment by computer; penalty
Status: in_force

If any person, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass any person, shall use a computer or computer network to communicate obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language, or make any suggestion or proposal of an obscene nature, or threaten any illegal or immoral act, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2000, c. 849 ; 2020, c. 1002 ; 2022, c. 336 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-449 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-449
Punishment
Status: in_force

Any person found guilty of bribery under the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony, and if such person be a public servant he shall in addition forfeit his public office and shall be forever incapable of holding any public office in this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 18.1-282.4; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-356 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-356
Receiving money for procuring person; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who receives any money or other valuable thing for or on account of (i) procuring for or placing in a house of prostitution or elsewhere any person for the purpose of causing such person to engage in unlawful sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act in violation of § 18.2-361 , or touching of the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify; (ii) causing any person to engage in concubinage, prostitution, or the manufacture of any obscene material or child pornography; or (iii) causing any person to engage in forced labor or services or providing or obtaining labor or services by any act in violation of subsection B of § 18.2-47 is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Any person who violates clause (i) or (ii) with a person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-206; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534; 2011, c. 785 ; 2014, c. 794 ; 2015, cc. 690 , 691 ; 2020, c. 595 ; 2024, c. 368 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-55 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-55
Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for a person confined in a state, local or regional correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1 ; in a secure facility or detention home as defined in § 16.1-228 or in any facility designed for the secure detention of juveniles; or while in the custody of an employee thereof to knowingly and willfully inflict bodily injury on:

1. An employee thereof, or

2. Any other person lawfully admitted to such facility, except another prisoner or person held in legal custody, or

3. Any person who is supervising or working with prisoners or persons held in legal custody, or

4. Any such employee or other person while such prisoner or person held in legal custody is committing any act in violation of § 53.1-203 .

B. It shall be unlawful for an accused, probationer or parolee under the supervision of, or being investigated by, (i) a probation or parole officer whose powers and duties are defined in § 16.1-237 or § 53.1-145 , (ii) a local pretrial services officer associated with an agency established pursuant to Article 5 (§ 19.2-152.2 ) of Chapter 9 of Title 19.2, or (iii) a local community-based probation officer associated with an agency established pursuant to Article 9 (§ 9.1-173 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, to knowingly and willfully inflict bodily injury on such officer while he is in the performance of his duty, knowing or having reason to know that the officer is engaged in the performance of his duty.

Any person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 553; 1982, c. 636; 1985, c. 508; 1996, c. 527 ; 1999, cc. 618 , 658 ; 2001, cc. 818 , 848 ; 2007, c. 133 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-341 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-341
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 608 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-74.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-74.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2003, cc. 961 and 963 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-141 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-141
Cutting or destroying trees; carrying axe, saw, etc., while hunting
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person while hunting for game or wildlife on the property of another to carry any axe other than a belt axe with a handle less than twenty inches, saw or other tool or instrument customarily used for the purpose of cutting, felling, mutilating or destroying trees without obtaining prior permission of the landowner. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Conservation police officers, sheriffs and all law-enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

Code 1950, § 18.1-179; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-144.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-144.2
Prohibition against making a false representation of ownership of an animal to a public or private animal shelter; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to deliver or release any animal not owned by that person to a public or private animal shelter or humane society, as these terms are defined in § 3.2-6500 , or to any other similar facility for animals, or any agent thereof, and to falsely represent to such facility or agent that such person is the owner of the animal.

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

C. No public or private animal shelter, humane society or other similar facility for animals, or the directors or employees of any such business or facility, shall, in the absence of gross negligence, be civilly liable for accepting and disposing of any animal in good faith from a person who falsely claims to be the owner of the animal.

1994, c. 885 ; 2014, c. 148 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.17 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.2 / Section 18.2-152.17
Fraudulent procurement, sale, or receipt of telephone records
Status: in_force

A. Whoever (i) knowingly procures, attempts to procure, solicits, or conspires with another to procure a telephone record by fraudulent means; (ii) knowingly sells, or attempts to sell, a telephone record without the authorization of the customer to whom the record pertains; or (iii) receives a telephone record knowing that such record has been obtained by fraudulent means is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. As used in this section:

"Procure" in regard to such a telephone record means to obtain by any means, whether electronically, in writing, or in oral form, with or without consideration.

"Telecommunications carrier" means any person that provides commercial telephone services to a customer, irrespective of the communications technology used to provide such service, including, but not limited to, traditional wireline or cable telephone service; cellular, broadband PCS, or other wireless telephone service; microwave, satellite, or other terrestrial telephone service; and voice over Internet telephone service.

"Telephone record" means information retained by a telecommunications carrier that relates to the telephone number dialed by the customer or the incoming number of a call directed to a customer, or other data related to such calls typically contained on a customer telephone bill such as the time the call started and ended, the duration of the call, the time of day the call was made, and any charges applied. For purposes of this section, any information collected and retained by customers utilizing Caller I.D., or other similar technology, does not constitute a telephone record.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any action by a law-enforcement agency, or any officer or employee of such agency, from obtaining telephone records in connection with the performance of the official duties of the agency.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a telecommunications carrier from obtaining, using, disclosing, or permitting access to any telephone record, either directly or indirectly through its agents (i) in compliance with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum or as otherwise authorized by law; (ii) with the lawful consent of the customer or subscriber; (iii) as may be necessarily incident to the rendition of the service or to the protection of the rights or property of the provider of that service, or to protect users of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use of, subscription to, such services; (iv) to a governmental entity, if the telecommunications carrier reasonably believes that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person justifies disclosure of the information; or (v) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in connection with a report submitted thereto under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.

