reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-373. Obscene items enumerated

Obscene items shall include:
(1) Any obscene book;
(2) Any obscene leaflet, pamphlet, magazine, booklet, picture, painting, bumper sticker, drawing, photograph, film, negative, slide, motion picture, videotape recording;
(3) Any obscene figure, object, article, instrument, novelty device, or recording or transcription used or intended to be used in disseminating any obscene song, ballad, words, or sounds; or
(4) Any obscene writing, picture or similar visual representation, or sound recording, stored in an electronic or other medium retrievable in a perceivable form.
Code 1950, § 18.1-229; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 293; 1989, c. 546; 2000, c. 1009.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-374. Production, publication, sale, possession, etc., of obscene items

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to:
(1) Prepare any obscene item for the purposes of sale or distribution; or
(2) Print, copy, manufacture, produce, or reproduce any obscene item for purposes of sale or distribution; or
(3) Publish, sell, rent, lend, transport in intrastate commerce, or distribute or exhibit any obscene item, or offer to do any of these things; or
(4) Have in his possession with intent to sell, rent, lend, transport, or distribute any obscene item. Possession in public or in a public place of any obscene item as defined in this article shall be deemed prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
For the purposes of this section, "distribute" shall mean delivery in person, by mail, messenger or by any other means by which obscene items as defined in this article may pass from one person, firm or corporation to another.
Code 1950, § 18.1-228; 1960, c. 233; 1962, c. 289; 1970, c. 204; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-374.1:1. Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography; penalty

A. Any person who knowingly possesses child pornography is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
B. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of subsection A is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
C. Any person who knowingly (i) reproduces by any means, including by computer, sells, gives away, distributes, electronically transmits, displays, purchases, or possesses with intent to sell, give away, distribute, transmit, or display child pornography or (ii) commands, entreats, or otherwise attempts to persuade another person to send, submit, transfer or provide to him any child pornography in order to gain entry into a group, association, or assembly of persons engaged in trading or sharing child pornography shall be punished by not less than five years nor more than 20 years in a state correctional facility. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation under this subsection shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 20 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. The mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment prescribed for violations of this section shall be served consecutively with any other sentence.
D. Any person who intentionally operates an Internet website for the purpose of facilitating the payment for access to child pornography is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
E. All child pornography shall be subject to lawful seizure and forfeiture pursuant to § 19.2-386.31.
F. For purposes of this section it may be inferred by text, title or appearance that a person who is depicted as or presents the appearance of being less than 18 years of age in sexually explicit visual material is less than 18 years of age.
G. Venue for a prosecution under this section may lie in the jurisdiction where the unlawful act occurs, where the alleged offender resides, or where any child pornography is produced, reproduced, found, stored, received, or possessed in violation of this section.
H. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any such material that is possessed for a bona fide medical, scientific, governmental, law-enforcement, or judicial purpose by a physician, psychologist, scientist, attorney, employee of the Department of Social Services or a local department of social services, employee of a law-enforcement agency, judge, or clerk and such person possesses such material in the course of conducting his professional duties as such.
1992, c. 745; 1993, c. 853; 1994, c. 511; 1999, c. 659; 2003, cc. 935, 938; 2004, c. 995; 2007, cc. 759, 823; 2009, c. 379; 2011, cc. 399, 416; 2012, c. 369; 2013, cc. 761, 774; 2014, c. 291; 2015, c. 428; 2017, c. 96; 2020, c. 489.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-374.4. Display of child pornography or grooming video or materials to a child unlawful; penalty

A. Any person 18 years of age or older who displays child pornography or a grooming video or materials to a child under 13 years of age with the intent to entice, solicit, or encourage the child to engage in the fondling of the sexual or genital parts of another or the fondling of his sexual or genital parts by another, sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, or object sexual penetration is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
B. "Grooming video or materials" means a cartoon, animation, image, or series of images depicting a child engaged in the fondling of the sexual or genital parts of another or the fondling of his sexual or genital parts by another, masturbation, sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, or object sexual penetration.
2012, c. 624.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-375. Obscene exhibitions and performances

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to:
(1) Produce, promote, prepare, present, manage, direct, carry on or participate in, any obscene exhibitions or performances, including the exhibition or performance of any obscene motion picture, play, drama, show, entertainment, exposition, tableau or scene; provided, that no employee of any person or legal entity operating a theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place which presents such obscene exhibition or performance shall be subject to prosecution under this section if the employee is not the manager of the theatre or an officer of such entity, and has no financial interest in such theatre other than receiving salary and wages; or
(2) Own, lease or manage any theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place and lease, let, lend or permit such theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place to be used for the purpose of presenting such obscene exhibition or performance or to fail to post prominently therein the name and address of a person resident in the locality who is the manager of such theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place.
Code 1950, § 18.1-230; 1960, c. 233; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 191; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-376. Advertising, etc., obscene items, exhibitions or performances

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to prepare, print, publish, or circulate, or cause to be prepared, printed, published or circulated, any notice or advertisement of any obscene item proscribed in § 18.2-373, or of any obscene performance or exhibition proscribed in § 18.2-375, stating or indicating where such obscene item, exhibition, or performance may be purchased, obtained, seen or heard.
Code 1950, § 18.1-231; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-376.1. Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations

