dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-386.2. Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another; penalty.
A. Any person who, with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate, maliciously disseminates or sells any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever that depicts another person (i) who is totally nude; (ii) who is in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast; or (iii) whose genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast are not exposed but such videographic or still image is obscene as defined in § 18.2-372 where such person knows or has reason to know that he is not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell such videographic or still image is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this subsection, "another person" includes a person whose image was used in creating, adapting, or modifying a videographic or still image with the intent to depict an actual person and who is recognizable as an actual person by the person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic.

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

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

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

2014, c. 399; 2019, cc. 490, 515; 2024, c. 697.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-387. Indecent exposure.
Every person who intentionally makes an obscene display or exposure of his person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place, or in any place where others are present, or procures another to so expose himself, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. No person shall be deemed to be in violation of this section for breastfeeding a child in any public place or any place where others are present.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 398.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-387.1. Obscene sexual display; penalty.
Any person who, while in any public place where others are present, intending that he be seen by others, intentionally and obscenely as defined in § 18.2-372, engages in actual or explicitly simulated acts of masturbation, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2005, c. 422.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-388. Intoxication in public; penalty; transportation of public inebriates to detoxification center.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-389. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-390. Definitions.
As used in this article:

(1) "Juvenile" means a person less than 18 years of age.

(2) "Nudity" means a state of undress so as to expose the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered or uncovered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.

(3) "Sexual conduct" means actual or explicitly simulated acts of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or physical contact in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if such be female, breast.

(4) "Sexual excitement" means the condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.

(5) "Sadomasochistic abuse" means actual or explicitly simulated flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of one so clothed.

(6) "Harmful to juveniles" means that quality of any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, when it (a) predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest of juveniles, (b) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for juveniles, and (c) is, when taken as a whole, lacking in serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for juveniles.

(7) "Knowingly" means having general knowledge of, or reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both (a) the character and content of any material described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant, and (b) the age of the juvenile, provided however, that an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such juvenile.

(8) "Video or computer game" means an object or device that stores recorded data or instructions, receives data or instructions generated by a person who uses it, and, by processing the data or instructions, creates an interactive game capable of being played, viewed, or experienced on or through a computer, television gaming system, console, or other technology.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.6; 1970, c. 560; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 492; 1976, c. 504; 2006, c. 463; 2023, c. 811.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-391.1. Exceptions to application of article.
Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to apply to:

1. The purchase, distribution, exhibition, or loan of any work of art, book, magazine, or other printed or manuscript material by any accredited museum, library, school, or institution of higher education.

2. The exhibition or performance of any play, drama, tableau, or motion picture by any theatre, museum, school, or institution of higher education, either supported by public appropriation or which is an accredited institution supported by private funds.

1977, c. 480.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-392. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1984, c. 492.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-403.1. Offenses involving animals — Class 1 misdemeanors.
The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of subsection A of § 3.2-6570 pertaining to cruelty to animals, except as provided for second or subsequent violations in that section.

2. Violation of § 3.2-6508 pertaining to transporting animals under certain conditions.

3. Making a false claim or receiving money on a false claim under § 3.2-6553 pertaining to compensation for livestock and poultry killed by dogs.

4. Violation of § 3.2-6518 pertaining to boarding establishments and groomers as defined in § 3.2-6500.

5. Violation of § 3.2-6504 pertaining to the abandonment of animals.

6. Violation of subdivision B 3 of § 3.2-6587 pertaining to an animal confinement agreement or plan set forth in § 3.2-6562.1.

1984, c. 492; 1992, c. 177; 1993, c. 174; 1996, c. 249; 1999, c. 620; 2018, c. 416; 2020, c. 1183.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-403.2. Offenses involving animals — Class 3 misdemeanors.
The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 3 misdemeanor:

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

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

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

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

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

1984, c. 492; 1992, c. 177; 1993, c. 174; 1999, c. 620; 2003, c. 787; 2008, cc. 543, 707; 2018, c. 416; 2019, cc. 536, 537.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-403.3. Offenses involving animals — Class 4 misdemeanors.
The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of § 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged with preventing cruelty to animals.

