reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 9 - Crimes Against Peace and Order › § 18.2-423.1. Placing swastika on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent

It shall be 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 swastika on any church, synagogue or other building or place used for religious worship, or on any school, educational facility or community center owned or operated by a church or religious body.
A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.
For the purposes of this section, any such placing of a swastika shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to intimidate another person or group of persons.
1983, c. 337.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 9 - Crimes Against Peace and Order › § 18.2-433.2. Paramilitary activity prohibited; penalty

A. A person is guilty of unlawful paramilitary activity, punishable as a Class 5 felony, if he:
1. Teaches or demonstrates to any other person the use, application, or making of any firearm, explosive or incendiary device, or technique capable of causing injury or death to persons, knowing or having reason to know or intending that such training will be employed for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder;
2. Assembles with one or more persons for the purpose of training with, practicing with, or being instructed in the use of any firearm, explosive or incendiary device, or technique capable of causing injury or death to persons, intending to employ such training for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder; or
3. Violates subsection A of § 18.2-282 while assembled with one or more persons for the purpose of and with the intent to intimidate any person or group of persons.
B. The provisions of subsection A shall not apply to any member of a lawfully recognized military color guard, honor guard, or similar organization, or a member of a veterans service organization that is congressionally chartered or officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, when such member is participating in a (i) training or educational exercise offered by such color guard, honor guard, or similar organization or such veterans service organization unless such member engages in such activity with malicious intent or (ii) funeral or public ceremony such as a parade or dedication ceremony on behalf of such color guard, honor guard, or similar organization or such veterans service organization unless such member engages in such activity with malicious intent.
1987, c. 720; 2020, c. 601; 2022, cc. 37, 38.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 9 - Crimes Against Peace and Order › § 18.2-433.3. Exceptions

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to apply to:
1. Any act of a law-enforcement officer performed in the otherwise lawful performance of the officer's official duties;
2. Any activity, undertaken without knowledge of or intent to cause or further a civil disorder, which is intended to teach or practice self-defense or self-defense techniques such as karate clubs or self-defense clinics, and similar lawful activity;
3. Any facility, program or lawful activity related to firearms instruction and training intended to teach the safe handling and use of firearms; or
4. Any other lawful sports or activities related to the individual recreational use or possession of firearms, including but not limited to hunting activities, target shooting, self-defense and firearms collection.
Notwithstanding any language contained herein, no activity of any individual, group, organization or other entity engaged in the lawful display or use of firearms or other weapons or facsimiles thereof shall be deemed to be in violation of this statute.
1987, c. 720.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-434. What deemed perjury; punishment and penalty

If any person to whom an oath is lawfully administered on any occasion willfully swears falsely on such occasion touching any material matter or thing, or if a person falsely make oath that any other person is 18 years of age or older in order to obtain a marriage license for such other person, or if any person in any written declaration, certificate, verification, or statement under penalty of perjury pursuant to § 8.01-4.3 willfully subscribes as true any material matter which he does not believe is true, he is guilty of perjury, punishable as a Class 5 felony. Upon the conviction of any person for perjury, such person thereby shall be adjudged forever incapable of holding any office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia, or of serving as a juror.
Code 1950, §§ 18.1-273 through 18.1-275; 1960, c. 358; 1972, c. 823; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2005, c. 423.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-435. Giving conflicting testimony on separate occasions as to same matter; indictment; sufficiency of evidence

It shall likewise constitute perjury for any person, with the intent to testify falsely, to knowingly give testimony under oath as to any material matter or thing and subsequently to give conflicting testimony under oath as to the same matter or thing. In any indictment for such perjury, it shall be sufficient to allege the offense by stating that the person charged therewith did, knowingly and with the intent to testify falsely, on one occasion give testimony upon a certain matter and, on a subsequent occasion, give different testimony upon the same matter. Upon the trial on such indictment, it shall be sufficient to prove that the defendant, knowingly and with the intent to testify falsely, gave such differing testimony and that the differing testimony was given on two separate occasions.
Code 1950, § 18.1-276; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-436. Inducing another to give false testimony; sufficiency of evidence

