Va. Code Ann. tit. 18.2, ch. 9

Va. Code Ann. tit. 18.2, ch. 9
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-404.1 Obstructing reproductive health care facility; penalties

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Interfere with" means to restrict a person's freedom of movement. "Intimidate" means to place a person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm to himself or to another person. "Physical obstruction" means rendering impassable ingress to or egress from a facility that provides reproductive health services or rendering passage to or from such facility unreasonably or unnecessarily difficult or hazardous to another person. "Reproductive health care facility" a facility that provides reproductive health services and includes a hospital, clinic, and physician's office and the building or structure in which the facility is located. "Reproductive health services" means reproductive health services provided in a hospital, clinic, physician's office, or other facility and includes any institution, place, building, or agency that is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law in the Commonwealth to administer or provide medical treatment, including medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system such as pregnancy or termination of a pregnancy. B. Any person who (i) by force or threat of force, or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with, or attempts to injure, intimidate, or interfere with, another person because such other person is or has been, or in order to intimidate such person or any other person or any class of persons from, obtaining or providing reproductive health services or (ii) intentionally damages or destroys, or attempts to damage or destroy, a reproductive health care facility because such facility provides reproductive health services is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to place any restriction on the content of any message that anyone may wish to communicate to anyone else, either inside or outside a reproductive health care facility. 2026, c. 991 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-422 Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions; penalty

Except as otherwise provided in § 19.2-83.6:1 , it is 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 the 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 ; 2026, c. 1131 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.1 Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent

A. It is unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, to place or cause to be placed a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on (i) any church, synagogue, or other building or place used for religious worship; (ii) any school, educational facility, or community center owned or operated by a church or religious body; or (iii) the private property of another without permission. B. It is unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, to place or cause to be placed a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury. C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony. D. For the purposes of this section, any such placing of a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to intimidate another person or group of persons. However, these terms do not include and are distinct from the sacred swastika word and symbol of peace and prosperity used by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American religions. 1983, c. 337; 2025, c. 673 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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 .

Va. Code Ann. § 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.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter9/Fetched: 10/16/2026

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