This is the 2025 edition of the code. This is the current edition. Browse all editions.

§ 18.2-282.1 Brandishing a machete or other bladed weapon with intent to intimidate; penalty

It shall be unlawful for any person to point, hold, or brandish a machete or any weapon, with an exposed blade 12 inches or longer, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons and in a manner that reasonably demonstrates that intent. This section shall not apply to any person engaged in excusable or justifiable self-defense. A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor or, if the violation occurs upon any public, private, or religious elementary, middle, or high school, including buildings and grounds or upon public property within 1,000 feet of such school property, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

History

This law was first created in 2006. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 844 and 895 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.

2006, cc. 844, 895.

Download