If any person procure or induce another to commit perjury or to give false testimony under oath in violation of any provision of this article, he shall be punished as prescribed in § 18.2-434.
In any prosecution under this section, it shall be sufficient to prove that the person alleged to have given false testimony shall have been procured, induced, counselled or advised to give such testimony by the party charged.
Code 1950, § 18.1-277; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-437. Immunity of witnesses

No witness called by the attorney for the Commonwealth, or by the court, and required to give evidence for the prosecution in a proceeding under this article shall ever be proceeded against for the offense concerning which he testified. Such witness shall be compelled to testify and may be punished for contempt for refusing to do so.
Code 1950, § 18.1-277; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-438. Bribes to officers or candidates for office

If any person corruptly give, offer or promise to any executive, legislative or judicial officer, sheriff or police officer, or to any candidate for such office, either before or after he shall have taken his seat, any gift or gratuity, with intent to influence his act, vote, opinion, decision or judgment on any matter, question, cause or proceeding, which is or may be then pending, or may by law come or be brought before him in his official capacity, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and shall forfeit to the Commonwealth any such gift or gratuity given. This section shall also apply to a resident of this Commonwealth who, while temporarily absent therefrom for that purpose, shall make such gift, offer or promise.
Code 1950, § 18.1-278; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1978, c. 123.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-439. Acceptance of bribe by officer or candidate

If any executive, legislative or judicial officer, sheriff or police officer, or any candidate for such office, accept in this Commonwealth, or if, being resident in this Commonwealth, such officer or candidate shall go out of this Commonwealth and accept and afterwards return to and reside in this Commonwealth, any gift or gratuity or any promise to make a gift or do any act beneficial to such officer or candidate under an agreement, or with an understanding, that his vote, opinion or judgment shall be given on any particular side of any question, cause or proceeding which is or may be by law brought before him in his official capacity or that in such capacity he shall make any particular nomination or appointment or take or fail to take any particular action or perform any duty required by law, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and shall forfeit his office and be forever incapable of holding any office of honor, profit or trust under the Constitution of Virginia. The word candidate as used in this section and § 18.2-438, shall mean anyone who has filed his candidacy with the appropriate electoral official or who is a candidate as defined in § 24.2-101.
Code 1950, § 18.1-279; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-440. Bribes to officers to prevent service of process

If any officer authorized to serve legal process receive any money or other thing of value for omitting or delaying to perform any duty pertaining to his office, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 18.1-281; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-441. Giving bribes to, or receiving bribes by, commissioners, jurors, etc.

If any person give, offer or promise to give any money or other thing of value to a commissioner appointed by a court, auditor, arbitrator, umpire or juror (although not impaneled), with intent to bias his opinion or influence his decision in relation to any matter in which he is acting or is to act, or if any such commissioner, auditor, arbitrator, umpire or juror corruptly take or receive such money or other thing, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Code 1950, § 18.1-282; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-441.1. Bribery of witnesses

If any person give, offer, or promise to give any money or other thing of value to anyone with intent to prevent such person from testifying as a witness in any civil or criminal proceeding or with intent to cause that person to testify falsely, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.
1978, c. 612.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-442. Bribery of participants in games, contests or sports

Whoever gives, promises or offers any valuable thing to any professional or amateur participant or prospective participant in any game, contest or sport, with intent to influence him to lose or try to lose or cause to be lost or to limit his or his team's margin of victory in any professional or amateur game, contest or sport in which such participant is taking part or expects to take part, or has any duty or connection therewith, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.
Code 1950, § 18.1-402; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-443. Solicitation or acceptance of bribes by participants or by managers, coaches or trainers

A professional or amateur participant or prospective participant in any game, contest or sport or a manager, coach or trainer of any team or individual participant or prospective participant in any such game, contest or sport, who solicits or accepts any valuable thing to influence him to lose or try to lose or cause to be lost or to limit his or his team's margin of victory in any game, contest or sport in which he is taking part, or expects to take part, or has any duty or connection therewith, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.
Code 1950, § 18.1-403; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-444. Corruptly influencing, or being influenced as, agents, etc.

