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Virginia Criminal Laws

Most crimes are charged and prosecuted at the state level.

Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors

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While the types of conduct considered criminal are relatively constant throughout the U.S., each state is unique and Virginia is no exception. For instance, Virginia capital punishment laws allow the condemned to choose either lethal injection or electrocution to carry out the death penalty. Those under the age of 16 or deemed legally insane are exempt from capital punishment. Other laws affect criminal sentencing and procedures. FindLaw’s Virginia Criminal Laws section covers everything from drug possession and wire fraud to sexual assault and murder. Click on a link below to learn more.

Learn About Virginia Criminal Laws

  • Virginia Capital Punishment Laws

    Overview of Virginia’s capital punishment, or death penalty, laws; with information about which crimes are punishable by death, the minimum age allowed for executions, and more.

  • Virginia DUI Laws

    Summary of Virginia DUI (driving under the influence) laws,which include criminal penalties, administrative license suspensions, ignition interlock devices, and where to go for more information.

  • Virginia Pyramid and Ponzi Scheme Laws

    Laws and regulations in Virginia addressing financial crimes such as Pyramid and Ponzi schemes, which involve illegally making money through unsustainable business models thereby scamming thousands of people.

  • Virginia Domestic Violence Laws

    Overview of Virginia’s domestic violence laws, beginning with the legal grounds for charging defendants with the crime, penalties and sentences for offenders, information for victims, and links to related resources.

  • Virginia Murder Laws

    The basics of Virginia’s murder laws, which include first-degree and second-degree murder. Learn about the definition, criminal penalties, and more information.

  • Virginia Rape and Sexual Battery Laws

    Virginia state laws including rape and sexual battery. These crimes are punished severely, and cover a different range of sexual contact, levels of force or intimidation.

Virginia Criminal Law Articles

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