Virginia statute
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-177.1 — False representation of military status; penalty
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Article 2: Impersonation, Code of Virginia.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-177.1
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.
A. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to obtain any services, to falsely represent himself to be a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard by federal or state law or regulation and obtain any services through such false representation.
B. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to obtain any services, to falsely represent himself as a recipient of any decoration or medal created by federal or state law or regulation to honor the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard and obtain any services through such false representation.
C. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.
Official sources
Questions this section answers
Is false representation of military status a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
False representation of military status is a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-177.1.
Which Virginia statute covers false representation of military status?
False representation of military status is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-177.1 (False representation of military status; penalty).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.