Code of Virginia § 58.1-1015. Removal, reuse, unauthorized sale, etc., of stamps; counterfeit stamps; seizure and forfeiture; penalties.

460 words·~2 min read·/va/title-58-1/chapter-10/58-1-1015

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

A. Whoever removes or otherwise prepares any Virginia revenue stamp with intent to use, or cause the same to be used, after it has already been used, or buys, sells, offers for sale, or gives away any such washed or removed or restored stamps to any person for using or who used the same, or has in his possession any washed or restored or removed or altered stamp that has been removed from the article to which it has been previously affixed, or whoever for the purpose of indicating the payment of any tax hereunder reuses any stamp which has heretofore been used for the purpose of paying any tax provided in this article, or whoever manufactures, buys, sells, offers for sale, or has in his possession any reproduction or counterfeit of the Virginia revenue stamps provided for in this article, or whoever sells any Virginia revenue stamps not affixed to taxable cigarettes shall be subject to the penalty provided for in this section.

B. It shall be unlawful to sell or possess cigarettes that are affixed with a reproduction or counterfeit of Virginia revenue stamps. Such cigarettes and stamps shall be subject to seizure, forfeiture and destruction by the Department or any law-enforcement officer of the Commonwealth. All fixtures, equipment, materials and personal property used in substantial connection with the sale or possession of cigarettes that are affixed with a reproduction or counterfeit of Virginia revenue stamps in a knowing and intentional violation of this article shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture according to the procedures contained in Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2, applied mutatis mutandis.

C. Any person who knowingly violates subsection A with a total quantity of less than 40 revenue stamps shall be punished by a civil penalty of no more than $1,000. Any person who knowingly violates subsection B shall, for a second or subsequent offense involving a total quantity of less than 40 revenue stamps, be punished by a civil penalty of no more than $5,000 and, if applicable, the revocation by the Department of Taxation of his wholesale dealer license.

D. Any person who knowingly violates subsection B with a total quantity of 40 or more revenue stamps shall be punished by a civil penalty of no more than $2,000. Any person who knowingly violates subsection B shall, for a second or subsequent offense involving a total quantity of 40 or more revenue stamps, be punished by a civil penalty of no more than $50,000 and, if applicable, the revocation by the Department of Taxation of his wholesale dealer license.

The Attorney General is authorized to enforce the provisions of this section.

Code 1950, § 58-757.14; 1960, c. 392, § 14; 1984, c. 675; 2003, c. 1010 .