{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-152.4.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-152.4.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-152.4.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-152.4.html"}],"law_id":86767,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86767,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.4","catch_line":"Computer trespass; penalty","history":"1984, c. 751; 1985, c. 322; 1990, c. 663; 1998, c. 892; 1999, cc. 886, 904, 905; 2002, c. 195; 2003, cc. 987, 1016; 2005, cc. 761, 812, 827; 2007, c. 483; 2017, c. 562; 2020, c. 821.","full_text":"A\n\nIt is unlawful for any person, with malicious intent, or through intentionally deceptive means and without authority, to:1\n\nTemporarily or permanently remove, halt, or otherwise disable any computer data, computer programs or computer software from a computer or computer network;2\n\nCause a computer to malfunction, regardless of how long the malfunction persists;3\n\nAlter, disable, or erase any computer data, computer programs or computer software;4\n\nEffect the creation or alteration of a financial instrument or of an electronic transfer of funds;5\n\nUse a computer or computer network to cause physical injury to the property of another;6\n\nUse a computer or computer network to make or cause to be made an unauthorized copy, in any form, including, but not limited to, any printed or electronic form of computer data, computer programs or computer software residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer or computer network;7\n\n[Repealed.]8\n\nInstall or cause to be installed, or collect information through, computer software that records all or a majority of the keystrokes made on the computer of another; or9\n\nInstall or cause to be installed on the computer of another, computer software for the purpose of (i) taking control of that computer so that it can cause damage to another computer or (ii) disabling or disrupting the ability of the computer to share or transmit instructions or data to other computers or to any related computer equipment or devices, including but not limited to printers, scanners, or fax machines.B\n\nAny person who violates this section is guilty of computer trespass, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this section for the purposes of affecting a computer that is exclusively for the use of, or exclusively used by or for, (i) the Commonwealth or any local government within the Commonwealth or any department or agency thereof or (ii) a provider of telephone, including wireless or voice over Internet protocol, oil, electric, gas, sewer, wastewater, or water service to the public is guilty of a Class 6 felony. If there is damage to the property of another valued at $1,000 or more caused by such person’s act done with malicious intent in violation of this section, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person, with malicious intent, installs or causes to be installed computer software in violation of this section on more than five computers of another, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person violates subdivision A 8 with malicious intent, the offense is a Class 6 felony.C\n\nNothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit terms or conditions in a contract or license related to computers, computer data, computer networks, computer operations, computer programs, computer services, or computer software or to create any liability by reason of terms or conditions adopted by, or technical measures implemented by, a Virginia-based electronic mail service provider to prevent the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail in violation of this article. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the monitoring of the location of a minor or a person with a disability or mental impairment as those terms are defined in § 51.5-40.1 or to prohibit the monitoring of the computer usage of, the otherwise lawful copying of data of, or the denial of computer or Internet access to a minor by a parent or legal guardian of the minor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require notice to a computer user of the activities of a computer hardware or software provider, an interactive computer service, or a telecommunications or cable operator that a reasonable computer user should expect may occur in the context of a computer user’s transaction or relationship with that entity or that are required or specifically authorized by law.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":310694,"text":"It is unlawful for any person, with malicious intent, or through intentionally deceptive means and without authority, to:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":310695,"text":"Temporarily or permanently remove, halt, or otherwise disable any computer data, computer programs or computer software from a computer or computer network;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":310696,"text":"Cause a computer to malfunction, regardless of how long the malfunction persists;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":310697,"text":"Alter, disable, or erase any computer data, computer programs or computer software;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":310698,"text":"Effect the creation or alteration of a financial instrument or of an electronic transfer of funds;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":310699,"text":"Use a computer or computer network to cause physical injury to the property of another;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":310700,"text":"Use a computer or computer network to make or cause to be made an unauthorized copy, in any form, including, but not limited to, any printed or electronic form of computer data, computer programs or computer software residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer or computer network;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":310701,"text":"[Repealed.]","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":310702,"text":"Install or cause to be installed, or collect information through, computer software that records all or a majority of the keystrokes made on the computer of another; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":310703,"text":"Install or cause to be installed on the computer of another, computer software for the purpose of (i) taking control of that computer so that it can cause damage to another computer or (ii) disabling or disrupting the ability of the computer to share or transmit instructions or data to other computers or to any related computer equipment or devices, including but not limited to printers, scanners, or fax machines.