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Virginia statute

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3 — Computer fraud; penalty

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Article 7.1: Computer Crimes, Code of Virginia.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the text of the Code of Virginia from the official Virginia Law Portal API published by the Virginia General Assembly's Division of Legislative Automated Systems; it is not the official Code of Virginia.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
Any person who uses a computer or computer network, without authority and: 1. Obtains property or services by false pretenses; 2. Embezzles or commits larceny; or 3. Converts the property of another; is guilty of the crime of computer fraud. If the value of the property or services obtained is $1,000 or more, the crime of computer fraud shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. Where the value of the property or services obtained is less than $1,000, the crime of computer fraud shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is computer fraud a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

It depends on the circumstances: computer fraud ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3.

Computer fraud - value $1,000 or more: class 5 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3) · Computer fraud - value less than $1,000: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3)

Which Virginia statute covers computer fraud?

Computer fraud is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3 (Computer fraud; penalty).

Is transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam) a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

It depends on the circumstances: transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam) ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3:1.

Falsifying transmission information or distributing falsification software: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3:1A) · High-volume or high-revenue spam transmission with falsified routing information: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3:1B) · Use of a minor to assist in felony-level spam transmission: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.3:1C)

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.