E. Venue for the trial of any person charged with an offense under this section may be in the locality in which:

1. Any act was performed in furtherance of any course of conduct in violation of this section;

2. The accused has his principal place of business in the Commonwealth;

3. Any accused had control or possession of any proceeds of the violation or of any books, records, documents, property, financial instrument, telephone record, or other material or objects that were used in furtherance of the violation;

4. From which, to which, or through which any access to a telecommunication carrier was made whether by wires, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, optics or any other means of communication; or

5. The accused resides, or resided at the time of the offense.

2006, c. 469 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-190 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-190
Fraudulent misrepresentation as to breed of bull or cattle
Status: in_force

Any person who, in the sale, gift or transfer, of any bull or cattle, knowingly shall make any false representation that such bull is registered, or entitled to registration, in some recognized standard and accredited herd of cattle, or three-quarters blood of such breed, or that such cattle are from such a herd or breed of cattle, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-185, 18.1-186; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-258.02 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-258.02
(Effective July 1, 2027) Maintaining a fortified drug house; penalty
Status: in_force

Any office, store, shop, restaurant, dance hall, theater, poolroom, clubhouse, storehouse, warehouse, dwelling house, apartment or building or structure of any kind that is (i) substantially altered from its original status by means of reinforcement with the intent to impede, deter or delay lawful entry by a law-enforcement officer into such structure, (ii) being used for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing controlled substances, and (iii) the object of a valid search warrant, shall be considered a fortified drug house. Any person who maintains or operates a fortified drug house is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

1996, c. 913 ; 2011, cc. 384 , 410 ; 2014, cc. 674 , 719 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-440 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-440
Bribes to officers to prevent service of process
Status: in_force

If any officer authorized to serve legal process receive any money or other thing of value for omitting or delaying to perform any duty pertaining to his office, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-281; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-59 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-59
Extortion of money, property or pecuniary benefit
Status: in_force

Any person who (i) threatens injury to the character, person, or property of another person, (ii) accuses him of any offense, (iii) threatens to report him as being illegally present in the United States, or (iv) knowingly destroys, conceals, removes, confiscates, withholds or threatens to withhold, or possesses any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document, of another person, and thereby extorts money, property, or pecuniary benefit or any note, bond, or other evidence of debt from him or any other person, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

For the purposes of this section, injury to property includes the sale, distribution, or release of identifying information defined in clauses (iii) through (xii) of subsection C of § 18.2-186.3 , but does not include the distribution or release of such information by a person who does so with the intent to obtain money, property or a pecuniary benefit to which he reasonably believes he is lawfully entitled.

Code 1950, § 18.1-184; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2006, c. 313 ; 2007, cc. 453 , 547 ; 2010, c. 298 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-482 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-482
Misprision of treason
Status: in_force

If any person knowing of such treason shall not, as soon as may be, give information thereof to the Governor, or some conservator of the peace, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-419; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-314 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-314
Failing to secure medical attention for injured child
Status: in_force

Any parent or other person having custody of a minor child which child shows evidence of need for medical attention as the result of physical injury inflicted by an act of any member of the household, whether the injury was intentional or unintentional, who knowingly fails or refuses to secure prompt and adequate medical attention, or who conspires to prevent the securing of such attention, for such minor child, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor; provided, however, that any parent or other person having custody of a minor child that is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner shall not, for that reason alone, be considered in violation of this section.

Code 1950, § 18.1-74.2; 1966, c. 578; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-29 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-29
Criminal solicitation; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who commands, entreats, or otherwise attempts to persuade another person to commit a felony other than murder, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. Any person age eighteen or older who commands, entreats, or otherwise attempts to persuade another person under age eighteen to commit a felony other than murder, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who commands, entreats, or otherwise attempts to persuade another person to commit a murder is guilty of a felony punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility for a term not less than five years or more than forty years.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, cc. 364 , 440 ; 2002, cc. 615 , 635 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-132.1
Trespass by hunters using dogs; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who intentionally releases hunting dogs on the lands of another which have been posted in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-134.1 to hunt without the consent of the landowner or his agent is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section within three years is a Class 1 misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the court shall revoke such person's hunting or trapping license for a period of one year. The fact that hunting dogs are present on the lands of another alone is not sufficient evidence to prove that the person acted intentionally.

2016, c. 373 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-86 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-86
Setting fire to woods, fences, grass, etc
Status: in_force

If any person maliciously set fire to any wood, fence, grass, straw or other thing capable of spreading fire on land, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-82; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 362; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-213.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-213.1
Obtaining certification as small, women-owned, or minority-owned business by deception; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided by § 18.2-498.3 , a person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if, in the course of business, he:

1. Fraudulently obtains or retains certification as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business;

2. Willfully makes a false statement knowing it to be untrue, whether by affidavit, report or other representation, to an official or employee of a public body for the purpose of influencing the certification or denial of certification of any business entity as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business;

3. Willfully obstructs or impedes any agency official or employee who is investigating the qualifications of a business entity which has requested certification as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business; or

4. Fraudulently obtains public moneys reserved for or allocated or available to small, women-owned, or minority-owned businesses.

B. For the purposes of this section, "minority-owned business," and "small business" and "women-owned business" shall have the same meaning as those terms are defined in § 2.2-1604 .

1987, c. 689; 1989, c. 570; 2006, cc. 831 , 921 ; 2009, c. 869 ; 2013, c. 482 ; 2015, cc. 696 , 697 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-348.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-348.1
Promoting travel for prostitution; penalty
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any travel agent to knowingly promote travel services, as defined in § 59.1-445 , for the purposes of prostitution or any act in violation of an offense set forth in subdivision 1 of the definition of Tier III offense as defined in § 9.1-902 , made punishable within the Commonwealth, whether committed within or without. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense, and any person violating this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Punishment for a violation of this section shall be separate and apart from any punishment received from any other offense. For the purposes of this section "travel agent" means any person who for a consideration consults with or advises persons concerning travel services in the course of his business.

2019, c. 458 ; 2020, c. 829 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-84 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-84
Causing, inciting, etc., commission of act proscribed by § 18.2-83
Status: in_force

Any person fifteen years of age or over, including the parent of any child, who shall cause, encourage, incite, entice or solicit any person, including a child, to commit any act proscribed by the provisions of § 18.2-83 , shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-78.5; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67.10 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67.10
General definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this article:

1. "Complaining witness" means the person alleged to have been subjected to rape, forcible sodomy, inanimate or animate object sexual penetration, marital sexual assault, aggravated sexual battery, or sexual battery.

2. "Intimate parts" means the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, or buttocks of any person, or the chest of a child under the age of 15.

3. "Mental incapacity" means that condition of the complaining witness existing at the time of an offense under this article which prevents the complaining witness from understanding the nature or consequences of the sexual act involved in such offense and about which the accused knew or should have known.

4. "Physical helplessness" means unconsciousness or any other condition existing at the time of an offense under this article which otherwise rendered the complaining witness physically unable to communicate an unwillingness to act and about which the accused knew or should have known.

5. The complaining witness's "prior sexual conduct" means any sexual conduct on the part of the complaining witness which took place before the conclusion of the trial, excluding the conduct involved in the offense alleged under this article.

6. "Sexual abuse" means an act committed with the intent to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify any person, where:

a. The accused intentionally touches the complaining witness's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts;

b. The accused forces the complaining witness to touch the accused's, the witness's own, or another person's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts;

c. If the complaining witness is under the age of 13, the accused causes or assists the complaining witness to touch the accused's, the witness's own, or another person's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts; or

d. The accused forces another person to touch the complaining witness's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts.