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"B"},"10":{"id":310704,"text":"Any person who violates this section is guilty of computer trespass, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this section for the purposes of affecting a computer that is exclusively for the use of, or exclusively used by or for, (i) the Commonwealth or any local government within the Commonwealth or any department or agency thereof or (ii) a provider of telephone, including wireless or voice over Internet protocol, oil, electric, gas, sewer, wastewater, or water service to the public is guilty of a Class 6 felony. If there is damage to the property of another valued at $1,000 or more caused by such person’s act done with malicious intent in violation of this section, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person, with malicious intent, installs or causes to be installed computer software in violation of this section on more than five computers of another, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person violates subdivision A 8 with malicious intent, the offense is a Class 6 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"C"},"11":{"id":310705,"text":"Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit terms or conditions in a contract or license related to computers, computer data, computer networks, computer operations, computer programs, computer services, or computer software or to create any liability by reason of terms or conditions adopted by, or technical measures implemented by, a Virginia-based electronic mail service provider to prevent the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail in violation of this article. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the monitoring of the location of a minor or a person with a disability or mental impairment as those terms are defined in § 51.5-40.1 or to prohibit the monitoring of the computer usage of, the otherwise lawful copying of data of, or the denial of computer or Internet access to a minor by a parent or legal guardian of the minor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require notice to a computer user of the activities of a computer hardware or software provider, an interactive computer service, or a telecommunications or cable operator that a reasonable computer user should expect may occur in the context of a computer user’s transaction or relationship with that entity or that are required or specifically authorized by law.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13888,"edition_id":1,"name":"Computer Crimes","identifier":"7.1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13243,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:11","permalink":{"id":165759,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13888,"identifier":"7.1","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1","url":"\/18.2\/5\/7.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13243,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Against Property","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":165299,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13243,"identifier":"5","token":"18.2\/5","url":"\/18.2\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61215,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.1","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/18.2-152.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.1","metadata":false},{"id":67728,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.11","catch_line":"Article not exclusive","url":"\/18.2-152.11\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.11","metadata":false},{"id":67574,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.12","catch_line":"Civil relief; damages","url":"\/18.2-152.12\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.12","metadata":false},{"id":61553,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.13","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-152.13\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.13","metadata":false},{"id":75179,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.14","catch_line":"Computer as instrument of forgery","url":"\/18.2-152.14\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.14","metadata":false},{"id":61998,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.15","catch_line":"Encryption used in criminal activity","url":"\/18.2-152.15\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.15","metadata":false},{"id":69363,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.16","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-152.16\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.16","metadata":false},{"id":54922,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.2","catch_line":"Definitions; computer crimes","url":"\/18.2-152.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.2","metadata":false},{"id":55403,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.3","catch_line":"Computer fraud; penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.3\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.3","metadata":false},{"id":65981,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.3:1","catch_line":"Transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam); penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.3_1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.3_1","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"Jaynes v. Com.","case_number":"Record 062388.","citation":"666 S.E.2d 303","date":"2008-09-12","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1058457\/jaynes-v-com\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 666 S.E.2d 303 (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"1":{"name":"Jaynes v. Commonwealth","case_number":"Record 062388.","citation":"662 S.E.2d 502","date":"2008-05-19","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1208176\/jaynes-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 662 S.E.2d 502 (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"2":{"name":"Jaynes v. Com.","case_number":"Record 062388.","citation":"657 S.E.2d 478","date":"2008-02-29","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1374657\/jaynes-v-com\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 657 S.E.2d 478 (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"3":{"name":"Jaynes v. Commonwealth","case_number":"1054054","citation":"634 S.E.2d 357","date":"2006-09-05","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1063170\/jaynes-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 634 S.E.2d 357 (2006) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"COA<\/abbr>"},"4":{"name":"Maxient, LLC v. Symplicity Corp.","case_number":"Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-1184 (AJT\/IDD)","citation":"63 F. Supp. 3d 592","date":"2014-10-23","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/7310209\/maxient-llc-v-symplicity-corp\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. MEMORANDUM OPINION .