Virginia legal term
Tattoo in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Tattoo” 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 “Tattoo” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Tattoo" means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-371.3)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.