(1) Any person who gives, offers or promises to an agent, employee or servant any gift or gratuity whatever, without the knowledge and consent of the principal, employer or master of such agent, employee or servant, with intent to influence his action to the prejudice of his principal's, employer's or master's business; or
(2) An agent, employee or servant who, without the knowledge and consent of his principal, employer or master requests or accepts a gift or gratuity or a promise to make a gift or to do an act beneficial to himself, under an agreement or with an understanding that he shall act in any particular manner as to his principal's, employer's or master's business; or
(3) An agent, employee or servant who, being authorized to procure materials, supplies or other articles either by purchase or contract for his principal, employer or master or to employ service or labor for his principal, employer or master receives directly or indirectly, for himself or for another, a commission, discount or bonus from the person who makes such sale or contract, or furnishes such materials, supplies or other articles, or from a person who renders such service or labor; or
(4) Any person who gives or offers such an agent, employee or servant such commission, discount or bonus;
shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Code 1950, § 18.1-404; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-444.2. Giving or accepting a fee or gift for purposes of influencing decisions of financial institution

A. No officer, director, or employee of a financial institution or subsidiary, affiliate or holding company thereof, or stockholder owning ten percent or more of the issued capital stock of any such financial institution or holding company, shall accept, receive or acquire any fee, gift, property interest, or other thing of value with the intent to influence the decision of the financial institution, subsidiary, affiliate or holding company with regard to any extension of credit, investment, or purchase or sale of assets by such financial institution, subsidiary, affiliate or holding company. No person shall give, provide or cause to be transferred to any such officer, director, employee or stockholder, any fee, gift, property interest or other thing of value with the intent to influence the decision of the financial institution, subsidiary, affiliate or holding company with regard to any extension of credit, investment or purchase or sale of assets by the financial institution, subsidiary, affiliate or holding company. The foregoing provisions shall not apply to salary, wages, fees or other compensation or consideration paid by, or expenses paid or reimbursed by, such financial institution, subsidiary, affiliate or holding company. The violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.
B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any such officer, director, employee or stockholder who is a member of a firm of licensed brokers, in buying for or from or selling to, or for the account of, the financial institution, in the ordinary course of business, real estate or bonds, stocks, or other evidences of debt at the usual rate of commission for such service, if the officer, director, employee or stockholder notifies the board of directors of the financial institution, its cashier or secretary, in writing, that such services will be rendered for compensation prior to the rendition of the services or within five business days following the commencement of the services. If a continuing business relationship exists, an annual disclosure may be made.
C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to fees paid to any such officer, director, employee, or stockholder who renders services to a borrower outside of his relationship with the financial institution in connection with the preparation of a loan application, or in connection with the closing of a loan, in evaluating the security or affecting a lien on the collateral, where the fact of rendition of such services for compensation is disclosed in writing to the board of directors of the financial institution, or its cashier or secretary, prior to the time such services are rendered or within five business days following the commencement of the services. If a continuing business relationship exists, an annual disclosure may be made.
Code 1950, § 6.1-121; 1966, c. 584; 1981, c. 339; 1991, c. 501; 1992, c. 318.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-445. Immunity of witnesses

No witness called by the court or attorney for the Commonwealth and giving evidence for the prosecution, either before the grand jury or the court in any prosecution, under this article shall ever be proceeded against for any offense of giving, or offering to give, or accepting a bribe committed by him at the time and place indicated in such prosecution; but such witness shall be compelled to testify, and for refusing to answer questions may, by the court, be punished for contempt.
Code 1950, §§ 18.1-280, 18.1-405; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-446. Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section except where the context clearly requires a different meaning:
(1) "Benefits" means a gain or advantage, or anything regarded by the beneficiary as a gain or advantage, including a benefit to any other person or entity in whose welfare he is interested, but shall not mean an advantage promised generally to a group or class of voters as a consequence of public measures which a candidate engages to support or oppose;
(2) "Party official" means a person who holds an elective or appointive post in a political party in the United States by virtue of which he directs or conducts, or participates in directing or conducting party affairs at any level of responsibility;
(3) "Pecuniary benefit" means a benefit in the form of money, property, commercial interest or anything else the primary significance of which is economic gain;
(4) "Public servant" means any officer or employee of this Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, including members of the General Assembly and judges, and any person participating as a juror, advisor, consultant or otherwise, in performing any governmental function; but the term does not include witnesses;
(5) "Administrative proceeding" means any proceeding other than a judicial proceeding, the outcome of which is required to be based on a record or documentation prescribed by law including specifically, but not limited to, proceedings before a planning commission and board of zoning appeals.
Code 1950, § 18.1-282.1; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-447. When person guilty of bribery

