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§ 18.2-481 Treason defined; how proved and punished

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.

History

The record of this law’s original creation isn’t available online. It has been modified 2 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.

Code 1950, § 18.1-418; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

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