Virginia legal term
Distribute in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Distribute” 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 “Distribute” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Distribute" means to deliver other than by administering or dispensing a controlled substance. (Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3401)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Counterfeit cigarettes
- Identity theft
- Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine
- Removing, altering, etc., serial number or other identification on firearm
- Transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam)
- Defeating drug and alcohol screening tests
- Devices for puncturing motor vehicle tires
- Distribution of certain drugs to persons under 18 prohibited
- Eligibility for parole
- Illegal stimulants and steroids
- Inhaling drugs or other noxious chemical substances or causing, etc. others to do so prohibited
- Larceny with intent to sell or distribute
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.