Virginia legal term
Administer in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Administer” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Administer” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Administer" means the direct application of a controlled substance, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject by (i) a practitioner or by his authorized agent and under his direction or (ii) the patient or research subject at the direction and in the presence of the practitioner. (Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3401)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Maiming, killing or poisoning animals, fowl, etc
- Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine
- Attempts to poison
- Obstructing reproductive health care facility
- Prescribing, dispensing, etc., drug except as authorized in article and Drug Control Act
- Producing abortion or miscarriage, etc
- Prohibition against killing or injuring police animals
- Revocation hearings and subpoenas
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.