Virginia legal term
Deadly force in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Deadly force” 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 “Deadly force” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Deadly force" means any force that is likely or intended to cause serious bodily injury or death. (Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-83.3)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.