1981, c. 397; 1987, c. 277; 1993, c. 549; 1994, c. 568 ; 2004, c. 741 ; 2022, c. 645 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.1:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.1:1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2014, cc. 674 and 719 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-462.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-462.1
Use of police radio during commission of crime
Status: in_force

Any person who has in his possession or who uses a device capable of receiving a police radio signal, message, or transmission, while in the commission of a felony, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A prosecution for or conviction of the crime of use or possession of a police radio is not a bar to conviction for any other crime committed while possessing or using the police radio.

1992, c. 499.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-438 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-438
Bribes to officers or candidates for office
Status: in_force

If any person corruptly give, offer or promise to any executive, legislative or judicial officer, sheriff or police officer, or to any candidate for such office, either before or after he shall have taken his seat, any gift or gratuity, with intent to influence his act, vote, opinion, decision or judgment on any matter, question, cause or proceeding, which is or may be then pending, or may by law come or be brought before him in his official capacity, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and shall forfeit to the Commonwealth any such gift or gratuity given. This section shall also apply to a resident of this Commonwealth who, while temporarily absent therefrom for that purpose, shall make such gift, offer or promise.

Code 1950, § 18.1-278; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1978, c. 123.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.25:2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.25:2
Temporary permits authorized; limitations
Status: in_force

A. Any qualified organization described in subdivision 4 or 5 of the definition of "organization" in § 18.2-340.16 may obtain a temporary permit from the Department allowing such organization to sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards upon premises located anywhere in the Commonwealth during a convention, conference, or related event lasting no more than seven consecutive days held by such organization's affiliated state, regional, or national organization up to once per quarter as designated in the permit.

B. All complete applications for a permit shall be acted upon by the Department within 45 days from the filing thereof. Upon compliance by the applicant with the provisions of this article, and at the discretion of the Department, a temporary permit may be issued. All temporary permits when issued shall be valid for the period specified in the permit unless it is sooner suspended or revoked. No permit shall be valid for longer than one year. The application shall be a matter of public record.

All temporary permits shall be subject to regulation by the Department to ensure the public safety and welfare in the operation of charitable games. The temporary permit shall only be granted after a reasonable investigation has been conducted by the Department. The Department may require any prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the employee's, permit holder's, or applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purposes of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant. The Central Criminal Records Exchange upon receipt of a prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant record or notification that no record exists shall forward the report to the Commissioner of the Department or his designee, who shall belong to a governmental entity. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the routine fingerprinting of volunteer bingo workers.

C. In no case shall an organization receive more than one temporary permit allowing it to conduct charitable gaming; however, an organization may also receive a permit in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-340.25 .

D. Application for a temporary permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by payment of the fee for processing the application.

E. Applications for renewal of temporary permits shall be made in accordance with Department regulations. If a complete renewal application is received 45 days or more prior to the expiration of the temporary permit, the temporary permit shall continue to be effective until such time as the Department has taken final action. Otherwise, the temporary permit shall expire at the end of its term.

F. The failure to meet any of the requirements of § 18.2-340.24 shall cause the automatic denial of the temporary permit, and no organization shall conduct any charitable gaming in accordance with the provisions of subsection A until such requirements are met and a temporary permit is obtained.

2023, cc. 755 , 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-370.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-370.01
Indecent liberties by children; penalty
Status: in_force

Any child over the age of thirteen years but under the age of eighteen who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally exposes his or her sexual or genital parts to any other child under the age of fourteen years who, measured by actual dates of birth, is five or more years the accused's junior, or proposes that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts to such person, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1998, c. 825 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-472 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-472
False entries or destruction of records by officers
Status: in_force

If a clerk of any court or other public officer fraudulently make a false entry, or erase, alter, secrete or destroy any record, including a microphotographic copy, in his keeping and belonging to his office, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall forfeit his office and be forever incapable of holding any office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-306, 18.1-307; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 107.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-58 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-58
Robbery; penalties
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "serious bodily injury" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-51.4 .

B. Any person who commits robbery is guilty of a felony and shall be punished as follows:

1. Any person who commits robbery and causes serious bodily injury to or the death of any other person is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

2. Any person who commits robbery by using or displaying a firearm, as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 , in a threatening manner is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

3. Any person who commits robbery by using physical force not resulting in serious bodily injury or by using or displaying a deadly weapon other than a firearm in a threatening manner is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

4. Any person who commits robbery by using threat or intimidation or any other means not involving a deadly weapon is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-91; 1960, c. 358; 1966, c. 361; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 605; 1978, c. 608; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 534 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-54.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-54.1
Attempts to poison
Status: in_force

If any person administers or attempts to administer any poison or destructive substance in food, drink, prescription or over-the-counter medicine, or otherwise, or poisons any spring, well, waterworks as defined in § 32.1-167 , or reservoir of water with intent to kill or injure another person, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-64; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 129; 2006, c. 300 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-418 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-418
Declaration of policy
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared that the protection and preservation of the home is the keystone of democratic government; that the public health and welfare and the good order of the community require that members of the community enjoy in their homes a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy, and when absent from their homes carry with them the sense of security inherent in the assurance that they may return to the enjoyment of their homes; that the practice of picketing before or about residences and dwelling places causes emotional disturbance and distress to the occupants; that such practice has as its object the harassing of such occupants; and without resort to such practice, full opportunity exists, and under the terms and provisions of this article will continue to exist, for the exercise of freedom of speech and other constitutional rights; and that the provisions hereinafter enacted are necessary in the public interest, to avoid the detrimental results herein set forth.

Code 1950, § 18.1-367.1; 1970, c. 711; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-192 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-192
Credit card or gift card theft; penalty
Status: in_force

A. A person is guilty of credit card or credit card number theft when:

1. He takes, obtains, or withholds a credit card or credit card number from the person, possession, custody, or control of another without the cardholder's consent or who, with knowledge that it has been so taken, obtained, or withheld, receives the credit card or credit card number with intent to use it or sell it, or to transfer it to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder;

2. He receives a credit card or credit card number that he knows to have been lost, mislaid, or delivered under a mistake as to the identity or address of the cardholder, and who retains possession with intent to use, to sell or to transfer the credit card or credit card number to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder;

3. He, not being the issuer, sells a credit card or credit card number or buys a credit card or credit card number from a person other than the issuer; or

4. He, not being the issuer, during any 12-month period, receives credit cards or credit card numbers issued in the names of two or more persons that he has reason to know were taken or retained under circumstances that constitute a violation of § 18.2-194 and subdivision 3.

