dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-449. Punishment.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-450. Immunity of witnesses.
No witness called by the court or attorney for the Commonwealth and giving evidence for the prosecution, either before the grand jury or the court in any prosecution under this article shall ever be proceeded against for any offense of giving, or offering to give, or accepting a bribe committed by him at the time and place indicated in such prosecution; but such witness shall be compelled to testify, and for refusing to answer questions, may by the court, be punished for contempt.

Code 1950, § 18.1-282.3; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-451. Definitions; application and construction of article.
(a) "Barratry" is the offense of stirring up litigation.

(b) A "barrator" is an individual, partnership, association or corporation who or which stirs up litigation.

(c) "Stirring up litigation" means instigating or attempting to instigate a person or persons to institute a suit at law or equity.

(d) "Instigating" means bringing it about that all or part of the expenses of the litigation are paid by the barrator or by a person or persons (other than the plaintiffs) acting in concert with the barrator, unless the instigation is justified.

(e) "Justified" means that the instigator is related by blood or marriage to the plaintiff whom he instigates, or that the instigator is entitled by law to share with the plaintiff in money or property that is the subject of the litigation or that the instigator has a direct interest in the subject matter of the litigation or occupies a position of trust in relation to the plaintiff; or that the instigator is acting on behalf of a duly constituted legal aid society approved by the Virginia State Bar which offers advice or assistance in all kinds of legal matters to all members of the public who come to it for advice or assistance and are unable because of poverty to pay legal fees.

(f) "Direct interest" means a personal right or a pecuniary right or liability.

This article shall not be applicable to attorneys who are parties to contingent fee contracts with their clients where the attorney does not protect the client from payment of the costs and expense of litigation, nor shall this article apply to any matter involving annexation, zoning, bond issues, or the holding or results of any election or referendum, nor shall this article apply to suits pertaining to or affecting possession of or title to real or personal property, regardless of ownership, nor shall this article apply to suits involving the legality of assessment or collection of taxes or the rates thereof, nor shall this article apply to suits involving rates or charges or services by common carriers or public utilities, nor shall this article apply to criminal prosecutions, nor to the payment of attorneys by legal aid societies approved by the Virginia State Bar, nor to proceedings to abate nuisances. Nothing herein shall be construed to be in derogation of the constitutional rights of real parties in interest to employ counsel or to prosecute any available legal remedy under the laws of this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 18.1-388; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-452. Barratry unlawful.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-453. Aiders and abettors.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-454. Enjoining barratry.
Suits to enjoin barratry may be brought by the Attorney General or the attorney for the Commonwealth in the appropriate circuit court.

Code 1950, § 18.1-392; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-455. Unprofessional conduct; revocation of license.
Conduct that is made illegal by this article on the part of an attorney at law or any person holding license from the Commonwealth to engage in a profession is unprofessional conduct. Upon hearing pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-3935, or other statute applicable to the profession concerned, if the defendant be found guilty of barratry, his license to practice law or any other profession shall be revoked for such period as provided by law.

Code 1950, § 18.1-393; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-456. Cases in which courts and judges may punish summarily for contempt.
A. The courts and judges may issue attachments for contempt, and punish them summarily, only in the following cases:

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

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

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

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

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

6. Willful failure to appear before any court or judicial officer as required after having been charged with a felony offense or misdemeanor offense or released on a summons pursuant to § 19.2-73 or 19.2-74.

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

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-292; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 708; 2024, c. 109.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-457. Fine and imprisonment by court limited unless jury impaneled.
No court shall, without a jury, for any such contempt as is mentioned in the first class embraced in § 18.2-456, impose a fine exceeding $250 or imprison more than ten days; but in any such case the court may, without an indictment, information or any formal pleading, impanel a jury to ascertain the fine or imprisonment proper to be inflicted and may give judgment according to the verdict.

Code 1950, § 18.1-295; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1999, c. 626.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-458. Power of judge of district court to punish for contempt.
A judge of a district court shall have the same power and jurisdiction as a judge of a circuit court to punish summarily for contempt, but in no case shall the fine exceed $250, or the imprisonment exceed ten days, for the same contempt.

