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Virginia criminal charge

Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations in Virginia

Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session

Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1. Its classification is not fixed: Virginia assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.

Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1.

What is the penalty for enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations in Virginia?

Penalties for Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 12 months (Use of computer in connection with violation — first offense — A first offense of using a computer in connection with a violation of §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, or 18.2-376.)discretionaryVa. Code Ann. § 18.2-11
Fineup to $2,500 (Use of computer in connection with violation — first offense — A first offense of using a computer in connection with a violation of §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, or 18.2-376.; either or both with confinement (§ 18.2-11(a)))discretionaryVa. Code Ann. § 18.2-11
Jail / prison1 years to 5 years (Use of computer in connection with violation — second or subsequent offense — A second or subsequent such offense committed within 10 years of a prior such offense.; or, at the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both (§ 18.2-10(f)))discretionaryVa. Code Ann. § 18.2-10
Fineup to $2,500 (Use of computer in connection with violation — second or subsequent offense — A second or subsequent such offense committed within 10 years of a prior such offense.; with the jail-confinement alternative under § 18.2-10(f))discretionaryVa. Code Ann. § 18.2-10

Applies to current.

How is enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations classified in Virginia?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Use of computer in connection with violation — first offenseClass 1 MisdemeanorA first offense of using a computer in connection with a violation of §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, or 18.2-376.Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1undefined
Use of computer in connection with violation — second or subsequent offenseClass 6 FelonyA second or subsequent such offense committed within 10 years of a prior such offense.Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1undefined

Common questions about enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations in Virginia

Is enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

It depends on the circumstances: enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1.

Use of computer in connection with violation — first offense: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1) · Use of computer in connection with violation — second or subsequent offense: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1)

What are the penalties for enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations in Virginia?

Penalties for enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations in Virginia depend on how it is classified — from a class 1 misdemeanor up to a class 6 felony — with the ranges set by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 and Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.

Which Virginia statute covers enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations?

Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-376.1 (Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.