In Virginia, felonies are punishable by death or incarceration in state prison. Felonies in Virginia are designated as Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, but lawmakers may also set specific terms for certain crimes. (Va. Code Ann. §§ 18.2-8, 18.2-9 (2019).)

Criminal history record dissemination is governed by Section 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia. Requests for criminal record searches must be executed by the submission of a signed and notarized “Criminal Record Name Search” form SP-167. The instructions for the completion of this form are included with the document.

Less serious crimes (misdemeanors) are punishable by up to 12 months in jail. For more information on misdemeanors in Virginia, see Virginia Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences.

Class 1 Felonies

Under Virginia’s laws, the most serious felonies are Class 1 felonies, punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. If the defendant was over the age of 18 at the time of the offense and not intellectually disabled, Class 1 felonies may also be punishable by death. Murder is an example of a Class 1 felony. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (2019).)

VA police officers found qualified under respective VA administration directives and duly appointed heads of facilities for the purposes of 38 U.S.C. 902(b)(1), will enforce these rules and regulations and other Federal laws on VA property in accordance with the policies and operating procedures issued by respective VA administration directors. Virginia classifies most felonies by number, ranging from Class 6 (least severe: 1 to 5 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail) through Class 2 (20 years to life, e.g., first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding) up to Class 1 (life imprisonment or the death penalty, reserved for certain types of murders). Some felonies remain. Lawmakers voted to legalize casino gambling in five cities, including Richmond, if voters give their approval in local referendums. The four other cities would be Bristol, Danville, Norfolk.

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Class 2 Felonies

A Class 2 felony is punishable by imprisonment for 20 years’ to life and a fine of up to $100,000. Aggravated malicious wounding (intentionally causing another permanent and significant physical impairment) is an example of a Class 2 felony in Virginia. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (2019).)

Class 3 Felonies

A conviction for a Class 3 felony can result in a prison term of five to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000. Burglary is typically a Class 3 felony in Virginia. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (2019).)

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Class 4 Felonies

A Class 4 felony is punishable by two to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. Forgery is a Class 4 felony in Virginia. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (2019).)

Class 5 Felonies

Class 5 felonies are “wobblers,” crimes that can be either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on how the crime is charged and, sometimes, how the judge or jury decides to treat a conviction. Class 5 felonies in Virginia are punishable by:

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• one to ten years in prison (when the conviction is a felony), or
• up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500 (when the conviction is a misdemeanor).

Battery (causing injury to another) by a prisoner is a Class 5 felony. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (2019).)

Class 6 Felonies

Class 6 felonies are the least serious felonies in Virginia. Like Class 5 felonies, Class 6 felonies are wobblers, punishable by:

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• one to five years in prison (felony), or
• up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500 (misdemeanor).

Donating or attempting to donate blood infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an example of a Class 6 felony. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (2019).)

Statutes of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a time period during which the state must begin criminal prosecution. The statute of limitations begins to “run” when the crime is committed. In Virginia, the most serious crimes (including burglary, murder, manslaughter, and rape) have no statutes of limitations.

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Getting Legal Help

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The consequences of a felony conviction are significant and can last long after a prison sentence is served or a fine is paid. Felony convictions can make it hard (or impossible) to obtain or keep certain jobs or professional licenses, or even run for public office. If you are charged with a felony, you should contact a Virginia criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney can tell you what to expect in court and how best to protect your rights.