Virginia criminal charge
Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods in Virginia
Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods is a Class 1 Misdemeanor under Virginia criminal law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-427. As a Class 1 Misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Virginia sets for that offense class. Virginia classifies offenses as Class 1 through Class 6 felonies and Class 1 through Class 4 misdemeanors (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-9), with the standard punishment ranges set by §§ 18.2-10 and 18.2-11 — and a substantial number of offenses are unclassified, with the penalty stated in the defining section itself. Traffic infractions are not criminal offenses (§ 18.2-8).
Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-427.
What is the penalty for use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 12 months (no statutory minimum) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (either or both with confinement (§ 18.2-11(a))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods in Virginia
Is use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods is a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-427.
What are the penalties for use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods in Virginia?
As a class 1 misdemeanor, use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods carries up to 12 months (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,500 (no mandatory minimum) under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 (current).
Which Virginia statute covers use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods?
Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-427 (Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods).
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.