A person shall be guilty of bribery under the provisions of this article:
(1) If he offers, confers or agrees to confer upon another (a) any pecuniary benefit as consideration for or to obtain or influence the recipient's decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant or party official, or (b) any benefit as consideration for or to obtain or influence either the recipient's decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding or the recipient's violation of a known legal duty as a public servant or party official; or
(2) If he accepts or agrees to accept from another (a) any pecuniary benefit offered, conferred or agreed to be conferred as consideration for or to obtain or influence the recipient's decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant or party official, or (b) any benefit offered, conferred or agreed to be conferred as consideration for or to obtain or influence either the recipient's decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding or the recipient's violation of a known legal duty as a public servant or party official; or
(3) If he solicits from another (a) any pecuniary benefit or promise of pecuniary benefit as consideration for or in exchange for his decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant or party official, or (b) any benefit or promise of benefit as consideration for or in exchange for his decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding or his violation of a known legal duty as a public servant or party official.
Code 1950, § 18.1-282.2; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-448. Certain matters not to constitute defenses

It shall be no defense to any prosecution under § 18.2-447 that a person whom the actor sought to influence was not qualified to act in the desired way, whether because he had not yet assumed office, or lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason. Also it shall be no defense to a prosecution under § 18.2-447 that a resident of this Commonwealth charged with committing an act of bribery was temporarily absent from this Commonwealth at the time such act was committed.
Code 1950, § 18.1-282.3; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-449. Punishment

Any person found guilty of bribery under the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony, and if such person be a public servant he shall in addition forfeit his public office and shall be forever incapable of holding any public office in this Commonwealth.
Code 1950, § 18.1-282.4; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-450. Immunity of witnesses

No witness called by the court or attorney for the Commonwealth and giving evidence for the prosecution, either before the grand jury or the court in any prosecution under this article shall ever be proceeded against for any offense of giving, or offering to give, or accepting a bribe committed by him at the time and place indicated in such prosecution; but such witness shall be compelled to testify, and for refusing to answer questions, may by the court, be punished for contempt.
Code 1950, § 18.1-282.3; 1968, c. 552; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-451. Definitions; application and construction of article

(a) "Barratry" is the offense of stirring up litigation.
(b) A "barrator" is an individual, partnership, association or corporation who or which stirs up litigation.
(c) "Stirring up litigation" means instigating or attempting to instigate a person or persons to institute a suit at law or equity.
(d) "Instigating" means bringing it about that all or part of the expenses of the litigation are paid by the barrator or by a person or persons (other than the plaintiffs) acting in concert with the barrator, unless the instigation is justified.
(e) "Justified" means that the instigator is related by blood or marriage to the plaintiff whom he instigates, or that the instigator is entitled by law to share with the plaintiff in money or property that is the subject of the litigation or that the instigator has a direct interest in the subject matter of the litigation or occupies a position of trust in relation to the plaintiff; or that the instigator is acting on behalf of a duly constituted legal aid society approved by the Virginia State Bar which offers advice or assistance in all kinds of legal matters to all members of the public who come to it for advice or assistance and are unable because of poverty to pay legal fees.
(f) "Direct interest" means a personal right or a pecuniary right or liability.
This article shall not be applicable to attorneys who are parties to contingent fee contracts with their clients where the attorney does not protect the client from payment of the costs and expense of litigation, nor shall this article apply to any matter involving annexation, zoning, bond issues, or the holding or results of any election or referendum, nor shall this article apply to suits pertaining to or affecting possession of or title to real or personal property, regardless of ownership, nor shall this article apply to suits involving the legality of assessment or collection of taxes or the rates thereof, nor shall this article apply to suits involving rates or charges or services by common carriers or public utilities, nor shall this article apply to criminal prosecutions, nor to the payment of attorneys by legal aid societies approved by the Virginia State Bar, nor to proceedings to abate nuisances. Nothing herein shall be construed to be in derogation of the constitutional rights of real parties in interest to employ counsel or to prosecute any available legal remedy under the laws of this Commonwealth.
Code 1950, § 18.1-388; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-452. Barratry unlawful