B. Any person who, with intent to defraud, acquires or retains possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the gift card holder, gift card issuer, or gift card seller is guilty of theft.

C. Any violation of this section is grand larceny and is punishable as provided in § 18.2-95 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-125.3; 1968, c. 480; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 318; 1985, c. 266; 2026, cc. 196 , 197 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-264.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-264.01
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 831 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2003.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.5:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.5:1
Manufacture, importation, sale, possession, transfer, or transportation of auto sears and trigger activators prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Auto sear" means a device, other than a trigger activator, designed for use in converting a semi-automatic firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

"Trigger activator" means a device designed to allow a semi-automatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy of any semi-automatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter.

B. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, possess, transfer, or transport an auto sear or a trigger activator in the Commonwealth.

C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from manufacturing, importing, selling, offering for sale, possessing, receiving, transferring, or transporting any item for which such person is in compliance with the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.).

2020, c. 527 ; 2024, cc. 163 , 164 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-479.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-479.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 417 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-388 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-388
Intoxication in public; penalty; transportation of public inebriates to detoxification center
Status: in_force

If any person is intoxicated in public, whether such intoxication results from alcohol, narcotic drug, or other intoxicant or drug of whatever nature, he is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. In any area in which there is located a court-approved detoxification center, a law-enforcement officer may authorize the transportation, by police or otherwise, of public inebriates to such detoxification center in lieu of arrest; however, no person shall be involuntarily detained in such center.

Code 1950, § 18.1-237; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 434; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1979, c. 654; 1982, c. 666; 1983, c. 187; 1990, c. 965; 2020, c. 160 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-64 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-64
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1981, c. 397.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-172.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-172.2
Maliciously affixing another's signature to writing; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who maliciously affixes a facsimile or likeness of the signature of another person to any writing without the permission of that person and with the intent to create the false impression that the writing was signed by that person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2008, c. 595 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-416 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-416
Punishment for using abusive language to another
Status: in_force

If any person shall, in the presence or hearing of another, curse or abuse such other person, or use any violent abusive language to such person concerning himself or any of his relations, or otherwise use such language, under circumstances reasonably calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-255; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-441 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-441
Giving bribes to, or receiving bribes by, commissioners, jurors, etc
Status: in_force

If any person give, offer or promise to give any money or other thing of value to a commissioner appointed by a court, auditor, arbitrator, umpire or juror (although not impaneled), with intent to bias his opinion or influence his decision in relation to any matter in which he is acting or is to act, or if any such commissioner, auditor, arbitrator, umpire or juror corruptly take or receive such money or other thing, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-282; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.9 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.9
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, cc. 746 , 761 , and 827 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-19 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 2 / Section 18.2-19
How accessories after the fact punished; certain exceptions
Status: in_force

Every accessory after the fact is guilty of (i) a Class 6 felony in the case of a homicide offense that is punishable as a Class 1 or Class 2 felony or (ii) a Class 1 misdemeanor in the case of any other felony. However, no person in the relation of spouse, parent or grandparent, child or grandchild, or sibling, by consanguinity or affinity, or servant to the offender, who, after the commission of a felony, aids or assists a principal felon or accessory before the fact to avoid or escape from prosecution or punishment, shall be deemed an accessory after the fact.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-11, 18.1-12; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2014, c. 668 ; 2020, c. 900 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-308.5
Manufacture, assembly, importation, etc., of plastic or other nondetectable firearm prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture or assemble, cause to be manufactured or assembled, import, purchase, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or possess (i) any plastic firearm or (ii) any firearm that, after removal of all parts other than a major component, is not detectable as a firearm by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening.

B. As used in this section:

"Frame" and "receiver" have the same meanings attributed to them in 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq. and regulations issued pursuant thereto.

"Major component" means (i) the slide or cylinder, or the frame or receiver, of the firearm or (ii) in the case of a rifle or shotgun, the barrel of the firearm.

"Plastic firearm" means any firearm, including machine guns and sawed-off shotguns as defined in this chapter, containing less than 3.7 ounces of electromagnetically detectable metal in the barrel, slide, cylinder, frame, or receiver that, when subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices, including X-ray machines, commonly used at airports, government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, and other locations for security screening, does not generate an image that accurately depicts its shape.

C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 5 felony.

1989, c. 663; 2004, c. 995 ; 2026, cc. 531 , 532 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-50.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-50.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1992, c. 479.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57.5 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-57.5
Certain matters not to constitute defenses
Status: in_force

A. Another person's actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is not in and of itself, or together with an oral solicitation, a defense to any charge brought under this article.

B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a defendant from exercising his constitutionally protected rights, including his right to call for evidence in his favor that is relevant and otherwise admissible in a criminal prosecution.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 460 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-406 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-406
What constitutes an unlawful assembly; punishment
Status: in_force

Whenever three or more persons assembled share the common intent to advance some lawful or unlawful purpose by the commission of an act or acts of unlawful force or violence likely to jeopardize seriously public safety, peace or order, and the assembly actually tends to inspire persons of ordinary courage with well-grounded fear of serious and immediate breaches of public safety, peace or order, then such assembly is an unlawful assembly. Every person who participates in any unlawful assembly shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If any such person carried, at the time of his participation in an unlawful assembly, any firearm or other deadly or dangerous weapon, he shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-254.1, 18.1-254.3; 1968, c. 460; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 251; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-75 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-75
Conscience clause
Status: in_force

Nothing in §§ 18.2-72 , 18.2-73 or § 18.2-74 shall require a hospital or other medical facility or physician to admit any patient under the provisions hereof for the purpose of performing an abortion. In addition, any person who shall state in writing an objection to any abortion or all abortions on personal, ethical, moral or religious grounds shall not be required to participate in procedures which will result in such abortion, and the refusal of such person, hospital or other medical facility to participate therein shall not form the basis of any claim for damages on account of such refusal or for any disciplinary or recriminatory action against such person, nor shall any such person be denied employment because of such objection or refusal. The written objection shall remain in effect until such person shall revoke it in writing or terminate his association with the facility with which it is filed.

