Code of Virginia § 18.2-121. Entering property of another for purpose of damaging it, etc.; penalties.

191 words·~1 min read·/va/title-18-2/chapter-5/18-2-121

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

A. As used in this section, "disability" means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities.

B. It is unlawful for any person to enter the land, dwelling, outhouse, or any other building of another for the purpose of damaging such property or any of the contents thereof or in any manner to interfere with the rights of the owner, user, or occupant thereof to use such property free from interference.

Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if a person intentionally selects the property entered because of the race, religious conviction, color, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin of the owner, user, or occupant of the property, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months.

Code 1950, § 18.1-183; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 658 ; 1997, c. 833 ; 2004, c. 461 ; 2020, cc. 746 , 1171 ; 2024, cc. 266 , 334 .