Virginia legal term
Delinquent act in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Delinquent act” 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 “Delinquent act” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Delinquent act" means (i) an act designated a crime under the law of the Commonwealth, or an ordinance of any city, county, town, or service district, or under federal law, (ii) a violation of § 18.2-308.7 , or (iii) a violation of a court order as provided for in § 16.1-292 , but does not include an act other than a violation of § 18.2-308.7 , which is otherwise lawful, but is designated a crime only if committed by a child. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-228)
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.