Code 1950, § 18.1-63.1; 1974, c. 679; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-404 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-404
Obstructing free passage of others
Status: in_force

Any person or persons who in any public place or on any private property open to the public unreasonably or unnecessarily obstructs the free passage of other persons to and from or within such place or property and who shall fail or refuse to cease such obstruction or move on when requested to do so by the owner or lessee or agent or employee of such owner or lessee or by a duly authorized law-enforcement officer shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit lawful picketing.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.01; 1968, c. 608; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-265.10 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1.2 / Section 18.2-265.10
Exemption from participation in electronic system; requirement to maintain log
Status: in_force

Any pharmacy or retail distributor that has been granted an exemption from participation in the system pursuant to subsection B of § 18.2-265.8 shall forward to the Department every seven days by fax or electronic means a legible copy of the log required by § 18.2-265.7 .

2012, cc. 160 , 252 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.10 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-268.10
Evidence of violation of driving under the influence offenses
Status: in_force

A. In any trial for a violation of § 18.2-266 , 18.2-266.1 , or subsection B of § 18.2-272 or a similar ordinance, the admission of the blood or breath test results shall not limit the introduction of any other relevant evidence bearing upon any question at issue before the court, and the court shall, regardless of the result of any blood or breath tests, consider other relevant admissible evidence of the condition of the accused. If the test results indicate the presence of any drug other than alcohol, the test results shall be admissible, except in a prosecution under clause (v) of § 18.2-266 , only if other competent evidence has been presented to relate the presence of the drug or drugs to the impairment of the accused's ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely.

B. The failure of an accused to permit a blood or breath sample to be taken to determine the alcohol or drug content of his blood is not evidence and shall not be subject to comment by the Commonwealth at the trial of the case, except in rebuttal or pursuant to subsection C; nor shall the fact that a blood or breath test had been offered the accused be evidence or the subject of comment by the Commonwealth, except in rebuttal or pursuant to subsection C.

C. Evidence of a finding against the defendant under § 18.2-268.3 for his unreasonable refusal to permit a blood or breath sample to be taken to determine the alcohol or drug content of his blood shall be admissible into evidence, upon the motion of the Commonwealth or the defendant, for the sole purpose of explaining the absence at trial of a chemical test of such sample. When admitted pursuant to this subsection such evidence shall not be considered evidence of the accused's guilt.

D. The court or jury trying the case involving a violation of clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of § 18.2-266 or § 18.2-266.1 , or a similar ordinance shall determine the innocence or guilt of the defendant from all the evidence concerning his condition at the time of the alleged offense.

1992, c. 830; 1994, cc. 359 , 363 ; 2001, c. 654 ; 2004, c. 1013 ; 2005, cc. 616 , 757 , 840 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-39 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-39
"Lynching" defined
Status: in_force

Any act of violence by a mob upon the body of any person, which shall result in the death of such person, shall constitute a "lynching."

Code 1950, § 18.1-28; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-205 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-205
False pretense in obtaining registration of cattle and other animals and giving false pedigree
Status: in_force

Every person who by any false pretense shall obtain from any club, association, society or company for improving the breed of cattle, horses, sheep, swine or other domestic animals the registration of any animal in the herd register or other register of any such club, association, society or company, or a transfer of any such registration, and every person who shall knowingly give a false pedigree of any animal shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-123; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-104.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-104.1
Liability upon conviction under § 18.2-103
Status: in_force

Any person who has been convicted of violating the provisions of § 18.2-103 shall be civilly liable to the owner for the retail value of any goods and merchandise illegally converted and not recovered by the owner, and for all costs incurred in prosecuting such person under the provisions of § 18.2-103 . Such costs shall be limited to actual expenses, including the base wage of one employee acting as a witness for the Commonwealth and suit costs. Provided, however, the total amount of allowable costs granted hereunder shall not exceed $250, excluding the retail value of the goods and merchandise.

1976, c. 577.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-407 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-407
Remaining at place of riot or unlawful assembly after warning to disperse
Status: in_force

Every person, except the owner or lessee of the premises, his family and nonrioting guests, and public officers and persons assisting them, who remains at the place of any riot or unlawful assembly after having been lawfully warned to disperse, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.4; 1968, c. 460; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 251; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-378 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-378
Coercing acceptance of obscene articles or publications
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation, as a condition to any sale, allocation, consignment or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, periodical or publication to require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other article, book, or other publication which is obscene; nor shall any person, firm, association or corporation deny or threaten to deny any franchise or impose or threaten to impose any penalty, financial or otherwise, by reason of the failure or refusal of any person to accept such articles, books, or publications, or by reason of the return thereof.

Code 1950, § 18.1-233; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-114 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-114
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 459 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.012 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-308.012
Prohibited conduct
Status: in_force

A. Any person permitted to carry a concealed handgun who is under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs while carrying such handgun in a public place is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conviction of any of the following offenses shall be prima facie evidence, subject to rebuttal, that the person is "under the influence" for purposes of this section: manslaughter in violation of § 18.2-36.1 , maiming in violation of § 18.2-51.4 , driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266 , public intoxication in violation of § 18.2-388 , or driving while intoxicated in violation of § 46.2-341.24 . Upon such conviction that court shall revoke the person's permit for a concealed handgun and promptly notify the issuing circuit court. A person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years.

B. No person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant or club as defined in § 4.1-100 for which a license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption has been granted by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority under Title 4.1 may consume an alcoholic beverage while on the premises. A person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of such a restaurant or club and consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, nothing in this subsection shall apply to a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer.

2013, c. 746 ; 2015, cc. 38 , 730 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-340.28:2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1.1:1 / Section 18.2-340.28:2
Conduct of Texas Hold'em poker tournaments by qualified organizations; limitation of operator fee; conditions
Status: in_force

A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games on or after July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments; however, no such organization may conduct individual Texas Hold'em poker games. The Commissioner shall promulgate regulations establishing circumstances under which organizations qualified to conduct bingo games prior to July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

B. A qualified organization may contract with an operator to administer Texas Hold'em poker tournaments. Limitations on operator fees shall be established by Department regulations.

C. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

D. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or debit card or other electronic fund transfer in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

E. No qualified organization shall allow any individual younger than 21 years of age to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

F. No qualified organization may conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments (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 qualified organization.

G. For purposes of this subsection:

"Add-ons" means an optional purchase of additional poker chips, usually available once per tournament at the end of the rebuy period or during a specific break, allowing players to boost their stack regardless of their current chip count.

"Rebuy" means an optional purchase during a specific period and under certain conditions of additional poker chips equivalent to the same amount of chips as provided with the original tournament entry fee.

