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Virginia legal term

Civil disorder in Virginia Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session

In Virginia criminal law, “Civil disorder” 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 “Civil disorder” mean in Virginia criminal law?

"Civil disorder" means any public disturbance within the United States or any territorial possessions thereof involving acts of violence by assemblages of three or more persons, which causes an immediate danger of or results in damage or injury to the property or person of any other individual. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-433.1)

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.