Code 1950, § 18.1-293; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1999, c. 626.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-459. Appeal from sentence of such judge.
Any person sentenced to pay a fine, or to confinement, under § 18.2-458, may appeal therefrom to the circuit court of the county or city in which the sentence was pronounced, upon entering into recognizance before the sentencing judge, with surety and in penalty deemed sufficient, to appear before such circuit court to answer for the offense. If such appeal be taken, a certificate of the conviction and the particular circumstances of the offense, together with the recognizance, shall forthwith be transmitted by the sentencing judge to the clerk of such circuit court, who shall immediately deliver the same to the judge thereof. Such judge, sitting without a jury, shall hear the case upon the certificate and any legal testimony adduced on either side, and make such order therein as may seem to him proper.

Code 1950, § 18.1-294; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2013, c. 615.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-460. Obstructing justice; resisting arrest; fleeing from a law-enforcement officer; penalties.
A. If any person without just cause knowingly obstructs a judge, magistrate, justice, juror, attorney for the Commonwealth, witness, any law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer employed pursuant to § 3.2-6555 in the performance of his duties as such or fails or refuses without just cause to cease such obstruction when requested to do so by such judge, magistrate, justice, juror, attorney for the Commonwealth, witness, law-enforcement officer, or animal control officer employed pursuant to § 3.2-6555, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, any person who, by threats or force, knowingly attempts to intimidate or impede a judge, magistrate, justice, juror, attorney for the Commonwealth, witness, any law-enforcement officer, or an animal control officer employed pursuant to § 3.2-6555 lawfully engaged in his duties as such, or to obstruct or impede the administration of justice in any court, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. If any person by threats of bodily harm or force knowingly attempts to intimidate or impede a judge, magistrate, justice, juror, attorney for the Commonwealth, witness, any law-enforcement officer, lawfully engaged in the discharge of his duty, or to obstruct or impede the administration of justice in any court relating to a violation of or conspiracy to violate § 18.2-248 or subdivision (a)(3), (b) or (c) of § 18.2-248.1, or § 18.2-46.2 or § 18.2-46.3, or relating to the violation of or conspiracy to violate any violent felony offense listed in subsection C of § 17.1-805, he is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

D. Any person who knowingly and willfully makes any materially false statement or representation to a law-enforcement officer or an animal control officer employed pursuant to § 3.2-6555 who is in the course of conducting an investigation of a crime by another is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

E. Any person who intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a law-enforcement officer from lawfully arresting him, with or without a warrant, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this subsection, intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent a lawful arrest means fleeing from a law-enforcement officer when (i) the officer applies physical force to the person, or (ii) the officer communicates to the person that he is under arrest and (a) the officer has the legal authority and the immediate physical ability to place the person under arrest, and (b) a reasonable person who receives such communication knows or should know that he is not free to leave.

Code 1950, § 18.1-310; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 269; 1984, c. 571; 1989, c. 506; 1993, c. 747; 1996, c. 718; 1999, cc. 770, 800; 2002, cc. 527, 810, 818; 2003, cc. 111, 149; 2004, cc. 396, 435; 2007, cc. 220, 282; 2009, c. 242; 2018, c. 417.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-460.1. Unlawful disclosure of existence of order authorizing wire or oral interception of communication.
Except as provided in Chapter 6 (§ 19.2-61 et seq.) of Title 19.2, it shall be unlawful for any person who, by virtue of his position of authority or in the course of his employment by a court, a public utility, a law-enforcement agency, or by any other agency of state or local government, obtains knowledge of the fact that an order authorizing interception of wire or oral communication has been entered or is sought to be entered, intentionally to disclose such information to any person, except in the performance of his duties. Persons violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Nothing herein precludes a court authorizing an interception under this chapter from prohibiting any other person from disclosing the existence of an order, interception, or device and imposing contempt sanctions for any willful disclosure.

1980, c. 339.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-461. Falsely summoning or giving false reports to law-enforcement officials.
It shall be unlawful for any person (i) to knowingly give a false report as to the commission of any crime to any law-enforcement official with intent to mislead; (ii) to knowingly, with the intent to mislead a law-enforcement agency, cause another to give a false report to any law-enforcement official by publicly simulating a violation of Chapter 4 (§ 18.2-30 et seq.) or Chapter 5 (§ 18.2-77 et seq.); or (iii) without just cause and with intent to interfere with the operations of any law-enforcement official, to call or summon any law-enforcement official by telephone or other means, including engagement or activation of an automatic emergency alarm. Violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if a person intentionally gives a false report as to the commission of any crime to any law-enforcement official, causes another to give a false report to any law-enforcement official, or calls or summons any law-enforcement official against another person because of his race, religious conviction, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or national origin, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-401; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1996, cc. 753, 815; 2019, cc. 471, 498; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 22.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-461.1. False emergency communication to emergency personnel; penalties.
A. As used in this section:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023, cc. 22, 23.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-462. Concealing or compounding offenses; penalties.
A. Except as provided in subsection B, if any person knowing of the commission of an offense takes any money or reward, or an engagement therefor, upon an agreement or understanding, expressed or implied, to compound or conceal such offense, or not to prosecute therefor, or not to give evidence thereof, he shall, if such offense is a felony, be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor; and if such offense is not a felony, unless it is punishable merely by forfeiture to him, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