Unlimited rebuys shall only be permitted within the first two hours of tournament play or until the first break, whichever occurs first. A rebuy shall only be allowed if a player has lost all of his poker chips or when a player's total amount of poker chips is less than his starting stack. Rebuys shall be equivalent to the amount of poker chips provided with the original tournament entry fee.

One add-on shall be permitted at the end of the rebuy period before play resumes at the end of the first break. Only players that still have poker chips in play after the first break shall be eligible to purchase an add-on. Players shall be limited to the purchase of one add-on per player per tournament.

2020, c. 982 ; 2022, cc. 554 , 609 , 612 ; 2026, c. 601 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.2 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 7.1 / Section 18.2-152.2
Definitions; computer crimes
Status: in_force

For purposes of this article:

"Commercial electronic mail" means electronic mail, the primary purpose of which is the advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service.

"Computer" means a device that accepts information in digital or similar form and manipulates it for a result based on a sequence of instructions. Such term does not include simple calculators, automated typewriters, facsimile machines, or any other specialized computing devices that are preprogrammed to perform a narrow range of functions with minimal end-user or operator intervention and are dedicated to a specific task.

"Computer data" means any representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts, or instructions which is being prepared or has been prepared and is intended to be processed, is being processed, or has been processed in a computer or computer network. "Computer data" may be in any form, whether readable only by a computer or only by a human or by either, including, but not limited to, computer printouts, magnetic storage media, punched cards, or stored internally in the memory of the computer.

"Computer network" means two or more computers connected by a network.

"Computer operation" means arithmetic, logical, monitoring, storage or retrieval functions and any combination thereof, and includes, but is not limited to, communication with, storage of data to, or retrieval of data from any device or human hand manipulation of electronic or magnetic impulses. A "computer operation" for a particular computer may also be any function for which that computer was generally designed.

"Computer program" means an ordered set of data representing coded instructions or statements that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform one or more computer operations.

"Computer services" means computer time or services, including data processing services, Internet services, electronic mail services, electronic message services, or information or data stored in connection therewith.

"Computer software" means a set of computer programs, procedures and associated documentation concerned with computer data or with the operation of a computer, computer program, or computer network.

"Electronic mail service provider" (EMSP) means any person who (i) is an intermediary in sending or receiving electronic mail and (ii) provides to end-users of electronic mail services the ability to send or receive electronic mail.

"Financial instrument" includes, but is not limited to, any check, draft, warrant, money order, note, certificate of deposit, letter of credit, bill of exchange, credit or debit card, transaction authorization mechanism, marketable security, or any computerized representation thereof.

"Network" means any combination of digital transmission facilities and packet switches, routers, and similar equipment interconnected to enable the exchange of computer data.

"Owner" means an owner or lessee of a computer or a computer network or an owner, lessee, or licensee of computer data, computer programs or computer software.

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

"Property" shall include:

1. Real property;

2. Computers and computer networks;

3. Financial instruments, computer data, computer programs, computer software and all other personal property regardless of whether they are:

a. Tangible or intangible;

b. In a format readable by humans or by a computer;

c. In transit between computers or within a computer network or between any devices which comprise a computer; or

d. Located on any paper or in any device on which it is stored by a computer or by a human; and

4. Computer services.

"Spam" means unsolicited commercial electronic mail. Spam shall not include commercial electronic mail transmitted to a recipient with whom the sender has an existing business or personal relationship.

A person "uses" a computer or computer network when he attempts to cause or causes a computer or computer network to perform or to stop performing computer operations.

A person is "without authority" when he knows or reasonably should know that he has no right, agreement, or permission or acts in a manner knowingly exceeding such right, agreement, or permission.

1984, c. 751; 1999, cc. 886 , 904 , 905 ; 2000, c. 627 ; 2003, cc. 987 , 1016 ; 2005, cc. 761 , 812 , 827 ; 2009, cc. 321 , 376 ; 2010, c. 489 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-237 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 8 / Section 18.2-237
Buying, etc., certain secondhand materials; intent; possession
Status: in_force

If any person buy or receive secondhand grate baskets, keys, bells and bell fixtures, gas fixtures, water fixtures, water pipes, gas pipes, or any part of such fixtures or pipes with intent to defraud, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Possession of any such secondhand baskets, keys, bells and bell fixtures, water fixtures, gas fixtures, water pipes, gas pipes, or any part of such fixtures or pipes if bought or received from any other person than the manufacturer thereof or his authorized agent or the owner thereof shall be prima facie evidence of such intent.

Code 1950, § 59.1-66; 1968, c. 439; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-63.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-63.1
Death of victim
Status: in_force

When the death of the victim occurs in connection with an offense under this article, it shall be immaterial in the prosecution thereof whether the alleged offense occurred before or after the death of the victim.

1978, c. 803; 1981, c. 397.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-72 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 9 / Section 18.2-72
When abortion lawful during first trimester of pregnancy
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any of the provisions of § 18.2-71 , it shall be lawful for (i) any physician licensed by the Board of Medicine to practice medicine and surgery or (ii) any person jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse and acting within such person's scope of practice to terminate or attempt to terminate a human pregnancy or aid or assist in the termination of a human pregnancy by performing an abortion or causing a miscarriage on any woman during the first trimester of pregnancy.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, cc. 898 , 899 ; 2023, c. 183 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-260 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-260
Prescribing, dispensing, etc., drug except as authorized in article and Drug Control Act; violations for which no penalty provided
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to prescribe, administer or dispense any drug except as authorized in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) or in this article. Any person who violates any provision of the Drug Control Act or of this article, for which no penalty is elsewhere specified in this article or in Article 7 (§ 54.1-3466 et seq.) of the Drug Control Act, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 54-524.106; 1970, c. 650; 1973, c. 548; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-444 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-444
Corruptly influencing, or being influenced as, agents, etc
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who gives, offers or promises to an agent, employee or servant any gift or gratuity whatever, without the knowledge and consent of the principal, employer or master of such agent, employee or servant, with intent to influence his action to the prejudice of his principal's, employer's or master's business; or

(2) An agent, employee or servant who, without the knowledge and consent of his principal, employer or master requests or accepts a gift or gratuity or a promise to make a gift or to do an act beneficial to himself, under an agreement or with an understanding that he shall act in any particular manner as to his principal's, employer's or master's business; or

(3) An agent, employee or servant who, being authorized to procure materials, supplies or other articles either by purchase or contract for his principal, employer or master or to employ service or labor for his principal, employer or master receives directly or indirectly, for himself or for another, a commission, discount or bonus from the person who makes such sale or contract, or furnishes such materials, supplies or other articles, or from a person who renders such service or labor; or

(4) Any person who gives or offers such an agent, employee or servant such commission, discount or bonus;

shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-404; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-492 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-492
Short title
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the Uniform Flag Act.

