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Virginia legal term

Authorized person in Virginia Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session

In Virginia criminal law, “Authorized person” 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 “Authorized person” mean in Virginia criminal law?

"Authorized person" means (i) a parent or duly appointed legal guardian or custodian of the minor or (ii) a person standing in loco parentis, including a grandparent or adult sibling with whom the minor regularly and customarily resides and who has care and control of the minor. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241)

Statutes defining or using this term

Charges using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.