B. Any person, other than the victim of the crime or the husband, wife, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, or sister, by consanguinity or affinity of the offender, who with actual knowledge of the commission by another of any felony offense under Chapter 4 (§ 18.2-30 et seq.) of this title, willfully conceals, alters, dismembers, or destroys any item of physical evidence with the intent to delay, impede, obstruct, prevent, or hinder the investigation, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of any person regarding such offense is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-303; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2005, c. 408.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-462.1. Use of police radio during commission of crime.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-463. Refusal to aid officer in execution of his office.
If any person on being required by any sheriff or other officer refuse or neglect to assist him: (1) in the execution of his office in a criminal case, (2) in the preservation of the peace, (3) in the apprehending or securing of any person for a breach of the peace, or (4) in any case of escape or rescue, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.301; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-464. Failure to obey order of conservator of the peace.
If any person, being required by a conservator of the peace on view of a breach of the peace or other offense to bring before him the offender, refuse or neglect to obey the conservator of the peace, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor; and if the conservator of the peace declare himself or be known to be such to the person so refusing or neglecting, ignorance of his office shall not be pleaded as an excuse.

Code 1950, § 18.1-302; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-465. Officer summoning juror to act impartially.
If any sheriff or other officer corruptly, or through favor or ill-will, summon a juror, with intent that such juror shall find a verdict for or against either party, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and forfeit his office; and he shall be forever incapable of holding any office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 18.1-296; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-465.1. Penalizing employee for court appearance or service on jury panel.
Any person who is summoned to serve on jury duty or any person, except a defendant in a criminal case, who is summoned or subpoenaed to appear in any court of law or equity when a case is to be heard or who, having appeared, is required in writing by the court to appear at any future hearing, shall neither be discharged from employment, nor have any adverse personnel action taken against him, nor shall he be required to use sick leave or vacation time, as a result of his absence from employment due to such jury duty or court appearance, upon giving reasonable notice to his employer of such court appearance or summons. No person who is summoned and appears for jury duty for four or more hours, including travel time, in one day shall be required to start any work shift that begins on or after 5:00 p.m. on the day of his appearance for jury duty or begins before 3:00 a.m. on the day following the day of his appearance for jury duty. Any employer violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1981, c. 609; 1985, c. 436; 1988, c. 415; 2000, c. 295; 2002, c. 423; 2004, c. 800; 2005, c. 931.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-465.2. Contact with jurors after trial prohibited; penalty.
No defendant shall knowingly and intentionally contact, with the intent to harass, intimidate, or threaten, a juror regarding such juror's service as a juror after a jury trial. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2024, c. 561.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-466. Corruptly procuring juror to be summoned.
If any person procure or attempt to procure a juror to be summoned, with intent that such juror shall find a verdict for or against either party, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-297; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-467. Fraud in drawing jurors, etc.
If any person be guilty of any fraud, either by tampering with the jury box prior to a draft, or in drawing a juror, or in returning into the jury box the name of any person which has lawfully been drawn out and drawing and substituting another in his stead, or in any other way in drawing of jurors, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-298; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-468. Making sound recordings of jury deliberations.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-469. Officer refusing, delaying, etc., to execute process for criminal.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-470. Extortion by officer.
If any officer, for performing an official duty for which a fee or compensation is allowed or provided by law, knowingly demand and receive a greater fee or compensation than is so allowed or provided, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-304; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-471. Fraudulent issue of fee bills.
If any person authorized by law to charge fees for services performed by him and issue bills therefor fraudulently issue a fee bill for a service not performed by him, or for more than he is entitled to, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall forfeit his office and be forever incapable of holding office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-305, 18.1-307; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-471.1. Destruction of human biological evidence; penalty.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-472. False entries or destruction of records by officers.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-473. Persons aiding escape of prisoner or child.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-473.1. Communication with prisoners or committed person; penalty.
It shall be unlawful for any person outside of any state or local correctional facility or any juvenile correctional center, other than the jailers or custodial officers in charge of the prisoners or in charge of the persons committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, to communicate without authority by word or sign with the intent to disrupt institutional operations with any prisoner confined within a state or local correctional facility or with any person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center. Any person violating this section is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

1982, c. 636; 2000, c. 286; 2013, cc. 707, 782.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-473.2. Covering a security camera in a correctional facility; penalty.
A. As used in this section, "security camera" means an analog or digital photographic or video camera or other device capable of recording or transmitting a photograph, motion picture, or other digital image that has been installed in a state or local correctional facility or any juvenile correctional center.