Code 1950, § 18.1-429; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-96.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 18.2-96.1
Identification of certain personalty
Status: in_force

A. The owner of personal property may permanently mark such property, including any part thereof, for the purpose of identification with the social security number of the owner, preceded by the letters "VA."

B. [Repealed.]

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, alter, deface, destroy, conceal, or otherwise obscure the manufacturer's serial number or marks, including personalty marked with a social security number preceded by the letters "VA," from such personal property or any part thereof, without the consent of the owner, with intent to render it or other property unidentifiable.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess such personal property or any part thereof, without the consent of the owner, knowing that the manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark, including personalty marked with a social security number preceded by the letters "VA," has been removed, altered, defaced, destroyed, concealed, or otherwise obscured with the intent to violate the provisions of this section.

E. A person in possession of such property which is otherwise in violation of this section may apply in writing to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Virginia State Police, for assignment of a number for the personal property providing he can show that he is the lawful owner of the property. If a number is issued in conformity with the provisions of this section, then the person to whom it was issued and any person to whom the property is lawfully disposed of shall not be in violation of this section. This subsection shall apply only when the application has been filed by a person prior to arrest or authorization of a warrant of arrest for that person by a court.

F. Any person convicted of an offense under this section, when the value of the personalty is less than $1,000, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and, when the value of the personalty is $1,000 or more, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

1981, c. 165; 1982, c. 382; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.01 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.01
Substance abuse screening and assessment for felony convictions
Status: in_force

A. When a person is convicted of a felony, except a Class 1 felony, committed on or after January 1, 2000, he shall be required to undergo a substance abuse screening and, if the screening indicates a substance abuse or dependence problem, an assessment by a certified substance abuse counselor as defined in § 54.1-3500 employed by the Department of Corrections or by an agency employee under the supervision of such counselor. If the person is determined to have a substance abuse problem, the court shall require him to enter treatment and/or education program or services, if available, which, in the opinion of the court, is best suited to the needs of the person. The program or services may be located in the judicial district in which the conviction was had or in any other judicial district as the court may provide. The treatment and/or education program or services shall be licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or shall be a similar program or services which are made available through the Department of Corrections if the court imposes a sentence of one year or more or, if the court imposes a sentence of 12 months or less, by a similar program or services available through a local or regional jail, a local community-based probation services agency established pursuant to § 9.1-174 , or an ASAP program certified by the Commission on VASAP. The services agency or program may require the person entering such program or services under the provisions of this section to pay a fee for the education and treatment component, or both, based upon the defendant's ability to pay.

B. As a condition of any suspended sentence and probation, the court shall order the person to undergo periodic testing and treatment for substance abuse, if available, as the court deems appropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment.

1998, cc. 783 , 840 ; 1999, cc. 891 , 913 ; 2000, cc. 1020 , 1041 ; 2007, c. 133 ; 2009, cc. 813 , 840 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344 , 345 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-67 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-67
Depositions of complaining witnesses in cases of criminal sexual assault and attempted criminal sexual assault
Status: in_force

Before or during the trial for an offense or attempted offense under this article, the judge of the court in which the case is pending, with the consent of the accused first obtained in open court, by an order of record, may direct that the deposition of the complaining witness be taken at a time and place designated in the order, and the judge may adjourn the taking thereof to such other time and places as he may deem necessary. Such deposition shall be taken before a judge of a circuit court in the county or city in which the offense was committed or the trial is had, and the judge shall rule upon all questions of evidence, and otherwise control the taking of the same as though it were taken in open court. At the taking of such deposition the attorney for the Commonwealth, as well as the accused and his attorneys, shall be present and they shall have the same rights in regard to the examination of such witness as if he or she were testifying in open court. No other person shall be present unless expressly permitted by the judge. Such deposition shall be read to the jury at the time such witness might have testified if such deposition had not been taken, and shall be considered by them, and shall have the same force and effect as though such testimony had been given orally in court. The judge may, in like manner, direct other depositions of the complaining witness, in rebuttal or otherwise, which shall be taken and read in the manner and under the conditions herein prescribed as to the first deposition. The cost of taking such depositions shall be paid by the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 18.1-47; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 606; 1981, c. 397.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-246.12 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 10 / Section 18.2-246.12
Collection of taxes
Status: in_force

Each person accepting a purchase order for a delivery sale shall collect and remit to the Board all cigarette taxes imposed by the Commonwealth with respect to such delivery sale, except that such collection and remission shall not be required to the extent such person has obtained proof (in the form of the presence of applicable revenue stamps or otherwise) that such taxes already have been paid to the Commonwealth. In the event the Board finds that any tax imposed by the Commonwealth and administered by the Department of Taxation has not been collected and remitted, the Board shall provide the Department of Taxation with a notification of such sale which shall include:

1. The name and address of the consumer to whom such sale was made;

2. The name and address of the seller of the cigarettes;

3. The brand or brands of the cigarettes that were sold in such sale; and

4. The quantity of cigarettes that were sold in such sale.

2003, c. 1010 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.1:1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-251.1:1
(Effective July 1, 2027) Possession or distribution of cannabis oil; public schools
Status: in_force

No school nurse employed by a local school board, person employed by a local health department who is assigned to the public school pursuant to an agreement between the local health department and the school board, or other person employed by or contracted with a local school board to deliver health-related services shall be prosecuted under Chapter 11 (§ 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or § 18.2-248 , 18.2-250 , or 18.2-255 for the possession or distribution of cannabis oil for storing, dispensing, or administering cannabis oil, in accordance with a policy adopted by the local school board, to a student who has been issued a valid written certification for the use of cannabis oil in accordance with § 4.1-1601 .

2019, cc. 573 , 574 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550 , 551 ; 2023, cc. 740 , 773 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-375 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 5 / Section 18.2-375
Obscene exhibitions and performances
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to:

(1) Produce, promote, prepare, present, manage, direct, carry on or participate in, any obscene exhibitions or performances, including the exhibition or performance of any obscene motion picture, play, drama, show, entertainment, exposition, tableau or scene; provided, that no employee of any person or legal entity operating a theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place which presents such obscene exhibition or performance shall be subject to prosecution under this section if the employee is not the manager of the theatre or an officer of such entity, and has no financial interest in such theatre other than receiving salary and wages; or

(2) Own, lease or manage any theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place and lease, let, lend or permit such theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place to be used for the purpose of presenting such obscene exhibition or performance or to fail to post prominently therein the name and address of a person resident in the locality who is the manager of such theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place.