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, E.D. Virginia"},"5":{"name":"Aitken v. Communications Workers of America","case_number":"1:06cv1161","citation":"496 F. Supp. 2d 653","date":"2007-07-12","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2350492\/aitken-v-communications-workers-of-america\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 496 F.Supp.2d 653 (2007) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, E.D. Virginia"}}}},{"id":86767,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.4","catch_line":"Computer trespass; penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.4\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.4","metadata":false},{"id":55981,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.5","catch_line":"Computer invasion of privacy; penalties","url":"\/18.2-152.5\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.5","metadata":false},{"id":82685,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.5:1","catch_line":"Using a computer to gather identifying information; penalties","url":"\/18.2-152.5_1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.5_1","metadata":false},{"id":61696,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.6","catch_line":"Theft of computer services; penalties","url":"\/18.2-152.6\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.6","metadata":false},{"id":81717,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.7","catch_line":"Personal trespass by computer; penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.7\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.7","metadata":false},{"id":66409,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.7:1","catch_line":"Harassment by computer; penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.7_1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.7_1","metadata":false},{"id":71533,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.7:2","catch_line":"Using computer to commit a scheme involving false representations; penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.7_2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.7_2","metadata":false},{"id":86652,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.8","catch_line":"Property capable of embezzlement","url":"\/18.2-152.8\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.8","metadata":false},{"id":55168,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.9","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-152.9\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":65981,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.3:1","catch_line":"Transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam); penalty","url":"\/18.2-152.3_1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.3_1","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"Jaynes v. Com.","case_number":"Record 062388.","citation":"666 S.E.2d 303","date":"2008-09-12","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1058457\/jaynes-v-com\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 666 S.E.2d 303 (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"1":{"name":"Jaynes v. Commonwealth","case_number":"Record 062388.","citation":"662 S.E.2d 502","date":"2008-05-19","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1208176\/jaynes-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 662 S.E.2d 502 (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"2":{"name":"Jaynes v. Com.","case_number":"Record 062388.","citation":"657 S.E.2d 478","date":"2008-02-29","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1374657\/jaynes-v-com\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 657 S.E.2d 478 (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"3":{"name":"Jaynes v. 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Virginia"}}}},"next_section":{"id":55981,"structure_id":13888,"section_number":"18.2-152.5","catch_line":"Computer invasion of privacy; penalties","url":"\/18.2-152.5\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.5","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-152.4\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1984. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 751 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1984 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1985, chapter 322; in 1990, chapter 663; in 1998, chapter 892<\/a>; in 1999, chapters 886<\/a>, 904<\/a>, and 905<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 195<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 987<\/a> and 1016<\/a>; in 2005, chapters 761<\/a>, 812<\/a>, and 827<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 483<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 562<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 821<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67574,"section_number":"18.2-152.12","catch_line":"Civil relief; damages","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-152.12\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":60539,"section_number":"51.5-40.1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.5-40.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":165801,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86767,"identifier":"18.2-152.4","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.4","url":"\/18.2-152.4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-152.4\/","token":"18.2\/5\/7.1\/18.2-152.4","dublin_core":{"Title":"Computer trespass; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-152.4","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person<\/span>, with malicious<\/span> intent<\/span>, or through intentionally deceptive means and without authority, to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Temporarily or permanently remove, halt, or otherwise disable any computer data<\/span>, computer programs<\/span> or computer software<\/span> from a computer or computer network<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Cause a computer to malfunction, regardless of how long the malfunction persists; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Alter, disable, or erase any computer data<\/span>, computer programs<\/span> or computer software<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Effect the creation or alteration of a financial instrument or of an electronic transfer of funds; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Use a computer or computer network<\/span> to cause physical injury to the property of another; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Use a computer or computer network<\/span> to make or cause to be made an unauthorized copy, in any form, including, but not limited to, any printed or electronic form of computer data<\/span>, computer programs<\/span> or computer software<\/span> residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer or computer network<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> [Repealed.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Install or cause to be installed, or collect information through, computer software<\/span> that records all or a majority of the keystrokes made on the computer of another; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Install or cause to be installed on the computer of another, computer software<\/span> for the purpose of (i) taking control of that computer so that it can cause damage to another computer or (ii) disabling or disrupting the ability of the computer to share or transmit instructions or data to other computers<\/span> or to any related computer equipment or devices, including but not limited to printers, scanners, or fax machines. