Virginia legal term
Minor in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Minor” 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 “Minor” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Minor" means a person less than 18 years of age. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-336)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abduction and kidnapping defined
- Assault and battery against a family or household member
- Carnal knowledge of child between thirteen and fifteen years of age
- Computer trespass
- Furnishing certain weapons to minors
- Penalties for sale, etc., of drug paraphernalia
- Prostitution
- Transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam)
- Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children
- Abduction with intent to extort money or for immoral purpose
- Abuse and neglect of children
- Administrative impoundment of motor vehicle for certain driving while license suspended or revoked offenses
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.