2. Violation of § 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.

3. Violation of § 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead companion animal.

4. Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B of § 3.2-6587, violation of ordinances passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of vicious dogs.

5. Violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539 requiring dogs to be on a leash.

6. Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by § 29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.

7. Diseased dogs. — For the owner of any dog with a contagious or infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner.

8. License application. — For any person to make a false statement in order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.

9. License tax. — For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by subsection A or C of § 3.2-6530 within one month after the date when it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper disposition of the dog or cat.

10. Concealing a dog or cat. — For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.

11. Removing collar and tag. — For any person, except the owner or custodian, to remove a legally acquired license tag from a dog or cat without the permission of the owner or custodian.

12. Violation of § 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.

1984, c. 492; 1993, cc. 174, 817; 2017, cc. 559, 567; 2020, c. 1183.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 8 (Crimes Involving Morals and Decency)
§ 18.2-403.4. Unauthorized release of animals; penalty.
Any person who intentionally releases an animal, as defined in § 3.2-6500, lawfully confined for scientific, research, commercial, agricultural or educational purposes without the consent of the owner or custodian of the animal and with the intent to impede or obstruct any such lawful purpose shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1992, c. 307.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-404. Obstructing free passage of others.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-405. What constitutes a riot; punishment.
Any unlawful use, by three or more persons acting together, of force or violence which seriously jeopardizes the public safety, peace or order is riot.

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

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

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-254.1, 18.1-254.2; 1968, c. 460; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 251; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-406. What constitutes an unlawful assembly; punishment.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-407. Remaining at place of riot or unlawful assembly after warning to disperse.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-408. Conspiracy; incitement, etc., to riot.
Any person who conspires with others to cause or produce a riot, or directs, incites, or solicits other persons who participate in a riot to acts of force or violence, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.5:1; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 251; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-409. Resisting or obstructing execution of legal process.
Every person acting jointly or in combination with any other person to resist or obstruct the execution of any legal process shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.6; 1968, c. 460; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-410. Power of Governor to summon law-enforcement agencies, national guard, etc., to execute process or preserve the peace.
If it appears to the Governor that the power of the locality is not sufficient to enable the sheriff or other officer to execute process delivered to him or to suppress riots and to preserve the peace, he may order law-enforcement agencies, national guard, militia or other agencies of the Commonwealth or localities as may be necessary to execute such process and to preserve the peace. All persons so ordered or summoned by the Governor are required to attend and act. Any person who, without lawful cause, refuses or neglects to obey the command, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.7; 1968, c. 460; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-411. Dispersal of unlawful or riotous assemblies; duties of officers.
When any number of persons, whether armed or not, are unlawfully or riotously assembled, the sheriff of the county and his deputies, the police officials of the county, city or town, and any assigned militia, or any of them, shall go among the persons assembled or as near to them as safety will permit and command them in the name of the Commonwealth immediately to disperse. If upon such command the persons unlawfully assembled do not disperse immediately, such sheriff, officer or militia may use such force as is reasonably necessary to disperse them and to arrest those who fail or refuse to disperse. To accomplish this end, the sheriff or other law-enforcement officer may request and use the assistance and services of private citizens. Every endeavor shall be used, both by such sheriff or other officers and by the officer commanding any other force, which can be made consistently with the preservation of life, to induce or force those unlawfully assembled to disperse before an attack is made upon those unlawfully assembled by which their lives may be endangered.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-254.8, 18.1-254.9; 1968, c. 460; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-412. Immunity of officers and others in quelling a riot or unlawful assembly.
No liability, criminal or civil, shall be imposed upon any person authorized to disperse or assist in dispersing a riot or unlawful assembly for any action of such person which was taken after those rioting or unlawfully assembled had been commanded to disperse, and which action was reasonably necessary under all the circumstances to disperse such riot or unlawful assembly or to arrest those who failed or refused to disperse.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-254.8, 18.1-254.9; 1968, c. 460; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-413. Commission of certain offenses in county, city or town declared by Governor to be in state of riot or insurrection.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-414. Injury to property or persons by persons unlawfully or riotously assembled.
If any person or persons, unlawfully or riotously assembled, pull down, injure, or destroy, or begin to pull down, injure or destroy any dwelling house or other building, or assist therein, or perpetrate any premeditated injury on the person of another, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-254.11; 1968, c. 460; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-414.1. Obstructing emergency medical services agency personnel in performance of mission; penalty.
Any person who unreasonably or unnecessarily obstructs the delivery of emergency medical services by emergency medical services agency personnel, whether governmental, private, or volunteer, or who fails or refuses to cease such obstruction or move on when requested to do so by emergency medical services personnel going to or at the site at which emergency medical services are required is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

