Virginia criminal charge
Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto in Virginia
Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-355. 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. § 18.2-355.
What is the penalty for taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 5 years to 20 years (Pandering a minor for prostitution — A person, for purposes of prostitution, takes, persuades, encourages, or causes a minor to enter a bawdy place or takes the minor to any place for such purposes.) | mandatory | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $100,000 (Pandering a minor for prostitution — A person, for purposes of prostitution, takes, persuades, encourages, or causes a minor to enter a bawdy place or takes the minor to any place for such purposes.; only together with imprisonment (§ 18.2-10(g))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
Applies to current.
How is taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto classified in Virginia?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pandering a minor for prostitution | Class 3 Felony | A person, for purposes of prostitution, takes, persuades, encourages, or causes a minor to enter a bawdy place or takes the minor to any place for such purposes. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-3554 |
Common questions about taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto in Virginia
Is taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
What are the penalties for taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto in Virginia?
Penalties for taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto in Virginia depend on how it is classified — from a class 3 felony up to a class 3 felony — with the ranges set by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Virginia statute covers taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto?
Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-355 (Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto; human trafficking).
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.