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person<\/span> who violates this section is guilty of computer trespass, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. Any person<\/span> who violates this section for the purposes of affecting a computer that is exclusively for the use of, or exclusively used by or for, (i) the Commonwealth or any local government within the Commonwealth or any department or agency thereof or (ii) a provider of telephone, including wireless or voice over Internet protocol, oil, electric, gas, sewer, wastewater, or water service to the public is guilty of a Class 6 felony<\/span>. If there is damage to the property of another valued at $1,000 or more caused by such person<\/span>’s act done with malicious<\/span> intent<\/span> in violation of this section, the offense<\/span> is a Class 6 felony<\/span>. If a person<\/span>, with malicious<\/span> intent<\/span>, installs or causes to be installed computer software<\/span> in violation of this section on more than five computers<\/span> of another, the offense<\/span> is a Class 6 felony<\/span>. If a person<\/span> violates subdivision A 8 with malicious<\/span> intent<\/span>, the offense<\/span> is a Class 6 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit terms or conditions in a contract<\/span> or license related to computers<\/span>, computer data<\/span>, computer networks<\/span>, computer operations<\/span>, computer programs<\/span>, computer services<\/span>, or computer software<\/span> or to create any liability by reason of terms or conditions adopted by, or technical measures implemented by, a Virginia-based electronic mail service provider<\/span> to prevent the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail in violation of this article. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the monitoring of the location of a minor<\/span> or a person<\/span> with a disability or mental impairment as those terms are defined in § 51.5-40.1<\/a> or to prohibit the monitoring of the computer usage of, the otherwise lawful copying of data of, or the denial of computer or Internet access to a minor<\/span> by a parent or legal guardian of the minor<\/span>. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require notice to a computer user of the activities of a computer hardware or software provider, an interactive computer service, or a telecommunications or cable operator that a reasonable computer user should expect may occur in the context of a computer user’s transaction or relationship with that entity or that are required or specifically authorized by law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOMPUTER TRESPASS; PENALTY (\u00a7 18.2-152.4)\n\nA. It is unlawful for any person, with malicious intent, or through\nintentionally deceptive means and without authority, to:\n\n 1. Temporarily or permanently remove, halt, or otherwise disable any computer\n data, computer programs or computer software from a computer or computer\n network;\n\n 2. Cause a computer to malfunction, regardless of how long the malfunction\n persists;\n\n 3. Alter, disable, or erase any computer data, computer programs or computer\n software;\n\n 4. Effect the creation or alteration of a financial instrument or of an\n electronic transfer of funds;\n\n 5. Use a computer or computer network to cause physical injury to the property\n of another;\n\n 6. Use a computer or computer network to make or cause to be made an\n unauthorized copy, in any form, including, but not limited to, any printed or\n electronic form of computer data, computer programs or computer software\n residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer or computer network;\n\n 7. [Repealed.]\n\n 8. Install or cause to be installed, or collect information through, computer\n software that records all or a majority of the keystrokes made on the computer\n of another; or\n\n 9. Install or cause to be installed on the computer of another, computer\n software for the purpose of (i) taking control of that computer so that it can\n cause damage to another computer or (ii) disabling or disrupting the ability\n of the computer to share or transmit instructions or data to other computers\n or to any related computer equipment or devices, including but not limited to\n printers, scanners, or fax machines.\n\nB. Any person who violates this section is guilty of computer trespass, which is\na Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this section for the purposes of\naffecting a computer that is exclusively for the use of, or exclusively used by\nor for, (i) the Commonwealth or any local government within the Commonwealth or\nany department or agency thereof or (ii) a provider of telephone, including\nwireless or voice over Internet protocol, oil, electric, gas, sewer, wastewater,\nor water service to the public is guilty of a Class 6 felony. If there is damage\nto the property of another valued at $1,000 or more caused by such\nperson’s act done with malicious intent in violation of this section, the\noffense is a Class 6 felony. If a person, with malicious intent, installs or\ncauses to be installed computer software in violation of this section on more\nthan five computers of another, the offense is a Class 6 felony. If a person\nviolates subdivision A 8 with malicious intent, the offense is a Class 6 felony.\n\nC. Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit\nterms or conditions in a contract or license related to computers, computer\ndata, computer networks, computer operations, computer programs, computer\nservices, or computer software or to create any liability by reason of terms or\nconditions adopted by, or technical measures implemented by, a Virginia-based\nelectronic mail service provider to prevent the transmission of unsolicited\nelectronic mail in violation of this article. Nothing in this section shall be\nconstrued to prohibit the monitoring of the location of a minor or a person with\na disability or mental impairment as those terms are defined in § 51.5-40.1\nor to prohibit the monitoring of the computer usage of, the otherwise lawful\ncopying of data of, or the denial of computer or Internet access to a minor by a\nparent or legal guardian of the minor. Nothing in this section shall be\nconstrued to require notice to a computer user of the activities of a computer\nhardware or software provider, an interactive computer service, or a\ntelecommunications or cable operator that a reasonable computer user should\nexpect may occur in the context of a computer user’s transaction or\nrelationship with that entity or that are required or specifically authorized by\nlaw.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, c. 751; 1985, c. 322; 1990, c. 663; 1998, c. 892; 1999, cc. 886,\n904, 905; 2002, c. 195; 2003, cc. 987, 1016; 2005, cc. 761, 812, 827; 2007, c.\n483; 2017, c. 562; 2020, c. 821.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}