1976, c. 233; 2002, c. 560; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-414.2. Crossing established police lines, perimeters or barricades.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cross or remain within police lines or barricades which have been established pursuant to § 15.2-1714 without proper authorization.

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

1984, c. 533; 1990, c. 327.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-415. Disorderly conduct in public places.
A. A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with the intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, he:

1. In any street, highway, or public building, or while in or on a public conveyance, or while in a public place engages in conduct having a direct tendency to cause acts of violence by the person or persons at whom, individually, such conduct is directed;

2. Willfully or being intoxicated, whether willfully or not, and whether such intoxication results from self-administered alcohol or other drug of whatever nature, disrupts any funeral, memorial service, or meeting of the governing body of any political subdivision of this Commonwealth or a division or agency thereof, or of any school, literary society, or place of religious worship, if the disruption (i) prevents or interferes with the orderly conduct of the funeral, memorial service, or meeting or (ii) has a direct tendency to cause acts of violence by the person or persons at whom, individually, the disruption is directed; or

3. Willfully or while intoxicated, whether willfully or not, and whether such intoxication results from self-administered alcohol or other drug of whatever nature, disrupts the operation of any school or any activity conducted or sponsored by any school, if the disruption (i) prevents or interferes with the orderly conduct of the operation or activity or (ii) has a direct tendency to cause acts of violence by the person or persons at whom, individually, the disruption is directed.

B. The conduct prohibited under subsection A shall not be deemed to include the utterance or display of any words or to include conduct otherwise made punishable under this title.

C. The person in charge of any such building, place, conveyance, meeting, operation, or activity may eject therefrom any person who violates any provision of this section, with the aid, if necessary, of any persons who may be called upon for such purpose.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any elementary or secondary school student if the disorderly conduct occurred on the property of any elementary or secondary school, on a school bus as defined in § 46.2-100, or at any activity conducted or sponsored by any elementary or secondary school.

E. The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns are authorized to adopt ordinances prohibiting and punishing the acts and conduct prohibited by this section, provided that the punishment fixed therefor shall not exceed that prescribed for a Class 1 misdemeanor. A person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-239, 18.1-240, 18.1-253.1 through 18.1-253.3; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 639; 1969, Ex. Sess., c. 2; 1970, c. 374; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 244; 1990, c. 627; 2006, c. 250; 2020, cc. 199, 355.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-416. Punishment for using abusive language to another.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-417. Slander and libel.
Any person who shall falsely utter and speak, or falsely write and publish, of and concerning any person of chaste character, any words derogatory of such person's character for virtue and chastity, or imputing to such person acts not virtuous and chaste, or who shall falsely utter and speak, or falsely write and publish, of and concerning another person, any words which from their usual construction and common acceptation are construed as insults and tend to violence and breach of the peace or who shall use grossly insulting language to any person of good character or reputation is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-256; 1960, c. 358; 1973, c. 526; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 900.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-418. Declaration of policy.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-419. Picketing or disrupting tranquility of home.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-420. "Clandestine organization" defined.
"Clandestine organization" means: any organization (1) which conceals, or attempts to conceal, its name, activities or membership, or the names, activities or membership of any chapter, branch, unit or affiliate thereof, by the use of cover-names, codes, or any deceptive practice or other means, or (2) whose members shall be required, urged, or instructed, or shall adopt any practice, to conceal their membership or affiliation and that of others in or with such organization, or (3) whose members shall take any oath or pledge, or shall administer any such oath or pledge to those associated with them, to maintain in secrecy any matter or knowledge committed to them by the organization or by any member thereof, or (4) which shall transact business or advance any purpose at any secret meeting or meetings which are guarded or secured against intrusion by persons not associated with it, and (5) whose purpose, policy or activity includes the unlawful use of violence, threats, or intimidation in accomplishing any of its objectives.