B. Any person who intentionally covers, removes, damages, renders inoperable, or otherwise obscures a security camera without the permission of the sheriff, jail superintendent, warden, or Director of the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Any person who intentionally covers, removes, damages, renders inoperable, or otherwise obscures a security camera with the intent of inhibiting or preventing a security camera from recording or transmitting a photograph, motion picture, or other digital image of the commission of a felony is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

2022, cc. 673, 674.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-474. Delivery of articles to prisoners or committed person.
No person shall willfully in any manner deliver, or attempt to deliver, to any prisoner confined under authority of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or of any political subdivision thereof, or to any person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center, any article of any nature whatsoever, without first securing the permission of the person in whose charge such prisoner or committed person is, and who may in his discretion grant or refuse permission. Any person violating this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-285; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2013, cc. 707, 782.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-474.1. Delivery of drugs, firearms, explosives, etc., to prisoners or committed persons.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 18.2-474, any person who shall willfully in any manner deliver, attempt to deliver, or conspire with another to deliver to any prisoner confined under authority of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or of any political subdivision thereof, or to any person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center, any drug which is a controlled substance regulated by the Drug Control Act in Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 or marijuana is guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who shall willfully in any manner so deliver or attempt to deliver or conspire to deliver to any such prisoner or confined or committed person, firearms, ammunitions, or explosives of any nature is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

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

1975, c. 608; 1982, c. 490; 2011, cc. 384, 410; 2013, cc. 707, 782; 2014, cc. 674, 719.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-474.2. Bribery in correctional facilities; penalty.
A. Any person who receives any pecuniary benefit or other consideration to act in violation of § 18.2-474 or 18.2-474.1 is guilty of bribery, punishable as a Class 4 felony.

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

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 289.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-475. Officers, etc., voluntarily allowing person convicted, charged, or adjudicated delinquent of felony to escape; penalty.
If any sheriff, jailer, or other officer, or any guard or other person summoned or employed by any such sheriff, jailer, or other officer, voluntarily allows a prisoner or person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice convicted of, charged with, or adjudicated delinquent of a felony to escape from his custody, he is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-286; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 360; 2013, cc. 707, 782.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-476. Officers, etc., willfully and deliberately permitting person convicted of, charged with, or adjudicated delinquent of a nonfelonious offense to escape or willfully refusing to receive person; penalty.
If any sheriff, jailer, or other officer, or any guard or other person summoned or employed by such sheriff, jailer, or other officer, willfully and deliberately permits a prisoner or person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice convicted of, charged with, or adjudicated delinquent of an offense not a felony, to escape from his custody, or willfully refuses to receive into his custody a person lawfully committed thereto, he is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-287; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 360; 2013, cc. 707, 782.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-477. Prisoner escaping from jail; how punished.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-477.1. Escapes from juvenile facility; penalty.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to escape or remain away without proper authority from a group home or other residential care facility for children in need of services, delinquent or alleged delinquent youths in which he had been placed by the juvenile and domestic relations court or as a result of his commitment as a juvenile to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Any person violating this subsection shall be taken into custody and brought before the juvenile and domestic relations court. The court may find the person in violation of § 16.1-292 or, if the court finds the person amenable to further treatment in a juvenile facility, the court may return him to the custody of the Department.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to escape or remain away without proper authority from a secure facility operated by or under contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice or from a secure juvenile detention facility in which he had been placed by the juvenile and domestic relations court or as a result of his commitment as a juvenile to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Any person who escapes from a facility specified in this subsection by force or by violence shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony or, if violation of this subsection occurs other than by force or violence, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1985, c. 435; 1989, c. 733; 1993, c. 840; 1994, c. 490; 1997, c. 749.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-477.2. Punishment for certain offenses committed within a secure juvenile facility or detention home.
It shall be unlawful for a person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center or detained in a secure juvenile facility or detention home to commit any of the offenses enumerated in § 53.1-203. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, except that a violation of subdivision 6 of § 53.1-203 is a Class 5 felony.