Any person who uses a computer in connection with a violation of §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, or § 18.2-376 is guilty of a separate and distinct Class 1 misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent such offense within 10 years of a prior such offense is guilty of a Class 6 felony, the penalties to be imposed in addition to any other punishment otherwise prescribed for a violation of any of those sections.
2003, cc. 987, 1016.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-377. Placards, posters, bills, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to expose, place, display, post up, exhibit, paint, print, or mark, or cause to be exposed, placed, displayed, posted, exhibited, painted, printed or marked, in or on any building, structure, billboard, wall or fence, or on any street, or in or upon any public place, any placard, poster, banner, bill, writing, or picture which is obscene, or which advertises or promotes any obscene item proscribed in § 18.2-373 or any obscene exhibition or performance proscribed in § 18.2-375, or knowingly to permit the same to be displayed on property belonging to or controlled by him.
Code 1950, § 18.1-232; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-378. Coercing acceptance of obscene articles or publications

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation, as a condition to any sale, allocation, consignment or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, periodical or publication to require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other article, book, or other publication which is obscene; nor shall any person, firm, association or corporation deny or threaten to deny any franchise or impose or threaten to impose any penalty, financial or otherwise, by reason of the failure or refusal of any person to accept such articles, books, or publications, or by reason of the return thereof.
Code 1950, § 18.1-233; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-379. Employing or permitting minor to assist in offense under article

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to hire, employ, use or permit any minor to do or assist in doing any act or thing constituting an offense under this article.
Code 1950, § 18.1-234; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-380. Punishment for first offense

Any person, firm, association or corporation convicted for the first time of an offense under §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, 18.2-376, 18.2-377, 18.2-378 or § 18.2-379, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 18.1-235.1; 1968, c. 662; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 412; 1985, c. 279.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-381. Punishment for subsequent offenses; additional penalty for owner

Any person, firm, association or corporation convicted of a second or other subsequent offense under § 18.2-374, 18.2-375, 18.2-376, 18.2-377, 18.2-378, or 18.2-379 is guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, if the person, firm, association or corporation convicted of such subsequent offense is the owner of the business establishment where each of the offenses occurred, a fine of not more than $10,000 shall be imposed in addition to the penalties otherwise prescribed by this section.
Code 1950, § 18.1-236.1; 1960, c. 233; 1968, c. 662; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 412; 2015, c. 428.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-382. Photographs, slides and motion pictures

Every person who knowingly:
(1) Photographs himself or any other person, for purposes of preparing an obscene film, photograph, negative, slide or motion picture for purposes of sale or distribution; or
(2) Models, poses, acts, or otherwise assists in the preparation of any obscene film, photograph, negative, slide or motion picture for purposes of sale or distribution;
shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 18.1-235; 1960, c. 233; 1970, c. 204; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-383. 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 book, magazine, or other printed or manuscript material by any library, school, or institution of higher education, supported by public appropriation;
(2) The purchase, distribution, exhibition, or loan of any work of art by any museum of fine arts, school, or institution of higher education, supported by public appropriation;
(3) The exhibition or performance of any play, drama, tableau, or motion picture by any theatre, museum of fine arts, school, or institution of higher education, supported by public appropriation.
Code 1950, § 18.1-236.2; 1960, c. 233; 1966, c. 516; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-385. Section 18.2-384 applicable to motion picture films

The provisions of § 18.2-384 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the case of motion picture film.
Code 1950, § 18.1-236.4; 1966, c. 516; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-386. Showing previews of certain motion pictures

It shall be unlawful for any person to exhibit any trailer or preview of any motion picture which has a motion picture industry rating which would not permit persons in the audience viewing the feature motion picture to see the complete motion picture from which the trailer or preview is taken. Persons violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 18.1-246.1; 1970, c. 504; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 8 - Crimes Involving Morals and Decency › § 18.2-386.1. Unlawful creation of image of another; penalty

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly and intentionally create any videographic or still image by any means whatsoever of any nonconsenting person if (i) that person is totally nude, clad in undergarments, or in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breast in a restroom, dressing room, locker room, hotel room, motel room, tanning bed, tanning booth, bedroom or other location; or (ii) the videographic or still image is created by placing the lens or image-gathering component of the recording device in a position directly beneath or between a person's legs for the purpose of capturing an image of the person's intimate parts or undergarments covering those intimate parts when the intimate parts or undergarments would not otherwise be visible to the general public; and when the circumstances set forth in clause (i) or (ii) are otherwise such that the person being recorded would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever by (i) law-enforcement officers pursuant to a criminal investigation which is otherwise lawful or (ii) correctional officials and local or regional jail officials for security purposes or for investigations of alleged misconduct involving a person committed to the Department of Corrections or to a local or regional jail, or to any sound recording of an oral conversation made as a result of any videotaping or filming pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 19.2-61 et seq.) of Title 19.2.
C. A violation of subsection A shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
D. A violation of subsection A involving a nonconsenting person under the age of 18 shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.
E. Where it is alleged in the warrant, information, or indictment on which the person is convicted and found by the court or jury trying the case that the person has previously been convicted within the 10-year period immediately preceding the offense charged of two or more of the offenses specified in this section, each such offense occurring on a different date, and when such offenses were not part of a common act, transaction, or scheme, and such person has been at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.
1994, c. 640; 2004, c. 844; 2005, c. 375; 2008, c. 732; 2014, c. 399.
2023 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 who is totally nude, or in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast, 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.