Code 1950, § 18.1-380.1; 1968, c. 792; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-421. Information to be filed by clandestine organization with State Corporation Commission.
Every existing membership corporation and every existing unincorporated association which is a clandestine organization as defined in § 18.2-420, shall file with the clerk of the State Corporation Commission a sworn copy of its constitution, bylaws, rules, regulations, and oath of membership, together with a roster of its membership and a list of its officers for the current year. Every such corporation and association shall, in case its constitution, bylaws, rules, regulations or oath of membership or any part thereof be revised, changed or amended, within ten days after such revision or amendment, file with the clerk of the State Corporation Commission a sworn copy of such revised, changed or amended constitution, bylaw, rule, regulation or oath of membership. Every such corporation or association shall, within thirty days after a change has been made in its officers, file with the clerk of the State Corporation Commission a sworn statement showing such change. Every such corporation or association shall, at intervals of six months, file with the clerk of the State Corporation Commission, a sworn statement showing the names and addresses of such additional members as have been received in such corporation or association during such interval.

The violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The provisions of §§ 18.2-420 and 18.2-421 shall not apply to fraternal organizations which are organized for charitable, benevolent, and educational objectives and whose transactions and list of members are open for public inspection.

Code 1950, § 18.1-380.2; 1968, c. 792; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-422. Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes; (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons; (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball; or (iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon (a) the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device, or (b) the declaration of a disaster or state of emergency by the Governor in response to a public health emergency where the emergency declaration expressly waives this section, defines the mask appropriate for the emergency, and provides for the duration of the waiver. The violation of any provisions of this section is a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-364, 18.1-367; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1986, c. 19; 2010, cc. 262, 420; 2014, c. 167.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-423. Burning cross on property of another or public place with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent.
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, to burn, or cause to be burned, a cross on the property of another, a highway or other public place. Any person who shall violate any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Any such burning of a cross shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to intimidate a person or group of persons.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-365 through 18.1-367; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 350; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 337.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-423.01. Burning object on property of another or a highway or other public place with intent to intimidate; penalty.
A. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, burns an object on the private property of another without permission, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

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

2002, cc. 589, 600.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-423.1. Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent.
A. It is unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, to place or cause to be placed a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on (i) any church, synagogue, or other building or place used for religious worship; (ii) any school, educational facility, or community center owned or operated by a church or religious body; or (iii) the private property of another without permission.

B. It is unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, to place or cause to be placed a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury.

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

D. For the purposes of this section, any such placing of a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to intimidate another person or group of persons. However, these terms do not include and are distinct from the sacred swastika word and symbol of peace and prosperity used by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American religions.

1983, c. 337; 2025, c. 673.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-423.2. Displaying noose on property of another or a highway or other public place with intent to intimidate; penalty.
A. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, displays a noose on the private property of another without permission is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

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

2009, c. 277.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-424. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2007, c. 467, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-425.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2009, c. 699, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-426. "Emergency call" and "emergency personnel" defined.
As used in this article:

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

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-370; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1995, c. 791; 2000, c. 962; 2007, c. 467; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-427. Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods.
Any person who uses obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language, or makes any suggestion or proposal of an obscene nature, or threatens any illegal or immoral act with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass any person, over any telephone or citizens band radio, in this Commonwealth, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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

Code 1950, § 18.1-238; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 577; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 312; 1984, c. 592; 2010, c. 565; 2011, c. 246.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-428. Giving certain false information to another by telephone.
If any person maliciously advises or informs another over any telephone in this Commonwealth of the death of, accident to, injury to, illness of, or disappearance of some third party, knowing the same to be false, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-238.1; 1962, c. 225; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-429. Causing a telephone, digital pager, or other device to ring or signal with intent to annoy; emergency communications; penalties.
A. Any person who, with or without intent to communicate but with intent to annoy any other person, causes any telephone or digital pager, not his own, to ring or to otherwise signal, and any person who permits or condones the use of any telephone under his control for such purpose, is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent conviction under this subsection is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor if such prior conviction occurred before the date of the offense charged.