1999, c. 21; 2007, c. 521; 2013, cc. 707, 782.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-478. Escape from jail or custody by force or violence without setting fire to jail; penalty.
If any person lawfully imprisoned in jail and not tried or sentenced on a criminal offense escapes from jail by force or violence, other than by setting fire thereto, or if any person lawfully in the custody of any law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 18.2-57, on a charge of criminal offense escapes from such custody by force or violence, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-289; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 555; 2025, cc. 38, 41.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-479. Escape without force or violence or setting fire to jail; penalties.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-479.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 417, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-480. Escape, etc., by setting fire to jail.
If any person lawfully imprisoned in jail escape, or attempt to escape therefrom, by setting fire thereto, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-291; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 10 (Crimes Against the Administration of Justice)
§ 18.2-480.1. Admissibility of records of Department of Corrections in escape cases.
In any prosecution for, or preliminary hearing for, the offense of escape under this article or Title 53.1, the records maintained by the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, when such records are duly attested by the custodian of such records, shall be admissible in evidence as evidence of the fact, location and dates of confinement, provided that the records shall be filed with the clerk of the court hearing the case at least seven days prior to the trial or preliminary hearing. On motion of the accused, the court may require the custodian to appear as a witness and be subject to cross-examination; provided such motion is made within a reasonable time prior to the day on which the case is set for trial; and provided further, that the custodian so appearing shall be considered the Commonwealth's witness.

1976, c. 394; 1989, c. 733.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-481. Treason defined; how proved and punished.
Treason shall consist only in:

(1) Levying war against the Commonwealth;

(2) Adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort;

(3) Establishing, without authority of the legislature, any government within its limits separate from the existing government;

(4) Holding or executing, in such usurped government, any office, or professing allegiance or fidelity to it; or

(5) Resisting the execution of the laws under color of its authority.

Such treason, if proved by the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or by confession in court, shall be punishable as a Class 2 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-418; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-482. Misprision of treason.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-483. Attempting, or instigating others, to establish usurped government.
If any person attempt to establish any such usurped government and commit any overt act therefor or by writing or speaking endeavor to instigate others to establish such government, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-420; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-484. Advocacy of change in government by force, violence or other unlawful means.
It shall be unlawful for any person, group, or organization to advocate any change, by force, violence, or other unlawful means in the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its subdivisions or in the government of the United States of America.

It shall be unlawful for any person to join, assist or otherwise contribute to any group or organization which, to the knowledge of such person, advocates or has as its purpose, aim or objective, any change, by force, violence, or other unlawful means in the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its subdivisions or in the government of the United States of America.

Violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.

Nothing herein shall be construed to limit or prohibit the advocacy, orally or otherwise, of any change, by peaceful means, in the government of the Commonwealth or any of its subdivisions or in the government of the United States.

Code 1950, § 18.1-421; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 343; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-485. Conspiring to incite one race to insurrection against another race.
If any person conspire with another to incite the population of one race to acts of violence and war against the population of another race, he shall, whether such acts of violence and war be made or not, be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-422; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-486. Definition of flag, standard, etc.
The words flag, standard, color, ensign or shield, as used in this article, shall include any flag, standard, color, ensign or shield, or copy, picture or representation thereof, made of any substance or represented or produced thereon, and of any size, evidently purporting to be such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield of the United States, or of this Commonwealth, or a copy, picture or representation thereof.

Code 1950, § 18.1-423; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-487. Exhibition or display.
No person shall, in any manner, for exhibition or display:

(1) Place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing or advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, color, ensign or shield of the United States or of this Commonwealth, or authorized by any law of the United States or of this Commonwealth;

(2) Expose to public view any such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield upon which shall have been printed, painted or otherwise produced, or to which shall have been attached, appended, affixed or annexed, any such word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing or advertisement; or

(3) Expose to public view for sale, manufacture or otherwise, or sell, give or have in possession for sale, for gift or for use for any purpose, any substance, being an article of merchandise, or receptacle, or thing for holding or carrying merchandise, upon or to which shall have been produced or attached any such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield, in order to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark or distinguish such article or substance.

Code 1950, § 18.1-424; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 11 (OFFENSES AGAINST THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH)
§ 18.2-488. Mutilating, defacing, etc.
No person shall publicly burn with contempt, mutilate, deface, defile, trample upon, or wear with intent to defile any such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield.

Code 1950, § 18.1-425; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 349; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 493.