§ 18.2-121 Entering property of another for purpose of damaging it, etc.; penalties
A. As used in this section, “disability” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities.
B. It is unlawful for any person to enter the land, dwelling, outhouse, or any other building of another for the purpose of damaging such property or any of the contents thereof or in any manner to interfere with the rights of the owner, user, or occupant thereof to use such property free from interference. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if a person intentionally selects the property entered because of the race, religious conviction, color, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin of the owner, user, or occupant of the property, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months.
History
The record of this law’s original creation isn’t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 358; in 1975, chapters 14 and 15; in 1994, chapter 658; in 1997, chapter 833; in 2004, chapter 461; in 2020, chapters 746 and 1171; in 2024, chapters 266 and 334.
Code 1950, § 18.1-183; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 658; 1997, c. 833; 2004, c. 461; 2020, cc. 746, 1171; 2024, cc. 266, 334.