B. Any person who, with or without intent to communicate but with intent to annoy, harass, hinder, or delay emergency personnel in the performance of their duties as such, causes a telephone to ring or other device to signal, which is owned or leased for the purpose of receiving communications by a public or private entity providing fire, police, or emergency medical services, and any person who knowingly permits the use of a telephone or other device under his control for such purpose, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-238.2; 1962, c. 495; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1989, c. 59; 1995, cc. 410, 478, 791; 2012, c. 133; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, cc. 201, 202.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-429.1. False caller identification information; penalty.
A. For the purposes of this section:

"Caller identification information" means data that identifies the identity of the caller or the caller's telephone number to the recipient of a telephone call or to the recipient's telephone network.

"False caller identification information" means data that misrepresents the identity of the caller or the caller's telephone number to the recipient of a telephone call or to the recipient's telephone network.

B. Any person who, with the intent to defraud, intimidate, or harass, causes a telephone to ring and engages in conduct that results in the display of false caller identification information on the called party's telephone is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent conviction under this subsection is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor if the prior conviction occurred before the date of the offense charged.

C. This section shall not apply to:

1. The blocking of caller identification information;

2. Any law-enforcement agencies or any law-enforcement officer while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties;

3. Any intelligence or security agency of the federal government or any employee of such agency while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties; or

4. Any telecommunications, broadband, or Voice-over-Internet protocol service provider that is (i) acting in its capacity as an intermediary for the transmission of telephone service between the caller and the recipient, (ii) providing or configuring a service or service feature as requested by a customer, (iii) acting in a manner that is authorized or required by law, or (iv) engaging in other conduct that is a necessary incident to the provision of service.

2019, c. 476.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-430. Venue for offenses under this article.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article may be prosecuted either in the county or city from which he called or in the county or city in which the call was received.

Code 1950, § 18.1-238; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 577; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 1002; 2022, c. 336.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-431. Duty of telephone companies; notices in directories.
(1) It shall be the duty, on pain of contempt of court, of each telephone company in this Commonwealth to furnish immediately in response to a subpoena issued by a circuit court such information as it, its officers and employees may possess which, in the opinion of the court, may aid in the apprehension of persons suspected of violating the provisions of this article or the provisions of § 18.2-83 or § 18.2-212.

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

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-238, 18.1-371; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 577; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1982, c. 502.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-431.1. Illegal conveyance or possession of cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications device by prisoner or committed person; penalty.
A. It is unlawful for any person without authorization to provide or cause to be provided a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications device to an incarcerated prisoner or person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center.

B. It is unlawful for an incarcerated prisoner or person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center without authorization to possess a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications device during the period of his incarceration.

C. Any violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.

2005, c. 171; 2013, cc. 707, 782; 2015, c. 601.

Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-432. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462.
Code of Virginia — Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally), Chapter 9 (CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND ORDER)
§ 18.2-433.1. Definitions.
As used in this article:

"Civil disorder" means any public disturbance within the United States or any territorial possessions thereof involving acts of violence by assemblages of three or more persons, which causes an immediate danger of or results in damage or injury to the property or person of any other individual.

"Explosive or incendiary device" means (i) dynamite and all other forms of high explosives, (ii) any explosive bomb, grenade, missile, or similar device, or (iii) any incendiary bomb or grenade, fire bomb, or similar device, including any device which consists of or includes a breakable container including a flammable liquid or compound, and a wick composed of any material which, when ignited, is capable of igniting such flammable liquid or compound, and can be carried or thrown by one individual acting alone.

"Firearm" means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material; or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.

"Law-enforcement officer" means any officer as defined in § 9.1-101 or any such officer or member of the armed forces of the United States, any state, any political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia, and such term shall specifically include, but shall not be limited to, members of the National Guard, as defined in § 101(c) of Title 10, United States Code, members of the organized militia of any state or territory of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, not included within the definition of National Guard as defined by such § 101(c), and members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

1987, c. 720; 2003, c. 976; 2004, c. 263.