Code 1950, § 18.1-230; 1960, c. 233; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 191; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.4 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-287.4
(Effective July 1, 2027) Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to carry an assault firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 on or about his person on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties, military personnel in the performance of their official duties, any member of a cadet corps who is recognized by a public institution of higher education while such member is in the performance of sanctioned military training or such member is participating in an official ceremonial event for the Commonwealth, or any person actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities at an established shooting range or shooting contest. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The exemptions set forth in § 18.2-308 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the provisions of this section.

1991, c. 570; 1992, c. 790; 2003, c. 976 ; 2004, c. 995 ; 2005, c. 160 ; 2007, c. 813 ; 2016, c. 257 ; 2026, cc. 1025 , 1101 ; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-471.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 18.2-471.1
Destruction of human biological evidence; penalty
Status: in_force

Any clerk of court or other public official who willfully violates an order entered pursuant to § 19.2-270.4:1 is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

2006, c. 913 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-307.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 18.2-307.1
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Ballistic knife" means any knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.

"Handgun" means any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine gun, originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile by means of an explosion of a combustible material from one or more barrels when held in one hand.

"Law-enforcement officer" means those individuals defined as a law-enforcement officer in § 9.1-101 , law-enforcement agents of the armed forces of the United States and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and federal agents who are otherwise authorized to carry weapons by federal law. "Law-enforcement officer" also means any sworn full-time law-enforcement officer employed by a law-enforcement agency of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, whose duties are substantially similar to those set forth in § 9.1-101 .

"Lawfully admitted for permanent residence" means the status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed.

"Personal knowledge" means knowledge of a fact that a person has himself gained through his own senses, or knowledge that was gained by a law-enforcement officer or prosecutor through the performance of his official duties.

"Spring stick" means a spring-loaded metal stick activated by pushing a button that rapidly and forcefully telescopes the weapon to several times its original length.

2013, c. 746 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-6 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-6
Meaning of certain terms
Status: in_force

As used in this title:

The word "court," unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context in which it appears, shall mean and include any court vested with appropriate jurisdiction under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth.

The words "driver's license" and "license to operate a motor vehicle" shall mean any document issued under Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2, or the comparable law of another jurisdiction, authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle upon the highways.

The word "judge," unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context in which it appears, shall mean and include any judge, associate judge or substitute judge, or police justice, of any court.

The words "motor vehicle," "semitrailer," "trailer" and "vehicle" shall have the respective meanings assigned to them by § 46.2-100 .

Code 1950, § 18.1-5; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, cc. 1227 , 1246 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-248.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-248.1
(Repeal effective July 1, 2027) Penalties for sale, gift, distribution or possession with intent to sell, give or distribute marijuana.
Status: in_force

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

(a) Any person who violates this section with respect to:

(1) Not more than one ounce of marijuana is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor;

(2) More than one ounce but not more than five pounds of marijuana is guilty of a Class 5 felony;

(3) More than five pounds of marijuana is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than five nor more than 30 years.

There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a person who possesses no more than one ounce of marijuana possesses it for personal use.

If such person proves that he gave, distributed, or possessed with intent to give or distribute marijuana only as an accommodation to another individual and not with intent to profit thereby from any consideration received or expected nor to induce the recipient or intended recipient of the marijuana to use or become addicted to or dependent upon such marijuana, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who gives, distributes, or possesses marijuana as an accommodation and not with intent to profit thereby, to an inmate of a state or local correctional facility, as defined in § 53.1-1 , or in the custody of an employee thereof is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

(c) Any person who manufactures marijuana, or possesses marijuana with the intent to manufacture such substance, not for his own use is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than five nor more than 30 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

(d) When a person is convicted of a third or subsequent felony offense under this section and it is alleged in the warrant, indictment or information that he has been before convicted of two or more felony offenses under this section 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 any period not less than five years, five 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.

1979, c. 435; 1986, c. 467; 2000, cc. 819 , 1020 , 1041 ; 2004, c. 461 ; 2006, cc. 697 , 759 ; 2020, cc. 1285 , 1286 ; 2026, Sp. Sess I, c. 1 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-413 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 18.2-413
Commission of certain offenses in county, city or town declared by Governor to be in state of riot or insurrection
Status: in_force

Any person, who after the publication of a proclamation by the Governor, or who after lawful notice to disperse and retire, resists or aids in resisting the execution of process in any county, city or town declared to be in a state of riot or insurrection, or who aids or attempts the rescue or escape of another from lawful custody or confinement, or who resists or aids in resisting a force ordered out by the Governor or any sheriff or other officer to quell or suppress an insurrection or riot, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.10; 1968, c. 460; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-52 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 18.2-52
Malicious bodily injury by means of any caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or fire
Status: in_force

If any person maliciously causes any other person bodily injury by means of any acid, lye or other caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or fire, he shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by confinement in a state correctional facility for a period of not less than five years nor more than thirty years. If such act is done unlawfully but not maliciously, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-67; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 604; 1995, c. 439 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-499 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 12 / Article 2 / Section 18.2-499
Combinations to injure others in their reputation, trade, business or profession; rights of employees
Status: in_force

A. Any two or more persons who combine, associate, agree, mutually undertake or concert together for the purpose of (i) willfully and maliciously injuring another in his reputation, trade, business or profession by any means whatever or (ii) willfully and maliciously compelling another to do or perform any act against his will, or preventing or hindering another from doing or performing any lawful act, shall be jointly and severally guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Such punishment shall be in addition to any civil relief recoverable under § 18.2-500 .

B. Any person who attempts to procure the participation, cooperation, agreement or other assistance of any one or more persons to enter into any combination, association, agreement, mutual understanding or concert prohibited in subsection A of this section shall be guilty of a violation of this section and subject to the same penalties set out in subsection A.

C. This section shall not affect the right of employees lawfully to organize and bargain concerning wages and conditions of employment, and take other steps to protect their rights as provided under state and federal laws.

Code 1950, § 18.1-74.1:1; 1964, c. 623; 1972, c. 469; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 534 .
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-212.1 — Virginia Code / Title 18.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 7 / Section 18.2-212.1
Unlawful for person not blind or incapacitated to carry white, white tipped with red or metallic cane
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is metallic or white in color or white tipped with red. Any person violating any provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 46.1-238, 46.1-239; 1958, c. 541; 1964, c. 20; 1975, cc. 14, 15.