Virginia statute
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-481 — Treason defined; how proved and punished
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Article 1: Treason and Related Offenses, Code of Virginia.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-481
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.
Treason shall consist only in:
(1) Levying war against the Commonwealth;
(2) Adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort;
(3) Establishing, without authority of the legislature, any government within its limits separate from the existing government;
(4) Holding or executing, in such usurped government, any office, or professing allegiance or fidelity to it; or
(5) Resisting the execution of the laws under color of its authority.
Such treason, if proved by the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or by confession in court, shall be punishable as a Class 2 felony.
Official sources
Questions this section answers
Is treason defined a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Treason defined is a class 2 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-481.
Which Virginia statute covers treason defined?
Treason defined is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-481 (Treason defined; how proved and punished).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.