Virginia criminal charge
Jurisdiction in Virginia
Jurisdiction is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241. 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. § 16.1-241.
What is the penalty for jurisdiction in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $500 (False authorization for minor's abortion — A person who knows he is not an authorized person and knowingly and willfully signs an authorization statement consenting to an abortion for a minor is guilty of this offense.; fine only — no jail (§ 18.2-11(c))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Physician performing abortion in violation of subsection W — Notwithstanding § 18.2-71, a physician who performs an abortion in violation of subsection W (i.e., without proper consent, judicial authorization, or notice as required) is guilty of this offense.; fine only — no jail (§ 18.2-11(c))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
How is jurisdiction classified in Virginia?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| False authorization for minor's abortion | Class 3 Misdemeanor | A person who knows he is not an authorized person and knowingly and willfully signs an authorization statement consenting to an abortion for a minor is guilty of this offense. | Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241W |
| Physician performing abortion in violation of subsection W | Class 3 Misdemeanor | Notwithstanding § 18.2-71, a physician who performs an abortion in violation of subsection W (i.e., without proper consent, judicial authorization, or notice as required) is guilty of this offense. | Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241W |
Common questions about jurisdiction in Virginia
Is jurisdiction a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Jurisdiction is a class 3 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241.
False authorization for minor's abortion: class 3 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241W) · Physician performing abortion in violation of subsection W: class 3 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241W)
What are the penalties for jurisdiction in Virginia?
Penalties for jurisdiction in Virginia depend on how it is classified — from a class 3 misdemeanor up to a class 3 misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Virginia statute covers jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241 (Jurisdiction; consent for abortion).
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.