Any person, if an individual, who shall engage in barratry shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor; and if a corporation, may be fined not more than $10,000. If the corporation be a foreign corporation, its certificate of authority to transact business in Virginia shall be revoked by the State Corporation Commission.
Code 1950, §§ 18.1-389, 18.1-390; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-453. Aiders and abettors

A person who aids and abets a barrator by giving money or rendering services to or for the use or benefit of the barrator for committing barratry shall be guilty of barratry and punished as provided in § 18.2-452.
Code 1950, § 18.1-391; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-454. Enjoining barratry

Suits to enjoin barratry may be brought by the Attorney General or the attorney for the Commonwealth in the appropriate circuit court.
Code 1950, § 18.1-392; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-455. Unprofessional conduct; revocation of license

Conduct that is made illegal by this article on the part of an attorney at law or any person holding license from the Commonwealth to engage in a profession is unprofessional conduct. Upon hearing pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-3935, or other statute applicable to the profession concerned, if the defendant be found guilty of barratry, his license to practice law or any other profession shall be revoked for such period as provided by law.
Code 1950, § 18.1-393; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-456. Cases in which courts and judges may punish summarily for contempt

A. The courts and judges may issue attachments for contempt, and punish them summarily, only in the following cases:
1. Misbehavior in the presence of the court, or so near thereto as to obstruct or interrupt the administration of justice;
2. Violence, or threats of violence, to a judge or officer of the court, or to a juror, witness, or party going to, attending, or returning from the court, for or in respect of any act or proceeding had, or to be had, in such court;
3. Vile, contemptuous, or insulting language addressed to or published of a judge for or in respect of any act or proceeding had, or to be had, in such court, or like language used in his presence and intended for his hearing for or in respect of such act or proceeding;
4. Misbehavior of an officer of the court in his official character;
5. Disobedience or resistance of an officer of the court, juror, witness, or other person to any lawful process, judgment, decree, or order of the court; and
6. Willful failure to appear before any court or judicial officer as required after having been charged with a felony offense or misdemeanor offense or released on a summons pursuant to § 19.2-73 or 19.2-74.
B. The judge shall indicate, in writing, under which subdivision in subsection A a person is being charged and punished for contempt.
C. Nothing in subdivision A 6 shall be construed to prohibit prosecution under § 19.2-128.
Code 1950, § 18.1-292; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 708.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-457. Fine and imprisonment by court limited unless jury impaneled

No court shall, without a jury, for any such contempt as is mentioned in the first class embraced in § 18.2-456, impose a fine exceeding $250 or imprison more than ten days; but in any such case the court may, without an indictment, information or any formal pleading, impanel a jury to ascertain the fine or imprisonment proper to be inflicted and may give judgment according to the verdict.
Code 1950, § 18.1-295; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1999, c. 626.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-458. Power of judge of district court to punish for contempt

A judge of a district court shall have the same power and jurisdiction as a judge of a circuit court to punish summarily for contempt, but in no case shall the fine exceed $250, or the imprisonment exceed ten days, for the same contempt.
Code 1950, § 18.1-293; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1999, c. 626.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally › Chapter 10 - Crimes Against the Administration of Justice › § 18.2-459. Appeal from sentence of such judge

Any person sentenced to pay a fine, or to confinement, under § 18.2-458, may appeal therefrom to the circuit court of the county or city in which the sentence was pronounced, upon entering into recognizance before the sentencing judge, with surety and in penalty deemed sufficient, to appear before such circuit court to answer for the offense. If such appeal be taken, a certificate of the conviction and the particular circumstances of the offense, together with the recognizance, shall forthwith be transmitted by the sentencing judge to the clerk of such circuit court, who shall immediately deliver the same to the judge thereof. Such judge, sitting without a jury, shall hear the case upon the certificate and any legal testimony adduced on either side, and make such order therein as may seem to him proper.
Code 1950, § 18.1-294; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2013, c. 615.